Get a nightlife!

Lava

Chicago winters take a toll—especially when they stretch well into spring. Whether you let your bar routine become, well, routine, or you got a little too attached to that TiVo, it’s time to reclaim your nightlife. Get your groove back with these hot club nights.

Rebirth of the Cool
Where: Sonotheque
When: 9 p.m. every fourth Wednesday of the month. Next up: June 25.
Cover: $5. Free with RSVP to info@sonotheque.net.
Scene: Owner and resident DJ Joe Bryl aims to showcase hidden gems and connect the influence of past artists with current and emerging musicians during this new monthly event. Look for a crowd of urban culture vultures from cinema buffs to globetrotters to fashionistas. The night includes rare video clips of performers and films such as Jean-Luc Godard’s "Breathless."
Beats: Bryl spins jazz, Brazilian, drum ’n’ bass, now sound, global grooves, broken beats and nu jazz.

Jesse De La Pena Presents
Where: Darkroom
Promoter: Jesse De La Pena
When: 9 p.m. every last Saturday of the month. Next up: June 28.
Cover: $8; $10 for special events. No cover before 10 p.m.
Scene: Prada and Pumas get equal wear at this genre-bending bash hosted by Liquid Soul co-founder De La Pena. The monthly lineup ranges from double features such as Sade and Bjork to musical face-offs between Prince and Michael Jackson.
Beats: De La Pena and friends spin everything but Top 40—come early to snag complimentary mix CDs. Next up: a Stevie Wonder tribute with special guest Joc Max of Basement Khemist.

Kitchen Sink
Where: Funky Buddha Lounge
Promoter: Jammin’ 4 Justice
When: 9 p.m. Thursdays
Cover: $15. Free before 11 p.m. by texting FBL to 88202; free before 10 p.m. with RSVP to jammin4justice@gmail.com.
Scene: Promoter David Lozano, son of slain community activist Rudy Lozano, follows in his dad’s footsteps with a soiree for the socially conscious where teachers and community organizers mingle with hipsters and hip-hoppers. Partial proceeds benefit local nonprofits.
Beats: DJs Trilogy and Dream spin ’90s hip-hop, reggae and party jams with guests Intel, Sabado and others. Includes live performances and organic beer specials.

The Renaissance
Where: Lava
Promoter: DJ M.t.M.
When: 9 p.m. Tuesdays
Cover: None
Scene: Get back to your roots with B-boys, artists and other music-heads during this recently launched homage to disco and its influence on dance music—particularly early Chicago house. Hosted bar from 9-10:30 p.m.
Beats: DJ M.t.M and guests, including Major Taylor, Tone B. Nimble, Diz, Daryl Diggs and Sean Alvarez, spin.

The Bomb Squad and Metal Lounge
Where: Liar’s Club
Promoter: DJs Tankboy, June Cleavage and Amber Waves, and The Chicago Metal Factory
When: 9 p.m. (The Bomb Squad) and 10 p.m. (Metal Lounge) Thursdays
Cover: None
Scene: Indie girls and old-school punks mix with college boys in Dockers and Polos during a rock ’n’ roll dance party downstairs. Upstairs, headbangers talk music and diss poseurs over games of pool and pinball. Specials include $2 PBR cans and $3 well drinks and Jim Beam shots.
Beats: DJs Tankboy, June Cleavage and Amber Waves spin the likes of Fugazi and LCD Sound System; DJ Rodney plays real metal, such as Kiss and Slayer.

[ Bathsheba Birman is a Metromix special contributor. ]
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