For those who like to get down . . .

. . . on Thanksgiving Eve:

Once again, it's time for Butch McGuire's to dust off the vintage toy choo-choo trains and Dr. Seuss mechanical thingamajig decorations for the holiday season. The after-work and into the night party is supposed to be the biggest singles scenes in the city on Thanksgiving Eve. Trust me, it really is. 3pm-4am. $10.

DandE Entertainment's long-standing Thanksgiving Night party moves to the night before, and is also taking place at Green Dolphin Street. House music legend Frankie Knuckles serves up classic and contempo beats to a crowd dancing so hard they won't have to worry about all those calories the next day. 9pm-4am. $20.

More groove-oriented music happens over at Moonshine, featuring the DJ Soul Foundation featuring Brenda D, Brian Gardner and others. Moonshine's also officially unveiling new house-made microbrew Chronic, which will be sold for $3 this night. Also, half-price pizzas and $5 Jack Daniels drinks. 9pm-2am. No cover.

Gobble up more goodies at Plan B at the second-annual B Thankful bash. A number of shots and cocktails are $3; domestic canned beer $2; half off on appetizers. DJ Daddy spins tasty beats. 6pm-2am. No cover.

Wine lovers, don't worry, there's something for you, too! Quartino continues its end-of-the-month wine tasting party happening on the upper level of the trendy pizzeria. Cool music, appetizers, socializing and four featured wines for twenty bucks. 7-9pm.

Backtrack returns to Rednofive, featuring turntablists Jesse de la Pena, Mario "Smokin" Diaz, Pumpin Pete and others. The best thing about this night?! There's a Michael Jackson/Prince showdown at midnight! Also, an '80s costume contest. 9pm-4am. Cover varies.

If you're cool and you know it, clap your hands—or just go to Sonotheque for the monthly Rebirth of the Funk fete. Deejays Joe Bryl and Eric Williams should blow you away with funk, reggae, go go, breakbeats and more. Also, $5 well cocktails. 9pm-2am. $5.

Those guys over at the Lincoln Park Young Professionals try so hard with their events, and the one at Whiskey Sky sounds like it'll jump off for sure. The Turkey Trot Classic includes classic cocktails, a fabulous lake view and multiple appetizers from various restaurants.
7-9pm. $20 in advance; $40 at door.

City Hall sucks

Read Time Out Chicago's piece on the Chicago's promoter's ordinance that will be voted on by the city council on Wednesday. This will kill the local arts, nightlife and music scene if majority rules, but there's still hope . . .

Take a stand here.

Roll out the Red Carpet . . .

. . . the Oscars are coming, and so are the local events celebrating it.

Academy Awards parties started in Chicago circa 1999, when nightlife impresario BJ Murray decided to host an all-out Hollywood-style glam jam at Marche (833 W. Randolph St., 312-226-8399) with a life-sized Oscar statuette, deejays and celebrity lookalikes.

While he's no longer throwing the once annual bash, you'll still be able to find a host of parties around town when the Oscars air on Sunday, Feb. 24, beginning at 6pm. You'll be able to cheer on your favorite actors and movies at dress-up affairs as well as more casual events at:

10pin (330 N. State St., 312-644-0300). The bowling lounge goes black tie for one evening with this affair that's decked out in gold and silver and the staff will greet guests in old-school glam. Upon arriving, guests will fill out an Oscar ballot, predicting the winner in all categories. The individual with the most correct answers will receive a trip to Aruba. But if there's a tie, there will be a bowl off. Also, fashionistas can show off their glitz and compete for Best Dressed Female and Best Dressed Male with the winners taking home a gold Oscar statuette. Specials include "Juno" (cavatappi baked with Wisconsin smoked Cheddar, fresh herbs and toasted breadcrumbs), "No Country for Old Men" quesadillas, "Atonement" (beer-battered Cod fish and chips), and a host of specialty cocktails.

Debonair Social Club (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-227-7990). The Pussy Galore Flying Circus Oscars Party kicks off at 7pm, hosted by Music 101. The party will have $5 Stoli cocktails, $10 Stoli Elit martinis and a tribute to 45 years of James Bond with Bond films playing on all screens. Comp appetizers 7-10pm, and of course Bond Girls. DJ Heather Doble spins. 9pm-2am.

Kit Kat Lounge (3700 N. Halsted St., 773-525-1111). Guests are treated to live entertainment by the Kit Kat Divas during commercials, as well as half-price martinis all night. They're also showing the Oscars on five large screens. Dinner specials include The Red Carpet (savory roasted red pepper soup), Acceptance Speech (roasted baby beets with goat cheese and mixed greens with a hazelnut vinaigrette) and And The Oscar Goes to...(pan-seared scallops with truffle oil and sweet pea risotto).

Room21 (2110 S. Wabash Ave., 312-328-1198). The South Loop set benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Admission includes appetizers, signature Belvedere cocktails, wine and dessert. A silent auction benefits JDRF and multiple plasma televisions will be added to the venue. The party's attire ranges from jeans to gems; best dressed guests will be presented prizes by the evening's emcee, NBC's LeeAnn Trotter. $40 in advance; $45 at door.

Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-281-4989). They'll have a 106-inch projection screen and guests will have the chance to win prizes for guessing the night's winners. Also, sip themed cocktails like a $5 Red Carpet Punch.

Viand (155 E. Ontario St., 312-255-8505). The Streeterville eatery features some specialty Oscar creations by Executive Chef Steve Chiappetti. And for those who want to watch the big show, there will be a big screen. One guest who picks the winner for Best Picture category will win a $200 gift certificate to the restaurant. The night's cocktails: Atonement - Romantic interlude (Godiva, Kahlua, brandy, chocolate-rimmed glass), Juno - Teenage sprinter (Zinfandel wine, 7-Up, tropical fruit), Michael Clayton - Give me a stiff one (Southern Comfort and Coke), No Country for Old Men - just for the old guys (scotch, sweet vermouth, dash of bitters) and There Will Be Blood - Bloody Bloody Mary (tomato juice, tobacco, citrus vodka, deep-fried blue cheese olives).

Party people out and about

(Photo: Darkroom Demons)

The Rehab Round 4 party at evilOlive (1551 W. Division St., 773-235-9100) brought out some seriously interesting characters—as always—when it happened the other day.

Official Lupe Fiasco CD release party tonight

Common. Kanye. And now another Chicago native hip-hop star is throwing his official CD release party in his hometown.

Tonight, Rockstar Tuesdays—hosted by ClubNet360—treats Lupe Fiasco fans to a listening party for The Cool album that's soon to be released. The event also includes drink specials. Rednofive, 440 N. Halsted St., 312-421-1239. 10pm-4am. Ladies free until midnight; $20 after.

UPDATE: Lupe Fiasco will be in the house (!!!!!), escorted by his record label, Atlantic.

Connoisseur grand opening, holiday bashes and so much more . . .

The scene at Connoisseur during one of its tasting parties


I have no idea why it’s so busy this weekend, but it’s enough to keep everyone happy:

Connoisseur Wine Co. The grand-opening weekend is finally here for this tiny, yet stylish River West wine lounge with a mobile martini bar (bartender shakes up signature chocolate and green tea cocktails tableside), shareable Creole-inspired plates and some of the best underground deejays in town. Confirmed spin stars include ?, Lee Farmer, DJ I.N.C., Joe Glover, Madrid and World. Guests who RSVP receive gift bags, complimentary champagne, wine and tastings from the menu. Dec. 14-16. 1041 W. Grand Ave., 312-738-3055.

Joe’s. The 5th annual Kandy Kane Ball happens on Dec. 15 as this sports bar is transformed into a winter wonderland for a holiday atmosphere. Guests are requested to bring unwrapped toys (none with batteries) and kids’ hats, jackets and gloves, with all donations going to Chicago’s children’s charities. Party starts at 9pm, and for $20 you get an open bar and appetizers. 940 W. Weed St., 312-337-3486.

Krem. The fabulous Lincoln Park lounge celebrates its first-year anniversary with a party benefiting Toys For Tots. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for admission. Also, to celebrate the anniversary—and new renovations to the VIP and main rooms—they’re pouring complimentary Champagne and passing appetizers 9-10:30pm. Dec. 14. Also, come back on Dec. 15 for the Holiday Sweater event during their hot Sunday-night industry party. 1750 N. Clark St., 312-932-1750.



Plan B. Also, dig into those old boxes (you know you’ve got ‘em!) for the ugliest sweater for The Sweater that Stole Christmas Bar Crawl. Strut with no style when it kicks off at this new Wicker Park lounge (1635 N. Milwaukee Ave.) at 2pm, then hits Cans (1640 N. Damen Ave.), Northside Bar and Grill (1635 N. Damen Ave.) and Pint (1547 N. Milwaukee Ave.). Guests will then return to Plan B for a private You Made It reception until 8pm where local deejays will spin the usual beats. Drink specials include Leinenkugel drafts for $2 and Imperia vodka drinks for $4 at Plan B; $2 beer and vodka mixed drinks for $4 at Cans; Kalamazoo Bell’s amber ale beer for $4 and Southern Comfort and lime shots for $5 at Northside; and Point Pale Ale beer for $2.50 and Shiner beer pints for $4 at Pint. $20 donation; all proceeds benefit Inner Voice, Inc., a Wicker Park-based non-profit organization that assists Chicago’s homeless community. Dec. 15.

Rednofive. Two fashion events happen this weekend: Friday’s Holiday Fashion Fantasy includes shopping, a runway show, comp admission and appetizers by Chaise Lounge. 8pm-midnight. And Saturday—back by popular demand—they’re hosting the Glam Live and Mario Ink Body Painted Fire and Ice Fashion Show at midnight. It’s the perfect chance to order Redno’s Champagne Bouquet—designed by Rednofive and Moet—that’s a trio of champagne splits from Moët and Chandon, Impérial Rosé, Nectar Impérial and White Star. The bouquet comes with special champagne flutes shaped like the petals of a flower and have been a very popular item with female guests for $75. 440 N. Halsted St., 312-421-1239.

Salud. And Lip Service Productions hosts a jolly Downtown Divas X-Mas Soiree. The Thanksgiving party they had over at Jillys will be pale in comparison. From 8-9pm, you’ll get complimentary holiday cocktails. Party happens Dec. 13 (tonight!). Free. 1471 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-235-5577.

Black Wednesday bashes

DJ Samantha Ronson (center) flanked by PR divas Susie Schreiber (left) and Kiran Advani of Zapwater Communications


It’s the day before Thanksgiving, so you know what that means. It’s time to cut loose before you head home to the families. Feast your eyes on these bashes certain to whet your nightlife appetite:

Butch McGuire’s (20 W. Division St., 312-337-9080). Head here as soon as you get off (by 2pm hopefully!) as this legendary Irish bar decorates the entire venue with choo-choo trains, whimsical Dr. Seuss characters and more tinsel than you can handle. $10 after 5pm.

Chaise Lounge (1840 W. North Ave., 773-342-1840). Half-price bottles of selected wines, a heated deck with lush, Miami-style cabana seating and a deejay are exactly what you’ll need to get ready for the relatives manana.

Citizen (364 W. Erie St., 312-640-1156). Get your grub on one day early with bottomless pasta for $14.95, $3 Snow Queen Lemon Drops and $125 bottles of Snow Queen vodka. Deejays K.O. and Risky Biz spin indoors and also on the heated, tented deck.

Crimson Lounge (333 N. Dearborn St., 312-923-2473). Hot shot celebrity deejay Samantha Ronson does her monthly residency at the new Hotel Sax’s swanky lounge.

Cuartro (2030 S. Wabash Ave., 312-842-8856). Groove Parlor features deep house maestro Mark Grant and Groove Parlor founder Mario Romay. 10pm-2am.

Jilly’s Too! (1009 N. Rush St., 312 664-0009). Downtown Melissa Brown hosts her annual bash for a mature crowd looking for something beyond the usual bar scenes. She’s gathered a number of her “downtown diva” friends (including 312 Dining Diva!) for a fun party that begins with a comp champagne reception at 8:30pm. Donny Greco performs.

Y (224 W. Ontario St., 312-274-1880). Make your way to Tony Macey's pre-Thanksgiving event at this sexy lounge known for its infamous Wednesday night parties. Get there by 10pm for guaranteed admission.