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!

Richard Earnshaw is the founder of Duffnote Recordings and renowned as one of the top producers and remixers on the planet. Starting off as a classically trained pianist, Richard's remixes and productions have appeared on Defected, Soulfuric, Hed Kandi, MN2S and damn near every top shelf recording label in existence... listen/stream/download now...

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.

On 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 Thursday, December 17, Urban's House @ Betty's Blue Star Lounge (1600 W. Grand, 12am-4pm, free) presents special guest The Dizz with resident Rees Urban.

On Friday, December 18, Swing Shift presents Branded @ Martini Ranch (311 W. Chicago, 10pm-4am) with residents Just Joey and Andre Harris and special guest Johnny Fiasco. Hosted by Christopher Banks, Staso, Miss Mycol, Jason and Steve. RSVP: rsvp@boomboomroomchicago.com

Spatcula City Records presents Wattie Green's Midnight Radio EP out now on vinyl!

This Saturday, December 19, Reddog returns to 1958 W. North Avenue with special guest DJs Stacey Pullen 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 guests Celeste Alexander, Carla Prather and Michelle Thomas. For more info visit cuatro-chicago.com.

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

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).