Dre Day 2009
Wednesday, February 18 at Small Bar, 9 p.m.; free
Wednesday the 18th is Dr. Dre’s birthday, so breakdance star Anacron and a slew of Chicago’s creative and genre-bending hip hop DJs, like Intel, Pickel, Trew and OnceAMonth, are throwing a party to celebrate his production work and legacy (note: this is a version of the parties that started in the Twin Cities several years ago). Depending on how old you are, either NWA, “The Chronic” or Dre’s work with Eminem probably influenced your middle school and/or high school years in some way. Come reminisce, play the $20 Sack Pyramid game, take your picture as Dre on the “Chronic” album cover and put back an $8 40-ounce of Olde English. (Previously.)
F*ck Your Requests
Friday, February 20 at Lumen, 9 p.m.; free before 10 p.m.
Nightlife promoters Derek Berry and Dicky C from Evil Olive‘s weekly Rehab party class it up a bit for F*ck Your Requests, the CD release party for Tommie Sunshine’s “Relax, This Won’t Hurt.” Sunshine will be there, as will the Dark Wave Disco crew, the guys who helped keep Tommie’s electro-glam-dance sounds popular in Chicago. RSVP to info@lumen-chicago.com for a Svedka hosted bar from 9-10 p.m.
Braziliance Carnaval
Friday, February 20 at Sonotheque, 9 p.m.; $5 or free with RSVP to nick.lambrou@gmail.com
Sonotheque is throwing a special edition of its monthly Braziliance party to coincide with the party of all parties, Brazilian Carnaval. Joe Bryl plays samba and obscure Brazilian beats, there’s a special cocktail menu, and we’re sure the videos will be projecting Carnivale parties from years past. Get there early and get a special CD of the best Brazilian beats personally selected by Joe. Check Centerstage for more Carnaval events.
King Britt/Lady D’s Birthday Party
Friday, February 20 at Smartbar,10 p.m.; $10 before midnight, $12 after
One of Chicago’s reigning ladies of house music, Lady D, celebrates her birthday tonight with special guest producer and DJ, King Britt. Lady D will spin tunes from her years with the Super Jane DJs as well as from her own D’Lectable records. You can also expect to hear the best house grooves, dance music and more from Britt and Michael Serafini.
Lava Lounge 2-Year Anniversary with DJ Autobot
Saturday, February 21 at Lava Lounge, 9 p.m.; cover TBA
It seems like just yesterday I was braving the freezing cold night to check out the grand opening of the new Lava Lounge. I was amazed at how glitzy, sleek and modern it all was, but the dance-friendly crowd, cool bartenders and diverse musical programming remained the same. One big difference: a booming new sound system, which we’re sure headlining special guest DJ Autobot (of Flosstradamus) will make use of nicely. I’ve been saying it for the last two years: Lava is the size of a Logan Square studio, so get here early unless you want to wait outside.