JUNE 4 The FieldRock and Roll Hotel, $15

Stockholm resident Axel Willner (a.k.a. The Field) records on Kompact, a German label known for its impressive catalogue of minimal techno. Willner's work is more reminiscent of trance than of techno, utilizing cut up samples and gentle synths to create a rhythmic, propulsive and comfortingly gauzy sound. More personal than epic (except perhaps in length), Willner's tracks tap into the emotive potential of a genre that had long ago been hijacked by a dance culture that can't get past the cheap and easy payoff of the anthemic build-and-release formula. Though if that's your thing, Tiesto will be spinning at Ibiza nightclub June 28 and 29.

JUNE 7 M83Black Cat, $15

After two albums of electronic epics that applied the shoegazer rock aesthetic to stacks of synths, French band M83 returned in April with a new album that switched up stylistic influences while retaining its signature cinematic feel. The new effort, "Saturdays = Youth," draws on such '80s favorites as the Cocteau Twins, incorporating the pop of yesteryear into Anthony Gonzalez's indulgent wall-of-sound compositions. With ethereal vocals, slick synths, a touch of nostalgia, shimmering guitars and a flare for the romantic, Gonzalez has crafted a perfect soundtrack for late summer nights.

JUNE 7 Starscape 2008Fort Armistead Park, $49.50-$125

Speaking of late summer nights, this massive annual festival is turning 10 this year. The outdoor, multi-tent event (originally started as a large midsummer party) may have far outlasted the peak cultural relevance of the rave scene, but that has made the event stronger. The main tent boasts a diverse lineup of live acts, including the Disco Biscuits, Slick Rick, Bassnectar and the Easy Star All-Stars, while the Buzz tent features a great list of performers and DJs, including BT, Uberzone, Krafty Kuts, Charles Feelgood and Scott Henry. One of Starscape's historically strongest attractions is still its best, though: The Drum and Bass Arena boasts a mouthwatering collection of talent, including Dieselboy, Photek, John B, Dara and Dylan. There may not be a stronger drum'n'bass lineup in the area this year.

JUNE 20 FreestylersFur, $10-$20

Although the band is known for club hits such as "B-Boy Stance" and "Get Down Massive," the British duo of Matt Cantor and Aston Harvey is also known for its sprawling, pyrotechnic, genre-hopping DJ sets. Hip-hop, funky house, electro, big beat, techno and more all find its way into the mixes, which somehow avoid sounding jumbled and forced, instead blending seemingly disparate elements into a seamless, energetic, smart and, most important, very fun whole. As if the headliners aren't enough, this show is also graced with appearances by Proxxy, Daniella Downs, DJ Nysus and Ken Lazee. If you were to attend only one club night this summer, it would be hard to argue against this one.

JUNE 26 EnduserLiv, $8-$10

If you prefer your dance music with a little more of an edge (well, maybe a lot more of an edge), check out this show. As Enduser, Lynn Standafer blends, cuts, twists and hammers jungle, hip-hop, electro-industrial and hardcore techno into a frenetic blend that is not for the faint of heart. Never one to conform with preordained genre distinctions, Standafer makes music that is always surprisingly dynamic, if reliably challenging. With Acucrack and Robot Death Squad on the bill, one thing is for certain: This is going to be a very loud night.

-- Justin Rude