Since you'll probably wanna save as much scrilla as possible for the holidays ahead, here's the skinny on how to party hard at penny-pinching prices.
Dancegiving at Cream Stereo Lounge (Wednesday)
The turntable tag team of Thomas Turner and Timothy Heit will spin up some food for the hungry in addition to their trademark house and trance beats during their first annual benefit for the needy, which also features appearances by DJs Michael James and Michelle Sparks. If you can't cough up the $5 cover charge, bring a new toy or three canned good to the club to gain admission. 9 p.m. (4252 North Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 602-222-9922)
Jet at Tempe Marketplace (Wednesday)
Speaking of using jams to generate some yams, KUPD's Morning Sickness jock John Holmberg is hosting his annual concert/canned food drive Homeless for the Holidays at the Tempe outdoor mall. The featured act this year is Australia garage rock revivalists Jet ("Are You Gonna Be My Girl," "Cold Hard Bitch"), who will perform on the District stage backed by locals Warner Drive and Back From Ashes. 8 p.m., $5 or five cans of food. (2000 East Rio Salado Parkway, 602-553-2663)
Pre-Thanksgiving Penny Drink Jump-Off at Stoudemire's (Wednesday)
Sin City oddsmakers are currently handicapping the Memphis Grizzlies as 11-point underdogs against the Phoenix Suns for tonight's game at U.S. Airways Center. So unless Rudy Gay and Jamaal Tinsley can pull off a Bad News Bears-like upset, said NBA superstars are probably gonna need a few stiff drinks after getting whupped by Steve Nash and company. It's a good thing then that Amar'e Stoudemire's eatery's gonna be serving up one-cent drinks after the game until 10 p.m. (including top-shelf concoctions with Grey Goose and Henny). Meanwhile numerous Grizzlies players will be in attendance, 101.5's Madd Rich will serve as host, and a few local DJs will spin hip-hop and Top 40 all evening. 9 p.m., no cover until 11. (3 South Second Street, 602-579-4518)
Battle of the Bit¢he$ at Club Vibe (Wednesday)
The lady DJ scene is seriously under-represented here in the Valley. But on Wednesday, November 25, the gals will take center stage for Battle of the Bit¢he$, a vajay-jay exclusive spinning competition. At least six women, including DJ Eclair and DJ Shorty, will battle it out in several rounds judged by audience applause at Club Vibe. The winner takes home 300 bones and gets to spin the whole Turkey's Day Eve. (We say a little more estrogen on the turntables is a good thing.) "I would like the scene to be elevated on the same level as the males," says organizer Audrey Corley. "We're coming on 2010, and I think it's time we keep making our way." The event features two-for-one drinks until 11. 9 p.m., $5. (3031 East Indian School Road, 602-224-9977) -- Nicki Escudero
Wobble Gobble at Homme Lounge (Thursday)
Before Homme Lounge locks its doors for the final time on Friday, Electrostatic's Benni Beatnik and Party Foul's Kevin the Makeout Bandit are putting on a massive Thanksgiving night throwdown with DJ buds Ninety-Nine and Hussy Hussy. The musical menu for the evening? House, electro, and "plenty of bass," with nary any annoying Christmas music to be found. 9 p.m., free before 10 p.m. (138 West Camelback Road, 602-234-3023)
