More hot updates

Super star funkster George Clinton has just confirmed to play the annual Jingle Bell Jam, hosted by Lip Service Productions on Sunday, Dec. 23. The event also features dozens of local and national musicians doing what they do best. Highlighted performers include Phil Baron, Brad Peterson, Brad Elvis, Ruby Harris, Chip Z'Nuff and Kevon Smith. The evening features all types of music, including rock, reggae, funk, blues and jazz. The $20 donation (or unwrapped new toy) benefits Rock For Kids, a nonprofit organization providing support to young homeless people. 7pm-4am at evilOlive (1551 W. Division St., 773-235-9100).

'Humboldt Park' soon to hit the big screen

Actor Freddy Rodriguez


Found out last night that filmmaker George Tillman, Jr., who attended Columbia College but hails from Milwaukee, begins filming a Latin-flavored Soul Food entitled Humboldt Park at the end of January or beginning of February. Expect him to use a lot of those cool restaurants, coffeeshops and bars in that 'hood as background. John Leguizamo (Love in the Time of Cholera) and Freddy Rodriguez (Grindhouse: Planet Terror) will star.

You may remember Tillman as the force behind such hits as Barbershop, Barbershop 2: Back in Business, Beauty Shop, Men of Honor and, of course, Soul Food.

Another closing—and an opening

There's yet another popular restaurant closing on New Year's Eve. If you dig the Nuevo Latin fare, make your reservations for the last dinner service at Mas (1670 W. Division St., 773-276-8700) in Wicker Park. No word on what they're doing yet on Dec. 31, but expect them to make a lasting impression. And remember that they still own Motel Bar (600 W. Chicago Ave., 312-822-2900), which is right down the street in the River North neighborhood.

So, in with the new: Takashi finally opens on Dec. 30. The award-winning chef Takashi Yagihashi melds contemporary French and American cuisines with Japanese influences to bring on this exciting new Bucktown option. You'll want to indulge in hot small plates like the soy-ginger caramel pork belly or crispy organic chicken wings; or large plates like the sauteed skatewing, roasted New York strip steak or seared local loin of pork "on the bone." The wine list offers a unique sake program featuring sake (and beer) from Ibaraki Prefecture, Yagihashi’s hometown. Look for this one to win many awards in 2008. 1952 N. Damen Ave., 773-772-6170.

A weekend of holiday cheer

Put down that carton of eggnog and get out this weekend, beginning with hot events happening tonight:

Bella Lounge. It's the holiday edition of Miracle Entertainment's Music & Martinis party, so get there for the $20 manager's special of a full dinner buffet as well as unlimited specialty martinis and imported beer. Also, deejays C-Vicious, Mark Fullaflavor and Malik Shabazz spin all the hits you like to hear. 5pm-2am tonight. RSVP to RSVPMe@SLDMarketingGroup.net for free admission. 1212 N. State Pkwy., 312-787-9405.

evilOlive. Lip Service Productions hosts its annual Jingle Bell Jam, featuring dozens of local and national musicians doing what they do best. Highlighted performers include Phil Baron, Brad Peterson, Brad Elvis, Ruby Harris, Chip Z'Nuff and Kevon Smith. The evening features all types of music, including rock, reggae, funk, blues and jazz. The $10 donation benefits Rock For Kids, a nonprofit organization providing support to young homeless people. Dec. 23 9pm-4am. 1551 W. Division St., 773-235-9100. UPDATE FROM THE EMAIL BAG: "There is a good chance that George Clinton (the Grad Daddy of Funk, himself!!!) might be doing the Jam on Sunday!! It's not 100 percent for sure yet . . ."

Latin Street Dancing Studios. Wanna show off some fresh dance moves at all your holiday and New Year's Eve parties? There's still time to sign up for Latin Street Dancing Company's Bootcamp, a three-hour crash course in salsa, cha cha cha, bachata and other sexy dances. The classes are tonight from 6-9:30pm and Saturday noon-3:30pm at 540 N. LaSalle St., 312-427-2572. $35 for each three-hour class.

Manor. It'll be a hip-hop hooray holiday tonight at this swanky River North lounge as old-school rappers Naughty By Nature perform their classic hits. Has it really been that long that OPP and Hip-Hop Hooray are considered oldies, but goodies?! 9pm-2am tonight. 642 N. Clark St., 312-475-1390.

Provenance Food & Wine. Stop by this casual, holiday wine tasting sponsored by Fine Vines. 6-8:30pm tonight. 2528 N. California Ave., 773-384-0699. Or for a Champagne experience tonight, head to WineStyles Chicago (1433 W. Belmont Ave., 773-549-2227). From 6-8pm, you'll get to sample wonderful products from Heritage Wine Cellars.

Soiree. Check out this sneak peek holiday party in Lincoln Park. They'll have drink specials, menu sampling and shadow dancers. Also, if you'd like to make things simpler, go for the $35 package that includes cocktails, beer and table service. Those who bring a nonperishable food donation receive a free cocktail. Dec. 22, 9pm-3am. 2438 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-477-8880. Free admission.

Tini Martini. If you've got six friends who are ready to party this Saturday, book your table now for the champagne party where each table gets a free bottle. There's also complimentary cocktails from 9-10pm. Deejay Dino Latino spins all the Latin and popular hits. Dec. 22 9pm-3am. 2169 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-269-2900. Free.

Victor Hotel. New Euro-style boutique Funkshion throws a fashion show and party with free gifts and some other surprises. Dec. 22 9pm-3am. 311 N. Sangamon Ave., 312-733-6900. Free.