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!

Half New Zealander and half Japanese, Mark de Clive-Lowe (website, blog, myspace, facebook, youtube, twitter, ilike, lastfm) is currently one of the hottest names in dance and soul. He rose to prominence musically in the hothouse environment of West London in the late 1990s, often as the man behind the scenes in the Brokenbeat movement. From his early collaborations with IG Culture, Dego (of 4Hero) and Bugz in the Attic, he emerged as one of the UK's top producers, particularly noted in the House scene for his collaborations with Phil Asher and Restless Soul. ... read more...

Sista Stroke has released records on D'lectable, Dusttrax, Mother Tongue, Innuendo and Revolutionary Music. She's currently the host of her radio show Brick City House (from which this mix is taken) every Wednesday on chicagohousefm.com. ... listen/stream/download now...

Look At You isn't a new label - it's been in rotation since pressing their first master about 13 years ago. It is however a new Chicago label. DJ Dealer has been a resident in our city for just over a year after relocating from Denver in 2008... read more...

New beginner House Dance Classes starting up - new session begins January 7th with a free class! See www.housedancechicago.com for more info!. And check out the write-up on centerstagechicago.com!

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

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.

On December 31, 2009, check out Paul Johnson's 2010 NYE Bash and 39th Birthday Party at Cafe Lura (3184 N. Milwaukee, $10 before 11pm, $20 after) featuring Paul Johnson, Gene Hunt, Craig Alexander, Frankie Vega, Lady D, Bai-ee, Kristopher Muse, Kawa and Tempo and a special countdown performance by the Fivestarboogie Dancers. More info: allaysoul@gmail.com.

Shure SRH440 Headphones on sale from madmanaudio.com.

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.

This Saturday, January 2nd, Reddog returns to 1958 W. North Avenue with special guest DJs Roy Davis, Jr., Alex Peace and Diz. RSVP: rsvp@boomboomroomchicago.com.

Every Saturday night, DJ FLX holds down his long-running residency at Cuatro (2030 S. Wabash, 10pm-2am). For more info visit cuatro-chicago.com.

On Sunday, January 10 and continuing the 2nd Sunday of every month, check out the new residency called The Sermon at Betty's Blue Star (1600 W. Grand, 11pm-4am, $5) with DJs Craig Loftis and Dr. U-Love.

On Wednesday, January 20, come dressed in your funky, soul shaking, big bootylicious ass disco outfit as 5 Magazine presents our 2nd Disco-Dance Party at Smart Bar (3730 N. Clark, 10pm-4am, free!) with DJs Craig Alexander, DJ FLX and Rees Urban, hosted by Czarina from 5 Magazine.

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