AT THE CLUB FACE

WESTWOOD The name may not sound very noteworthy but tonight's launch party is a significant landmark in London's burgeoning club scene. This is probably the first hip hop gig to claim a regular prime-time Saturday slot at one of the capital's grade A venues.

Westwood has given his personal phone directory a workout to bring the big guns in for the opening night. New York hip hop legend DJ Funkmaster Flex jets in to play exclusively at tonight's gig.

After his Radio 1 rap show, Westwood, with Flex in tow, will join the party at The Temple (formerly Club United Nation). Chris Goldfinger will also be in attendance, providing reggae vibes.

The Temple is a vast club that has recently been refurbished. With Busta' Rhymes next week, the big names look set to continue. Arrive early to avoid long queues.

Saturdays, 415 High Rd, N17 (0171-385 7114) 10pm-6am, pounds 12 (from next AIRPORT '77 week pounds 8 before mdn't/ pounds 10 after)

After the success of their one-off event last autumn, The Boys from Brazil return with a monthly residence at Ormonds, promising "altitude without attitude". This gig showcases soulful garage and uplifting US house with a continuing mission to provide the best garage spinners around.

The venue offers two levels of soulful beats, the upper deck brings you The Streets of San Fran Disco. Paul "Trouble" Anderson and Bobbi & Steve serve up phat portions of vocal garage. The Lower Deck offers Different Strokes - five and half hours of nonstop 1970s and 1980s disco, jazz funk, Latin and soul grooves.

Airport '77 lifts off on the first Friday of each month with a dress code that welcomes good and bad taste as long as you leave your trainers at home. Don't be late.

Friday 91 Jermyn Street, Piccadilly TH BIG BLUE Circus W1 (0171-872 0202) 10pm-3.30am pounds 8/pounds 5 members

If you had to pick one club that provided the widest range of innovative gigs in 1997, then you'd struggle to get past the Blue Note. Nothing looks set to change in '98. This gig aims to bring together a varied range of live performances and DJs for a fund raiser (in aid of the Big Issue Foundation) that's simply too good to miss.

Carleen Anderson and Monkey Mafia perform live on stage while Ian Brown, Pulp and Pressure Drop take up DJ duties for the night with excellent support from Gilles Peterson, Randall and Ben Wilcox to name a few.

And as if that wasn't enough for one night, The Blue Note Gallery will offer more thrills for the culture vultures among you. Some of the top names in art have donated various objects which will be sold for charity.

Tuesday, 1 Hoxton Square, N1 (0171-729 8440) 9pm-3am (no admittance after 12.30am) pounds 10