Willy Joy's a guy we've been wanting to contribute since the inception of Chicagoist Mix Series. A Minnesota native, Willy Joy has made Chicago his home away from home, fitting right in to the city's long, rich heritage of DJ/producers. He rose to local fame with his Fly By Night parties, a staple in the clubbing community. He's collaborated with the likes of Rob Threezy, worked with labels such as Fool's Gold and Trouble & Bass, and now can refer to himself as Kid Sister's DJ. In short, Willy Joy's resume is mighty impressive, and we feel this is just the start. Check out our interview with WIlly Joy and download the exclusive mix he put together for Chicagoist. more ›

Three years ago two enterprising young men noticed a serious hole in the Chicago club scene; there were plenty of parties out there but there didn't seem to be a party that literally invited everyone to attend. They threw out the club kid hierarchy, adopted an anything goes attitude to the genres they would spin and decided that Monday nights would be the best time to test drive this concept they would name Rehab. That test drive grew into a road trip that grew into a regular transatlantic cruise of partying. more ›

Intrepid video mixing, classic bmore, Chicago house and electro. These are a few of the centerpoints this Friday at House of Blues, an unlikely spot for a Weekend Dance Party pick. But nevertheless, we picked it; besides, when you book both Mike Relm and Tittsworth to headline, along with some solid local talent, the whole when and where dynamic begins to not matter. What it comes down to is that tomorrow night's show will be full of prime dance music, making House of Blues a sure-thing destination to put your footwork to the test. more ›

Hauck's Just Desserts has seen success at Lincoln Hall, and this ninth incarnation stands as one of the best bills to date. Willy Joy has all but solidified himself as the city's top DJ, particularly due to his ability to command a crowd of any walk of life. He's also got a knack for producing quality tunes, the most recent of which have been released on the indie label Trouble & Bass. He'll be spinning at the Mad Decent Block Party earlier that day, so you have two chances to see this guy work his magic. Along Willy Joy are Charlie Glitch, Kid Color, Gemini Club, Just Desserts and Action/Adventure, who will spin everything from ghetto house to disco to indie rock to hip-hop to electro. It's not often nights can afford this much variety and a lineup to back it up, so this is a pick we especially suggest you not miss. more ›

This weekend Mad Decent is curating the yearly Hideout Block Party. Having a dance-o-rama for the yearly block party might appear to be a bit of a step sideways for the Hideout but it makes total sense as the little club tucked away in an industrial wasteland has been making quite a name for itself through it’s DJ sets. The concert schedule is still dominated by rock and country acts, but the late nights belong to the dancers. more ›

Ahem. Well, this is a bit of a landslide pick, now isn't it? Nothing, and we mean nothing competes with Claychella for our pick for this week's Weekend Dance Party. In fact, there really was no point of finding a worthy competitor -- Lincoln Hall will be housing just about every notable Chicago-area DJ for this year's fest, which will be a 14-hour aural bender of all sonic wavelengths. Founded and hosted by Clayton Hauck (known for his party photography at everyoneisfamous.com), this year's Claychella will be the best yet, featuring the likes of Flosstradamus, The Hood Internet, Million $ Mano, Nick Catchdubs, WIlly Joy, Kid Color, Team Bayside High, and our very own Arts & Events Editor, Tankboy! more ›

This weekend our dance party of choice is jungle-house madman Congorock. His name is so meta it's almost paradoxical; his music, quite literally, sounds like rock from the Congo. Tonight Congorock stops in Chicago as a part of his More Fire Tour, bringing his funky jams to Smart Bar alongside Willy Joy and Charlie Glitch. It's gonna get messy, people. more ›

The year has a been a tumultuous one for nightlife and electronic music in Chicago. Promoters had to think smart to pull in crowds with far less spending money and we lost our shining star, the always tasteful Sonotheque. With Lava Lounge set to relaunch in 2010 as a cocktail lounge and a long winter still ahead, many feel uncertain, yet curious, for what the new year will bring. more ›

Yes, we realize you are dead tired and possibly still hungover from Halloween weekend revelry, but you won't want to sleep on tonight's special guest at Debonair's Monday night weekly, Rehab. more ›

Another weekend. Another street fest. This weekend the annual West Fest closes off Chicago Avenue between Damen and Wood for two days of live music, kid and pet festivities and even an outdoor fashion show. The antithesis of the chaos formerly known as Ribfest, West Fest is the one street fest we can always count on for a relaxing afternoon. more ›

The drunken debauchery, celeb spotting and musical bliss that was SXSW has come to a close. Our favorite bands and DJs are returning home and we're excited for some of the new friends they've brought with them. more ›

There are a jillion ways to ring in the new year around Chicago, from small parties with close friends to inhumanly posh ballroom galas, but the hippest route in this town will undeniably be the Justice show at The Congress Theater on New year's Eve. more ›

You can have Kanye, Lupe, and Common; we're hitching our wagon to Chicago's fantastic rap duo, The Cool Kids. Already slated to Rock The Bells and perform at Lolapalooza, The Cool Kids continue their quest for not only world domination, but world peace as well. more ›