Perfecto: Deerhoof's "Perfect Me."
Are we having a ball yet? Now is your chance... an artists ball and more shows than we can shake a stick at. Best to catch them before they fade away.
Free ways: Mos Def freestyling.
ARTISTS BALL SEVEN
SF socialites just might swoon to the tunes of Mos Def, Hercules and Love Affair, and Rogue Wave at this annual benefit fete for YBCA's New Works Fund. Fri/3, 9 p.m., $125-$150. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission, SF. (415) 978-2787.
NOAH AND THE WHALE
Loveably quirky arrangements and an unabashed adoration of canonical songwriting find a cozy home in the belly of this UK beastie - take a listen to the group's Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down (Vertigo). Thurs/2, 6 p.m., free. Amoeba Music, 1855 Haight, SF. (415) 831-1200. Thurs/2, call for time, $10. Popscene, 330 Ritch, SF. (415) 541-9574.
DEERHOOF
The SF-Oakland combo is unstoppable with shred-meister Ed Rodriguez on hand. Catch the beloved 'Hoofies as they ply us with Japanese-language numbers from Offend Maggie (Kill Rock Stars). Sat/4, 9 p.m., $15. Great American Music Hall, 859 O’Farrell, SF. (415) 885-0750.



