10 Things to Do This Weekend for Under $10

Sonny Smith's 100 Records @ Gallery 16 (Fri.) This is definitely one of those unique "if you do one thing this weekend ..." events. Recording artist, playwright, and author Sonny Smith has embarked on his most ambitious project yet. He made up a bunch of fake bands, and recorded a bunch of real 7-inches, with a bunch of real musicians (Kelley Stoltz, Ty Segall, members of the Sandwitches and Thee Oh Sees), and got a bunch of real artists (Chris Johanson, Reed Anderson, Jo Jackson, Chris Duncan, Paul Wackers) to illustrate real record covers. The project began at the Headlands, where Smith had a residency to work on a novel about musicians. But the book came to life and then some (read the full story that ran in our paper last issue here) and tonight the fruits of Smith's labor will be on display at Gallery 16. Expect, if not the full 100 records, a number at least close to that, along with live performances by his bands, a hand-crafted jukebox for his vinyl, and other wonderful evidence of Smith's active imagination. (Free, 6-9 p.m.) Afterparty at the Knockout, with Segall, Portland's the Pink Snowflakes, and Smith's group Loud Fast Fools ($7, 9 p.m.)

Weekend @ Hemlock Tavern (Fri.) Mexican Summer is such a great vinyl label, you can practically spin the wheel on its roster and land on a fine recording. Local band Weekend is part of that lineup, and the group's penchant for washing out the sharp edges of pop with lots of fuzz fits well with the hazier style of many Mexican Summer acts. Weekend kicks off the weekend at the Hemlock with a set of noisy shoegazer tunes that contain confectionery vocals at the center. (9:30 p.m., $7)

Big Group Show @ Guerrero Gallery (Sat.) Here's your chance to check out a brand-new gallery in the Mission -- one that happens to be having a giant group show. Guerrero Gallery hosts the opening shindig for the two dozen artists whose work is hanging in the space this month, many of whom are regulars on this recommended list. James Marshall, whose work is shown on the gallery's home page, offers particularly arresting visuals -- clean, sharp lines dividing bright colors into pleasing prisms and checkers. Great stuff. Opening is free and runs from 7 to 11 p.m.

Prince vs. Michael Jackson w/ Guests Peanut Butter Wolf, Baron Zef @ Milk (Sat.) We recently watched This Is It, the documentary about what would have been Michael Jackson's last tour, on the advice of our mother. What can we say? The movie was awesome. There are more great Michael Jackson songs than anyone but the biggest fans can remember at one time. Make a club night outta the King of Pop, pair it with the Prince of Purple, and you have the makings of a popular dance party that's been going strong in S.F. for years. Prince vs. Michael DJs Dave Paul and Jeff Harris are joined this weekend by hip hip-hop heads Peanut Butter Wolf and Baron Zen. ($5 before 11 p.m., otherwise it's $10 to get in). 

The Awesome Party @ Bender's (Sat.) Where do you want to go on Saturday night? To an awesome party, you say? How about to see the Awesome Party? The San Francisco band plays straight-up, old-school rock 'n' roll, in the vein of Thin Lizzy and Judas Priest. This is much the same no-BS style as headliners the Corruptors, who warn, "Do not get in my way or I will knock you down." Get your fill of Awesome rock 'n' roll starting at 10 p.m. at Bender's. ($5)