Peanut Butter Wolf presides over a special Stones Throw party at Abbey Pub.

Stussy X Stones Throw Tour
Thursday, April 30 at Abbey Pub; $16 in advance, $18 at the door
Stussy sponsors the latest Stones Throw tour, which features Peanut Butter Wolf, James Pants, Dam-Funk and Mayer Hawthorne. Chicago hip-hop fans have been lucky enough to have the Stones Throw crew come to town pretty regularly as part of the Sonotheque Move events, but this tour is quite different and it’s 18-plus. Peanut Butter Wolf is doing live video and DJ mixing; James Pants is playing a live set with his band, the Royal Zodiac, and Mayer Hawthorne and Dam-Funk will be playing eclectic records. To top it off, Stussy created limited-edition t-shirts and Stones Throw is coming out with music only sold on the tour. Visit Stussy.com to download an exclusive tour mix.

Red Kiva 2-Year Anniversary Party
Thursday, April 30 at Red Kiva, 6 p.m.; $10 cover benefits T-PAN
With its yummy flatbread pizzas, hip West Loop locale and unique sunken-pit design (it formerly housed drum circles), we’re not surprised Red Kiva has made it to its second birthday. The party gets started early at 6 p.m. with complimentary appetizers and a slew of drink specials, including $5 Absolut cocktails and giveaways. Music is provided by resident DJs Uncle El and Pickel, of the new Tronic weekly party, along with live performances by Radius and Kenny Keys and live art by CZR PRZ. Better yet, tonight?s anniversary party benefits T-PAN, the Test Positive Aware Network, which works for HIV awareness and advocacy.

Dark Wave Disco 4-Year Anniversary Party
Friday, May 1 at Sonotheque, 9 p.m.; $10, free before 11 p.m. with RSVP to rsvp@emptybottle.com
The Dark Wave Disco crew celebrates four years of bringing dance, rock and dirty electro to the coolest clubs in the city. Tonight, host Paul in Chicago and the DWD DJs (Trancid, Mark Gertz and Greg Corner) will be joined by special guests Trash Yourself, a “girl and a boy here to destroy” you with nu-rave beats.

Dialogue, Inc
Saturday, May 2 at The Burlington, 9 p.m.; Free
Joshua Ferguson, the Chicago writer for dance and culture blog, Dialogue, Inc., curates a night of dance music at the Burlington. We’re not sure what he’ll be pulling out of his hat, but as he was recently appointed Nightlife editor of Time Out Chicago, he probably knows a thing or two about what gets crowds moving.

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If you’re looking to see blues, jazz or rock in Chicago, you’ll find no shortage of clubs catering to your needs. But while the city is home to many hip-hop artists of all styles, it’s not immediately clear where you should go to hear the stuff. These spots might not call themselves “hip-hop clubs,” but they’re your best bets for catching the best local and national acts.

Abbey Pub
Over the past few years, this Northwest Side venue has evolved from a rock-heavy spot to a haven for hip-hoppers. The transition wasn’t easy; a few scene-related skirmishes had the owners considering banning the genre altogether, but the robust local market must’ve changed their minds. You’ll find some of the underground’s brightest stars commanding the small stage here nearly every week; past performers have included Murs, Brother Ali, Heiruspecs, MF Doom, Madlib and RJD2 (the club has also hosted the city-wide Chicago Rocks showcase).
View upcoming shows at Abbey Pub

Subterranean
If you want to get up close and personal with an MC, this is the place to do it. Fans pack this second-floor club for intimate performances by locals like Earatik Statik and Astonish as well as national acts like Blu and J-Live. If you don’t feel like bumping shoulders with the sweaty crowd, you can also get a cool bird’s-eye view from the third-floor balcony. You may just end up watching the opening act while standing next to the headliner. Downstairs in the lounge, you’ll find several regular hip-hop nights, including The Cold Sweat (featuring the Comeups – DJs Intel, Maker and Pickel – and DJ Trew) on the first three Fridays of each month.
View upcoming shows at Subterranean

Reggie’s Rock Club
Forget the name; since installing itself on the near-South Side, this club has garnered some major cred from local hip-hop fans by providing a platform for Chicago artists (especially those on the Galapagos4 roster, like Qwel and Robust). The sloping floor might not be the best for breakdancing, but there’s plenty of it anyway, so hold onto your Old Style tallboy. Good news, young’uns: most shows here are all ages or 17-plus.
View all upcoming shows at Reggie’s Rock Club

House of Blues
If your favorite hip-hop act is too popular for small clubs, but can’t quite sell out a stadium, this is the most likely landing spot. Common, Wu-Tang Clan, Cypress Hill and even Lil’ Wayne have had memorable sets in the velvet-swathed space in recent years. The tickets are expensive, as are the drinks, and the doormen can be pretty strict (no cameras!), but in general you’ll see a good show here.
View all upcoming shows at House of Blues

Morseland
When North Side hip-hop fans want a good meal and some good beats in the middle of the week, they head to this Rogers Park venue. The Wednesday-night series, Heartbeats, presented by local DJ Lokua, offers a different set of MCs, DJs and musicians each week (e.g. 1773, Radius). If that’s not enough for you, come back for Dirty Thursdays, when DJs Serpico, Teebot and Kana Me spin hip-hop, funk and reggae (and sometimes present live acts like Treologic). Oh, and that “good meal” part? Morseland is known for its Southern Creole cooking, with tasty dishes like jerk pork chops and barbecued catfish.
View all upcoming shows at Morseland

Want it on wax? Our favorite spots to catch DJ’d hip-hop:
Lava Lounge
Funky Buddha Lounge
Sonotheque

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Inspired early on by rap’s golden era, DJ Pickel was determined to make a name for himself behind the decks. As a budding DJ he would attend events with a family member, who was also a DJ, and diligently take notes on how to properly hold down a set. Eventually he got his own tables and his career’s been evolving steadily ever since.

Pickel is currently a member of the Come-Ups crew (along with DJs Intel and Maker) and the Analog Addicts, and has been a staple in numerous hotspots around town like Lava Lounge, Rodan, Subterranean and Swig. Pickel’s skills have earned him sets alongside some of the finest DJs in the world including Kid Cut Up, Nu Mark and Pase Rock. Centerstage recently sat down with DJ Pickle to talk about Chicago’s nightlife and records.

When and how did you first get interested in DJing?
In 1991-’92. I was really into watching DJs on rap videos and I wanted to learn how to do that. A friend of the family who was a DJ offered to take we along to gigs and show me the ropes. I got some practice time in, and I learned a lot about the craft. I eventually bought my first set of tables in 8th grade. I actually got them from DJ Devastation from 2 Young Brothers. They were kind of famous in our neighborhood for the song “Check Out the Hook” (DJ International Records). My mom was Joey’s [Devastation] teacher in 7th and 8th grade. So he looked out when I was looking for tables.

What was your first record?
Its hard to say, but I think it was either Urban Dance Squad, “Deeper Shade of Soul,” or 2 Live Crew, “Banned in the USA.”

Do you remember the first major event you spun at?
Yes, I opened for Tone Loc at the Copper Dragon in Carbondale, Illinois. This was in ’97 with my good homie DJ Crucial. I called Crucial at his dorm and we walked over to the venue and offered our services. At this point, Crucial was well-experienced as a show DJ. Me, not so much. I actually put all my records in order in the crate as they would be mixed. Those were the only records I brought with me. So I was limited, but Crucial got on and killed it. Dude was all dropping records hella fast and keeping the crowd totally in his control. He has been a big influence on me since.

Who are some of your favorite artists now?
I?m really feeling what Stones Throw does, Black Spade is on it too, and my dude Pugs [Atomz]. But I’m really more of a DJ fan, I’m really into remixes…The Comeups, Trew, No Requests, Kool Hersh, Mike 2600, The Oakland Faders, Scott Matelic, The Fingerbangerz, Crucial, Mahf, Ztrip, Troublemaker, Tate La Rock, Steinski, B Cause and Doc Delay.

Being in the heart of Chicago nightlife, what’s the craziest experience you’ve ever been a part of?
I don’t really get too hype on shit, I’d have to say that the whole thing itself is crazy. Nothing shocks me anymore.

As a DJ however, I’d have to say that the idea of someone requesting music at the spot shocks me. The very idea that someone is so self-centered that they will get all up in your shit to tell a stranger how to do a job they are incapable of doing themselves is a sad statement on humanity. It doesn’t matter if the request is a good one or not, it’s the principle. No requests asshole. We are not jukeboxes and we are not your iPod.

What are your favorite venues to spin at?
Lava’s always great. Nice spot with banging sounds and a true dedication to the DJ. Swig has a great vibe and surprisingly great sound for its size. You would be surprised how many spots can’t get that shit right. The Comeups and DJ Trew do Cold Sweat at Subterranean on the first three Fridays. It’s more golden-era hip-hop based, that’s pretty much the basis of my DJing so I’m feeling it. Rodan is a good time too, we get into some good sets there. It’s not really a chachi spot at all, gotta love that. Lastly, Crocodile. It’s got that basement house-party vibe, and people get down there.

I saw you spin an amazing J Dilla tribute set. How has Dilla’s legacy changed hip-hop and who do you see taking over where Dilla had left off?
I have to be careful with the first part of that question. Jay Dee touched so many people and had a huge impact on hip-hop, I don’t want to offend his legacy or his fans. That being said, I think he knew records like no other beatsmith, and his beats show it. If you combine those serious digs with Dilla’s sample approach and originality, then you add his experience, you get a legend. Thus a legacy.

I really don’t see anyone taking over where Dilla left off. His influence will live forever. Either cats will get it, or they won’t.

So I was wondering if you could give me a record rundown of your top 5 albums.

1. Beastie Boys, Check Your Head, 1992. Capitol.
2. Eric B & Rakim, Paid In Full, 1987. 4th and Broadway.
3. Nas, Illmatic, 1994. Columbia.
4. De La Soul, Stakes Is High, 1996. Tommy Boy.
5. Pharcyde, Labcabincalifornia, 1995, Delicious Vinyl.

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Flosstradamus 4.20
Monday, April 20 at Abbey Pub, 10 p.m.; $6
There are a lot of parties celebrating this special counterculture day (and on a Monday, no less), but we think this is the best bet. Not only is it cheap, you’ll also have plenty of room to dance to the sounds of Floss, Willy Joy, Ghetto Division and special guests. You can also just enjoy the vids by Thunderhorse, the same crew that put together this video flyer. Just make sure you “prepare” yourself before you get there.

HeartsRevolution will keep you moving on Friday.

Spandexxx
Friday, April 24 at Sonotheque, 9 p.m.; Free with RSVP to rsvp@enpriseentertainment.com, $10 without
For this installment of Spandexxx, the ladies of En Prise Entertainment and Venus Zine welcome HeartsRevolution. This New York-based dance duo’s tune “CYOA” (and subsequent Flosstradamus remix) catapulted them to cool-kid stardom at the level of similar Canadian act, Crystal Castles. They’ve added a live drummer to make things extra funky. Resident DJ duo Rocktapussy gets the crowd going and we bet there’ll be some cool freebies.

Dance Syndrome
Saturday, April 25 at Butterfly Social Club, 9 p.m.; Free
Resident DJs Christian Vera and Cazwell James of Soulphonetics are joined by guest David Chavez for Dance Syndrome at Butterfly Social Club. Happening the last Saturday of every month, this Latin-influenced party features the best in samba, Latin jazz and baile funk. Butterfly’s still constantly changing and last time we were there, we were a bit disappointed that the raw/nonalcoholic cocktail list has whittled down to two offerings, but the place has still steadily drawn a big crowd of clubbers looking to party.

Living La Vida Verde (Green Party)
Saturday, April 25 at Avila, 6 p.m.
The Green Heart Shop is a unique, fair-trade, non-profit organization located downtown that will not only charm you with its cute, fair-trade wares, but will also make you think a little harder about where your other purchases are coming from. But being a green and conscious consumer isn’t all work and no play, so tonight, Green Heart Shop is hosting an all-day Earth Day blowout. The festivities start in the morning with a volunteer cleaning of Ohio Street beach, then it’s to the store for helpful workshops, free samples and shopping. The event concludes at nearby club Avila (formerly 720) for an evening of world grooves from DJ C-Db, organic and fair trade wine and cocktails and mingling with other local greenies. Can you think of a better way to celebrate Earth Day?

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Looking for blues on the North Side? Let Tony Mangiullo show you the way.

You can’t spend more than a few days in Chicago without hearing about its longstanding blues legacy. But just because the history is there, it doesn’t mean that every venue will fit your needs when you’re craving some weepin’ and wailin’. Study this list of our favorite Chicago blues clubs before hitting the town.

Best for Foodies

FitzGerald’s
Ok, so it’s not actually located within city limits (it’s in Berwyn), but if you want some solid food with your tunes, we can’t think of a better spot. The club (which you may have seen parts of in films like “Adventures in Babysitting” and “A League of Their Own”) has partnered with Southern-cooking standout Wishbone for a full menu featuring catfish cakes, jambalaya, brisket, hoppin’ jack and much more. Oh yeah, the music ain’t too bad either – blues, jazz and country are all well-represented here, with the occasional legend (like Koko Taylor) stopping by for a visit. Cover is generally between $5 and $15.
Upcoming events at FitzGerald’s.

Runners-up: Kingston Mines, Smoke Daddy

Best for Serious Fans (North Side)

Rosa’s Lounge
The self-described “friendliest blues bar” in Chicago is also one of the most authentic places for enjoying real blues in a laid-back, diverse environment. Both the old guard and the young guns are well-represented here, with guitarist Melvin Taylor bridging the gap on a regular basis. It’s also a family-run spot, meaning owner Tony Mangiullo (who sometimes guests on drums) might be taking your $5-$15 cover.
Upcoming events at Rosa’s Lounge.

Runner-up: B.L.U.E.S.

Best for Serious Fans (South Side)

Artis’s Lounge
You want an authentic Chicago blues experience? Oh, OK. Well, how about cramming into a tiny bar with a six-person band jamming two feet away from you, while they break out classics like “Strokin’,” “Members Only” and “While You Were Steppin Out, Someone Else is Steppin In”? Sound good? If you’re not a native South-Sider, you’ll be in the minority at this 20-year-old club, but all you need to know is that you’re expected to pay attention to the performers, tip well and sit where you’re told. Enjoy.
Upcoming events at Artis’s Lounge.

Runner-up: Lee’s Unleaded Blues

Best for Casual Fans

Buddy Guy’s Legends
Call it a tourist trap if you must, but Buddy’s backs up its cover charge (regularly $15) with top-notch acts, above-average food and a fun atmosphere (you don’t have to buy the merchandise if you don’t want to). Plus, there’s always the chance you catch the owner himself; the man doesn’t appear to have aged a day.
Upcoming events at Buddy Guy’s Legends.

Runners-up: B.L.U.E.S., Kingston Mines, Checkerboard Lounge, Underground Wonder Bar

Best for Dancing

Blue Chicago
You’re not gonna get scolded for strutting your stuff at most any place (though good luck finding room at some of the smaller clubs), but this River North club – and its sister down the street, Blue Chicago on Clark – actually encourages it. Shake it to “Sweet Home Chicago” and then plop into one of the oversize booths and gaze at the cool paintings on the wall.
Upcoming events at Blue Chicago.

Runner-up: East of the Ryan (steppers only!)

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Ravinia Festival 2009 tickets go on sale online today (phone sales start May 17). We’ve scoured the schedule and found the top 10 shows you should try to get tickets for (besides Carrie Underwood, of course).

1. John Legend
July 21; $68 ($27 lawn)
Looking over this year’s slate, this was the name that made us say “wow, really?” There’s gonna be a lot of competition for these tickets, as Legend will attract a younger crowd not typically associated with the suburban outdoor venue. But beyond the six Grammys and the collaborations with Kanye West, Alicia Keys and Andre 3000 (for his new album, Evolver), there’s a fact that people of all ages will appreciate: dude can sing. And you know that’s gonna sound nice with a bottle of wine.

2. Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes
August 26; $55 ($22 lawn)
You think you know Elvis? The veteran British singer/songwriter has entered yet another phase of his career, as he tours with an all-acoustic band featuring Jerry Douglas (Alison Krauss & Union Station), Jim Lauderdale, Mike Compton, Stuart Duncan, Dennis Crouch and Jeff Taylor. The collective’s recent roots-oriented album, Secret, Profane & Sugarcane, was recorded in Nashville and produced by T-Bone Burnett. This should be an exciting celebration of country and bluegrass – but don’t be surprised to hear some Costello classics thrown in there as well.

3. Lang Lang and Herbie Hancock
July 28; $65-$100 ($10 lawn)
At last year’s Grammy awards, the superstar Chinese classical pianist (who essentially launched his career at Ravinia a decade ago) and the jazz piano legend submitted a jaw-dropping rendition of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” They’ve been playing together regularly ever since. Here’s a chance to see what they can do for a full evening of cross-genre music. Lang Lang also performs solo on July 26.

4. Bonnie Raitt/Taj Mahal
August 21-22; $80 ($27 lawn)
As long as we’re recommending superstar collaborations…we’re interested to see how this one – part of the awkwardly titled “Bontaj Roulet” tour – turns out. Over the 30-plus years these two have been on the blues scene, they’ve shared many a band member, but never the same stage. Now they will, at least for some of the night. Apparently, the artists will play separate sets with their respective bands, then come together at the end of the show for a blow-out performance. Bonnie singing “Corinna”? Taj lending his gravelly style to “Something to Talk About”? We’re all ears.

5. Femi Kuti & the Positive Force, King Sunny Ade & His African Beats
July 1; $40 ($16 lawn)
We know, it’s much cooler nowadays to praise his younger brother, Seun, for faithfully carrying on the Afrobeat genre their father, Fela, created. But while Femi may have a different, more modern take on the blend of American jazz and funk with traditional West African music, his music is just as danceable (and political). And we’d like to see the Ravinia crowd up and dancing a little more often.

6. G. Love & Special Sauce, Michael Franti and Spearhead
August 27; $40 ($16 lawn)
If you just can’t get enough protest music, look no further than Michael Franti, whose career has been based on the stuff since way back when he was leading the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy in the early ’90s. The Bay Area native’s music, a blend of hip-hop, reggae and folk, can sometimes be overshadowed by his impassioned social commentary, but you’ll leave with renewed enthusiasm for President Obama’s Serve America Act…as well as humming G. Love’s drawled classics “My Baby’s Got Sauce,” “Cold Beverage” and “Stepping Stone.”

7. Three Girls and Their Buddy
June 7; $50 ($25 lawn)
Emmylou Harris has teamed up with Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin (“Sunny Came Home”) and Buddy Miller for a show that should please country/folk fans of all ages. But though the quartet certainly has its fair share of classics to run through, don’t come in ready for a stirring rendition of “Boulder to Birmingham” or “Evangeline.” The group’s previous outings have included a heavy dose of covers of the songs that these legends love. And you’ll be able to see every pluck of the string, as this will be one of the few shows this summer featuring Ravinia’s new lawn video screens.

8. Yo-Yo Ma’s Dvorak
August 14; $45-$100 ($20 lawn)
It wouldn’t be a full Ravinia list if we didn’t include at least one performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra – and one also including the world’s premier cellist didn’t seem like a bad idea. Ma will perform Dvorak’s Cello Concerto. No points for originality (it’s the most-performed cello concerto of all), but we’re sure he’ll make up for that with execution.

9. Night & Day: A Cole Porter Evening
August 16; $35-$75 ($20 lawn)
If you saw David Hyde Pierce in Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” you know that Niles can certainly hold his own with a Broadway songbook. He’ll be working his way through the classics of musical master Cole Porter (“Night & Day,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”). He’ll be joined by Rob Fisher and Tony Award-winner Victoria Clark for a fun evening that’ll make you want to sing along.

10. Joe Cocker
June 28; $50 ($22 lawn)
More than anything, Ravinia is about having fun in a relaxed environment. And a night of Joe Cocker’s gritty cover versions of songs like The Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends” and Dave Mason’s “Feelin’ Alright.” Hopefully, a rainstorm won’t cut the set short, as it did during Woodstock – which was 40 years ago this summer, so there might be some great hippie-watching to be had at this one.

Tickets are available at www.ravinia.org.

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Fly By Night 2-Year Anniversary Party
Thursday, April 16 at Debonair Social Club, 9 p.m.
It’s hard to believe that it’s only been two years since Fly By Night catapulted Willy Joy from obscurity to local DJ stardom (including a mention in the URB Next 100 and a gig at Lollapalooza), but this little party that caters to the young nightlife crowd is still going strong. To celebrate, Joy brings in Craze and Klever, two DJs that have mastered the hip-hop/dance/party-banger sound that made Fly By Night so popular. The party is 18+ and there’s a free champagne toast from 9-10 p.m. with RSVP to info@debonairsocialclub.com.

Kid Koala
Friday, April 17 at Zentra, 9 p.m.; free before 9 p.m., $5 before midnight, $10 after midnight with RSVP
Nowadays, anybody with a decent computer can be called a DJ, but few have the turntable-tweaking skills of Kid Koala. This Canadian DJ’s innovative turntable skills and creative approach to the art of DJing, made him the first North American artist to be signed to prestigious UK label Ninja Tune back in 1996. Since then, he’s opened for Bjork and Radiohead, collaborated with Del the Funky Homosapien and Dan the Automator as Deltron 3030, released a full-length and even wrote and illustrated his own graphic novel. He’s joined by local DJ Intel for what will surely be a night of truly unique and fun hip-hop music.

Simian Mobile Disco
Friday, April 17 at Metro/Smartbar, 9 p.m.; $10/$15/$20 depending on the show
Jas Shaw and James Ford are showing their rock and dance sensibilities off tonight with a live show at the Metro, followed by a DJ set at Smartbar. If your only familiarity with SMD is the Justice remix of “We Are Your Friends/Never Be Alone Again,” you’re in for a treat. The duo’s 2008 full-length, Attack Decay Sustain Release, is filled with catchy dance tunes that stand up on their own, sans the French touch.

Bright Nites
Saturday, April 18 at Sonotheque, 9 p.m.; $5 with RSVP to rsvp@crossfaderking.com, $10 without
Matt Roan and E-Six are back at Sonotheque, but they’re not doing the unique video DJ set they’ve become known for. Tonight, they celebrate Roan’s mixtape release, with Six taking over hosting duties and Roan playing a set along with former Chicagoan-turned-LA scenester and DJ, Johnny Love.

Art & Soul: Chicago Art Dept. Benefit
Saturday, April 18 at Chicago Art Department, 6 p.m.-midnight; $15
House and hip-hop heavy Swank Society radio hosts an event for Pilsen art space and gallery, the Chicago Art Department. CAD is known for its unique approach to gallery shows, for providing a creative, collaborative space and for presenting emerging young artists to the Chicago art scene. Tonight is the chance for art-enthusiasts (and house and hip-hop fans) to give back, by dancing to beats from Swank Society’s Sean Alvarez, Duane Powell, Kwest_On and TapeDeck, enjoying live percussion from J. Bruno and munching on appetizers and drinks provided by Cuatro.

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Terrel Wallace (aka Tall Black Guy) is a producer that has worked on projects for the ’80s Babies, Pathfinders, The Primeridian, Pugs Atomz, Rashid Hadee and Kenny Keys. His style of production is rich in “golden-era” compositions, but still finds itself miles beyond mediocrity thanks to a taste in sampling that reaches back several generations. Stylistically, Tall Black Guy has a Madlib-esque quality about him, but it’s his drum samples that give him a distinct Chicago flavor reminiscent of old-school NO I.D. He’s performed in numerous beat competitions including Dance to the Drummer’s Beat and the Red Bull Beat Competition, where he took home first prize.

In recent months TBG has displayed his beatmaking talents live and has helped turn the reclusive art of beatmaking into a full-fledged showcase. Centerstage caught up with TBG to talk about hip-hop and where his music will take him in 2009.

I know you’ve mentioned that your father listened to a lot of jazz and funk. Which artists in particular stood out as significant to you?
Man, the one jazz artist that had a big impact on me was Lonnie Liston Smith. I always liked the different layers he used to put in his compositions. Also he has a distinct sound of notes and tones.

Now when you’re constructing a beat, do you stick to the traditional way (MPC) or do you stay up on the technology (Pro Tools, Reason, Acid, etc.)?
I started making beats in February 2001. I always wanted an MPC but I couldn?t afford it. So I went to the next best thing, Sonic Foundry 2.0, then advanced each time the software updated. Currently I use Sony Acid 5.0.

I’m an ’80s baby myself and it’s interesting because I think our generation missed out on the righteousness of the ’70s, and got thrown into the world of globalization. It’s an odd conundrum socially, so why don’t you tell me how you and Dee Jackson (his cohort in ’80s Babies) interpret the ’80s.
Well I would say that even though we are from the ’80s, we had a lot of older siblings that kind of influenced the way we look at music and life in general. So I think we grew up when the essence of music was still at its best: the ’80s and early and mid-’90s.

Ts a lot of nostalgic rap out there, and if you couple that with some of the shallow shit coming out, hip-hop looks a little troubled. What’s your take on hip-hop as a whole?
Boo, to a lot of the hip-hop right now. There are only a handful of hip-hop acts that are getting the shine they deserve like De la Soul, Q-Tip, Blu, etc.

Tell me a bit about your album, Moments in Time?
Moments in Time…a very long process to complete, about 4 years to be exact, but we completed it and put it out so that’s always good. I think it’s just an all-around feel-good album. Just dope beats and rhymes. That was the formula from back in the day when hip-hop was still good so I wanted to stick to that.

What do you have coming up for 2009?
There are a lot of goals I want to set for myself: making the new ’80s Babies album, an instrumental album, put out a house record with Radius, work with this great singer Nina Rae, collaborate with the talented Produktionix, collaborate with Barak Records, collaborate with the talented sistas Allegra Dolores, and put out the remix album of The Primeridian’s Da Mornin’ Afta. Is that enough?

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photo: Stacy Warden

Chicago may not always take the lead when stacked against other big cities. Its bistros, for one, are no match for those clustered on a Parisian side street and its vineyards will never conquer the grapes of the West Coast. But when stripped down to its gritty jazz roots, our city comes in second to none. Vocalists, bassists and trumpeters from all over the map flock to these neighborhood hot-spots to find inspiration in the city. Lucky for you, these Chicago jazz clubs require little more than leaving the house.

Best for Foodies

Katerina’s
The crowd at Katerina’s is a hungry one, and rightfully so, after such energetic sets of bopping, scatting and dancing. Fortunately, Katerina knows how to please her music-lovin’ guests with carefully-crafted Mediterranean fare. The menu’s list of orektika (greek for appetizers) has just the thing to curb your appetite before the next round of drinks and beats. Small plates include baked eggplant, grilled calamari and tiropitakia, a flakey phillo shell filled with ricotta, feta and goat cheese and served with amaretto-cinnamon oranges. Food is served until 1 a.m. and cover charge varies, typically between $5 and $10.
Upcoming events at Katerina’s.

Runner-up: Green Dolphin Street

Best With a Date

Pops for Champagne
This Parisian-themed jazz club will have you swooning for more than just your date with its exposed stone walls and intimate lounge seating. Start the evening with a little bubbly on the bar’s main level, where champagne-inspired chandeliers and an onyx bar provide an elegant atmosphere. The Pops drink list boasts over 160 varieties of champagne and sparkling wine; order up a few flutes and it won’t take much to lure your date downstairs for some sultry tunes. Past acts have included pianist Dan Trudell, vocalist Tammy McCann and saxophonist Chris Greene. It costs $8 on Thursdays, while Friday and Saturday shows will run you $15 a person.
Upcoming events at Pops for Champagne.

Runner-up: Back Room

Best for Jazz Novices

Checkerboard Lounge
Newcomers to the jazz scene will love this unpretentious South Side spot. In collaboration with the Hyde Park Jazz Society, the Checkerboard Lounge hosts Checker Jazz every Sunday from 7:30-11:30 p.m. Themed nights like “Sax in the City” have highlighted Chicago’s contemporary saxophone players, while other artists have included multi-reedist Ari Brown, trumpeter Pharez Whitted and bassist Frank Russell. The Hyde Park Jazz Society will also be hosting their second annual jazz fest this year on Sept. 27. Checkerboard Lounge offers a full bar and welcomes outside food. Admission is $10, and $5 for students with IDs.
Upcoming events at Checkerboard Lounge.

Best Downtown Beats

Andy’s
The jazz at this downtown spot only ceases when the staff needs some shut-eye. In a single week you can catch 15 different acts at Andy’s. Be sure to pick the appropriate time slot though: Stopping in during rush hour will find you in the throes of downtown’s post-work boozin’ crowd, while the later hours are reserved for a more subdued, sultry-eyed group. Whether the sun is rising or setting outside Andy’s, the stellar beats are always belting inside. Most of the acts here lean toward mainstream jazz with an emphasis on bebop and swing. Cover prices vary and there?s typically a two-drink minimum.
Upcoming events at Andy’s.

Runners-up: Close Up 2, Jazz Showcase

Best for Seasoned Cats

Green Mill
OK, so we’re stating the obvious here. But you try to find a jazz club that trumps the Mill and then we’ll talk. There’s a reason this speakeasy spot has been home away from home for many serious artists and enthusiasts. The hip locale was, after all, once frequented by Capone and his henchman. Even Sinatra checked out the spot after catching wind of its mobster appeal. You might not find any gangsters lurking about the bar these days, but you’ll certainly be in the company of some of Chicago’s finest jazz musicians.
Upcoming events at Green Mill.

Runner-up: Jazz Showcase

Best for Experimental Explorers

Velvet Lounge
If straightahead bop is too boring for you, Fred Anderson’s club should give you the spontaneous solos and complex improvisation you crave. While it lost a bit of its broke-down charm when it moves to its new South Side digs in 2006, the place still offers great sightlines, affordable covers ($5-$20) and, most importantly, talented musicians night after night – including the tenor sax-wielding owner himself.
Upcoming events at Velvet Lounge.

Runners-up: Elastic Arts Foundation (Improvised Music Series), Hungry Brain (Transmission Series), Hideout (Immediate Sound Series), Brown Rice

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Considered one of the most underrated producers in Chicago, Marco Jacobo aka Maker has seamlessly blended the grit of underground hip-hop with a soulful library of funk breaks. He originally started producing in the mid-’90s, and since then he’s been a fixture on the Galapagos4 label, boasting production work on Qwel’s The Harvest, Offwhyte’s Mainstay and Denizen Kane’s Tree City Legends Vol. 2: My Bootleg Life. His solo album, Shooting The Breeze, also released by G4, was a testament to how an instrumental album can be engaging on a contemplative level without the services of an MC. Last year, Maker extended even further into the hip-hop community with production credits on Doomtree Records and Gravel Records. As of late he’s been an in-demand DJ for the Come-Ups crew (DJs Intel and Pickel), but this year fans will likely see his triumphant return to the studio. Centerstage sat down with Maker to get an in-depth look at how it all started and what’s in store for 2009.

When did you first start spinning?
I started spinning in high school around ’93-’94 I would say. I stopped for a while when I got into production and picked it back up years later. I never lost love for it, I was just way more focused on the production aspect. I never stopped collecting records so when I got back into it…it was good to be back!

Do you remember what your first record was?
Yes, like a true OG. It was given to me by my neighbor Randy. He told me everything sounded better on vinyl and gave me his copy of Kiss’ Destroyer after he failed to sell it at his family’s garage sale. I was young, wide eyed and couldn’t stop looking at the cover! Even to this day I can still recite most of record. My pops had a lot of records and eventually I had a lot of records, but that was the first record that was officially “mine.”

How did you start getting into production?
It was around ’95. I would go to my friend’s house and we would DJ together and he had a sampler hooked up to his mixer and we started messing around. After a while it was all I could think about. That’s all I did, and all I wanted to do after that. I would listen to albums differently after that. I am still a student every time I hear something new.

How did your relationship with G4 come about?
I met a bunch of the G4s at the radio station in the late ’90s – Kevin Beecham’s famous “Time Travel Show” at WNUR. I met so many people there, I would just go there to kick it and he introduced me to so much new music. Anyway I met a bunch of them dudes there and clicked with them. I started seeing them around more often, and started kicking it with them. The rest is history.

Of the various artists you’ve produced for, which has been your favorite?
I don’t have favorites, I enjoy working with everyone; the challenge and the love for it and the reward of the end result. Everyone is different to work with and I just try to do my best on every song I produce.

As of late it seems like you?ve been spinning a lot. Do you plan on producing more this year?
Yeah I have been spinning a lot lately. I think I would’ve been spinning a lot more before, but I was touring a lot with Glue and since we have not been on the road for a while it’s left me with more time to get out and play different nights. I never stopped working though. I have many new projects coming out this year including a new album with Qwel and also an album with Grayskul. I’m also working on a couple of limited 7-inches, a Glue album and a solo record. I’m staying busy!

For more on Maker, visit his blog.

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