3 Kings at Insert Coin(s) Two DJs, three inspirations, numerous possibilities. The first in a new promo series, 3 Kings celebrates the music of Stevie Wonder, Prince and Michael Jackson, with DJs 88 and Peter Shalvoy mixing together real, remix, cover and tangential versions of those iconic pop artists. Proceeds benefit the I Have a Dream foundation. December 12, 10 p.m., $5 donation.
Four Color Zack at Tao While the Seattle-based beatmeister considers himself both a “DJ’s DJ” and “pop party rocker,” the Top 40- (and South Park quote-) heavy set that won him Red Bull’s Thre3style World Championship in 2012 leans toward the latter designation. Regardless, Tao’s dancefloor should be on fire Friday night with his catchy, high-energy mixes. December 12, doors at 10 p.m., $20+.
Syn Cole at XS Since signing to Avicii’s Le7els record label in 2013 and becoming part of the Tim Bergling family, the rising DJ has brought his contagious, funky electro beats to the globe’s top clubs and festivals—from Belgium’s Tomorrowland to Miami’s Ultra and the Circuit Grounds stage at Electric Daisy Carnival this summer. He supplies sound at the Encore danceteria Friday night. December 12, doors at 10 p.m., $30+ men, $20+ women.
After with Julian Jeweil at Artistic Armory Not only is French techno producer/DJ Julian Jeweil making a surprise trip to Las Vegas, he’s coming to play live for the dancing-till-dawn denizens of After, which will stage the party once again at southwestern creative enclave Artistic Armory. Jeweil’s a man to watch for, given his work with Richie Hawtin’s Minus label (stream this year’s Rumble EP, which contains the irresistible “Frida”) and now for Las Vegans, a man to watch, period. Locals Rob Dub, Bad Beat, Spacebyrdz, Justin Baule and Stellar support. December 12, doors at 11 p.m., $20.
Lockdown at the End The number of electronic dance music subgenres represented on Las Vegas’ various dancefloors is mercifully increasing. Even speed-garage—think garage-house filtered through bassy breakbeat—has a monthly party to call its own: Lockdown, helmed by DJs FX Logik and Madam Filth and now being thrown at Spring Valley zombie hang the End. DJs Hell Negative, Bear and Zukeepa support. December 13, doors at 10 p.m., free.
The Grinch Who Stole XIV at Hyde Bellagio’s lakeside nightspot transforms into the Christmas curmudgeon’s lair Sunday night for an anti-holiday edition of its XIV Vegas Sessions bash. Break out those ugly holiday sweaters (or some green face paint and a Santa suit); festive attire is encouraged at the colorful (and Champagne-soaked) monthly promo. In the booth: DJ Julian Ingrosso. December 14, 6 p.m., $50+ men, $40+ women.
Adult Toy Drive at Charlie’s No, the gay, country-western bar isn’t collecting vibrators and tubes of lube for charity. Instead, the Sin Sity Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are raffling off an assortment of sex toys and products, with proceeds benefiting the organization’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program. Thirsty? Arrive early and take advantage of the watering hole’s lucrative 2-for-1 happy hour, from 3 to 8 p.m. December 16, 9 p.m., free admission.
Humpety-Hump-Hump Christ-mas Charity Toy Drive at Oracle Mansion Many underground DJs and promoters are joining forces to throw this midweek charity event that benefits Child Haven, which aids abused and abandoned babies and young children. Bring a new, unwrapped toy and experience the wide breadth of beats and styles from performing acts such as Miyuki, Zmajlee & Demarco Cruz, Ayala and Joel Roberts, among others. December 17, doors at 6 p.m., free admission with new, unwrapped toy, 3500 W. Naples Drive.
