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!

The true test of a remixer is when you know his sound even before you read the label or the liner notes. Mark Grant has established that definitive sound - a musical signature that you know the minute you hear it. With his edits of both high-profile and down-home local tracks in 2009, Mark Grant is our selection as Remixer of the Year... read more...

From Argentina, Jay West is among the absolute elite figures in House Music from South America. His releases have come under a handful of aliases (Pushing Boundaries with Matt Shrewd, Western Union, Shanty Town, The Golosines) and with numerous collaborators; perhaps the best known is The Candy Dealers... listen/stream/download now...

Online now: this week's installment of the 5 Magazine Radio Show with host Czarina Mirani and music from DJ Rees Urban. You can listen to the 5 Magazine Radio Show right now or anytime 24/7/365 on our website at 5chicago.com/podcast.

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

Celebrate New Year's Eve at Cuatro (2030 S. Wabash, 9pm-2am, $20) where the first drink is on us, party favors, midnight toast, balloon drop, late kitchen and music by DJs Jamie 3:26, Chris Underwood + David Sabat for only $20! Visit cuatro-chicago.com for more info.

Shure SRH440 Headphones on sale from madmanaudio.com.

On Friday, December 11, Maad Soul continues their 2nd Friday residency at Cuatro (2030 S. Wabash, 10pm-2am, free before 10, $10 after) celebrating Louie-Louie's birthday, and with special guest DJ Kristopher Muse. More info: cuatro-chicago.com.

On Friday, December 11, Swing Shift presents Branded @ Martini Ranch (311 W. Chicago, 10pm-4am) with residents Just Joey and Andre Harris and special guests Ken ECB + XL. Hosted by Christopher Banks, Staso, Miss Mycol, Jason and Steve. RSVP: rsvp@boomboomroomchicago.com

On Friday, December 11, Ronda Flowers + KoKo present Mark Grant + Michael Serafini Live @ Cactus (404 S. Wells, 9pm-2am, $5 before 11pm, $10 after) with $5 Patron Tequila Shots, $5 Validated Parking All Nite, beer buckets, bottle service, and late kitchen with a $3 menu. For more info visit rondatime.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 12, Reddog returns to 1958 W. North Avenue with special guest DJs Halo Varga, Diz and a live vocal performance by Dajae. 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 Craig Alexander celebrating his birthday. For more info visit cuatro-chicago.com.

On Monday, Decenber 14, Boom Boom Room @ Green Dolphin (2200 North Ashland, 10pm-4am) presents House legend Roger Sanchez 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).