There's only a week left before Christmas, which means its time to make a huge decision: Do you go out and blow your paycheck this weekend, or save it for any last minute shopping.
Turns out you can do both at the same time.
We've assembled our weekly compilation of 10 cheap and chic events happening around the Valley over the next 72 hours.
The list runs the gamut from the sexy (Saturday's Funky Formal) to the surreal (Tonight's Antique Scream gig).
As always, hit the jump for full details.
Antique Scream, & The Venomous Pinks at Palo Verde Lounge (Friday):
While the members of Antique Scream now call Seattle their home, the hard rock trio likes to return to their old stomping grounds now and again. Back in October, they put on a raucous showcase at the Dirty Verde with all-girl punk act The Venomous Pinks. The gig was such a smashing success that they're going once more unto the breach tonight at the Shallow Dirty. As always, PBRs will only be $2 and are suitable for both drinking and chucking at the band. 8 p.m., free. (1015 W. Broadway Rd., Tempe)
Winter Soulstice at Scottsdale Studios (Friday):
"Local pop/rock band Anarbor has been repping Arizona on the national scene since they signed to Hopeless Records more than two years ago, and they come back to Arizona for a hometown show tonight at Scottsdale Studios. The show, dubbed the second-annual Winter Soulstice, also features local pop/rock band The Technicolors, who have been busy putting together a deluxe version of their debut album, 'Who Are You.'" (read more) 5 p.m., $5-$10. (9445 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., Scottsdale) -- Nicki Escudero
Depressed Buttons at Vagabond Ballroom (Friday):
When Clark Baechle, Todd Fink, and Jacob Thiele aren't busy helping create The Faint's twisted brand of indie rock/post-punk, the trio can likely be found working on their dance music side project Depressed Buttons and making appearances at DJ nights across the nation. This Friday they'll pay a visit to Vagabond Ballroom in Scottsdale for the venue's GLOW event. The combo of La La Lust, Swookie Monster, The Ariel, and The Getdownnn will also perform. 9 p.m., $10-$15. (6820 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale)
Nightmare Before Christmas at Philthy Phil's (Friday):
"Let's face it: Christmas-themed parties are super lame. The music sucks, the outfits are hideous, and people get grotesquely sentimental. So this is why the NIGHTMARE Before Christmas party is going to be the most righteous thing you could possibly do this weekend..." (read more) 10 p.m., $3. (2939 N. 16th St.) -- Adriane Goetz
Shadowplay at Rips (Saturday):
"As his nom de guerre portends, DJ Manchester is an avowed Anglophile. He's visited the U.K. on more than one occasion, hangs out at the George & Dragon in his off hours, and (naturally) is a ginormous fan of English rock musicians. Ask this 30something music junkie whom his favorite acts are, and you'll likely get a list that includes the likes of The Smiths, The Cure, Peter Murphy, and Stone Roses. It shouldn't come as a surprise then that his Shadowplay dance night at Rips Ales and Cocktails, takes its name from a Joy Division song and features a playlist steeped with Britpop..." (read more) 9 p.m., $5. (3045 N. 16th St.)
The Funky Formal at Sail Inn (Saturday):
This annual event features acts both awesome and outrageous, ranging from award-winning blues band The Sugar Thieves, experimental indie groups Sunorus and Of the Earth, and the oddities of the Strange Family Circus. 7 p.m., $10. (26 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe)
Vinyl Tap at 910 Live (Saturday):
Show a little holiday generosity while also seeing some fun music at 910 Live in Tempe this Saturday. Vinyl Tap, a Phoenix classic rock cover band, performs songs by artists such as Styx, Journey and Boston, and their performance this weekend also serves as a benefit for the Phoenix Dream Center, which helps homeless people in the Valley. Audience members are encouraged to bring T-shirts, socks and underwear (in size "Large" or larger) and by doing so you get free admission..." (read more) 8 p.m. (910 N. McClintock Dr., Tempe) -- Nicki Escudero
Honey Pistol at Teakwoods (Saturday):
"This weekend is one of your last chances to see the lady-filled local indie band Honey Pistol play before they hole up in the studio early next year to record their first full-length. While they'll be back on stage in February and are planning a summer tour, the group is excited to lay down tracks for their debut and are constantly writing new tracks to pick the best for the disc..." (read more) 8:30 p.m., free. (2808 E. Indian School Rd.) -- Nicki Escudero
Reggae Sundays at Avalon (Sunday):
The force is strong with DJ Dark Vader's weekly irie extravaganza, where he and special guests spin dancehall, soca, and the titular Jamaican-born genre. Low-cost alcohol options include $2.50 you-call-its for ladies and $3 Heineken and Red Stripe until 11 p.m. Dress to impress rules apply. 9 p.m., $5. (7707 E. McDowell Rd., Scottsdale)
