Revelers, too, are welcome to flaunt their inner freaks. "We're asking people to come and be a part of the show," Salcido says. So strap on some pleather, and don't leave until you're satisfied. This ball, for the 21-and-over crowd, starts rolling at 7 p.m. For tickets, $12 to $15, call 602-253-2092. -- C. Murphy Hebert
Latin Lovers
Mist up the windows at Myst
Thursdays
The owners of Myst must be humming David Bowie, since the ch-ch-ch-ch-changes keep coming to the Scottsdale nightspot, 7340 East Shoeman. After transforming from Sanctuary in March, they've been continually one-upping the competition. The latest stroke is "Ritmo Joven," featuring Latin dancing that'll add some salsa (and merengue) on Thursday nights. DJ Maxx spins high-energy Latin tunes en español for both the young and the young at heart. Admission is $7 for ladies, $8 for guys, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., and $9 and $10, respectively, from 9:30 until close. Call 480-970-5000. --Benjamin Leatherman
The Great White Hype
Art for arctic animals
Sat 9/25
As much as we savor the occasional sniff, an entire evening devoted to Whiteout smells like trouble. But the folks at the Trunk Space assure us that "Whiteout" -- going down at the gallery this Saturday, September 25 -- is not a celebration of correction fluid, but "An Ode to Arctic Animals."
Tommy Cannon emcees the showcase of "alternative theatrical" performance artists, poets and humorists -- and presents a "dada-inspired puppet show with penguins, an octopus and space aliens." Other cold players include Wilson Scott, who shares an original short story, and Fatigo front man Mike Montoya, whose band boasts "over a half-dozen songs about polar bears in their set list," according to the Trunk Space's JRC.
The arctic blast begins at 8 p.m. at 1506 Grand Avenue. Cover is $5. See www.thetrunkspace.com for all the chilling details. --Jill Koch