"Mighty Breaks" boasts an all-star soundclash; the "Latke Ball" just may be the best & biggest Jewish party of the year

Not a lot of creatures are stirring in clubland right now, and many promoters are saving up their juice for New Year's. But "Mighty Breaks" says, "Bah, humbug" -- the club night isn't about to let a little old holiday get in its way. This month's edition features a soundclash of sorts between the local DJs calling themselves Asian Breakz (Smoove, Via Jay, DJ Icon, and Bam) and the gents dubbed the White Boy Breakers (Seven, Sol, Mancub, and David Carvalho). With so many DJs and so many flavors of breakbeats to spin (from the hip hoptinged end of the spectrum to a much more aggressive sound), expect tremendous variety for a night supposedly dedicated to one genre. Wear a Santa costume this Friday, Dec. 23, to Mighty and get in free; call 762-0151 or go to www.mighty119.com for more info. -- Tamara Palmer

"Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em" is the name of a classic Eric B & Rakim album, but now it's also the moniker for a new monthly night at Milk committed to presenting skillfully mixed yet hip-shakingly fun hip hop jams (like that dynamic duo itself always did). Oakland Faders crew members DJ Spair and DJ Platurn recently won the "Free Up Your Mix" DJ contest sponsored by some trendy car manufacturer, and will debut their new mixtape at this event, while Faders allies Joe Quixx and DJ Enki will have their turns. Don't be shocked to hear anything and everything chopped up and thrown into the mix for the sake of funk. The first installment of a sure-to-be-rocking party takes place on Friday, Dec. 23; call 387-6455 or go to www.milksf.com for more info. -- Tamara Palmer

Believe it or not, many Jewish people don't celebrate the birth of little baby Jesus. It's true. In fact, many have been known to go to a Chinese restaurant and then catch a movie on Dec. 24. And they call this a party? Instead, Jews-not-for-Jesus should head over to the highly popular "Latke Ball." Billing itself as the "best & biggest Jewish party of the year," this annual singles' event draws record crowds of attractive and eligible chosen ones from around the Bay Area. But you don't have to be Jewish to attend. Anyone who's sick of the red and green holiday scene should come out and find himself a nice Jewish (or not) boy or girl while cutting it up on the dance floor. In addition to the dreidel, DJs Solomon and Deevice will spin '80s hits, funk, hip hop, R&B, and house. A live performance by dance troupe Go Go Pro and a silent auction round out a night that promises more excitement than your fruitcake-laced, dysfunctional Christmas Eve dinner. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Ruby Skye; call 693-0777 or visit www.latkeball.org for more info.-- Brock Keeling