BeatBox

With the House of Shields' old-fashioned Victorian fixtures, glossy tiled floor, and ostentatious old bar, you might expect to hear, say, an easy listening-ish jazz trio pumping out some smooth jams, or a cabaret chanteuse belting out a tacky Rodgers & Hammerstein medley at this former speak-easy. Instead, resident DJs Nate Harrison and Oolong have revived this intimate downtown bar with their wildly popular after-work magnet "Breakbeat Agency." There, they fearlessly mix up electro and (of course) breakbeats for your pleasure. Joining them are guest DJs Alan Keller and Viajay to help bring the post-9-to-5 gang to its gin-soaked feet. Don't fear the professionals who pack the place, though; the crowd is always an eclectic and friendly bunch. The beat goes on every second Friday of the month from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the House of Shields, 39 New Montgomery (at Jessie), S.F. Admission is free; call 495-5436 or visit www.breakbeatagency.com.
-- Brock Keeling

Recently, Ellen Allien was asked about the impending closing of Berlin's famed Tresor club. Since the early '90s, the venue's role for electronic enthusiasts in Berlin has been paramount, and Allien -- a DJ, producer, label boss, and notoriously proud Berliner -- cut her teeth behind the decks there. "It doesn"t bother me," she said. "That type of club will live on, and only become better in a new incarnation." The optimistic answer speaks volumes about Allien's unwavering ideology: progression toward the bigger and better future, no matter what. That trait sums up her industrious musical career. Her label, BPitch Control, has made waves amongst fans of experimental techno by championing an innovative set of up-and-comers. Allien's own records, 2001's Stadtkind and 2003's Berlinette, eschew the gloomy thump of progressive house for an exultant jumble of futuristic funk, sassy vocal samples ("C'mon baby, lick it!"), and blithe breakbeats. Allien's engagement at Club Six this Saturday, May 15, will be complemented by sets from Safety Scissors, Fresh Blend, and SF Weeklycontributor Philip Sherburne. Expect smarty house, glitch, and IDM. Things get started at 10 p.m. and don't end until 4 in the morning at 60 Sixth St. (at Market), S.F. Admission is $10 in advance, $12 at the door; call 863-1221 or visit www.clubsix1.com.
-- Nate Cavalieri