Weekend Parties: Patrice Scott, Alan Braxe, Wonder-Full, and More

DJ Spinna plays Wonder-Full this Saturday at Mezzanine

Following in the fashion of every other weekend for the past couple months, this weekend offers a diverse and excellent grouping of parties that ought to cater to just about everyone's tastes. Read on, your weekend awaits.

Friday, Dec. 9

What: You Are Hear w/ Patrice Scott, Aybee, Conor, Jason Kendig
Where: Public Works OddJob Loft
When: 10 p.m. - 4 a.m.
Why: Dance music label You Are Hear is throwing a one-off at Public Works with the debut performance by Patrice Scott and a handful of San Francisco's best selectors. Scott, a longtime face on the Detroit dance music scene, has only recently started to really build a name for himself outside the Motor City through his production work and label Sistrum Recordings. His sound has garnered a cult following through tracks like "Do You Feel Me,", "Raw Fusion," and Visions of Mantada." As a DJ, he traces his style back to the early years, citing Ken Collier, Juan Atkins, and WBMX as key influences. Expect an evening of house and dancefloor techno played in the Detroit style. For an idea of how the evening might go, check out this recent mix he did for U.K. nightclub Louche.

What: Blow Up presents Alan Braxe
Where: DNA Lounge
When: 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Why: Often overshadowed by the likes of Cassius, Daft Punk, and Bob Sinclar, Alan Braxe is nonetheless one of French house's most influential artists. As a collaborator with Thomas Bangalter and Fred Falke, he's been partially responsible for giving the clubbing world such now-famous tracks as "Music Sounds Better With You," "Intro," and "Palladium." Lately he's been spending his time touring and running his label Vulture Music. He comes to San Francisco to play Blow Up, the city's long-running 18-and-over party now held at DNA Lounge. Support comes by way of local electro duo Tenderlions, Blow Up's own Jeffrey Paradise, and Blow Up L.A.'s Dirty Dave.

Saturday, Dec. 10

What: Wonder-Full S.F. 8: A Tribute to the Wonder of Stevie feat. DJ Spinna
Where: Mezzanine
When: 9 p.m. - 4 a.m.
Why:What better way to pay tribute to the genius of Stevie Wonder than with a party? Now in its eighth local incarnation, Wonder-Full comes to the Bay Area by way of New York. Legendary hip-hop DJs Spinna and Bobbito got the idea for the party from a small one-off and then somehow managed to turn it into a full-on national event. This year Wonder-Full returns to San Francisco with resident DJ Spinna, whose artists credits include high profile remixes for De La Soul, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, and Stevie himself. For this party, Spinna comes equipped with a ton of Stevie's rare tracks, album cuts, and, of course, all of the hits. Not convinced of Stevie Wonder's awesomeness? (What's wrong with you?) Check out his remarkable rendition of "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," "Fingertips," Songs in the Key of Life, and this amazing video of him in 1986 with Thomas Dolby, Howard Jones, and Herbie Hancock.

What: Tormenta Tropical Four Year Anniversary feat. DJ /rupture and Maluca
Where: Elbo Room
When: 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Why: Now going on four years, Tormenta Tropical has evolved from its cumbia showcase roots into one of the city's most eclectic and diverse parties. The guiding theme seems to be a showcase of the tasteful side of global bass, with moments in dancehall, cumbia, and "tropical heat." This month the party returns to celebrate its fourth anniversary with two tried and tested Tormenta alums. Blurring the lines between theory and practice, DJ /rupture is the recording alias of interdisciplinary artist Jace Clayton. Known as the head of the influential Dutty Artz label, Clayton's large body of work includes a long trail of innovative mixtapes, experimental albums, and a whole lot of written material (he was also on the cover of last month's Wire). To get a feel for where he's at these days, check out his prolific mudd up! podcast series. Also on the bill is New York-based Dominican bombshell Maluca Mala. Known for her super fast kuduro-inspired dance music, she rose to prominence off "El Tigeraso," her Diplo-produced (and Mad Decent-released) breakout single. For an idea of the kind of music she's been making lately, check out "Lola (Ging Danga)" and "Que Que."

What: Love Will Fix It
Where: The Hot Spot
When: 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Why: Bus Station John doesn't just put on parties, he creates experiences. Now, with "Love Will Fix It," the creator of Tubesteak Connection has branched out to make an all-new party that highlights the fertile moment of R&B's golden years in the late '70s and early '80s. On its third month going, the party has already attracted a sizable portion of clubbers interested in getting down to good tunes in as unpretentious a way as possible. What better venue than the Hot Spot, located on Market Street? A small and divey affair (rumors say you can buy lottery tickets and Twinkies there), it's the kind of place that brings to mind the dance scenes at bars like Aunt Charlie's and The Attic (back when it used to host regular parties). To get you in the mood, check out Shalamar's "Second Time Around," Stephanie Mills' "What Cha Gonna Do With My Lovin'?," Rose Royce's "First Come First Served," and Teddy Pendergrass' "Can't We Try?"

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