BeatBox

Although Azul sits near the sacred Hermès store -- whose colors these past few seasons could do no wrong -- smack dab in the heart of all that is too commercial, expensive, and shiny in San Francisco, it's ripe for a nighttime takeover by all. Sure, the nightclub has its after-work, professional clientele that seems more than happy to sit and sip Mojitos into blackout bliss, but it's also slowly gaining a more rambunctious and creative crowd that enjoys the anonymity Azul provides compared to more club-heavy neighborhoods like, say, SOMA and North Beach. One exemplary attraction is DJ Chris Orr's "iNtensely Gorgeous." Steering clear of house, rap, and Top 40 hits (which, relax, are just nifty, but are already heard at most clubs you stumble into these days), Orr veers off into progressive new wave, disco, Italo, rock, pop, and even mash-up territory for a refreshing downtown club night that's not (yet) busting at the seams. "Gorgeous" is free and happens this and every Thursday; call 362-9750 or visit www.azul-sf.com for more info.

---

DJs Bus Station John (of "The Tubesteak Connection" fame) and Jef Leöpard (of "Club K-Y," may it rest in peace) have seen their latest combined effort, "The Rod," going strong at Underground SF for some time. Clearly too seedy for the Lower Haight, it's now taking its diseased self over to the Tenderloin, to the hovel where Jezebel's Joint used to be, now spit-shined and called Deco (say it with me!) Lounge. There, the DJs will bring you their popular and astute brand of late-'70s and early-'80s disco, glitter, and rock rarities. This is usually a gig filled with heavy drinking and cruising, so a good night's sleep beforehand is a must. And to fit in with the music's era and feel, our hosts will also hold a somewhat unusual wet jockstrap contest at midnight, in which points (and $100) are awarded to the package sporting the most creativity rather than merely the most girth. Sordidness has a new address this and every second Friday of the month; call 346-2025 for more info.

---

Beyond the cherished prostitutes, numerous track marks, and overall grimy film of lower Polk Street and into its more affluent stretch on Nob Hill, DJ Page Hodel has managed to inject a little "Respect," a surprisingly inclusive queer women's afternoon party. Every second Sunday of the month, Rouge opens its doors to women of all persuasions who might not feel as welcome at other, more popular dyke dives around town. Eschewing the more overtly political and self-consciously hip lesbian scene that seems to dominate most of the city, this swank party (valet parking included!) draws a crowd of friendly, chatty, and professional ladies who dance to simple club beats of the '70s, '80s, and '90s. "Respect" starts at 4 p.m. on Sept. 11; call 346-7683 or visit www.rougesf.com for more info.