Thursday, Sept 2nd

Fresh from the Scissor Sisters live gig in town tonight, founding member, and diehard DJ supremo Sammy Jo will be at the Berlin after 10pm laying down some grooves with the resident spinners here at west Belmont Avenue. $5 gets you in for this rare, and special event. http://www.berlinchicago.com/

At Evil Olive you can all get freaky at the Let’s Get Weird party with local heroes Zebo, and Disco Death Threat, plus special guest for the night Double Dutch from Palms Out Sound who will be adding some house, indie remixes, dubstep, and garage to the all-out vibe. 11pm, $5 gets you in to west Division Street. http://www.evil-olive.com/

Friday, Sept 3rd

If you thought the festival season was over…wrong! It’s still in full swing, and no less so than with African Festival of the Arts which has been doing its thing around town this week. And that extends right into the club scene too with many top Afro influenced house-music DJs stepping up to the stage/pavilion at Washington Park. Sets worh checking out come from Craif Alexander, David Sabat, DJ Lady Di, Lil’ John, Gene Hunt, Julius the Mad Thinker, Mwelma Musamabacine, Ron Ttrent, Stacy Kidd, and Vic Lavender, to name but a few. Friday-Monday from 10am, and it’s free!

Meanwhile over at Union Park, there’s more festivities with clubland tinges to be enjoyed during the North Coast Music Festival. According to festival organisers, it’s “Summer’s Last Stand”, and if so, they are certainly going out with a bang as megastars Chemical Brothers are headlining the event tonight, with more great beats coming from Pretty Lights, Paul van Dyk, Paul Kalkbrenner, and Orchard Lounge.

On Saturday things get blurry with New Mastersounds, Benga, Jay Electronica, De La Soul, Boys Noize, and Umphreys McGee, and on Sunday Damian Marley and the Disco Biscuits + Nas headline, with other acts including Maps & Atlases, Holy Ghiest!, Flying Lotus, Mayer Hawthorne, and Lupe Fiasco.

It’s $85 for a three day pass, $40 per day. All ages. Starts 4pm Friday, Sat/Sun from Noon.

If you want to extend the Friday night festival party feeling by going on somewhere else, you could do a lot worse than Smart Bar where the prolific Tom Middleton is appearing with Brad Owen. Middleton has been a formidable part of the Global Communication and Jedi Knights ambient/house music productions, and as a remixer has been involved with everyone you can think of including Kylie, and Prince. $13, $10 before midnight. From 10pm, North Clark Street. http://www.smartbarchicago.com/

Saturday, Sept 4th

It’s kind of “beauty and the beast” at Beauty Bar tonight when they host Baio’s Vampire Weekend DJ Set! Baio was there when it all began at Beauty Bar six months ago, and is back for an evening of stylish, and multifarious indie dance before the band’s show in Aragon on Sunday. $5 gets you in, west Chicago Avenue, from 10pm.
http://www.beautybar.com

The official North Coast Music Fest after-show spills out onto the party floor at the Bottom Lounge from 10pm with German electro-tech superstar Boys Noize (he of the red-hot remixes of Feist, and Bloc Party), being ably accompanied by Kissy Sell Out (a regular on BBC Radio1),  and his unique brand of indie/electro. Auto Body, and local prodigy Midnight Conspiracy get things gyrating. But that’s not all – if you want to get eclectic, you can check out the two other DJ rooms at Bottom to get some other red-hot dance action. $20 gets you in at west Lake Street – but you must have a North Coast Music Fest wristband! http://www.bottomlounge.com/

Now you know I mentioned yachts earlier, well here’s the thing – it all gets very AM at the Columbia Yacht Club with their Stay Smooth XIV: On A Boat rock-themed night featuring a rock-steady, “don’t rock the boat” evening of everything from 70s smoothies, to 80s light rockers Feist/Phoenix. STV SLV of Hood Internet, and Bald E of Only Children keep things on an even keel at the helm decks, while there is also a live set from Quadraphonica of Hall & Oates cover bad Haulin’ Boats. Yacht-rock attire is a must. From 7pm, $50 at the porthole, $40 in advance. Columbia Yacht Club is at north Lake Shore Drive. http://www.columbiayachtclub.com

Sunday, Sept 5th

And it’s full steam ahead at Transit from 10pm with Chicago dance-music innovator Green Velvet (minus the neon green Mohawk), reaching into his back-catalog that got the 90s scene off to a flier, as well as current electro grooves. Joining him is Claude VonStroke (tech-house from San Fran), with Santiago, and Bushido opening. There’s also side-room sessions from Jason Patrick, Dino G, Just Joey, and Dani Deahl. $20, or $12 in advance. West Lake Street. http://www.transitnightclubchicago.com

And then it’s birthday party time at Neo tonight, where they will be celebrating their 31st Anniversary! Whooah! And they’re still going strong for black-clad ravers who have enjoyed the thrills, and spills over the years from new wave, to goth, to electro, and techno. A whole host of fave resident DJs will be making this a party to remember for the next 31 years! $5 to enter, north Clark Street, from 8pm.
http://www.neo-chicago.com

And finally, it’s time to mention “rock meets the charleston” at new club Fedora Lounge which opened on August 26th and promises to be an entertaining, and zestful place to hang your hat of an evening in the River North area with it’s 1920s décor, evocative purple lighting, risque pictures, murals, tattooed staff, and plenty of imported beers, staple Jameson’s, and tasty ‘Hangover Burgers,’ from the late night kitchen. The Fedora prides itself on its signature martini’s, not to mention the rhythmical mix of music that will rock you off your seats from 10pm seven nights a week. Fedora Lounge is situated in north Clark Street, Mondays-Fridays: 3.00pm-2.00am, Saturdays: 11.30am-3.00am, and Sundays: 11.30am-2.00am.

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Thursday, August 26th

House with DJ Lego at Victor Hotel, north Sangamon Street. Lego has been one of Chicago’s top house-music exponents for years now, spinning his stuff in all corners of the city, guaranteeing everyone who experiences his particular brand of programming a surefire good time. Starts 10pm, and is free.

Hip-Hop, Funk & Soul is on offer at Empire Liqours with big-hitters Shon Dervis & DJ Rude One in a new series of weekly specials entitled Elementary Thursdays. Free entry for a 10pm start in north Milwaukee Avenue. http://www.empireliquors.com

Pop & Rock clubland style is provided tonight at Angels & Kings courtesy of DJ White Shadow who will be displaying his versatility on four decks with compatriot DJ Trentino, and a wide selection of all that is best from the pop hit parade, and rock classics. Free entry, 10pm start, north Clark Street. http://www.angelsandkings.com/chicago/

Funk, Soul & Rock ‘n’ Roll at Bar DeVille comes via the turntable wizardry of DJ Kevin Smith who has mastered many such nights across the city over the years, with his mix of “tasteful rock”. 10pm start, free, north Damen Avenue. This is a new weekly event, with Smithy also appearing earlier in the evening at Beauty Bar from 7pm for “happy hour” sessions. http://www.beautybar.com

Friday, August 27th

Italo Disco comes to Rodan fresh from the 80s in what was a genre that preceded House, and is now a staple of electro-disco lovers everywhere across the world, although maybe somewhat new to Chicago. DJs Mr Automatic (from Front312) and Le Sprite bring new life to this interesting form of dance that has to be worth checking out for novelty factor alone. It’s free, from 10pm, north Milwaukee Avenue. www.rodan.com

Hip-Hop at The Griffin Lounge features a mighty mash-up of top 40, and solid club sounds, with celebrity jocks Rock City & Jem, with compadre VJ Uzi De Leon. This special shindig costs $20 to get in, with a 10pm start in west Chicago Avenue.

Latin, and everything gets super-sexy, and sultry at Nacional 27 with its perfect blend of dining, drinking and dancing. Miami Nights have been a regular Friday staple, and features early evening live percussion, with Latin house turning the Nacional into a vibrant, joyful, smiling club of swinging steps, and salsa snakehips…oh and the cocktails aiant half bad either! $10 gets you in, from 9.30, west Huron Street.

Reggae, Dub & Dancehall is alive, and thriving at the Butterfly Social Club thanks to the ever-busy Papa G who can be seen in various venues most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays keeping a masterful balance of mellow & mad for a perfect party time. Free, from 9pm, west Grand Avenue. http://www.butterflysocialclub.com

Saturday, August 28th

It’s Acid House time tonight with two of the greatest exponents, and indeed innovators of the genre hitting the decks on the same evening.

At Crimson Lounge it’s none other than Acid legend Frankie Knuckles, the Godfather of House. For those who don’t know, Frankie is the man who brought the underground sounds of Manhattan to Chicago’s Warehouse way back in 1977! And here he is tonight over 40 years later recreating that scene with the same drive and passion for new audiences, and those who like a bit of dance club nostalgia. $20 gets you in on the night, or apply for an RSVP to info@crimsonchicago.com for a $10 ticket. Starts 10pm, north Dearborn Street. http://www.crimsonchicago.com

The second Acid stalwart in Chicago tonight is DJ Pierre who was around at the time of Frankie Knuckles, but took the house scene to new levels with his introduction of the famous electro “squelch” that came to symbolize acid. Alongside Pierre at Smart Bar tonight is yet another innovator, Phuture 303, accompanied by contemporary starlets Angel Alanis, Lady Foursquare, and Rob Threezy (Ghetto Division). 10pm start in north Clark Street, $12 after midnight, $10 before. http://www.smartbarchicago.com/

Techno/Electro is at the Metro with a special party night for 18s and over, and those who don’t go slow. One Night Stand features the pick of the local DJ crop with Team Bayside High, Zebo, Alexe Zelenka, Lucky Date (this years’ remix finalist at Lollapalooza), Broken Disco 1980, and DJ Soundwave. The party is given that extra bit of razz with snap-happy Glitter Guts, and Darkroom Demons, and visual wizardry from Hey Cliché. If you’re one of the first 100 to get in it won’t cost a penny, otherwise its $10 for the night. 10pm start, north Clark Street.  http://www.metrochicago.com

Sunday, August 29th

For something a bit different, the pick of Sunday has to be at Beauty Bar, and Smart Bar.

Fun-lovin’ MC Nigel “Hollywood” Holt is at Beauty Bar to pitch his debut CD in his inimitable cheeky flow, with a few antics in his CD case no doubt as he reveals the content of his “mixtape” featuring offcuts from his official new release. While he’s not doing his thing with the mic, Million $ Mano, and Johnny Fonseca will be manning the decks. 10pm, free. http://www.beautybar.com

Meanwhile, at Smart Bar it’s disco fever with Kid Color, and Michael Serafini, plus guest DJs. But what is different about tonight’s regular Dollar Disco is they are having an exclusive screening of Scottish post-rockers Mogwai’s live concert film ‘Burning’. Could be interesting. 9pm start, $2 entry, north Clark Street. http://www.smartbarchicago.com/

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Dance music icon Alexander Robotnick – alias Marurizio Dami – has landed in Chicago to help electro mentor-masterminds Kompute Musik celebrate their 10th Anniversary with a special shindig at Smart Bar tonight. Regarded as a cult figure in global clubland, Robotnick began his career back in 1981 when part of Italian dance-cabaret band Avida. Two years later, under the pseudonym Robotnick, he shot to fame with his single release ‘Problemes D’Amour,’ and ever since has been a regular floor-filler everywhere he goes, as well as dipping his creative nuances into the worlds of movie soundtracks, ambient festivals, and ehtnic-tinged compositions. The Robotnick hallmark sound these days sees him mixing Italo-Disco and New Wave from the 80s, as well as contemporary electro-house and minimal-techno. Supporting the Robotnick party is Scott ‘Smokin’ Silz, Interrobang, Alex Zelenka, Livewire, Frankie Vega, John Simmons, Escape, and Rayalin3. The show begins at 10pm in north Clark Street, Tickets $12, or $10 before midnight. http://www.smartbarchicago.com/

If the idea of celebrating Friday with a an icon doesn’t grab you, then why not allow Supreme Court hold sway at Rodan? Eclectic vinyl collector and soul-meister Courtland will be spinning his fave tracks from his upbeat boxes of funk, and soul that are guaranteed to get the floor gyrating with good vibes. It’s free to get in, show starts at 10pm, north Milwaukee Avenue. http://www.rodan.ws

Saturday, August 21st

It’s that time of year again – time for the annual Hideout Block Party, and what a party it looks like being. Philly’s Mad Decent Records is co-hosting the rave-up tonight with a great lineup of  Chicago top talent Willy Joy, and Ghetto Division, as well as out-of-towners Paul Devro, Bosco Delrey, Maluca, Popo, and Blaqstarr, with rising Chicago starlet Kid Sister bringing the party to a close. Mad Decent Records and Hideout have a lot in common with the way they welcome, bring-on, and nurture artists across the jazz, blues, country, rock, and electro scene, so this years Block Party Night is what you might call a family affair, which can only been a lot of fun, and some great party feel. It kicks off at 2pm with Willy Joy’s eclectic new dance party sound. His DJ sets, and collaborations with Chicago rappers & musicians have been a big hit at clubs nationwide, with packed dance-floors everywhere he goes. With many releases & remixes on the way, and virtually non-stop gigging throughout the city and beyond, Willy is set to go stellar very quickly. URB Magazine named him one of the Next 100 artists to watch – and it’s easy to see why. But along with the prodigious Willy, comes hot Chicago babelet Kid Sister. Kid Sister is from Markham, IL but currently resides on Chicago’s north side. She makes club rap and works at a childrens clothing store slanging bibs and teething rings. Yes, her DJ (J2K of Flosstradamus) is her real brother, and yes that does rule. Together they’re taking the Chicago music scene by storm, rocking parties and causing all-around dancefloor mayhem.  The Hideout Block party is free on west Wabansia Avenue, and starts 2pm through till late. http://www.hideoutchicago.com

If this kind of family-feel party isn’t your bag, then alternatives don’t come much better than at Darkroom where Lego will be keeping it pure, and sweet with his rare 12-inchers, and topfloor house-grooves. The ex-Boom Boom Room resident jock will be around from 9pm. It costs $8 to get in after 11pm, but is free before then. West Chicago Avenue.
http://www.darkroombar.com

Sunday, August 22nd

$15 for 12 hours of music? Can’t be bad. And that is exactly what you will get if you turn up to Moretti’s Ristorante & Pizzeria from noon. And you get quality too, because all the way from Spain, fresh from his Ibiza residency comes club-storming Seth Troxler. The young firestarter Troxler will be joined by former Chicagoan Mike Khoury, who has created this Varsity All-Stars 12-hour festival bash. Also on the bill is Smart Bar’s Nate Manic, Naveen G, Jason Patrick, and many more. Moretti’s is on west Jackson Street.

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Thursday, August 12th

It’s Crème de la Femme at The Shrine, with a new weekly “ladies free all night” Thursday special. Starts at 10pm, with DJ Fathom mixing up the beats with neo soul, hip-hop, and sassy grooves. $5 will get the gents in to the south Wasbah Avenue venue.
http://www.theshrinechicago.com

Thursday night fever continues at Berlin with Stardust, courtesy of Scott Cramer and his clubland buddies of the now, and not so now. The Stardust team are joined at the decks by Acid Kidz (an electro/techno trio from Germany), and Broken Disco 1980 providing the opening salvo of sound. This is another new weekly venture, and for $5 to enter, sounds like another good reason to go out on Thursdays! Starts 10pm, west Belmont Avenue. http://www.berlinchicago.com/

Friday, August 13th

Two giants of clubland are on the same bill at Spy Bar tonight – Damian Lazarus, and Martin Landsky. Lazarus, from the UK, is known for his innovative techno, while Landsky keeps the pulse steady between house and tech. The two together equates to nothing except the best dance you can buy. $20 gets you into north Franklin Street, or $10 in advance from clubtix.net. 10pm start. http://www.spybarchicago.com

Over at Darkroom from 9pm they’re celebrating three years of existence with the Rude One who hosts The Goodness, a rap ‘n’ decks combo featuring the best of the new wave of high-end hip-hop with J-Zone, RTC of Rubyhornet.com, Pumpin’ Pete and Rude himself. $5 entry in west Chicago Avenue. http://www.darkroombar.com

If you like it “hard”, you need to be over at the HARD Summer Music Festival as festie fever continues at Congress Theater with a long-nighter featuring electro punk duo Crystal Castles. HARD celebrates all things electro, techno, heavy house, and dubstep with masses of bass, and a lively mix of bands and DJs. Also on the bill is Rusko, Sinden, the Twelves, Alex Zelenka, and festival promoter Gary Richards as Destructo. Congress Theater is in north Milwaukee Avenue. Tickets are $30, and you can be 17 and still get in. http://www.congresschicago.com/HomeComing.asp

A new Friday club event is kicking off tonight at Smart Bar courtesy of Kid Color. Palette is its name (in honor of the said Kid), and will be showcasing the latest trends in leftfield dance sounds. In Flagranti headline with their duo-based disco, dub, cosmic, and prog rock. Matt Roan is also doing his disco stuff, with Sparkletone and Kid Color providing their own swathes of audio colour. $12, or $10 before midnight, north Clark Street. From 10pm.  http://www.smartbarchicago.com/

Saturday, August 14th

The lovely Dani Deahl, Chicago’s very own electro babe, follows up her Lollapalooza appearance with this night of exotic Asian sultriness at Lumen. Decked appropriately with paper lanterns, Lumen’s waitresses will be playing Geisha-girls, while a Chinese dragon adds a touch of eastern glam in what sounds like an intimate, and sensual evening. But it won’t be the sounds of Asia filling the air with Deahl and Matt Roan behind the decks keeping the pulses racing with their electro-house. E-Six of the Crossfader Kings joins in the medley. 10pm start. The Lumen is at west Fulton Market. $20 on the door, or free all night with RSVP from dani@danideahl.com. http://www.lumen-chicago.com/

From Asia to Jamaica in Asia. Eh?

At the always heaving Rodan it’s Wayne Montana, and he’ll be laying down some reggae-dub at this Asian-themed venue (inspired by the Japanese cult movie sci-fi monster!) It’s a little bit different from your other choices in clubland – but no less fun and rewarding. It’s free too, and an earlier start from 8pm, north Milwaukee Avenue. http://www.rodan.ws

And then, to round off the weekend, it’s that foam paaaarty! we mentioned earlier.

Sunday, August 15th

Things start getting soapy at the Green Dolphin Street club from 3pm when a combination of 10 DJs and walls of foam six feet high will make this fun-filled event a welcome return of the foam bash to Chicago’s clubland itinerary. At this particular Car Wash are DJ Funk, Na Palm, Psycho Bitch, Dino G, Uncle Milty, Just Joey, and John Curley among others, spinning B-More, juke, house, techno and electro. So, if you’re heading to north Ashland Avenue you know what not to wear! You have been advised.
http://jazzitup.com/

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But there is also an exciting collection of the best of clubland, with many great acts spinning their stuff at the Perry arena. Check this lot out… 2ManyDJs, Empire of the Sun (full live band), Digitalism (DJ set), Kaskade, PerryEtty vs Chris Cox, Tiga, Felix Da Housecat, Rusko, Erol Alkan, Wolfgang Gartner, Dirty South, Flosstradamus, Joachim Garraud, J. Cole, Mexic, An Institute of Sound, Caspa, Peanut Butter Wolf, Kidz In The Hall, Chiddy Bang, NERVO, Beats Antique, Steve Porter, Didi Gutman of Brazilian Girls, Ancient Astronauts, Ana Sia, Felix Cartal, Team Bayside High, Dani Deahl, FreeSol, DJ Mel, BBU, Vonnegutt, Only Children, DJ Franco V, and Lance Herbstrong.

Lollapalooza is at Grant Park, and runs from 11am-10pm. Tickets are $90 per day, or $215 for a three day pass. Check out http://www.lollapalooza.com for details.

After parties are a must-have feature of festivals, and there are a couple to choose from on Friday night. So, if you had your dance buds tickled during the day by some certain acts in particular, you may be able to get another dose in the evening/early morning.

Friday, August 6th

At Spy Bar there’s a possee of top spinners hitting the decks for you to hit the floor, with a mix of indie dance, hip-hop, and electro, techno and house. The lineup includes A-Trak, Holy Ghost, Treasure Fingers, Peanut Butter Wolf, and Mayer Hawthorne. $20 gets you in to north Franklin Street, or go to clubtix.net and grab yourself a $12 entry bargain. 10pm start. http://www.spybarchicago.com

Meanwhile, at Sound Bar, west Ontario Street, fellow spinners Chromeo, will be mixing it with Perry Farrell, Caspa, and the Ancient Astronauts. Producer Steve Porter will also be in attendance, with Franco V, and local jocks Dark Wave Disco, and Brad Owen. Entry is $20 on the night, or $15 at www.sound-bar.com

It’s party time at Chicago Urban Arts Society tonight, with Mod being the operative word. For an evening of top notch soul, funk, and Mod, with guests Dirty Diamonds performing live, Maddjazz, Black Automatic, British Knights, and Rebel!Rebel! keeping the grooves keen, and the floor mean. This Black and White Soul Party kicks off at 9pm in south Halsted Street. Tickets are $10, but if you stroll up in your 60s best mod fashion, or formal wear, $5 is all you will part with. http://www.chicagourbanartsociety.org

For those who are still in rock ‘n’ roll mode, it might be worth wending your way to The Continental on west Chicago Avenue at 10pm for a bit of monster mash-up of rare, and early, rock ‘n’ roll, psychedelic, and pre-punk offerings. Kevin and Ethan from the Mannequin Men are doing the honors behind the console. Free to enter.

Saturday, August 7th

The Lollapalooza after-party vibe continues at Vision in north Dearborn Street, with JFK (of indie-electro rock outfit MSTRKRFT), Wolfgang Gartner (tech-house), Felix Cartel (house), and local faves Dark Wave Disco, and Midnight Conspiracy. From 10pm. Tickets are $20, or $15 in advance from wanttickets.com/vision. http://www.visionnightclub.com/

And then, all the way from Britain, mellow electro-guitar combo The xx will be releasing frontman Jamie xx following their earlier stint at Grant Park to mix his own brand of club grooves, with partners in sound N.A.S.A, and Jaun MacLean. The xx DJ set begins at 10pm at Beauty Bar, west Chicago Avenue, and $5 gets you in. http://www.beautybar.com

Sunday, August 8th

And it’s amazing whichever way you look.

Over at Lincoln Hall rocking electro duo Digitalism (from Germany) are showcasing their special brand of punky-dance, with guests Skyler Mendoza, Willy Joy (of Fly By Night), Chicago’s very own Midnight Conspiracy, and disco-based just.one.duran.  $20 in advance, $25 on the door in north Lincoln Avenue. From 9pm. http://www.lincolnhallchicago.com

The after-party of all after-parties is to be found at Debonair Social Club (north Milwaukee Avenue) tonight, when Chicago’s favorite son Felix Da Housecat heads the electro lineup, and is joined by Virgin Tears (California), and for the third-night in a row in our column – Dark Wave Disco, and Team Bayside High. Check out http://www.debonairsocialclub.com for more details. From 9pm.

A different groove can be sought at Green Dolphin Street with a sensational night of dubstep which is increasingly becoming a clubland sound many want to chill out to. On the bill tonight is Skream (from Croydon, London), who is joined by 12th Planet, and Pablo Hassan. Opening the night of dub from 10pm is Juan Basshead (Miami), and Richie August (of Furthersound). Tickets are $15, or $12 before midnight.
http://jazzitup.com/

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From Thursday right through until Sunday, the House of Sol 2010 street fest will be filling the air with great music courtesy of the likes of headliners Luis Segura (Thurs), DJ crew Ghetto Division (Fri), Terry Hunter, Stacy Kidd (Sat), and Johnny Fiasco, and Lego (Sun).  It’s literally a free House party, yeehar! It takes place from Wood Street to Kedzie Avenue in the heart of Italy/Little Italy/Pilsen, and starts from 5pm Thursday.

While on Saturday (& Sunday), from noon, the turntables will start spinning at the 2010 Wicker Park Fest, with a fantastic line-up of dance-music proponents to get the  town cooking on electro. Evil Olive has organised the center stage action with acts such as the newly formed Loose Change alliance (which includes Moneypenny, Team Bayside High, Hollywood Holt, Only Children, Gemini Club, and Kid Color). The dynamic Blah Blah Blah open the day, and L.A. Riots bring it to a close at 10pm. Highlights for Sunday are John Simmons, Matt Roan, Zebo, and the Hood Internet. The fest is situated between Wood Street, and North Avenue. $5 is a suggested “donation” with which to gain entry. There are three stages in total, with lots of food, arts, crafts, and fun for kids.

The full line-up of music is as follows:

Saturday:  (South Stage) Holy F*ck, BoomBox, Auto Body, The Gaslamp Killer, Signal Path, Tokimonsta, Prepschool, Alex B. (North Stage) Cap’n Jazz, Mission Of Burma, Native, Morning Teleportation, Pinebender, Indian, Big Science. (Center Stage) LA Riots, Moneypenny, Bayside High, Hollywood Holt, Only Children, Gemini Club, Kid Color, Blah Blah Blah   
                                                                           
Sunday: (South Stage) fun, Plants & Animals, Van Ghost, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights, B.S. Brass Band, JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, Jamie McLean Band, Save the Clocktower, DJ Lou Dooben. (North Stage) Baroness, Torche, Yakuza Arkestra, Gringo Star, Happy Birthday, Residual Echoes, Beings. (Center Stage) Local H, The Hood Internet, The Hard Lessons, Zebo, Oh My God, Matt Roan, Shapers, John Simmons, California Wives.

So that’s the outdoors selection, what about inside?

Friday, July 30th

Neo nightclub welcomes New York dynamo Eli Escobar, and his unbeatable sways of nudisco, 80s new wave, Bmore, house, and hip-hop: it’s a recent blinding blend that has been appealing to dance-music-lovers of all ages across the nation’s club floors. Opening the gig is Chicago’s own stars Farley Jackmaster Funk, and Jesse De La Pena.$10 gets you in after midnight, $5 before the witching hour, and it’s free before 11pm. The fun begins at 10pm, north Clark Street. http://www.neo-chicago.com

If you’re into rock-based dance, then The Burlington will be worth checking out. Resident laptop sound-masters from Bar DeVille’s Backroom parties are tapping out their unique brand of dance tonight. The “Three Stooges” are Brock of the Beta Theta, Marc Miller, and Charles Worthington. It’s free to get in, West Fullerton Avenue, from 10pm.

In complete contrast comes Lono Brazil and his never-ending thirst for originality, and creativity…and disco-boogie-future sounds which has been described as “mind boggling”, yet is captivating, enthralling, and best of all, infectiously body-moving. Brazil created the Disco Unusual Social Club which has been such a big hit with party-loving clubbers at Danny’s, and Simone’s. Tonight he’s at rodan, north Milwaukee Avenue from 10pm. And it’s free. http://www.rodan.ws
Saturday, July 31st

The Wicker Fest party tumbles through into Double Door after 10pm with beat conjurors Eliot Lipp, Alex B, Gaslamp Killer, Signal Path, and Thibault keeping the tempo just how we like it: techno/electro/hip-dub-funky. It’s a stellar line-up, from all corners of the US, and guaranteed to hit the right grooves. $18-$20 gets you in, north Milwaukee Avenue.

Hitting a different, but no less groovy groove, is Dance Syndrome at the Butterfly Social Club. It’s their one-year anniversary, and helping everyone celebrate is Daniel Crane with his ”live” percussion set. This is a Latin-themed event with salsa, samba, batucada, Latin jazz, baile funk, and electronic variations. Christian Vera, and Caswell James are at the turnies. It’s free all night to enter, from 9pm, west Grand Avenue. http://www.butterflysocialclub.com

And this Latin, sexy feel leads us nicely to enclave who are offering a very enticing proposition for a sultry Saturday eve by staging A Midsummer Night’s Lingerie Ball. Yes, you read that right. Lingerie. The hosts would like you to strip down to your barest necessities mainly because they don’t want their guests to feel under-dressed. Why’s that? Because their guests are none other than three of Playboy’s most delectable playmates Kara Monaco (top bunny 2006); Tiffany Selby (Miss July 07); and Valerie mason (Miss September 08). Oh yes, what about the music? Well there will be some,and that will be provided by Jordan V, and Whizz Kid to get the blood pumping even more with some high-energy House. From 10pm, west Chicago Avenue. $20 gets you in…but don’t all rush at once, you don’t want to cause a stampede!http://www.enclavechicago.com 

And keeping the “sexy” theme going (very loosely of course), we finish with One Night Stand at the Metro. This 18+ event is billed as a pre-Lollapalooza party, with a lively line-up including Jokers of the Scene (Fools Gold’s musical comedians), Team Bayside High, DJs from the Moneypenny stable, and Midnight Conspiracy. There’s photo fun with Glitter Guts, and EveryOneIsFamous, and  videos by Hey Cliché. $10 gets you in, north Clark Street, though entry is free if you can get your hands on a special wristband from Adidas Originals store, 923 north Rush. 10pm start, north Clark Street. http://www.metrochicago.com

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Well, he’s not actually here until Saturday, so you will have to wait a second, and see what’s happening on Friday first!

Friday, July 23rd

New to this rejuvenated editorial page on Chicago Night Life, we are proud to introduce the Empty Bottle nightclub. Situated in north Western Avenue, the bottlers have been pulling out all the stops giving local Chicago clubbers a real drenching of great dance since 1993. This Friday is no exception when the doors open, and in step the crew of the Windy City Soul Club. They boast the “best rare soul DJs in Chicago”, who come together to create the “best party this city has ever seen.” Specializing in Northern Soul (which originated in Wigan, England in the 1970s), the WCSC get their classic vinyl out, and spin some wicked Motown-influenced gems from regional hits, to sing-along faves. $5 gets you in from 10pm, with the serious tail-shaking beginning around midnight, taking you through to 3am. Can you stand the pace? Well there’s only one way to find out isn’t there? And, oh yes, if you happen to be a bit of a die-hard Soul freak, then you will know what to wear. http://www.emptybottle.com

We are also happy to welcome another new club to these pages – Circuit based in north Halsted Street. This Friday, they are hosting a fun-packed, bedroom-inspired session in the guise of Party Monster’s Pajama Party! Sexy undies, or bell-bottomed jammies? That’s up to you, but if you ever needed a better reason to have a great party and get mingling with friends in your lounge-arounds, then take a look at who’s going to be behind the decks this evening – two of clublands greatest jocks: the “godfather” Ashley Beedle from London, and Chicago’s very own Michael Serafini. Now regular readers of this page might think we feature Mr Serafini quite a lot – but it’s not our fault he happens to be everywhere we look! There’s no escaping him, and, to his credit, he just happens to be at all the best raves. Sharing the limelight tonight with Beedle & Serafini are Screamin Rachael, Trax Party Dancers, Party Monster Live Band featuring Jammin J & Jo-Jo Baby. $10 gets you in from 10pm to midnight, $15 after that. http://www.circuitclub.com

With so much happening on Friday, you can see now why we made you wait before announcing Saturday’s star turn event! But without further ado, here he is…

Saturday, July 24th

At Vision, the one and only, for one night only, the mighty, splendiferous, multi award-winning Christopher Lawrence! Although Christopher has been around for a while, his popularity has steadily rocketed him skywards, and he currently stands at No. 4 in the world of DJs in a recent DJ Magazine poll. Born in the USA, Christopher has achieved worldwide recognition and respect on the dance scene which was once dominated by European, and UK talent. But now our home-grown star is right up with the best, satisfying clubbers wherever he goes with his tough techno trance. Always pushing the limits, the introduction of Christopher’s website set the benchmark for online DJs, and in the late 90s he established himself as one of the nation’s biggest-selling DJs when over 250,000 copies of his mix CDs were gobbled up following a string of record-breaking releases such as ‘Rise’, ‘Temptation’, ‘United States of Trance’, and ‘Around the World’. In the words of his publicity team, “In the world of international dance culture, there are DJs who are leaders, and those who are followers. Christopher Lawrence is a true leader.” Catch him here at Vision, tonight with friends RJ Pickens & Andrew Cox, and Cook DJ. Check out Christopher’s website at www.christopherlawrence.com
$15 gets you in to Vision via www.wantickets.com/vision, or $10 if you apply for a special RSVP ticket for entry before midnight.

If that wasn’t enough excitement, Chicago Night Life is again thrilled to welcome some new clubs to our humble domain, and another great legend of the dancefloor spinners.

At Double Door, north Milwaukee Avenue, DJ disco/house stalwart Danny Krivit from New York will be performing along with soul-voice sensation Peven Everett, and iconic local jock Ron Trent. On the scene since 1971, Krivit still knows how to impress with his mind-blowing archive of great vinyl, and mixes. They have all come together tonight for our delight in celebration of The Silver Room’s 8th Anniversary Sound System Block Party. Tickets $15, seats at $25. From 10pm. http://www.doubledoor.com/

If you fancy something more boom & bassy, then get your feet down to our fourth new featured club of this week: Café Lura, which also happens to be based in north Milwaukee Avenue. Tonight, Café Lura are hosting FurtherSound’s Tenth Anniversary Party in celebration of…well, FurtherSound’s decade of dominance in Chicago clubland with their provision of quality dubstep, and drum ‘n’ bass. Behind the turnies tonight are Hulk a.k.a Richie August & Claw, RSK & Ruckus, as well as drum ‘n’ bassers Brandon S., Ciro, Lamebrane, and MF. $10 gets you in, or apply for a special RSVP to rsvp@furthersound.com and gain entry for $5. http://www.cafelura.com

Now, lastly, but not leastly, new club number 5 is The Burlington, of 3425 west Fullerton Avenue, who are hosting Only Children: Mister Wolf’s Teeth, which sounds intriguing, and might be worth a visit considering it’s free to get in! The link is that Mr Wolf is actually part of DJ crew Only Children (along with Bald E, and Dinoscopy). Tonight, he’s billed on his own, spinning funk, soul, disco, and hipster beats, although rumours abound that some of his pals will be putting in an appearance. From 10pm.

Phew!

Until next week, spread the word about Chicago Night Life, or drop us a line as we would love to hear of your experiences if you have been sampling any of the clubs we have been featuring.

All the best, and have a great weekend…

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Or maybe people just won’t bother going home to bed? Or maybe they will have decided to stay in bed because they have sore throats from all the shouting and laughing at the Pitchfork Music (and Comedy) Fest?

Or perhaps they will still be under the spell of the mesmerising Clockwork Vaudeville?

Only you will know, and we would love to hear your stories after this weekend’s adventures, so why not drop us a line?

But as well as these large events, there is still plenty of traditional boogie dance action to be had in the heart of Chicago clubland during the rest of the weekend…

Friday, July 16th

Dishing out the “punishment” at Rodan is soul lover Supreme Court, who will be spinning hit-after-hit from his substantial vinyl archive. You won’t have to pay a hefty “fine” either to get in to hear him pass sentence, as entry is free in north Milwaukee Avenue tonight. From 10pm. www.rodan.com

Meanwhile, at Enclave a special performance by one of the hottest rising rappers in the country will be in progress when Shwayze and Whitestarr frontman Cisco Adler bring their brand of “chill-hop” from California to Chicago. Fresh from their success on MTV’s reality show “Buzzin’” and three chart-climbing singles from their debut album, Shwayze blends a summertime beach vibe with beats that will bring down the loft-turned-club. Also includes a private cocktail reception for ticket holders from 8:30-10:30 p.m. Tickets: $20, or $15 in advance through www.fanfueled.com

At Smart Bar, trendsetting, jet-setting LA duo Classixx will be performing a session from their much-talked about indie/electronica fusion of house, and Balearic. Scotty Brandon of Chicago Workgroup, and local hero Michael Serafini get the evening cranked up with their own special brand of megabeats. Tickets into the north Clark Street venue: $13, before midnight $10. www.smartbarchicago.com

Saturday, July 17th

For those who are into “steampunk”, an evening of Clockwork Vaudeville must surely be too good to miss. For that is what is being offered at Exit tonight with this amazing, must-see, must-experience gothic dance party. DJ Joseph Vourteque IV will be keeping the floor in a trancelike state with Jules Verne-like friends Mr Automatic, and DJ Wyser, mixing all things EBM, industrial, and No Wave, with a little punk-blues thrown into the Bunsen burner mix for some steady electro beats with a rocking rhythm. Kentucky DJs the Chaotic Good will also be putting their velvet gloves to the decks, with the added entertainment of hypnotist C. Morley, plus dance performers, and magic acts. Phew! That can spell one thing – a freakily good night. Starts in west North Avenue from 9pm, and is free too. http://exitchicago.com/

But if Victorian fantasy is not your scene, then there is plenty of fantastic contemporary dance sounds to be enjoyed with groovemeister Demchuk at Subterranean for his every-third-Saturday regular stint. Demchuk is cool because he really mixes it up, and caters for all tastes from indie dance to B-more to glitch house, and everything in between. Joining Demchuk are British Knights, and guests. Entry is $5 at this west North Avenue club, but free before midnight! Starts 10pm.

Sunday, July 18th

In case you were not aware of it yet today is Chicago V-Live day, and promises to be a stunning occasion with over 30 Midwest DJs manning the decks, including Chicago’s very own Ron Carroll.

But topping the bill is shining star Steve Aoki. Better known as Kid Millionaire, he is the man behind Dim Mak Records, and is the man we should thank for giving us Bloc Party, The Kills, and re-mixed classics from The Killers, Michael Jackson, and Lenny Kravitz. Aoki has also enjoyed high-profile collaborations with Armand van Helden, Laidback Luke, and Afrojack. Aoki has a debut album out soon featuring Lil Jon, Kid Cudi, and will.i.am of “I’m In The House” fame.

Other jocks showing us what they can do include house veteran Ron Carroll, electro staples Midnight Conspiracy, and local gurus DJ Rozz, Keith Mackenzie, DJ Jslay, Matthew Midnite, Orvtronixx, and many more.

V-Live takes place in north Milwaukee Avenue from 9pm-4am. Tickets are limited, and priced at $20 from:
http://www.globaladrenaline.net/Events/V+Live+071810?eventId=1494
Check out www.globaladrenaline.net for full details.

However, this weekend is not only about club & dance, but live music too, and we are pleased to give a shout to the 3-day Music Festival that will be rocking Union Park from Friday.

Yes, it’s the

Pitchfork Music Festival

And there’s good news for all Pitchfork Music Festival Fans!! Although Saturday and Sunday tickets have been sold out for weeks, and Friday will be gone very soon, the organizers are releasing a limited number of tickets that you can buy in person at Union Park on Thursday, July 15th.

The box office will be open from 11 am to 6 pm on Ashland Ave, in the middle of Union Park. First come, first serve, cash only, while supplies last.

Throughout the weekend, Union Park is staging the massive Pitchfork Music (and Comedy) Festival, with the new high-flying mega act LCD Soundsystem taking centre stage on Saturday night.

The festival runs from Friday 3pm–10pm. Saturday, and Sunday from noon till close, at the venue in west Randolph Street, at the corner of Ashland, and Lake.

The Pitchfork Music Festival is a three-day event showcasing over 40 of independent music’s best bands and artists on three stages. With so many blockbuster festivals gouging their attendees out of absolutely obscene sums of money, only to confine them in uncomfortable, tight spaces and skimp on basic necessities, our goal is to do the right thing: That is, to create a reasonably priced summer music festival that provides an overwhelmingly positive, comfortable and fun festival experience for both attendees and musicians.

Of interest to clubbers will be Swedish sensation Robyn on Friday with his electro pop; the dirty boogie sounds of DaM-FunK, and Balearic jams of Delorean on Saturday; and the futuro-dancehall of major Lazer is Sunday’s one to see.

We believe most tickets for the whole weekend have been sold, but that there are still Single Day Passes on offer. Tickets: Single Day passes are $40, Three-day passes are $90

This is the line-up:

Friday July 16 (gates at 3 p.m.):

3:30 Sharon Van Etten (a)
4:00 The Tallest Man on Earth (c)
4:35 El-P (a)
5:30 Liars (c)
5:45 Hannibal Buress (b)
6:25 Robyn (a)
6:30 Wyatt Cenac (b)
7:15 Michael Showalter (b)
7:20 Broken Social Scene (c)
8:00 Eugene Mirman (b)
8:30 Modest Mouse (a)

Saturday July 17 (gates at 12 p.m.):

1:00 Free Energy (a)
1:00 Netherfriends (b)
1:45 Real Estate (c)
1:55 Sonny & the Sunsets (b)
2:30 Delorean (a)
2:50 Kurt Vile (b)
3:20 Titus Andronicus (c)
3:45 Dâm-Funk (b)
4:15 Raekwon (a)
4:45 Smith Westerns (b)
5:15 The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion (c)
5:45 WHY? (b)
6:15 Wolf Parade (a)
6:45 Bear in Heaven (b)
7:25 Panda Bear (c)
7:40 Freddie Gibbs (b)
8:30 LCD Soundsystem (a)

Sunday July 18 (gates at 12 p.m.):

1:00 Allá (a)
1:00 Cave (b)
1:45 Cass McCombs (c)
1:55 Best Coast (b)
2:30 Girls (a)
2:50 Washed Out (b)
3:20 Beach House (c)
3:45 Local Natives (b)
4:15 Lightning Bolt (a)
4:45 Surfer Blood (b)
5:15 St. Vincent (c)
5:45 Here We Go Magic (b)
6:15 Major Lazer (a)
6:45 Neon Indian (b)
7:25 Big Boi (c)
7:40 Sleigh Bells (b)
8:30 Pavement (a)

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Friday, July 10th

A Big Bash for DJ Trancid is going down at Darkroom tonight, featuring no less than 10 DJs doing battle on six turntables, and two mixers. Clubbers are in for a massive treat of beats as Transid’s buddies from Dark Wave Disco lock horns with Kid Color, Danny the Wildchild, Team Bayside High, Zebo, Michael Serafini, Nando, Eddir Riot, and Perfect Kiss. Starts at 9pm, free before 11pm, $5 after that. http://www.darkroombar.com

If hip-hop, neo-soul, funk, and house are your scene, then it don’t get no funkier than at the Funky Buddha Lounge. The west Grand Avenue venue plays host this week to DJs Word & Mark Fullaflava who will be keeping the big beats sweet, and slinky, from 9pm. Tickets are $10, but free if you RSVP to rsvp@funkybuddha.com. Check http://www.funkybuddha.com for further details.

Chicago’s very own clubland legends Mel Hammond & Michael Serafini take over Neo tonight for a full-on session of major roof-raising dance sounds to suit all tastes. Inspired by classic nights at the Warehouse, and other landmark venues across the States, this is a new monthly rave guaranteed to get satisfy your feverish party soul. 9pm start, $5 gets you into the north Clark Street joint. http://www.neo-chicago.com

If you’re looking for a mellower gyration take your steps to One Love at the Butterfly Social Club on west Grand Avenue, and let Papa G satisfy the soles of your dancing feet with his dub, reggae, and a little dancehall to flavor the party. Starts at 9pm, and is free. http://www.butterflysocialclub.com

Saturday, July 10th

Highlight of the weekend has to be the 2-day West Fest street festival taking place between Wood Street, and Damen Avenue in Ukrainian Village/West Town. Chicago DJs are peppering the event from 1pm with the likes of Justin Reed, The Come Ups, Pickel, and Intel. Mark Gertz (of Dark Wave), Miguel Martin, and Zebo also feature. Headlining, though, is out-of-town trio The Rapture. There is no ticket price as such – though a donation of $5 is suggested as a reasonable price for this totally wicked West Fest feast of dance.

Later on the party feeling goes into overdive at Lincoln Hall with Delorean Nights which promises to be one helluva gathering with plenty of swish, and swagger judging by the list of DJs lining up to get your rhythmic needs juiced, and motoring. Midnight Conspiracy are leading from the front, and will be joined by One Man Party (one-half of the much-vaunted Belgian duo Soulwax). Following in their tracks with spins of their own are Skyler, and Broken Disco 1980. The photobooth of Glitter Guts will also be in situ to add to the fun. $15 gets you in on the night, or $10 if you book in advance. http://www.lincolnhallchicago.com

The party fever continues at Smart Bar where another of those legends we were talking about gets everyone feeling good with his rich house sounds. Derrick Carter of course, who has become an integral part of clubland folklore. He’s here at the Smart Bar for a residency under promoters Classic Recordings, and is joined by UK protégé Luke Solomon. $15 gets you to the north Clark Street club, $12 before midnight.

But if you don’t fancy seeing Derrick on Saturday or you want to catch him in action again, then check out the second instalment of the 2-day West Fest happening between Wood Street, and Damen Avenue.

Sunday, July 11th

The West Fest DJ Stage will be in full swing again from 1pm – but this time the sets all come from local Chicago talent only in the guise of Striz, John Simmons, The Beat Giants, John Mork, Diz, and of course Derrick Carter, and no doubt many more. There is no entry fee – but $5 is suggested as a donation, which has to be a good deal for this day of truly sensational clubdance in a street festival scene. It’s simply too good too miss.

Special Announcement

In case you were not aware of it yet – next week, Sunday, July 18th features top event Chicago V-Live, and promises to be a stunning rave with over 30 Midwest DJs manning the decks, including Chicago’s very own Ron Carroll. But topping the bill is shining star Steve Aoki. Better known as Kid Millionaire, he is the man behind Dim Mak Records, and is the man we should thank for giving us Bloc Party, The Kills, and re-mixed classics from The Killers, Michael Jackson, and Lenny Kravitz. Aoki has also enjoyed high-profile collaborations with Armand van Helden, Laidback Luke, and Afrojack. Aoki has a debut album out soon featuring Lil Jon, Kid Cudi, and will.i.am of “I’m In The House” fame.

V-Live takes place in north Milwaukee Avenue from 9pm-4am. Tickets are limited, and priced at $20 from: http://www.globaladrenaline.net/Events/V+Live+071810?eventId=1494

Check out www.globaladrenaline.net for full details.

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DJ legend Armin van Buuren comes to Chicago tonight to show us what he’s made of after 15 years in clubland…but the chances are you won’t be able to see him! Tickets have already sold out, proving that the Old Dutch Master can still wow the young crowds with his trance, electro and rock mixes. At $40 a pop, it’s possible you wouldn’t fancy it anyway, but we couldn’t let this weekend pass without giving Mr van Buuren a shout in honor of his longevity on the dance scene. He’s at Vision on north Dearborn Street, from 9pm just for your information. You could always wander by, you never know he might sign a CD for you if you can’t get in. http://www.visionnightclub.com/

However, if you still feel like splashing out this Independence Day weekend for your dance fix, the Soldier Field might be the place for you. It’s a megablast of top dance and electro on the south-east corner of stadium green, with Toronto-based Deadmau5 headlining a storm-making list of live dance that also features Brazilian Girls, and Designer Drugs. Deadmau assembles tracks on the fly utilising the latest cutting edge technology, and self-designed software. It’s an approach that has catapaulted Deadmau (Joel Zimmerman) onto the A-list of live dance exponents, enhancing his growing reputation as the most exciting name in clubland. Other acts on the bill are: Ghetto Division, Willy Joy, Team Bayside High, Midnight Conspiracy and more. Tickets are $35 in advance, moving to $40-45 on the day, with $65 if you want a seat (but we can’t see that happening!). 6pm start. Enjoy!

If you don’t fancy getting caught up in this electro-dance storm tonight, then Rodan might be more suiting your groove. The Mash Up is free to enter, with Josh Deep of Deeper Soul Recordings and Kennedy Ashinze of local clothing boutique Casa de Soul keeping things worldly, soulful, and the afrobeat, sweet. Boogie of the highest plane guaranteed. From 9pm in north Milwaukee Avenue. http://www.rodan.ws

The storm may have passed come Saturday, but the dance wave continues…

Saturday, July 3rd

Reggae, ska, lovers rock, dubplate, roots, and vibraphonic dancehall abound in a heady mix of Jamaican sounds at the Darkroom’s Tidal Wave party. Slacky J is headlining this monthly bassbomb jam touted as the “biggest dancehall party in the midwest”. $8 gets you into the west Chicago Avenue bash, unless you get there before 11pm when entry is free. http://www.darkroombar.com

But perhaps you are up for something a little different? Then why not get into an alternative tide zone, and try out the basement groove at Debonair Social Club for some slick hip electro, “booty bass”, and dance remixes. $5 on the door, 9pm start in north Milwaukee Avenue. http://www.debonairsocialclub.com

But if you really want to let your hair down, there’s a wave of love to be found at the Hideout Dance Party. Billed as a “polysexual” event, DJ combo Chances Dances will be keeping the surf bright with full-on indie to suit the mainly lesbian, gay, bisexual congregation. As the hosts tell us, “Chances Dances is a dance party that attempts to bring together the LGBTIQ communities and cliques across queer Chicago. All gender expressions are welcome.” $5 gets you into the splash in west Wabansia Avenue. http://www.hideoutchicago.com

Whether you’ve got your own party swinging to celebrate our great day of national independence or looking for a place to go, regular Sunday residencies will keep the party going…

Sunday, July 4th

MadonnaRama at Berlin is the perfect venue for party mood, and dance, with DJ Riley York bigging up the Holiday Girl with his own special blend of mixes, classics, vids, and vinyl rarities. Starts at 10pm, for free, in west Belmont Avenue. http://www.berlinchicago.com Or for just $2 you can go disco-crazy at the Smart Bar with top jocks Kid Color & Michael Serafini at the north Clark Street venue. 10pm start. Last, but no means least, if you get your sneakers down to Betty’s Blue Star Lounge on west Grand Avenue before midnight, you won’t have to pay $5 to get in, and you will be able to enjoy Real House Music courtesy of Sean Smith of Smooth Agent Records, and his exploration of the more soulful side of House. Guest spinners alternate weekly between Jesse De La Pena & Stacey Kidd. From 10.30pm

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