BeatBox

A Future Primitive Soundsession isn't so much a club night as it is a modern urban carnival. Video projections slice between waves of hybrid, genreless music while turntable theatrics compliments of dueling DJs inspire live paintings by graffiti legends. There's an impending sense of chaos and aesthetic revolution, as if tomorrow might just bite you in the ass if you don't watch out so you better live for today. It's pushing things forward, but into what, nobody knows. The Soundsession formula has spawned some of the most memorable concerts in San Francisco's hip hop history, including the DJ Shadow vs. Cut Chemist all-45 session. For this particular event, concert curator Mark Hurhley has recruited Atlanta's Faust and Shortee, who are probably the finest (and most eclectic) turntablists to ever share a bed, and San Francisco's very own genre-pervert, . If the past is any indication, this could be a historic night. Tune in on Friday, Jan. 28, at the Independent; call 771-1421 or go to www.theindependentsf.com for more info.
-- Sam Chennault

Not all S.F. clubgoers are self-serving hedonists. Local promoter Kohi-Noor's upcoming tsunami benefit proves that not only do we care, but also we can have a damn good time in the name of a good cause. The event features talks from various charity representatives about outlets available to the kindhearted, and though you may find it difficult to dance to their lectures, you shouldn't have a problem grooving to the worldly beats of the legendary Cheb i Sabbah. In the 1960s, Sabbah fraternized with John and Yoko (yes, that John and Yoko). After moving to San Francisco in the '80s, he established himself as an icon, collaborating with qawwali maestro Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and jazz trumpeter Don Cherry, among others. His music is panoramic and deeply spiritual, exploring the intersections of Eastern mysticism and contemporary Western house music culture. Come to lend a hand, but stay to move your feet, on Friday, Jan. 28, at Club Q; call 608-0350 or go to www.clubqsf.com for more info.
-- Sam Chennault

Sitting smack-dab in San Francisco's septic tank of cheap drug sales and crack-induced aggravated assaults, Arrow Bar isn't always the safest place to visit, much less leave with a few pints swimming in your system. DJ Jet Set James' "Jailbait UK," however -- with its bright, smooth mixing of Britpop, '60s soul, classic punk, and rock -- makes risking your life seem like a good bet. In addition to the typically young and frighteningly hip crowd that fills the dance floor around midnight, there's a smattering of old regulars and surly bouncers near the entrance who make for an entertaining contrast. The music starts at 10 p.m. this and every other Tuesday. Call 255-7920 for more information.
-- Brock Keeling