Beat Happenings

Ghouls gone wild! What is it with demons these days? Offer 'em one simple shot of formaldehyde, and suddenly they're tearing off skin and bumping uglies on top of the bar! What these hellions need is a safe haven — and as if the dark lords answered their prayers, the Ground Floor (215 East Main Street, Belleville; 618-227-1026; www.thegroundfloorclub.com) is hosting "Ghouls Night OutÓ on Friday, August 25, at 8 p.m. The "horror rockÓ party will feature performances by Crypt33 and Arsenal Street Lullaby, dark spins from DJs Institches and D-K, and horror movies all night long. And just in case any cameras sneak in, the zombie pole-dancers and skeleton belly dancers will distract, leaving the good ghouls alone. Cover is $3 for those over 21, $5 for 19+. Costumes encouraged.

Staples has nothin on the Creepy: Moms may be the customary back-to-school-sale enthusiasts, filling their baskets with three-ring binders and Dixon Ticonderogas. But even li'l punks will mosh themselves into a rock & roll clearance at the Creepy Crawl's (3524 Washington Boulevard; 314-531-3888; www.creepycrawl.com) Back to School Bash 2006. At 4 p.m. Saturday, August 26, students can fill their aural baskets to the brim without charging a thing to Dad's MasterCard. Available music will include sets from Behind the Blindfold, Last Flight Home, Downstate, When Sorrow Fails, River City Ransom, Corsets Are Cages, This Hollywood Machine, Sparland, Harlot and the Marquette Weekend. The show is free (although there's a $3 surcharge for minors). No coupons required. — Kristyn Pomranz