The Warlocks’ bring their psychedelic rock variety to Emo’s (Lounge) on Friday night in support of last year’s Heavy Deavy Skull Lover. (Buy it here.) Singer and guitarist Bobby Hecksher’s brainchild, the California act’s music has morphed within the (broad) confines of psychedelia throughout the course of its career, with inherent melody, plentiful reverb, and Hecksher’s distinct vocal contributions tying it all together expertly. The Warlocks’ line-up has adjusted over time as well and the band is no longer the eight-piece creature it once massacred live audiences as. Instead, the band currently pillages on with fewer members and has just recently wrapped up a tour with Austin’s The Black Angels. Tonight, New York outfit The Vandelles and local space-rockers The Boxing Lesson get things rolling at Emo’s Lounge as a part of 101X FM's Next Big Thing series. The rest of Emo’s stays busy this evening as well, with RX Bandits and Portugal The Man on the outside main stage and Marked Men and The Hex Dispensers inside.

Also on Friday, Beauty Bar hosts “A 1960’s Mod Summer Dance Party” presented by Lucy The Poodle Productions and boasting retro flavored tunes courtesy of The Ugly Beats, Dans La Lune, and Masonic. Beauty Bar’s Friday night resident DJ Prince Klassen supplies the beats in between and after the bands. Attendees are encouraged to dress in 60’s fashion; the band members and go-go dancers will be modeling clothing provided by Blue Velvet Vintage. Heading out early? Tia Carrera hits the stage at 8:30 p.m. at Room 710 for a free set. (Opposite Day headline later in the night.) If you’re sticking around UT campus, check out The Strange Boys and The Black at the Hole in the Wall.

Follow the jump to read our interview with DJ Mel and for information on more shows in town this weekend!

DJ Mel started the Rock The Casbah series in 2001, and this Saturday marks the 31st edition of this popular event. We caught up with DJ Mel recently to check in on the status of the shindig.

What do you remember about the first Rock The Casbah and how has the event evolved since?

DJ Mel: I remember the first one was at the old Empanada Parlour in January 2001. It was great because of maybe the shock factor of taking a Hip Hop approach to mixing 80's records; the place was packed with close friends and co-workers and what made it even more special was the fact I was helping out a struggling venue at the time.

The evolution of the event hasn't been too drastic. Of course the event is now in a bigger venue; for the first time I started working with a ticket vendor and I deal with real costs of throwing an event. It's been a good learning experience! Other than that, I have stuck to the formula of throwing a fun dance party with music that people can sing along to. I'm very fortunate to be part of this.

How was the musical landscape in Austin shifted since the first Rock The Casbah, if at all?

The landscape has changed tremendously. The internet changed the game for DJ's and music forever. Whether it's good or bad, in the long run remains to be seen.

What are some other regular events in Austin that you enjoy?

My schedule for the most part prevents me from frequenting events on the regular, but I've heard nothing but good things about the Sock Hop at Scoot Inn, Hump at Plush, and Ring the Alarm at The Parish. Tablemanners at Plush is great too. Anything that's for the greater good of our scene is what I'm all about! Go out and support!

What are you currently working on?

I'm helping out with the final touches of the DJ stage at Lollapalooza, which is at the end of the month. Aside from performing , I will also play the role of being the stage manager as well. It should be fun! Also, I will be playing around Chicago that weekend too. Other than that, it's focusing on music and planning for ACL and my DJ schedule for the rest of the year.

Cheers!

If jamming out to 80’s music doesn’t tickle your fancy, Beerland is a useful alternative with a stellar rock 'n' roll show featuring two extremely talented bands from Austin, Faceless Werewolves and Toko-Ri Get High. Faceless Werewolves recently returned from a tour of the Northeast and tonight's show is the release party for the vinyl version of Pardon Me, Are Those Your Claws on My Back? (Read our review here.)

The best of the rest of Saturday’s events include Everyone Knows Everyone (#6) at The Mohawk and Club de Ville; Milk (#5) at Beauty Bar; Foot Patrol at Scoot Inn; Naked Empire at Red Eyed Fly; and Austin Lounge Lizards at Threadgill’s World Headquarters.

Images from MySpace / provided by entity.