Chicago Nightlife Guide » Spy Bar

OMG…There’s Nothing But Partymania In Chi This Weekend!

Mitch — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:12:02 +0000

Let’s Celebrate!

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+.

It’s A Week Of ‘Tomorrow Never Knows 2012′…and Chi Has Never Known A Time Quite Like This…

Mitch — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:38:07 +0000

Lots to get through this week in a week that is dominated by the ‘Tomorrow Never Knows 2012’ 5-day mega dance shindig brought to us courtesy of Bud Light, Chicago Reader and Sailor Jerry which is mainly at Lincoln Hall but also has satellite gigs dotted around town so everyone can choose something that gets them partying. Here’s a taste of what it’s all about plus some other little party gems…

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.

Get On Down In Chi This Week For Some Soulful Industrial Mambo Blackout!

Mitch — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:59:11 +0000

There’s never a dull moment in Chi, which is certainly true when it comes to the great city’s dance and music scene. This week is no exception with great parties galore all over town. Just take a look at this selection…

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.

Mash-Up Mayhem & Downtempo Dream States: It’s Dance Music To Mesmerize In Chi

Mitch — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:41:08 +0000

A fine mix of staple dance genres and the not-so-generic, with as ever an excellent host of DJ’s and Producers and Artists on show this weekend to get our pulses racing and feet a-dancin’…

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.

Thanking God (And Venue Entrepreneurs) For Chicago Club Heaven This Thanksgiving Weekend!

Mitch — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:43:44 +0000

It’s that pre-Christmas time of year where we all get to say “thanks” to God for giving us our home and food to eat…and that kind of thing…so where better to celebrate and pay homage than at a right good modern ho-down where we can also say “thanks” to all the great club venue entrepreneurs who have provided us such wonderful places to party every day of the week, 360+ days a year?

As ever Chicago is the place to be this Thanksgiving with dozens of great clubs offering some tasty dance and party treats. Here’s some that might whet your appetite…

Friday, November 25th

Enclave, West Chicago Avenue: Club party king Steve Aoki is a real people’s favorite and he’s here tonight with his crowd-surfing inflatable raft and hip selection of techno/electro cuts and hot-from-the-remix-studio tasties that never disappoint. Local crew Midnight Conspiracy open proceedings with their equally gifted electro ensemble. From 9pm, $35.

Spy Bar, North Franklin Street: Progressive house with one half of the Deep Dish duo Ali Dubfire who will be showing us what he can do solo while his mate Dish is taking a breather. Known for his groundbreaking futuristic take on the scene, Dubfire has a punk attitude fuelling his productions that quite rightly propels him into “uniqueness.” Detroit techno whizz Anthony Attalla provides equal must-see-hear stimulus while Wahi opens the rave. From 10pm, $20, free before 11.30pm with RSVP at clubtix.com.

The Whistler, North Milwaukee Avenue: Fab funk and soul courtesy of host Jay Wells and DJ Meaty Ogre plus guests. Soul and funk music is synonymous with Chicago from the R&B of the early 1960s to the “stepper-friendly” 1980s all forms are celebrated here at this monthly feast. A must for those who really like to get down the good ol’ way. From 9.30pm, FREE.

V Live, North Milwaukee Avenue: Salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton and Latin R&B with Puerton Rican Freddy Kenton who will be showcasing songs from his latest album La Dynastia, with DJ Trentino bringing hip-hop, house and Top 40 to the party mix. DJs Gordo and Focus look after proceedings from the outset. From 10pm, $20.

Saturday, November 26th

Congress Theater, North Milwaukee Avenue: A real good Thanksgiving party on offer here with Steve Angello of Swedish House Mafia on show to remind us why he is currently one of the elite DJs on the global club scene. Jointly responsible for Best Remix of 2010, Angello is the epitome of what is best about Euro house. He’s joined tonight by his younger brother AN21 who is also partnered by studio producer chum Max Vangelis. The pair have recently been working with the likes of Pendulum and Ellie Goulding which can only mean one thing…pure dance party magic! From 8pm, $25-$65. 17+.

Beauty Bar, West Chicago Avenue: Fans of throwback parties will no doubt be heading to the Beauty Bar tonight to make the most of ‘Another 90s Party’ and get on down to the sounds of the era brought back to life by Team Bayside High, Sean Glass, Major Taylor and Johnnie Blood taking 1998′s cult classic stoner comedy flick ‘Half Baked’ as its soundtrack guide for the night. From 9.30pm, FREE.

Vision, North Dearborn Street: Techno rave from current Slovenian high-flyer Umek. The much-acclaimed new kid on the block has hit the dizzy heights of international fame with his increasingly well-respected sets and was even battling club legends David Guetta and deadmau5 for top spot in Beatport’s Top Artist poll this year. Recommendations don’t come no higher. From 10pm, $20, discounts ahead of time from vision.wantickets.com.

Disco Beats Meet Space-Age Tweaks!

Mitch — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:52:09 +0000

Once again Chicago clubbers are in for one heck of a time this weekend with a number of class acts hitting the town from Thursday to keep everyone happy and raving. Enjoy!

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.

Get On Down!

Mitch — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:56:26 +0000

Yeeeharr….it don’t get no wickeder than this….when a feast of electric ladyland DJ’s meet the Norwegian-inspired disco of a country ‘n’ western fan!

Friday, October 7th

The Mid, North Halsted Street: Scratch ‘n’ Riff with Cut Chemist (Jurassic 5’s turntablist) plus high-tempo African and Latin from the production mind of Quantic. Chicago’s own BRC, Push Beats and Face Melt provide the early floor gathering salvo. From 10pm, $15 or $10 in advance from clubtix.com.

Neo, North Clark Street: The heavy goth-industrial of neo makes way for ‘The House That Jack Built’ tonight with Gene Hunt, Phantom 45 and Rees Urban (5 Magazine) laying the foundations for a great night of house/techno. From 10pm, $10 or $5 before midnight, free before 11pm.

Spy Bar, North Franklin Street: It’s femme’s fantastic night at the Spy with a glorious line-up of minimal techno brought to us by VOLATL promoter Nadia Podolsky. We have the cutting edge intelligent minimal of Cassy (resident at Berlin’s Panorama Bar); the dark house and spacey video projections of New York’s Deniz Kurtel; the much acclaimed sublime cinematic minimal of our very own Kate Simko; with compadre Sasha Navarro getting deep and dreamy with her own sumptuous sound stylings. A night out with the ladies don’t get no better than this! From 10pm, $20, or free before 11pm with RSVP at clubtix.com.

Saturday, October 8th

Smart Bar, North Clark Street: Unlikely as it seems, the great Norwegian Dj/Producer Lindstrom was raised on country and western in his oil producing hometown of Stavanger and yet it is this fact that gives the much-loved dance originator his inimitable style and innovative take on club sounds. Known for playing all the instruments on his cuts (keyboard, drums, guitar, bass) Hans-Peter creates his Nordic disco free of preconceived notions and influences to generate a wonderfully unaffected sound that’s all his own. Striking it big thanks to his collaboration with vocalist Christabelle on ‘Real Life Is No Cool’ (2010), Lindstrom had never listened to dance music before until he decided to make some of his own…and we’re so very glad the former gospel piano player did! Great fun, brilliant sounds. Chicago’s own disco-madders Olin and Kid Color get the party started. From 10pm, $15, or $12 in advance.

Burlesque, Warehouse Parties, Blaxploitation & Dirty Disco…Chi’s Got It All Once Again!

Mitch — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:13:18 +0000

Another feast of amazing dance club parties is on offer this weekend with a whole range of styles and genres to keep us all entertained. Enjoy!

Friday, September 16th

Darkroom, West Chicago Avenue: Cool soul, freaky funk and smoky soundtracks from Skeme Richards, Meaty Ogre, King Otto, and Supreme La Roc coming together for ‘Hot Peas & Butta Windy City’ with their crates of 45’s and “rare footage” for a night of classic cuts from another time and place…namely the 70s Blaxploitation era! From 9pm, $5.

The Exchange, North Milwaukee Avenue: ‘Disco Unusual Social Club’ is exactly as the title implies – obscure disco in the style of The Loft with party creator Lono Brazil and his dirty-disco-producing laptop. All the rage in Chi for a while, Lono took his internationalism to the Big Apple but is back tonight to give us a reminder of what disco does to him and what he can get it doing for us. Definitely one for movers and shakers who like it odd and original, freaky, fun and party-fired. From 9pm, entry strictly via RSVP at info@discounusualsocialclub.net.

Crimson Lounge, Hotel Sax Chicago: From the Autobrennt collection, it’s sexy house, techno and disco with Samone Roberts, while the enigmatic and charismatic DJ Madrid mixes it up with Brazilian beats and sizzling electro in far-reaching sets. Fast, hot, and sweaty. From 10pm.

Spy Bar, North Franklin Street: Leftroom Records presents the electronic funk of Matt Tolfrey and deep techno of Maceo Plex for a left-field house party that will blow you away in a blur of genre-bending sound sensations. For groovers who dig the difference. From 10pm, $20, free before midnight with RSVP at clubtix.com.

And here’s something a little bit extra special…

Park West, West Armitage Avenue: The Superstars of Burlesque – for all those who love the cabaret/musical hall/speakeasy experience this star-studded night of all things “burly” will no doubt be sheer joy and delight. Featuring a stunning line-up of sizzling and sultry teasers with the likes of Michelle L’Amour (of the popular Studio L’Amour), and Burlesque Hall of Fame winners Indigo Blue, Dirty Martini, Julie Atlas Muz, Kalani Kokonuts, Roxi D’Lite, and Chicago champions Stage Door Johnnies, Chicago Starlets and ‘boylesque’ talent Hot Toddy. From 8pm, and 10pm. $25.

Saturday, September 17th

The Burlington, West Fullerton Avenue: Soul, garage, boogie, balearic and disco with Mr. Automatic (Bill Holland) of Dead 2 Me Records label. Holland is a diverse fellow to say the least with his forays into electro, industrial and even steampunk, not to mention a penchant for Italo disco. This night to showcase Dead 2 Me Records is sure to be one lovers of a good party mix revel in. From 10pm, Free.

Beauty Bar, West Chicago Avenue: Funky dance cuts with Depressed Buttons (featuring members of Nebraska indie band The Faint), who headline here at this party promoted by Chicago Independent Radio Project with Heaven Malone, Mikul Wing (Midnight Conspiracy) and Dylan Peterson (CHIRP) keeping it all moving early on. From 9pm, $5.

And for those who enjoy the thrill of the unexpected…

‘A Love Supreme’ disco-house warehouse party is happening somewhere in the Bucktown area hosted by Jamie 3:26, Rahaan, Specter and Solson from 10pm to sunrise. Email discojuice@live.com for exact location. $10, or $5 before midnight.

Get On Down To The Hot Mix 5! It’s The Party Of The Century!

Mitch — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 07:19:44 +0000

Great sounds, great parties…Chicago has it all this weekend with summer treats and festive beats from all around the world…and one very special bash that EVERYONE will want to get down to…The Hot Mix 5 Reunion! Read on to find out more…

Friday, September 9th

The Mid, North Halsted Street: Heavy electro dance with Italian duo Crookers. Known for their hit remix of Kid Cudi’s ‘Day N Night,’ the Italian twisters know how to party…with a sense of fun. Getting the party started is Nick Catchdubs of Fool’s Gold Records. From 10pm, $20, or $15 in advance from clubtix.com

Spy Bar, North Franklin Street: You know you’re on your way to stardom when Richie Hawtin takes note of you…and that is exactly what has happened to young Argentinian Barem who has been signed to Hawtin’s M-nus label after captivating him with his own special weft of minimalist techno. He’s here tonight showcasing his debut CD ‘After The Storm.’ Chi’s own star on the scene is Jason Patrick who gets the crowd going early doors. From 10pm, $20, free before midnight with a clubtix.com RSVP.

Darkroom, West Chicago Avenue: It’s that man of the people Duke Shin and his ever-popular Crystallize party night of house, techno, dubstep, drum ‘n’ bass beautifully woven together by the skill of the Duke and his ear for a smooth and sustainable groove that never fails to deliver. Adrianne Sanchez (Revolutionary Music) and Sparkletone provide some accompanying color and mind spins. From 9pm, $6, free if you get there before 10pm.

Saturday, September 10th

The Venue at Horseshoe Casino, Casino Center: If there was a party that you just don’t want to miss, this is it – The Hot Mix 5 Reunion bash! Famous for creating the Chicago House phenomenon, it was this crew of DJs who got everyone’s ears pricked when they stormed the airwaves as a “mix group” on Chicago’s WBMX radio station in the early 80s. The crew of Farley “Jackmaster” Funk (formerly known as Farley “Funkin” Keith!), Kenny “Jammin” Jason, Ralphie “Razz” Rosario, Mickey “Mixin” Oliver and Scott “Smokin” Silz were the first mix show team to be given airtime…and boy, didn’t it half take off? Before you knew it the House scene exploded and there were DJs everywhere laying down their grooves. And to recognize their contribution to the city’s music scene, the city chiefs allocated them all a street named after each individual member. The whole original crew line-up has re-assembled for this 30-year Anniversary party including Julian “Jumpin” Perez who replaced “Smokin” Silz when he left in 1984. If you love House…or you have always wanted to get a taste of what it must have been like to have been around at the time…then you know where to be…and you can betcha bottom dollar no one will want it to end! From 9pm, $30-$40.

Sunday, September 10th

Moretti’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, West Jackson Boulevard: The last of Moretti’s-based wonderful summer 12-hour Varsity All-Star’s parties with South American techno kinds Dandy Jack and Junction SM performing a live set. The creator of the Varsity All-Stars Mike Khoury gets his chance to be a headliner for the day, with DJ’s Dory, Jason Patrick, Funk Shui, Dela and M. Sylvia providing additional dance treats and beats. From noon! $25, with discounts on offer at clubtix.com. 18+.

Far-Out Minimal Techno, Groovy Soul And Wicked Anniversary Electro: It’s All Happening In Chi This Early September Weekend!

Mitch — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:17:18 +0000

We love it here at CNLG, always so many venues offering some wicked DJ’s and dance party events every weekend. As ever, here’s the ones that have caught our eye…

Thursday, September 1st

The Whistler, North Milwaukee Avenue: ‘Maxx Traxx’ with the Californian girl turned sweet n soulful Chicagoan babe Shred One. Red hot and groovilicious, Shred One is promising a night of sumptuous boogie with her magic blend of 80s R ‘n’ B, soul, and funk from her dusty crates as well as live vocals, a selection of classic vids. Hot on the heels of ‘LoveSpace’ a 48-minute mix release with DJ Roza, Maxx Traxx night promises to be well worth attending for all fans of Chaka Khan, Dee-Lite, Sharon Redd, The Players Association et al…From 9.30pm, FREE.

Spy Bar, North Franklin Street: Pulsing minimal techno truly throbbing with bass and “chattering” snare with Tunisian-born Loco Dice. Principally based in Germany, Loco started life as a hip-hop DJ before he heard the calling of House and stepped forth to re-model himself. Very soon he was resident at the Tribehouse club and hob-nobbing with the likes of none other than Richie Hawtin and Ricardo Villalobos. A prolific producer too, Loco has released on Ovum, Minus, Cadenza and Four-Twenty, as well as cut tracks on his own label Desolat. Loco has performed at Germany’s biggest rave (Timewarp), as well as shunted crowds at Cocoon, Ibiza. Loco is king because of his innate understanding of people, and “what they sense, what they feel and what they want to imagine.” Sounds good to us. From 10pm, $20, free before midnight with RSVP at clubtix.com.

Friday, September 2nd

The Mid, North Halsted Street: Melodic techno with the Grammy-award nominated Wolfgang Gartner, veteran (at the age of 26!) of countless Ministry of Sound, Toolroom and Ultra-cut tracks. The former deep house star known as Joey Youngman has a string of #1 hits to his name, performed at world-renowned dance festivals such as Coachella, Electric Daisy Carnival, and Ultra Music Festival. He’s joined tonight by much-acclaimed and well-lauded new kid from the U.K. block SBTRKT and his soul-dubstep, with Chicago’s own DJ Thibault providing the early salvo to get the floor shaking. Too good to miss, we say. From 10pm, $20.

Saturday, September 3rd

Empty Bottle, North Western Avenue: All sorts of far leftfield electro tonight for this 20th Anniversary party to celebrate the birth of Rephlex Records (founded by the iconic Aphex Twin in 1991). Keeping it all suitably ambient with drum ‘n’ bass, glitch, techno/electro is headliner Bogdan Roczynski, preceded by Aleksi Perala, Soundmurderer, Wisp and Monolith. From 9pm, $15.