The December 2009 issue of 5 Magazine is on the streets now, featuring interviews this month with Dennis Ferrer and DJ Spinna, our big Best of Chicago House 2009 section and 5's first annual holiday gift guide. 5 Magazine is free on the streets of Chicago, $3 per issue by mail or available for $1.50 in the members section of 5chicago.com!

Since his return to House Music 2+ years ago, Mike Dunn has released a slew of tracks on Dope Wax, Defected and other top labels. But more to the point here, Mike's attacked the tables like a man possessed. From his Tuesday residency at Reynolds (every Tuesday night at 938 E. 75th St) to guest spots at just about every spot in the city with a pair of decks in it, Mike has represented the best tradition of House Music while remaining on the cutting edge, and thus was our pick for DJ of the Year. read more...

On Thursday, December 10, Urban's House @ Betty's Blue Star Lounge (1600 W. Grand, 12am-4pm, free) presents special guest DJ Farley Jackmaster Funk with resident Rees Urban and a special performance by the Fivestarboogie Dancers, hosted by Czarina from 5 Magazine.

Shure SRH440 Headphones on sale from madmanaudio.com.

On Friday, December 4, Swing Shift presents Branded @ Martini Ranch (311 W. Chicago, 10pm-4am) with residents Just Joey and Andre Harris and special guests Miles Maeda + Craig Alexander. Hosted by Christopher Banks, Staso, Miss Mycol, Jason and Steve. RSVP: rsvp@boomboomroomchicago.com

Flapjack Records presents Emil Lanne's The Rope-a-Dope EP available at Stompy, Traxsource, Beatport, Primal and with samples up at flapjackrecords.com!

This Saturday, December 5, Reddog returns to 1958 W. North Avenue with special guest DJs Osunlade and Gene Farris. RSVP: rsvp@boomboomroomchicago.com.

Every Saturday night, DJ FLX holds down his long-running residency at Cuatro (2030 S. Wabash, 10pm-2am) with this week's special guest DJ Lil Ray (NYC). For more info visit cuatro-chicago.com.

This Sunday, December 6, Real House Music Sunday @ Betty's (1600 W. Grand) presents a Sagittarius Celebration and DJ Battle hosted by Mz Nicky and featuring Sean Smith, FLX, DJ Ronnie, Julius TMT, Cee White, Mz Nicky, John Simmons, Peavy, Craig Alexander, Kenny Jordan and Scott Payne.

On Monday, Decenber 7, Boom Boom Room @ Green Dolphin (2200 North Ashland, 10pm-4am) presents special guests FLX and Carla Prather performing live, with Boom Boom Room residents Diz, Michael Serafini, Uncle Milty and Just Joey plus special guests. Get listed by emailing RSVP@boomboomroomchicago.com.

On Saturday, December 26 check out Throwback Night @ Da House Spot (7130 South Chicago, 10pm-7am) with special guest DJ Gene Hunt.

For new and used vinyl, check out our friends at Kstarke Records (1109 N. Western, Chicago).