Jenn Danko

Warm up those cold nights with a laundry list of weekday to-dos. We compiled a roundup of must-hear weeklies and monthlies that push past pretensions and get to the grit--that's good music, to you. Get ready to dance.

Outdanced @ Funky Buddha Lounge (Tuesday nights)

Where else will club goers catch the bad-sweatshirt antics of Leslie and the LY's on a Tuesday night? Try the same place they will catch the likes of Peaches, Larry T. or Le Tigre's J.D. Simpson. Throw in a mix of on-the-cheap drink specials and an industry vibe, and "Outdanced" becomes one of Chicago's most hotly attended weekday socials. "It's more of a dance party than anything else," promoter Scott Cramer says, who hosts the aptly titled weekly with promoter/spinstress Jillian Valentino. Together, the two attract a diverse party palette that would make Steve Rubell jealous. "We're gay-friendly, we're industry-based ...we've also got a Wicker Park, underground following," Cramer says of his weekly turnout. A hosted bar from 10pm to 11pm sets attendance standards high. "Outdanced" sees between 150 to 200 people through the door each week, thanks to $2 PBR and $1 organic mango shot specials. Free parking also sweetens the deal. "We don't do too much with house music," Cramer adds.

As if they need to. "Outdanced" received national press for its playful party montage in the January issue of "Spin" magazine. Pay a $5 cover charge all night or RSVP to outdanced@yahoo.com and get in free before 11pm. 728 West Grand, (312)666-1695, 10pm-2am.

Ramp Chicago @ Sonotheque (Second Tuesday of each month)

Producers Nathan Koch (Emulsion) and Chris Jones (Yard) keep busy testing the limits of one of Chicago's best sound systems. Inside the dark, streamlined digs of Sonotheque, experimental artists test the boundaries of techno, dub and minimal the second Tuesday of each month. "[Ramp Chicago] is devoted to live and interesting electronic music that takes a path somewhere between the dance floor and your headphones, bringing in artists that straddle genres and takes chances," Koch says of the monthly. January saw the dubby techno blip of Narita's Arctic Hospital work over the room; on February 13 the lush, experimental workings of Flutter send audiences on an ethereal IDM ride. Her Ramp Chicago play date celebrates the release of her new CD, "Dolls Like Me," a blend of catchy beats and melodic vocals that define her one-woman show. As a resident DJ for the night, Koch lays down his brand of electro, IDM and ambient with monthly guests including Ianhixx this January and TMI (of Thorny Tigers) in February. Also brewing in the coming months: live visuals. "With the demise of Locale every Sunday at Rodan, we're giving local video artists a chance to showcase their work again," Koch added. Cover charge: $3 to $5 depending on lineup. 1444 West Chicago, (312)226-7600, 10pm-2am.

Thursdays @ Tsuki Japanese Restaurant/Lounge

DJ John Simmons' musings in cross-cultural affairs run the gamut. His weekly Thursday residency at Tsuki serves up Brazilian, Italo disco and reggae right alongside a feast of Far East delights. Start with the kitchen's play list of $5 maki and $3.50 appetizers, both served until 1am; then sit back as Simmons digs deep into his bottomless crates of vinyl. Armed with a signature infectious smile, the Chicago music veteran lights up Tsuki's smoldering digs with everything from funk and house to nu jazz and broken beat. A sprawling list of $5 martinis lends to the weekly's easy vibe. While Simmons' rotates his guests with the Soul Foundation family of DJs Brian G. & Co., don't be a surprised if a few international heavy hitters make their way to the decks. In 2006, Berlin's Plastique de Reve dipped in for a low-key appearance without any lauded fan fair. Now that's underground love. No cover charge. 1441 West Fullerton, (773)883-8722. 9:30pm-2am.

B-Side @ Streetside (Second Thursday of each month)

It doesn't take more than a funky house track and a pint of cheap beer to get the crowd off at Streetside Café's monthly B-side event. Inside the bar's quaint Logan Square digs, some of the most talented purveyors of underground house are sweated up on funk and cigarettes. On the second Thursday of every month, an often who's-who of local house royalty descends upon the west-end neighborhood to take in the no-frills charm of its big bass lines. Forget dress codes, designer labels or cover charges--patrons of this event share an affinity for the funkier side of life. "The night brings a non-pretentious atmosphere at a cozy neighborhood venue with cool peeps, cheap drinks and great bar food," Karl Almaria says, co-promoter of the monthly party. Together he and fellow Chicago producer/DJ Josh Harrell host a rotating list of local and international talent that makes even the purist house elitist balk. Look for their February 8 to feature a soon-to-be announced underground treat. No cover charge. 3201 West Armitage, (773)252-9700, 10pm-2am.

(2007-01-23)

Also by Jenn Danko

Spin Control
Fatten up on a heavy helping of house this weekend, when three of the city's most venerable venues cook up an extra serving of beats
(2006-11-14)

Tip of the Week
Ben Watt calls Jimpster (aka Jamie Odell) a "future soul kingpin and bittersweet house don." His hybrid blend of deep and tech house run the gamut of gauzy and murky--while evoking a soulful essence.
(2006-10-24)

Rebirth of the Underground
Forget bottle service--Chicago is digging deep into the underground music roots that gave it its famed swagger. The reopening of two of the city's most respected underground music clubs, Ohm and Lava, signifies much more than the second coming in chi-chi night clubbing
(2006-10-10)

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