By our count, there are three different after-parties following tomorrow night's sold out concert at US Airways Center, and the organizers behind each event are making varying claims that the whacked-out pop princess might just be stopping by their particular fete.
A couple of 'em have also booked appearances and performances from some of Gaga's entourage, ranging from Lady Starlight's DJ gig up in Scottsdale with the members of Semi Precious Weapons to Phase 54's Poker Face Party featuring her onetime official touring DJ Brendan Sullivan (a.k.a. DJ VH1).
The later after-party is the one we're choosing to pimp in this particular blog, mostly because you can get into the building for under $10. But if you'd rather avoid the Gaga a go-go this weekend, we've got plenty of other possibilities for yo' ass, which follow after the jump.
Turntables & Tamales at The Quincy (Friday)
As its name implies, this after-hours event will provide its attendees with both music mixes and masa-encased Mexican delectables. The particular turntablists on tap include Smite, One Peso, and J-Cut. If it proves to a success, expect the inevitable sequel "Burritos & Beats" sometime in the future (at least, that's what we would call it). 2 a.m., $5. (1321 E. McDowell Rd., 480-559-9283)
Bordertown Devils at Rogue West (Friday)
"These guys clearly occupy that strange spot on the music spectrum where punk and rockabilly meet up in a dark alley to duke it out in a flurry of denim and pomade. If you're the type who drives around in a primered '50s hot rod with a haircut that resembles the first character in an HTML tag (<), chances are you'll feel right at home at the Rogue West this Friday night..." (click here to read more) 9:30 p.m., $4. (3593 W. Northern Ave.) -- Mike R. Meyer
CSI: Scottsdale at Axis/Radius (Friday)
For the longest time, we've been hoping the producers behind TV's CSI franchise are eventually gonna create a spin-off of the long-running TV series that takes place in the Valley, where the seedier side of the PHX would get fictionally depicted in spectacular fashion (à la Las Vegas, Miami, and NYC). Until Hollywood sees things our way, we'll hafta be satisfied with events like CSI: Scottsdale, a murder-and-mayhem-style dance party on Saturday at Axis-Radius. The event promises performances by SoCal spin doctor DJ Homicide (natch) of Sugar Ray fame, as well as Axis resident J. Alan. Don't forget your safety goggles and ultraviolet flashlights, since there's probably gonna be some body fluids getting exchanged. 10 p.m., $4. (7340 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480-970-1112)
Violet Wild at Teakwoods (Friday)
It's summer in Phoenix, and you're bound to see shirtless dudes everywhere you turn. You can tell the Violet Wild really gets into it. These often bare-chested rockers have been around for four years, teaming up after the demise of Black Moods and Mink Rebellion. They've got a catchy, radio-friendly sound that still manages to have grit through the stories in their lyrics..." (click here for more info) 9 p.m., free. (2808 E. Indian School Rd., 602-840-0991) -- Nicki Escudero
The Poker Face Party at Phase 54 (Saturday)
Although the cover charge for this particular is listed as $10, attendees can get discounted entry by bringing along their ticket stub or by texting 480-352-0903. Once inside the club, you'll be treated to beats from DJJ VH1, drink specials, and plenty of hyped-up party people hoping that Lady Gaga will pay a visit to the proceedings. 8 p.m. (1020 N. 54th St., Chandler, 480-540-5992)
Showstoppers Live at Casino Arizona (Saturday)
Speaking of going gaga, a few friends of ours who are die-hard fans of hers are hoping against hope they'll encounter the recording superstar out and about in the Valley sometime over the next 48 hours. Since that's unlikely to happen, we're recommending they instead spend the night in the company of old-school pop divas like Donna Summer or even Tina Turner, or at least their look-a-likes. Doppleganger versions of said superstars (as well as faux versions of Elvis Presley and The Temptations) perform almost every night during Casino Arizona's long-running showcase. 7 and 9 p.m. (524 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale)
The Cullens at Trunk Space (Sunday)
"Whether you're a Twi-hard or can't stand to hear the words "Team Edward" and "Team Jacob," Twilight-inspired band The Cullens has a little something for everyone. While the local group features dialogue from the vampire movies and integrates them into their lyrics, they also have a garage pop sound that will get even make the most anti-teen flick moviegoer wanna dance. The band joins equally intriguing San Diego-based band Dread Crew Oddwood at the Trunk Space this Sunday for an all-ages show..." (click here for more info) 7 p.m., $6. (1506 Grand Ave., 602-256-6006) -- Nicki Escudero
Beach Fossils at Rhythm Room (Sunday)
"As if they were the anti-Wavves, Brooklyn's Beach Fossils wring from their kick-back, lo-fi stoner beach pop impossibly clean, intertwining guitar lines that loop and loop and loop and...Well, they loop to the point that, as you listen, you feel as though you were lounging on a floatie, as gentle waves take you no place in particular. It's hypnotic stuff, with bass lines that recall such disparate influences as New Order and Galaxie 500, and leader Dustin Payseur's too-tired-to-give-a-shit vocals drenched in reverb..." (click here to read more) 8 p.m., $8-$10. (1019 E. Indian School Rd., 602-265-4842) -- Jay Bennett
Jerry Garcia Birthday Bash at Sail Inn (Sunday)
The date of August 9, 1995 will forever be burned into the brains of Deadheads everywhere as the day the "Great Bearded One" let slip the mortal coil and headed for that great jam session in the sky. Naturally, the granola-munching members of local Grateful Dead tribute act Xtra Ticket are marking the occasion (albeit a week early) with an evening-long celebration of Jerry Garcia's life and career. Tie-dye is optional. 4 p.m., $5. (6 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe, 480-966-9565)
Wet and Wild Foam Party at Sky Lounge (Sunday)
The swamp-like mugginess of the monsoon has been downright brutal lately, whether it's 11 o'clock in the morning or 11 o'clock at night. So while it might seem a bit loco to recommend an evening out at some sweat-soaked swanketeria like Sky Lounge, we suggest y'all stop by the downtown Latin joint on Sunday. ¿Por que? Because the club will be filled with both bubbles and beats during a special weekend foam party, allowing you to get down and dirty while staying so fresh and so clean (clean) at the same time. Bikini-clad models will also be in attendance, $2 domestics and $3 well drinks will be served, and there's a reduced cover for those who text 623-252-7050. 9 p.m. (132 E. Washington St.)
