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!

Sometimes, DJs that have been on the scene for awhile sneak up on you. Whether you've slept on them or they really start to step up their game, you suddenly see this guy or girl everywhere, and you can't remember the last time you heard them play a bad set. This is our definition for something undefinable: our Breakthrough DJ of the Year. And our choice is DJ FLX... read more...

Coming December 31st is the New Years Eve Bash at Smart Bar (3730 N. Clark, doors open at 10pm) featuring DJs Santiago, The Hood Internet, John Patterson, Sassmouth, Bald E. and Nate Manic. Ticket packages range from the deluxe VIP Seating (includes table for 4 next to the DJ booth, champagne and more) to general admission for $25/advance. Ticket information is at etix.com; more info: smartbarchicago.com.

Next Wednesday, December 16, 5 Magazine presents A Tribute to the '90s (The Golden Age of House Music) at Smart Bar (3730 N. Clark, 10pm-4am, free!) with DJs Lil John, Rees Urban and the Front of House DJ Crew, hosted by Czarina from 5 Magazine.

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.

Coming Saturday, December 26 is the Pioneers of House at House of Blues (329 N. Dearborn, 10pm-4am) featuring DJs Terry Hunter, Andre Hatchett, DJ Emanuel, Gene Hunt and Mike Dunn. Tickets are available at the House of Blues box office, Dr. Wax in Hyde Park and at ticketmaster.com.

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.

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