Juke continues to be a burgeoning scene in 2011, no matter how old its roots may be. The scene's emergence as "buzzworthy" can be linked to a bevy of new producers exploring its sounds, everywhere from here in Chicago to Seattle to the UK. But while juke may be making waves all over the world, Chicago still holds it down more than anyone, and the proof will be tomorrow as Smart Bar will host Juke Fest 2011 with headliners DJ Funk and Gant-Man. more ›

Nestled in the Archer Heights neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago existed a musical mecca where legends gathered and the aspiring came to be enlightened. Hot Jams Records, also known as Pink Machine Studio, was an outpost whose patrons revealed as much about the history of Chicago House as the stacks of records they purchased. From the late '90s through as recently as 2007, Hot Jams filled a role far more significant that sales. For area youth like the Ghetto Division collective, the walls of Hot Jams were a safe haven of late nights, forged friendships and daily inspiration. A few years and countless memories later, Ghetto Division carry the torch of Hot Jams, a group of DJs and producers who challenge the norms of Chicago nightlife and champion the cause of original music making. more ›

An unknown gunman went on a rampage inside a Lane Bryant store at Brookside Marketplace shopping center in south suburban Tinley Park earlier today, opening fire and killing five women. A police source is speculating that robbery was the motive, but the source had the same question we did -- why pick a clothing store to make your big score? more ›