Decibel Fest Recommended Events

From Future Funk H20 to Optical 3.

Ghostly 10: Opening Party Part of record label Ghostly International’s traveling 10th anniversary celebration (previous stops include NYC and Detroit), this evening features a first-class lineup of edgy stylists generally concerned less with the dance floor and more with manipulating the language of electronic music. Pay particular attention to Seattle’s Lusine and The Sight Below, both of whose stars are on the rise. With Tycho, Michna, Clark Warner. Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Ave. $10. All ages. 5 p.m., Thurs., Sept. 24.

Sweatbox This party goes until 2 a.m., so it’s possible to check out both the Ghostly International showcase and this one. And you should, because New York-based Derek Plaslaiko (who did a remix for Ghostly of Matthew Dear) is an expert crate-digger who revels in the Midwest techno he grew up with. The warehouse-like Sole Repair is a good venue for this showcase. With Mikael Stavostrand, Ctrl_Alt_Dlt, Jonny Romero, and V8 Media. Sole Repair, 1001 E. Pike St. $8. 21+. 8 p.m. Thurs., Sept. 24.

dB in Dub Part 2: Dubstep Massive Presented by Portland-based promoters Abstract Earth Project, this showcase is all about the intense bass lines, big sonic spaces, and hip-hop-style breakdowns that define dubstep. To over-simplify: It’s a more danceable version of drum-and-bass, and very, very loud. Earplugs recommended. With dubtek, Caspa w/MC Rod Azlan, N-Type w/MC Juakali, Boxcutter, Monkeytek w/DJ Collage. Motor, 1950 First Ave. S. $18–$20. 18+. 8 p.m. Fri., Sept. 25.

Future Funk H2O If you’re looking for the funkier, more soulful side of electronic music, then tonight’s boat cruise meets club-style concert offers your best bet. Local promoters Uniting Souls are known for their love of the jazz-infused pleasures of deep house, which is all about the floor. Another up-and-coming Seattle artist, Pezzner, is worth the price of admission alone. With J-Sun & Packy, Ramiro & Deepvibez, Johnny Fiasco, Jeromy Nail, J.Phlip. Islander Boat Cruises, 1611 Fairview Ave. E. $20–$25 (no pass holders). 21+. 3 p.m. Sat., Sept. 26.

Dirty Velvet Afterhours This showcase rocks until 6 a.m. As befits an event kissing the rise sun, the artists on hand revel in the filthier side of electronic music. Artists from the UK (Mike Slott), Brooklyn (Kotchy), and beyond will mash-up IDM, breakbeat, and other dark sounds appropriate for the witching hour. With 3WS, EPROM, Mimosa, Take, Nalepa, J Roby. Little Red Studio, 400 Dexter Ave. N. $18–$20. 18+. 11 p.m. Sat., Sept. 26.

Optical 3: Ameritronica The second half of this showcase’s title is a reference to the folk-inspired productions of the jocks/producers playing tonight, while the first half hints at the live visual art that will complement the music. Look for the designs of Seattle’s Scott Sun and Tokyo’s Sawako. With Mountains, Benoit Pioulard, Goldmund aka Helios. The Triple Door, 216 Union St. $20–$25. 6 p.m. Sun., Sept. 27.