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!

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.

One of the original clubkids, Byrd Bardot is now in self-described "semi-retirement". It should give you some idea of just how amazing he is that even in a state of repose, he's still our choice as 2009's Door God of the Year... read more...

Shure SRH440 Headphones on sale from madmanaudio.com.

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

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 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.

This Saturday, December 19 is the Poontin Muzik Xmas Party at Darkroom (2210 W. Chicago, free before 11pm, $8 after) featuring DJ Lego with live percussion by Joe Rendon. Free mix CD samplers for the first 100 people!

On Monday, Decenber 21, Boom Boom Room @ Green Dolphin (2200 North Ashland, 10pm-4am) presents Farris Wheel Sessions with Gene Farris 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.

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.

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.

Coming New Years Day 2010 at The Zone (163rd + Dixie Hwy in Markham, 10:30pm-4am, $10), Ko's Entertainment + N'Da House Promotions present a party celebration for Mike Dunn including a live performance from Dajae and DJs Andre Hatchett, Jamie 3:26, DJ Burleigh L and Stevie B, hosted by Czarina from 5 Magazine.

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