You may not have the mansion or the bling, but you can party like an A-lister tonight at the Tsunami Foundation’s Strides & Tides Kick-Off Party at reserve (read more in today’s “Best Bets” on Page 21). DJ AM–a.k.a. Adam Goldstein, a.k.a. Nicole Richie’s fiance, who usually spins for the likes of Cameron Diaz–will be there, mixing it up for the masses.
Tonight’s a one-off, but don’t despair. We’ve rounded up some of the top weekly residencies for local turntable talent that should set you spinning right round like a record, baby.
Lava Lounge
859 N. Damen Ave. 773-772-3355
Hands down the clubbiest spot in the neighborhood, Lava Lounge still manages to keep things casual. The dimly lit main room has a bar, DJ booth and high ceilings; the cozier back areas offer couches, perfect for nuzzling or kicking back. DJs spin Brit pop, hip-hop, drum ‘n’ bass and house, and guest mixmasters rotate on weekend nights. Catch Jesse de la Pena, Second Republic and John Simmons among others, plus there’s never a shortage of cheap drink specials.
Spin it: Head across the pond with Brit pop beats from DJ Brad Owen at 10 p.m. Tuesdays. Regional drafts are $3, and there’s no cover.
Hydrate
3458 N. Halsted St. 773-975-9244
Where else can you go for manicures, martinis, drag queens, lotteries and hot ‘n’ sweaty dancers? Stroll by when the garage door-like windows are open onto Halsted Street, and it’ll be hard not to stop in for beats from DJs Laura B, Greg Drescher and Chris Eterno, plus a cache of weekend guests. With $1-$4 drink specials, we dare you not to get down at this late-night Boystown hang.
Spin it: See if you’ll win big tonight at Gay Lotto with Miss Foozie, starting at 10 p.m.; the pot’s more than $2,000 this week! Plus, sip $4 Stoli cocktails and groove to Greg Drescher, 10:30 p.m. Thursdays. $3 cover after 1 a.m.
Neo
2350 N. Clark St. 773-528-2622
Walking down the dark alley to this goth and industrial mainstay is a good way to let your eyes adjust to the lack of light inside, where strobes set the scene for a predominantly black-clad crowd. DJs Dave Roberts, Jeff Moyer, $#&@! (gotta love that one) and more spin a range of music seven nights a week to suit your needs: metal, industrial, postwave, new wave, retro and electronic. Plan your outfit accordingly.
Spin it: Sunday’s no excuse to stay in. Skip morning services and hit the late-night Sanctuary with DJ Jeff Moyer spinning electro, retro and industrial. 10 p.m. No cover.
Level
1045 N. Rush St. 312-397-1045
The look at this Gold Coast club is sparse and modern; think clean lines and right angles. People come to drink and get down, so skip the basic bottled beers and order a martini like everyone else; they’re labeled Levels 1 through 10. DJs Virgil, Juan Silva and Billy the Kid keep the party people happy, and Jernell Geronimo spins for service industry night on Sundays. Expect to pay a varying cover charge, and ditch the tennis shoes, hats and jerseys.
Spin it: Flex it at Flirt Fridays, when DJs Virgil and Tony “2 much” Arzadon get the night going (10 p.m.). Juan Silva and Karl R play funky house on the Sky level. No cover for ladies; $5-$20 for guys.
Jet
1551 N. Sheffield Ave. 312-730-4395
White’s the name of the game in this spot’s fuselage-like interior, from the curved ceiling to the leather banquettes and stuffed seating cubes. Hit the bar and choose from a pristine display of vodka, featuring more than 130 international destinations on the menu. Mood lighting and video projections transport you just about anywhere. Potential captains on the turntable include Martin “Boogieman” Luna, Kalendr and Dino G.
Spin it: We love letting loose to progressive beats by DJ Ben Castaneda on Thursdays (9:30 p.m.). $5-$10 cover.
———-
More weeklies
Big Chicks
Fri.-Sat.: DJ Dance Night, 10 p.m.: DJ Mike Rytie, DJ Lady Larissa or DJ Bobo spins favorites; 5021 N. Sheridan Rd. 773-728-5511.
Crobar
Sat.: DJs Mixin’ Marc and Nathan Scott spin, 10 p.m.-5 a.m.; 1543 N. Kingsbury St. 312-266-1900.
darkroom
Tue.: $3 Red Stripe and Heineken bottles, DJs Redlox and General Pacman spin reggae, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.; 2210 W. Chicago Ave. 773-276-1411.
FOUR
Sat.: Rick Garcia spins house; 1551 W. Division St. 773-235-9100.
rednofive
Sat.: DJs Flipside and Lil’ Mikey spin, with live percussion by Micro; 440 N. Halsted St. 312-733-6699.
Rodan
Mon.: John and Frank Navin of The Aluminum Group spin, 10:30 p.m.; Wed.: DJ Otter spins hip-hop, ’80s, electro, rock and soul; 1530 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-276-7036.
Smart Bar
Wed.: DJs Pogo and Kerry Finerty spin indie, Brit pop, new wave and alternative; 3739 N. Clark St. 773-549-4140.
Sonotheque
Wed.: DJs Chris Widman, Don Solo and guests spin funk, jazztronica and hip-hop, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; 1444 W. Chicago Ave. 312-226-7600.
Zentra
Sat.: 6th Anniversary Party: DJs Teri Bristol and Psycho Bitch spin; 923 W. Weed St. 312-787-0400.
