Birthday bash for Scottsdale bar staple AZ88

AZ88 (Credit: Jeremiah Toller/Special for Metromix)

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I don't know what I'm wearing Sunday.

And it's upsetting me.

Because I want to look spectacular for the 21st birthday party of one of my favorite friends.

OK, it's a bit much to refer to AZ88 as a “friend,” but I go there with them and I've made them there. But regardless of what I'm wearing (I'm torn between a pink fringe mini or a black sequin mini), AZ88 is celebrating its 21st birthday in booze- and fashion-filled style Sunday evening in Old Town Scottsdale.

The party, called Funk and Fashion, is the first the hotspot has hosted since about 1999, according to longtime house DJ and event coordinator DJ Mr. P-Body. It's one of just three or four parties AZ88 has ever hosted, in sharp contrast to the near monthly “events” held at some nearby establishments.

“This party's going to be sick, just really amazing, because we never throw events like this, you know,” said Mr. P-Body.

Among the “sicker” elements: Belvedere Vodka and Moet Chandon are hosting passed cocktails, but everything ordered at the bar will cost you. And when you do make it to the bar, watch your drink, as models will be walking the stainless steel counter as part of the fashion show.

They'll also be stationed on platforms set throughout the dining room, all wearing ensembles from Studio Joy Li, Beach Bunny Swimwear or Scottsdale Jean Company.

DJs about town William Reed and Mr. P-Body will spin throughout the night, the latter letting it slip that he'll include in his set a range of favorites from 1988, the year of the bar's “birth.”

And while no gifts are required, AZ88 is always a gracious host and will be giving away spa packages, hotel stays, fashions from Scottsdale Jean Company and accessories from Platella Silver Boutique, as well as gift bags filled with swag from BCBG Max Azria.

There's been no word on whether owner Karl Kopp will be there, but we expect interior designer and artistic director Janis Leonard to be in the throng, along with your favorite black-and-white-clad servers.

After more than 20 years, AZ88 is known for any number of things, including affordable, upscale bar food; a fashionably comported crowd; avant garde seasonal art installations; and massive cocktails.

And while those things have remained consistent, it's the kind of place that attracts a crowd hungry for what's new and what's next, quite a trick after so many years.

So, keeping in mind that this place celebrated Christmas with a tree made of broken martini glasses, and that it celebrated Valentine's Day with window paintings of couples demonstrating various positions, like an artsy, oversized, public version of the “Kama Sutra,” it's fair to say that I can't wait to see the cake.