San Francisco nightlife, club culture,DJ music, electronic music.

4th Annual Spectra Ball
Satisfy your creative senses with this madcap mixture of music, theater, dance, circus, spoken word, fashion and visual art installations. The Spectra Ball is a gala in the grand tradition, with a twist; you are encouraged to come dressed in all your weirdest finery (costumes welcome, black and white clothing not) and prepared for art of all varieties. Hear the Berkeley SLAM! Poets throw down, see the Hot Pink Feathers shake their tail feathers in a carnaval-inspired cabaret, and catch Natural Sphere spinning world breaks techno. And that's only the tip of the iceberg - there's also Afro-Cuban jazz, primal experimental dubtronica, belly-dancing, trapeze artists, and a New Orleans brass band, among many, many other acts. Date: Saturday 3/31, Time: 8pm-3am, Place: Regency Center, 1290 Sutter, Cover: $50 standard, $100 VIP, More Info. (EK)

Antsy Pantsy
It's a rock n' roll mashup of all things wonderful as a crew of SF designers decend on the Mission to make merry and beautiful. The show is celebrating the closing of Alissa Anderson's (aka MittenMaker) incredible Antsy photo show, which focuses on the local music scene. You can catch that before it comes down and then let yourself loose on unique clothing, accessories, jewelry and more that will be on display. Venus Super Star, the hottest boutique in SF, the drop dead sexy work of Miss Velvet Cream, Tinc Wear and more will be available to help you get a jump on the Spring fashions. If you need a few more excuses, how about free entry and free refreshments? How can you possibly go wrong with that? It's all happening at Triple Base on 24th, so get out there and support the local love. Date: Sat 3/31, Time: 2pm, Place: Triple Base (24th @ Treat), Cover: no cover. More Info. (SG)

Electro-Techno-Disco POP
IIt's the 10th Annual ETD Pop, and with three massive stages that boast the best talent in each of three genres- trance, house, and d'n'b- this one is sure to bring the masses of ravers out to Bill Graham. Christopher Lawrence, who was DJ Mag's #4 DJ in the world in 2005, is headlining the trance arena, and make no mistake - he'll dominate you just like he does the trance scene as soon as he puts needle to wax. DJ Dan himself is headlining the house stage, and that man never lets a crowd down. Don't miss this massive. DJs: Benny Benassi, Infected Mushroom, Christopher Lawrence Deep Voices, Mars, Tom Slik, Enemy, DJ Dan, Sneak, Mark Farina, Kaskade, Alain Octavio, John Beaver, Hil, Dieselboy feat. MC Messinian, Ed Rush, Optical, Marcus Intalex, Dom & Roland, & more, Date: Sat 3/31, Place: Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Cover:$40-$60 presale, $65 door. More Info. (DKD)

Sunset Season Opener
You know Spring has arrived when Pacific Sound brings back the Sunset day party. DJs Solar, Galen and J-bird have been throwing together this shindig for years, and it's always bumpin'. Expect house music, sunshine, frisbees and a dog or two. Tango recordings head honcho Tony Hewitt, is Pacific Sound's guest, providing his own Spring infused mix of tech house beats. I wonder where they'll put the disco mirror ball. DJs: Solar, Galen, J-Bird, Tony Hewitt, Date: Sun 4/1, Place: check website, More Info. (DJ)

John Houghton Quartet
Often referred to as a jazz crooner, John Houghton is one of the most versatile vocalists on the scene and quickly becoming known for his silky interpretations of the Great American Songbook. Hauntingly romantic and often styled in softness, his voice reveals a purity of character and tone seldom heard today. With a voice often likened to Harry Connick Jr, John has sung at the top venues with some of the best jazz musicians in the business, including Grammy nominated pianist Larry Dunlap, bassist Dan Feiszli, world renowned drummer Akira Tana, Dee Spencer, Harold Mayburn, Dena DeRose, and Michael Smolens. Showing off Vessel's wide ranging offerings, this top-notch act will be performing live at the new venue, so sit back, relax, and let the sounds of Houghton and his quartet wash over and through you for a perfect cap to a weekend. Date: Sun 4/1, Time: 5-10pm, Place: Vessel (85 Campton Place), Cover: no cover, More Info.