BeatBox

From his home base in Rome, the dashing DJ/producer Nicola Contehas bridged the world of jazz for enthusiasts of electronic music to safely cross over. But far from the aimless noodling that some might expect, Conte's jazz view is more worldly and modern, taking in audible influences not only from Italy, but also from locales throughout Latin America. He's currently at work on a new album for release later in the year on Eighteenth Street Lounge, the Washington, D.C.based label run by like-minded American producers Thievery Corporation. It follows 2002's Jet Sounds Revisited, a reworking of songs from his 2001 debut, Bossa Per Due, so expect Conte to play some of his new songs, for which we've been waiting patiently. He performs a special DJ set at 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 10, at Cafe Du Nord, 2170 Market (at Sanchez), S.F. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door; call 861-5016 or visit www.cafedunord.com.

We're usually happy to highlight events that benefit more than the promoter's pockets, rare as they are. And so the broken beat/techno night "Echoes of Rio,"which donates a portion of its proceeds to Project Open Hand, stands out as something special. Those who seek a little more out of their Saturday night than just being benevolent are rewarded with DJ sets from two of Detroit's finest and most accomplished young producers named John: John Arnold (with Carlos Araya on percussion) and John Beltran (who has now relocated to L.A.). Locals Hakobo and Soulsalaam also appear on Saturday, April 10, from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. at Club Six, 60 Sixth St. (at Jessie), S.F. Tickets are $10; call 863-1221 or visit www.clubsix1.com