Thursday, February 9^th

Scarlet Bar, North Halsted Street: Chi’s gay and lesbian community can enjoy a pop infused adult frat party at Scarlet Bar this Thursday. Styled specifically s a reminder of glorious if hazy college days, Frathouse Thursday is advertised as “the gay frat party you wish you’d had in your youth”. Beer pong, pop and dance tunes and a crowded dance floor will keep your booty shaking until the sun comes up.

Friday, February 10^th

Sound Bar, West Ontario Street: Sound Bar in the River North neighborhood is, as always, the gracious host of Release Fridays. Every party animal’s weekly destination, Release Fridays feature live sets to keeping the club rocking until the early hours. This Friday, Dannyboy, Victor R, Technique and Billy the Kid are the DJs in charge of the decks so you’re guaranteed an eclectic mix of hip hop, dance, techno, progressive trance and electro. The cover’s $20 but free entry is available before midnight with a valid RSVP.

Empire Liquors, North Milwaukee Avenue: This Friday, DJ Hiroki will be spinning the tunes at Empire Liquors. Chicago’s own, he has been on the local scene for more than a decade and knows how to work the crowd. With hip hop, house and chill out tunes firm favorites, the club atmosphere is guaranteed to be jumping until 2am. There is no cover to get in and regular drinks deals that offer value for your Friday night.

Saturday, February 11^th

Late Bar, West Belmont Avenue: Dave Roberts Planet Earth has found its permanent home at Late Bar after playing various clubs like Neo and Club Foot around the world and Chi clubgoers can take full advantage this Saturday. If you have never been before then now is as good a time as any. Open until 5am, you can get your fill of new wave, alternative and post punk so whether you want to lounge at the bar or strut your stuff on the dance floor, you can do it with some groovy tunes pumping out.

Smart Bar, North Clark Street: The living legend DJ Derrick Carter needs no introduction. A central figure in the second wave of Chicago house music, his live sets always get the club pumping and create a buzz that lasts until the sun comes up. With Carter manning the booth for the duration, spirits will be high and the club will be jumping all night long. The cover is $10 before midnight and $15 after so party away your Saturday night with a little classic house culture.

Related posts:

1. Nigerian Pop, Russian Electro, US Techno & A Whole Bunch More…It All Gets Tasty In Chi This Weekend!
2. Rock, Pop, Soul, Funk, Techno, Electro, Italo Disco, Reggae, House ‘n’ Acid…You Name It, It’s All Here This Weekend!
3. Wow What A Mix!Political Rap, Zombies, Bowie-ness and New Dubstep Aura’s…it’s all here this weekend in Chi!

Wednesday, February 1st

Paris Club, West Hubbard Street: If you’re a fan of infectious electro dance-pop then this party tonight will tickle you pink we think as the Paris Club welcomes the hugely popular indie band Passion Pit for a DJ set that will no doubt offer a real-good feel-good time. Undeniably catchy but with wonderful over layered synths and ska-like off-beat the Passion Pit have created their own niche sound on the back of seven months hard work grafting and forging in practices during formation in 2007. Their YouTube hits are now in the millions and it’s not hard to see why this band who took their name from the slang for drive-in movie theatres is so big with hipsters and reviewers alike. Oh and their remixes for Katy Perry and Bruno Mars among others aren’t half bad either. From 9pm. Prior booking required. See studioparis.com for details.

Friday, February 3rd

Smart Bar, North Clark Street: The sensational Balearic and Italo-Disco of Belgium’s Aeroplane may now be delivered solo by Vito De Luca following the departure of co-founder Stephen Fasano, but the fantastic party vibe the DJ duo-remix-kings once created lives on triumphantly through Vito and he’s here tonight for a gig no one who digs dis should miss. Excellent fun, tremendous tracks with first class support from Chi’s very own Kid Color. From 10pm, $13 or $10 before the witching hour.

The Mid, North Halsted Street: It’s an all-star techno cast behind the DJ decks at The Mid tonight featuring the icon of Detroit’s “second wave” of techno artists, the jazz-soul inspired creations of Carl Craig, accompanied by classically-trained pianist Francesco Tristano and minimalist Moritz Von Oswald (from Berlin) for a top-notch slice of live trance-like chill-rave brilliance. Setting the tone early doors is Adam Beyer and his “Stockholm sound” and the deeper resonances of Ida Engberg. If this was disco they’d be shouting, “Oh, what a night!” in that Frankie Valli sort of way. From 10pm, $20 with discounts ahead of time from clubtix.com.

Funky Buddha Lounge, West Grand Avenue: It’s the start of the month and that can only mean one thing this Friday night – you have a date with First Friday Nite Live! As always, the Funky Buddha Lounge will be rocking with hip tunes and no cover to get in. The incredibly funky and talented Flyboy DJ Word will be at the helm and seeing you through to the early hours. With $5 rum and coke, $6 Don Julio shots and $7 Patron shots, it is the place to be to have a drink and a laugh with your friends this Friday.

Sound Bar, West Ontario Street: club in the River North neighborhood, Sound Bar is, as always, the gracious host of Release Fridays. Every party animal’s weekly destination, Release Fridays attract awesome DJs to keep the club happening until the early hours. This Friday, Dannyboy, Victor R, Technique and Billy the Kid are the DJs in charge of the decks so you’re guaranteed tunes to die for. The cover’s $20 but free entry is available before midnight, or $10 after, if you RSVP

Beauty Bar, West Chicago Avenue: If you’re looking for something different this weekend then this may well be your event. Hosted by locals John Wawrszazek (Two Cookie Minimum) and Mason Johnson (P. Fanatics), the Chicago Zine Fest Punk Rock Karaoke Benefit is exactly what the name suggests – a karaoke night to fundraise for Chicago Zine Fest. You can get in for just $5 and sing the night way to the likes of The Ramones, Sex Pistols, Billy Idol, The Clash, Bikini Kill and all your other favorites.

Saturday, February 4th

Metro, North Clark Street: The title of this party says it all – ‘Glitter Guts Dance Punk Circus’. In other words expect glorious steampunk wackiness flecked with circus-inspired themes. Music and mayhem comes from White Mystery (a brother/sister duo); electro from Perfect Kiss and Clique Talk; DJ sets from Mr. Bobby, Eddie Riot and Mr. Automatic; bizzaro acts from Pure Magical Love and Environmental Encroachment…with of course the photo booth hosts Glitter Guts doing what they do best…and judging by the popularity of their other recent parties at Beauty Bar and Lincoln Hall, the fun will be just as awesome. From 8pm, $10, or $6 for advance booking. 18+.

Late Bar, West Belmont Avenue: Dave Roberts Planet Earth – the must go staple of the Chi music scene – is on at Late Bar on Saturday. It’s been going at its permanent home for some time now so if you have never been before then now is as good a time as any. Open until 5am, you will find the best selections of new wave, alternative and post punk right here so whether you want to lounge at the bar or strut your stuff on the dance floor, you can do it with some excellent tunes pumping out.

Sunday, February 5th

Evil Olive, West Division Street: As every good club entrepreneur knows, the key to success is never to remain complacent or set in your ways…so say hello to Evil Olive’s new Sunday food/dance party ‘Nachos y Muchachos’ that offers something a little bit different that has “new trend” written all over it. From 10pm you get the chance to savor some rare and eclectic flicks while delighting the palate with an all-you-can-eat $5 nacho-bar before DJs Zebo and Phenom get the decks cranked up for some midnight till late clubland beats. Sounds just right for a Sunday night to me! From 10pm. Free to enter.

Related posts:

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2. Wow What A Mix!Political Rap, Zombies, Bowie-ness and New Dubstep Aura’s…it’s all here this weekend in Chi!
3. Suave, Groovy, and Live! Everyone’s A Winner Babe In Clubland Chi This Weekend!

That is definitely the theme of the week as birthdays, anniversaries and tributes reverberate throughout Chi from Thursday onwards. And when you have such a fine and diverse selection of DJs, live acts and artists to choose from it really is partymania time. So have a look, make your choice, but rest assured that wherever you go and whoever you see you are in for one helluva good time! Guaranteed.

Thursday, January 19th

Smart Bar, North Clark Street: They’re giving out the right ‘Signal’ on Thursday nights from now on at the Smart when each week new DJs on the scene step forth to lay down their wares and if the line-ups are going to feature the likes of Pearson Sound from the UK then these gigs are destined for greatness. Pearson Sound (also known as Ramadanman) is the latest hot vibe though his sound is cool, low-end, techy, house-flecked, yet uniquely different…which is why he is so hot! From 10pm, $12, or $10 before the witching hour.

MC Restaurant, North Ashland Avenue: Talking of different, check out ‘Pho Disco’ at this Wicker Park Vietnamese eatery where you can enjoy late night vegetarian snacks whilst listening to classic and contemporary disco, house and techno with DJ Le Sprite and pals. From 10pm, free.

Double Door, North Milwaukee Avenue: A treat for fans of Gemini Club, Team Bayside High, Ghosthouse and Boutros…for they are all here at the Door tonight on the same bill! The Gemini’s will be showcasing a new live set, with electro pop from the Baysider’s, synth-pop from Ghosthouse and indie electro from Boutros…but of course you knew that already. For those who haven’t had a taste, well, what better time than now? From 9pm, $8-$10. 

Friday, January 20th

Empty Bottle, North Western Avenue: A special fund-raiser at the Bottle tonight for the benefit of DJ Jonathon Toubin who was the unfortunate recipient of a terrible accident when a cab ploughed into his hotel room and hospitalized him. A regular jock at the Bottle, this night is for him with Radar Eyes, Outer Minds and House Sounds performing live, with DJs James Porter, Emilie Jaeger, Kristin Marx plus friends keeping the dance vibe and best wishes flowing. From 10pm, $8.

Spy Bar, North Franklin Street: A tribute of another kind here at the Spy Bar as rave legend Sasha helps Chi clubbers and the venue celebrate its 15th Anniversary. And what better guest to have than the man who wowed the world with John Digweed and turned out string after string of Ministry of Sound and Global Underground cuts and grooves. Parties don’t get much better than this. From 10pm, $30 with discounts ahead of time from clubtix.com.

Saturday, January 21st

Double Door, North Milwaukee Avenue: Another party to celebrate another anniversary, it’s the 2nd birthday for the Door and we just had to mention their ‘Soul Summit’ party because we love the sound of dusty grooves and the offer of old R&B, funk and soul was just too tempting. Expect nothing but excellence from Dave Mata, Duke Grip and Sloppy White from Numero Group strut their collective stuff for our utter delight. From 9pm, free.

Lincoln Hall, North Lincoln Avenue: And the birthday party celebrations haven’t ended yet! This time it’s the turn of Midnight Conspiracy who continue to offer up some of the best electro and dubstep in Chi. Tonight the dynamic duo get big and go large with a new set while the equally gifted Chaotic Good ensure the party mood is raised with their 8-foot tall dancing robot. From 10.30pm, $10. 18+.

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2. It’s A Week Of ‘Tomorrow Never Knows 2012′…and Chi Has Never Known A Time Quite Like This…
3. Nigerian Pop, Russian Electro, US Techno & A Whole Bunch More…It All Gets Tasty In Chi This Weekend!

Thursday, January 12th

Lincoln Hall, North Lincoln Avenue: Top of the bill is San Fran’s Tycho (aka Scott Hansen) and his swirling melodic rolling soundscapes, stuttering beats and vocal samples played out against a backdrop of his own designs which mirror his musical sensibilities. Supporting Tycho are Active Child with the live vocals of one time choir boy turned bedroom laptop indie-pop creator Pat Grossi. Getting things started are the leftfield Ant’lrd and Abstract Science DJs. From 8pm. $15, 18+.

Friday, January 13th

Empty Bottle, North Western Avenue: Avant garde techno from Chicago’s Jamal Moss better known as Hieroglyphic Being who is currently a smash globally thanks to his output for labels Ghost International and his own Mathematics productions. Mike Broers and Leather Disco create the desired party atmosphere early doors. From 10pm, $8, or free with RSVP at emptybottle.com.

Spy Bar, North Franklin Street: If you didn’t know it already, London DJ Jamie Jones was voted best spinner for 2011 by dance-savvy website Resident Advisor and for those who did you will obviously be heading to the Spy floor to grab the chance to get down to the deep house and techno of the now LA-based clubland star. Germany’s tlNl and Argentina’s Guti get things jumping from 10pm. $20, or get in free before 11.30pm with RSVP from clubtix.com.

The Mid, North Halsted Street: It’s a welcome return to Chicago for one of the great house exponent’s the city has been blessed with as Laurent Garnier (formerly known in the 80s as DJ Pedro when he was blasting a storm at the famous Hacienda) he’s upped his game since then and brings an amazing 2-man crew to The Mid for some cutting edge party frenzy. This is the place to be if you like your parties wild, frenetic and freak-out and believe me Garnier, Benjamin Rippert and Scan X will not disappoint. From 10pm, $25, with discounts available from clubtix.com.

Metro, North Clark Street: It’s ‘Tomorrow Never Knows 2012’ time with a Moombahton Massacre provided by local experts of the tropical slowed-down electro-reggaeton genre Willy Joy, Team Bayside High, and Dave Nader and Rampage of the Ghetto Division crew. From 10pm, $16 or $13 ahead of time. 18+.

Smart Bar, North Clark Street: The ‘TNK 2012’ party continues at Smart Bar with the techno-house sounds of Craig Richards that have wowed thousands at London’s Fabric and an upbeat minimalist set from local lovely Kate Simko. From 10pm, $15, or get there and in before midnight for $12.

Saturday, January 14th

We like our mystery-venue parties here at CNLG and there’s another undisclosed location all-nighter in the offing with this ‘Phuture’ event with the acid-grooves of Chicago’s Traxx, techno of Alienata and house from Steven Tang and Hakim Murphy. From 10pm, $5. RSVP to tonedsoul@live.com for details.

Smart Bar, North Clark Street: ‘TNK 2012’ again at the Smart Bar with Mister Saturday Night (actually the 2-man vinyl-loving team of Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin from Brooklyn) spinning house, techno, and disco and anything else that gets their mojo working. There’s also sets from house-head label manager James Friedman and indie-disco from Windy City’s Only Children. From 10pm, $15, or $12 before midnight.

Over at Hideout, meanwhile, West Wabansia Avenue, there’s more ‘TNK 2012’ partying to be had with Numero Group DJs and their selector faves from an amazing archive of dusty vinyl gems. From 11.59pm! $5.

Related posts:

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2. OMG…There’s Nothing But Partymania In Chi This Weekend!
3. Artful Jazzercising Meets Felix & Dirty Dutch, It All Gets Eclectic In Chi This Week!

Friday, January 6th

Berlin, West Belmont Avenue: Someone very special is dropping by the Berlin tonight; in fact it is the one and only, The Juan Maclean. Those who know the man’s music and classic cuts such as ‘Happy House’ will know what he can do with electro, techno and dance-punk as a producer but just wait till you see what he does behind the decks. “Creative genius” would be one of many superlatives to describe the Juan output, yet even that doesn’t really go anywhere near portraying the incredible grooves and party atmosphere he sets down. Truly awesome. Joining Juan is the equally rampaging Greg Haus, a long-time fave at CNLG. I know where I will be at 10pm! And only $7 gets you in. Magic!

Saturday, January 7th

LOkal, West North Avenue: Reggae, Afrobeat, soca and Brazilian beats of every kind abound here at LOkal for a feast of ‘World Music Saturdays’ that are sure to delight lovers of the samba-swing. There’s no dance music quite like it to get you feeling good and DJs 4BZ and Mwelwa never fail to create massively infectious grooves time and time again. This is the place to be if you want to get an instant smile to your face and buzz in your soul. Perfection. From 10pm. Free.

Empire Liquors, North Milwaukee Avenue: More dance perfection this time at the Empire for those who love good honest house, hip-hop, Top 40 and timeless dance classics delivered by some of the best and most reliable DJs in Chicago – Willy Joy, Zebo, and Boy Wonder to name but three who play on the regular at various times, with DJ Hiroki hosting. From 10pm. Free.

Lincoln Hall, North Lincoln Avenue: We love the sound of this – a dance music marathon and market-style festival starting from 3pm until late to celebrate the work of photo-booth merchants Glitter Guts and the fourth year of making every party a real occasion by snapping the revellers in their prime. Some of Chicago’s finest DJs ensure the event is suitably dancey-dancey including Starfoxx, QBot, Mother Hubbard, Heaven Malone, Demchuk, Team Bayside High, BBU and headliner Gant-Man. This is gonna be a great time, no question. $8, or $3 if you get there before 8pm. Strictly 18+.

Sunday, January 8th

Smart Bar, North Clark Street: Sunday party people will love this ‘Dollar Disco’ night provided on the regular by residents Kid Color, Adulture, and the very cool Michael Serafini. Pure disco joy, with guest DJs. From 10pm, free. 

The Shrine, South Wabash Avenue: It’s Bang time on Sundays at The Shrine from now on with one of the great names from the 90’s house scene Terry Hunter. From basement hit ‘Madness’ to producer and re-mixer extraordinaire for the such artists as Michael Jackson, Dina Carroll, Mary J. Blige, and Enrique Iglesias, Terry sure knows just how to cut it right. Expect nothing less than dance party heaven, slick and groovy. From 10pm, free.

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2. OMG…There’s Nothing But Partymania In Chi This Weekend!
3. Nigerian Pop, Russian Electro, US Techno & A Whole Bunch More…It All Gets Tasty In Chi This Weekend!

It’s gonna be mad and bad, so if you are thinking of attending any of the venues listed below please do check ticket availability ahead of time as they are being snapped up faster than a croc with an eye on Roger Moore’s 007 loafers even as we speak…

In no particular order, the parties begin at Beauty Bar (West Chicago Avenue) where there’s a glitter-fest of top notch clubland boogie with disco and electro-disco brought to you through the Minneapolis sound of DJ Gigamesh (of Discotech remix fame). Definitely one for all those who like their NYE bash glitzy and glitterfied. From 8pm, $20.

Over at the Lumen (West Fulton Market) there’s the chance to see the New Year in it carnival style with the appropriately named ‘A Night In Rio’ where you can samba the night away in true party glory to the live sounds of Chicago Samba and Latin party beats of DJ Nardo whilst savoring Brazilian nibbles and an all-inclusive drinks package until the wee-wee hours. From 8pm, $125.

The party rosta at Smart Bar (North Clark Street) is certainly one that gets us shaking our booties at in mere anticipation as the night features rave-icon Danny Howells of Global Underworld and Renaissance days who brings his progressive take on funky electro to the Smart clientele tonight. Joining the one and only Danny are the equally gifted Justin Long, Nate Manic and Ari Frank. Expect nothing  less than excellence. From 10pm, $40, or $35 ahead of time with VIP packs from smartbar.com.

Those who enjoy the thrill of the cult Chi Warehouse days will no doubt be salivating at the ‘Love Supreme’ disco-house party in store at an “undisclosed location” somewhere in Bucktown featuring Rahaan, Specter and  Solson – three dudes who really know how to get everyone down and grooving until dawn. With special guest Sadar Bahar and his crate-load of rarities. From 10pm, $10, or $5 before midnight. To find out where this all-nighter kicks off check out tonedsoul@live.com.

If you’re like me and enjoy Motown retro days, Logan Square Auditorium might be the place for you to catch the great Windy City Soul Club live in action. The 6-man crew brings Northern Soul to life in true vinyl spirit recreating the heady days of Wigan Casino (70s England). Fun, sweaty, and oh-so soulful, the WCSC raves always deliver and are a fab place to dress up sharp for. From 9pm, $20. 17+.

Now, for the lovers of NYE parties where nothing less than total excess is expected and delivered then the big one is here at The Official 2012 Playboy Celebration! At the Hilton Chicago of course (South Michigan Avenue) it all starts at 9pm and comes courtesy of Global Adrenaline, Surreal Entertainment, Playboy and the Hilton. The music features club diva Eva Simons (of ‘Take Over Control’ fame) with Baby Bash, DJ Flipside, Mixin’ Marc and Dante the Don spinning out the hip-hop, mash-ups and prog house…with of course that Playboy Bunny element to get everyone glamorized. But boy – it’s not cheap! Such wildly brilliant parties come at a price so if you have $155-$215 to spare for that extra VIP treatment then good for you. All that is left to say is – enjoy! From 9pm.

Lastly, but by no means leastly, for those who enjoy something a little different from the usual NYE rave mayhem, a ‘Cats Pajamas’ burlesque night at Everleigh Social Club might be just the ticket. Here you will find a more sensual NYE party (or rather soiree) in a speakeasy pajama style with wine and bubbly to be sipped and savored in elegant chill-out fashion as Chi’s premier burlesque madam Michelle L’amour and her Naked Girls eroticize proceedings. From 9pm, $90, couples $150. Tickets from everleighsocialclub.com.

So there you have it, a party for everyone, at a great Chi venue where excellence comes as standard week in, week out, and with 2011 about to give way to 2012 on behalf of all the team here at Chicago Nightlife Guide we raise our verbal glasses to say “Happy New Year To You All, and have a cracking NYE!”

Related posts:

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Thursday, December 15th

Highball Lounge, North Clark Street: ‘Tropical Thursdaze’ brings the sounds and flavors of the pre-soul 50s and 60s with the focus on Latin and South American bossa nova, mambo, reggae and rocksteady and plenty of tropical island calypso. Situated in the suitably decked Highball Lounge DJ Joe Bryl has everything at his fingertips to recreate this moment in dance history with a consummate touch and exquisite taste. From 8pm. Free.

Spy Bar, North Franklin Street: Hot house with oodles of great beats and party time swingers to get you shaking all night long courtesy of the Spy Bar resident DJs including Alex Peace, Nathan Scott, Skyler Mendoza, Tony Tone among others. From 10pm, $20, or $10 if you book early through clubtix.net.

Friday, December 16th

Berlin, West Belmont Avenue: ‘Cosmix’ with the ever unique and gloriously hip Greg Haus. He’s local too, and has been selecting and spinning sets for the good folk of Chicago for well over 10 years yet continues to create original cuts and remixes that keep his music fresh and exciting…and reliably danceable…in such a way that his sets have become a much-loved and frequented experience every weekend since the mid 90s at Berlin. Described as “edgy but accessible” Greg draws his inspiration from the fringes of club culture to blend some of the most wicked electro you will hear anywhere in the States. “Fiercely dedicated” to introducing new sounds to clubland revelers, Greg also likes to pull a few surprises with mainstream classics and odd rarities of popular staples and…well you just gotta be there to find out exactly what we mean! From 10pm, $5.

Smart Bar, North Clark Street: Soulful house with Justin Martin, one of the biggest names from the San Fran house scene. It’s meaty, beaty, big and bouncy, but with a certain melodic vibe that has given Martin his distinction. Newly-rated Pillowtalk (also from San Fran) showcase their deep soul talents while local hipster Phillip Stone gets things grooving from the outset. From 10pm, $15, or get there and in before midnight for just $10.

Exit, West North Avenue: It’s Blacklight Blackout night at Exit which means it will be exactly that – black everywhere, bodies covered in glowing UV, and glowsticks lighting up the backdrop in a beautifully freaky way. DJs Perfect Kiss and Steve Gerard spin electro and bass with resident jocks Knife Fight adding to the mix with dirty Dutch and moombahton. Providing the techno, juke and drum ‘n’ bass is Annihilist, with Mr Bobby getting all industrial. From 10pm. Free.

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2. Artful Jazzercising Meets Felix & Dirty Dutch, It All Gets Eclectic In Chi This Week!
3. Italo Disco Dynamite & Luscious Left-Field Leanings: Prepare To Be Mesmerized In Chi This Week!

 Friday, December 9th

Smart Bar, North Clark Street: House, techno and leftfield pop is given a sexy make-over tonight when Washington’s savvy new booth maestro’s Benoit & Sergio make their Chicago debut tonight and step forward to enthrall with their creative oeuvre of suave and smart but never less than groovy club sounds. The duo are joined by local trio Orchard Lounge (Ben Silver, Spencer Lokken and Bethany Lokken), exponents themselves of the sophisticated side of club, eclectic mixes of sunset chill-out and bass-dropping tech house that has seen them become a crowd favorite since 2000. From 10pm, $15 of get ahead of the game for $12.

The Mid, North Halsted Street: Excellent electric, high-energy DJ cuts from The Martinez Brothers (Chris and Steve) who have been riding the waves of popularity for a few years now with their soulful house and deep techno that has every club they go jumping like there’s no tomorrow. Simply superb from start to finish, the very reason the word “encore” was invented! They are joined tonight by the equally gifted club scene vet Daniel Bell and his array of colorful gizmo-led dancescapes. DJs Binetti, Funky Couture and Lips get the place jumping early doors. From 10pm, $20, free before 11pm with RSVP via clubtix.com.

The Shrine, South Wabash Avenue: If you haven’t done so already, tonight’s a great chance to sample the sampling genius of Pete Rock live and brilliant. One half of the Pete Rock & CL Smooth duo, Mr. Rock is just as solid on his own with his self-patented groovy mixes culled from an amazing crate-load of classic soul, funk, and hip-hop. A must-see, get-down to catch a true master at work. From 9pm, $15.

Darkroom, West Chicago Avenue: A personal DJ fave, Duke Shin knows how to mix with the best of them and his ‘Crystallize’ nights at the darkroom are proving to be just as popular as his Freakeasy sessions. Always innovative and exploring and subtly soulful the Duke floats with consummate ease through house, techno, dubstep, drum ‘n’ bass and headnod with a unique style and flair rarely seen. Recommended (check out the Duke’s ever-engaging podcasts for confirmation!) With him tonight are DJ Jeekos and live experimental electro from The Siege. From 9pm, $6, though FREE before 10pm.

Saturday, December 10th

Evil Olive, West Division Street: Open till 5am on a Saturday, the folk at the Olive know how to keep a party swinging all night long on a Saturday with their regular ‘Face Off’ rave…and how could they possibly go wrong with multiple bars over two stories, a massive dancefloor, and state-of-the-art sound system and an always top-notch selection of the best DJs around…and they don’t come no better than Johnny Walker and Phenom, with Konsept on hand too to keep the place alive and pumping. Open from 10pm, $5 gets you in.

Related posts:

1. Old and New and Avant Garde…It’s a Busy Easter Weekend in Clubland Chi!
2. Big Names, Great Sounds…It’s Another Clubland Blowout In Chi!
3. Far-Out Minimal Techno, Groovy Soul And Wicked Anniversary Electro: It’s All Happening In Chi This Early September Weekend!

Thursday, December 1st

Spy Bar, North Franklin Street: Lots of amazing house sounds pounding right through the night into the wee small hours every Thursday at the Spy’s ‘Play House’ shindig with DJ sets from some of the top names in Chicago clubland – Tony Arzadon, JJ Flores, Alex Peace, Nathan Scott, and many more on a rotating roster to keep it all fresh and exciting and pulsating. From 10pm, $20, or $10 ahead of time via clubtix.net.

Evil Olive, West Division Street: Some of the hottest sounds guaranteed are always on hand at the Olive on a wickedly weekly basis with their Wasted Bass Thursday experience and resident jocks Johnny Walker and Disco Death Threat among others getting the floor jumping with an ever evolving mash-up of moombahton, dirty Dutch house, electro, dubstep and bassline. From 10pm, $5, or get there before midnight and it’s FREE to partake.

Friday, December 2nd

Rodan, North Milwaukee Avenue: Excellent boogie from all around the world with Josh Deep of Deeper Soul Recordings and Kennedy Ashinze of Fuse Creative Agency mixing it up good at the Rodan ‘Mash Up’ keeping the place buzzin’ with proper lashings of soul, funk, world music and Afro beats. Always a pleasure, always a mind-blowing treat for the feet. From 10pm, FREE. 

The Mid, North Halsted Street: Dubbed the “new downtempo pioneer” in 1999, Producer/Musician/DJ Simon Green (alias Bonobo) has been defying genre-lization for years with his consistently unique and diverse soundscapes and chilled beat-driven cuts that border on trip-hop but are so much more. The multi-instrumentalist gets behind the decks tonight for a set that is bound to delight and wow at the same time. DJ Intel and BRC get heads and feet spinning early doors. From 10pm, $15, or make the most of discounts ahead of time at clubtix.com. 

Smart Bar, North Clark Street: Making his Chicago debut is clubland veteran Greg Wilson from the UK. A legend in his own right, Wilson was the first to nail a residency at the world famous Hacienda Club in Manchester and a pioneer of reel-to-reel mixing. For a lesson in the craft and to enjoy some wicked disco, boogie, funk and classic electro you know where to head! Wilson is joined by Chicago’s very own mixer-icon Leonard Part Sixx. From 10pm, $13, or a mere $10 in advance.

Saturday, December 3rd

Beauty Bar, West Chicago Avenue: Live electro with Auto Body (DJ Thibault and Future Rock’s Alex Moreno) plus Krewella (vocalising sisters Jahan and Yasmine with Kris Trindl at the keys). For those who like their dance live, raw and energetic this is the place for you. From 10pm, $5, or get in for free before 11.30pm with RSVP via clubtix.com.

Related posts:

1. Artful Jazzercising Meets Felix & Dirty Dutch, It All Gets Eclectic In Chi This Week!
2. Wow What A Mix!Political Rap, Zombies, Bowie-ness and New Dubstep Aura’s…it’s all here this weekend in Chi!
3. Get On Down In Chi This Week For Some Soulful Industrial Mambo Blackout!

Thursday, November 17th

Spy Bar, North Franklin Street: It’s all about the good times with Frenchman Norman Doray tonight as the globetrotting dirty Dutch electro-disco maestro gets ready to burn the floor with his raucous mega-upbeat mixes that have seen him become a firm favourite on the Ibiza scene rocking venues such as Ushuaia, Subliminal, and of course Masqerade Motel with the Swedish House Mafia at Pacha. A favourite of guru David Guetta, Doray is the heart and soul behind summer hit ‘Chase the Sun’ so if you loved that you know just what to expect tonight! From 10pm, $20, free before midnight with RSVP at clubtix.com.

Smart Bar, North Clark Street: Heavy, bassy, loopy, spacey – those who love percussive and rhythmic dance with a cosmic hypno-multi-layered spin will be in heaven when they transport themselves to Smart Bar tonight where the enthralling and mightily eclectic space-age electro duo Africa Hitech will be here to entrance and challenge. Comprising the UK talents of Mark Pritchard and Steve Spacek, Africa Hitech are a stellar act well worth catching. They are joined tonight by equally cosmic hip-hop duo Lazer Sword and the resident bass offerings of Chris Widman. From 10pm, $10.

Friday, November 18th

Empty Bottle, North Western Avenue: Another headliner from the UK…and another duo…Empty Bottle welcomes the genre-bending, spellbinding conglomeration of techno, electro, ambient and experimental soundscapes of Plaid with tracks from their new album ‘Scintilli’. The ethereal pop rock of Collages and The North keep the floor warm early doors. From 10pm, $12.

Saturday, November 19th

Undisclosed location!

But we know who’s on the bill…thanks to Damian Lazarus and this Rebel Rave…and all those familiar with the red hot Damian will know they are in for one helluva party. The head honcho behind record label Crosstown Rebels, Lazarus is one of the best producers/DJs on the scene launching numerous underground dance music acts over the years with his impeccable eye for up-coming talent. Currently responsible for bringing Art Department and Jamie Jones to the fore, Lazarus tonight is showcasing a live performance from newbie Brit stunners Subb-An as well as taking us on his own left-field dance excursion from the booth, with DJs Dino G, Garrett B and Nique from 2 Red Belts getting things started from 10pm. $25 with discounts available ahead of time from clubtix.com.

Related posts:

1. Italo Disco Dynamite & Luscious Left-Field Leanings: Prepare To Be Mesmerized In Chi This Week!
2. Let’s Go Disco!
3. OMG…There’s Nothing But Partymania In Chi This Weekend!