The Illest DJ You've Never Heard @jayilla

People in Chicago have an affinity for day parties. The drinks, the sun, the people... but most importantly the music. Many people have grooved along to the melodic magic of DJ Jay Illa, but have you ever wondered what life is like behind the scenes?

"Don't Sweat The Technic" is a new web series giving viewers a peek inside the world of Chicago DJ Jay Illa as he balances life between his 9-5 and grinding it out on the 1s and 2s.

"A product of the Chicago underground hip-hop scene, he was dubbed iLLaNOise by Chicago legend Twilite Tone during his days with the League, eventually settling on the moniker Jay iLLa aka iLLaNOise.  

As a Chicago nightlife scene veteran, Jay iL currently has residencies throughout the downtown area. He also has a standing monthly event, TGIFresh, hosted at Tantrik and other venues throughout the city."

Being from Chicago I've had the pleasure of hearing DJ Jay Illa spin a ton of times and can genuinely count him as one of my favorite DJs. I'm really excited to get a behind-the-scenes look at what life is like from his perspective. It's also dope to see the overall production and editing quality of his web series. Kudos to him and @E_Seals for putting together what I think will be a landmark series of its kind!

What to do Memorial Day Weekend 2013 in Chicago

Memorial Day Weekend is approaching and that means it's time to kick off day parties, drinking, warmth, sunshine and roof tops!! Chicago comes alive in the late spring/summer, and any Chicagoan knows we have to go balls to the wall before August comes to an end and Fall starts rearing its ugly head. With that said, there are tons of events to check out this upcoming weekend.

Thursday

What: Radio Killers 4x4 DJ Set featuring DJ A-OH, DJ All Styles, DJ Sean Mac & DJ Jay Illa
When: Thursday, May 23rd
Where: Lumen - 839 W. Fulton Market
Cost: RSVP by texting "Lumen" and FULL names to 773-818-4214




Friday

What: TGIFresh Presents #Flagship
When: Friday, May 24th 9p-2a
Where: Tantrik - 800 W. Superior (entrance on Chicago Ave. side of bldg)
Cost: Mandatory RSVP. Includes Don Julio hosted bar 9p-10p, free cover before 10:30 and reduced cover until 11:30p. RSVP by clicking here


tgifresh 11 | April 13, 2012 from AvriBijon.com on Vimeo.

What: The Turn Up featuring DJ Hero and DJ Sean Mac
When: Friday, May 24th
Where: Bevy - 215 W. Ontario
Cost: RSVP by texting "BEVYFRI" and FULL names to 773-818-4214





Saturday

What: Posh Entertainment "Salute to Summer: The 50/13 Experience" Part I
When: Saturday, May 25th 4:30p-8:30p
Where: Market Bar & Restaurant - 1113 W. Randolph St.
Cost: $10 online. Entry will cost more at the door, so snag the ticket online for cheaper here.



What: Allure - The power of Attraction
When: Saturday, May 25th
Where: Enclave - 220 W. Chicago Ave.
Cost: RSVP by texting "ENCLAVE" and FULL names to 773-818-4214



SUNDAY

What: CircocNation "Life is Best Celebrated before Night" Day Party
When: Sunday, May 26th 3p-8p
Where: Sawtooth Lounge - 1350 W. Randolph St. 
Cost: Free before 4p with RSVP. Click here to RSVP. 
Perks: RSVP includes complimentary food and Ciroc cocktails before 4p 

What: High Society "Summer of the Sexy" Memorial Day Weekend Party
When: Sunday, May 26th 9p-2a
Where: RSVP Lounge (downstairs portion of Club 858) - 858 W. Lake St.
Cost:  Free Before 11:30p with RSVP. Click here to RSVP for the event.



Summer of the Sexy 2013 - Cinco de Mayo Day Party Recap from Fame Production Group on Vimeo.



What: 2nd Annual "Summertime Chi" Day Party
When: Sunday, May 26th 2p-8p
Where: Market Bar & Restaurant - 1113 W. Randolph St.
Cost: RSVP by texting "ROOFTOP" and FULL names to 773-818-4214
 


What: Posh Entertainment "Salute to Summer: The 50/13 Experience" Part II
When: Sunday, May 26th 2p-6p
Where: Epic - 112 W. Hubbard St.
Cost: $10 online. Entry will cost more at the door, so snag the ticket online for cheaper here.

Hard Drive Wednesdays @ Network with DJ @jayilla

"For those too old for the Hump Day late night, but too young to be cooped up in the house. Not the turn up, it's the cool down."


As I get closer and closer to turning 30, I've started to wonder where the 28 - 35 crowd likes to hang. Everyone doesn't want to be busting it all the way open in a club on a Friday night. So, for those that enjoy a mid-week event radiating with casual coolness, Network is the answer.

Wednesdays at Network Cyber Bar & Grill have quickly become my version of "Cheers" -- a comfortable atmosphere featuring great food, drinks, and music... where everyone knows your name, and if they don't they're willing to learn.

DJ Jay Illa keeps the place grooving with melodic sounds, and the Network chefs and bar staff keep your drinks full and stomachs happy. Best part? There's no cover and the WiFi is AMAZINGLY fast.




What: Hard Drive Wednesdays
Where: Network Cyber Bar & Grill - 810 N. Clark
When: Every Wednesday 
Time: 8p-12a
Cost: Free 99

@HennessyUS "The Chase" hits Chicago

Last week I had the opportunity to attend Hennessy's "The Chase" event held in the West Loop @ Venue One. The line was thick, but after an hour wait I made it inside and was treated to a slice of the #WildRabbit life. Let's just say that Hennessy knows how to throw a party.

The brand has a reputation in the urban market for being the drink of choice for men, usually on the rocks... but they did an amazing job highlighting their new cocktails.

My favorite of the night was the Music Icon: Level 1. This cocktail was insanely tasty and featured ingredients you'd have around the house... basically it's super easy to prepare.

In a rocks glass combined with ice:

1.5 oz Henness VS

.5 oz Lime Juice

.5 oz Lemon Juice

1 oz Simple Syrup

Garnish with lemon or lime wedge. Ta-da. That's it...and you'll have a deliciousness in a glass.

For upcoming events check out their site. It's free and a ton of fun!

I had no clue I was standing in front of this, but SO on point for where I am in life

Grey Goose Cherry Noir + Drake @ V-Live Chicago

Thanks to an invite from my wonderful neighbor, my girlfriends and I were able to hit up V-Live Saturday night for the Grey Goose Cherry Noir/Drake after party. I'm all about rocking a wristband and sitting in VIP *insert sarcasm* but it was definitely nice to have bottle service and be away from the massive crowd in the club (see above picture).

As I'm approaching my 28th birthday (in 3 weeks), I've come to realize that my ear is no longer glued to the club streets. I would much rather do weekly brunches and occasional lounge nights instead of packing myself into sweaty clubs full of 23 year olds. It was no surprise I hadn't heard of V-Live, but the club didn't disappoint. This would probably be a club lover's wet dream. Multiple floors of action, great music, diverse crowd - - this club was oozing with everything super clubs in Vegas are made of. I'm on my tail end of clubbing days, but I did enjoy the people watching, Grey Goose Cherry Noir, and Drake.

I joked with my friends that I instantly got more emo once Drake walked into the room, but it was cool seeing him in person. His head is super big and he looks like wheelchair Jimmy... just your average, run of the mill black/Jewish kid... Oh, except for the fact that he runs with a huge posse, gets tons of groupie love, and has an insane amount of talent.

Speaking of which, watching the constant hoe-cessional of chicks flocking to get into his VIP section was comedic at times, but overall sad. I mean, the club dreams these chicks have... stars in their eyes... at home throwing on their tightest dress to prance around a velvet rope and catch some rapper's eye all in the hopes of getting chose for the night. What? To drink free, smoke something, maybe leave with a story to tell your friends? No thanks... I'll pass. It's fun to be out and about, but there's nothing like a having a legit career and W2. I like making my money sitting up, what can I say lol. Anyways, the club was open until like 5am or something insanely ridiculous, but we made our exit around 3. It was WAY past my bedtime and I couldn't wait to hit the sack.

On an alcohol related note, Grey Goose Cherry Noir was pretty tasty. My loyalties still lie with Rum and Tequila, but if you're a Vodka fan please give it a whirl. Find out more about the new flavor here.

Corporate X Album release party

When my girlfriend told me we'd be stopping by an album release party last night I had no clue what to expect. As long as it wasn't for a rapper I was pretty much game lol, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear the melodic sounds of Corporate X. Comprised of guitarist Casper Xavier and singer Christine DeLeon, listeners were treated to songs from their new album, The X Project, in addition to a few cover songs.

Casper Xavier and Christine DeLeon

I know artists hate being compared to other artists, but for the sake of painting a picture for readers they had a very "Florence and the Machine" sound. Live music is always a great thing, so I urge everyone to get out there this summer and bless their ears and eyes to a live performance.

The X Project is available for download on iTunes for $5.94 - - a steal!

@tgiFRESHchicago presents "Ciroc de Mayo"

May is officially here and the city is starting to buzz with hot events! Kicking off the month in an exclusive way, @tgiFRESHchicago is hosting their "Ciroc de Mayo" celebration on May 4th. The party goes from 10p - 4a, but you must RSVP in order to have the location revealed. Sounds will be provided by DJs Jay-Illa, E Seals, and Boi Jeanius. Click here to RSVP.

Tip: Early birds can enjoy the Ciroc hosted bar! Don't snooze on this opportunity to throw back some drinks on THEIR dime lol. Don't be ashamed to party on a budget.

@tgiFRESHchicago: Black Friday "So So Fresh Edition"

Do you have your "day after Thanksgiving" plans yet? Once you're done braving the mall, or a fierce session of online shopping, come out and enjoy the sounds of Jermaine Dupri. He'll be the guest DJ at TGIFreshFridays - - the monthly event hosted by So Chi Promotional Group and Royalte Inc.

Why I love their events so much? It's once a month so there is no burn out, the steady line up of fresh DJs they bring in, and best of all? $40 "open bar" wristband!!! Of course there's a slight catch - - the open bar is typically only between 9p to midnight... but for anyone that likes to have more than 3 drinks this is a great deal.

Pre-sale tickets are only $16 and on sale until 11/18. Hop on this now because the regular price is sure to sky rocket as the event nears. Come work off those Turkey Day calories and enjoy some good times.

Please note that an RSVP is required for entry in addition to purchasing a ticket. This event is sure to sell out and an RSVP does not guarantee entrance into the club. 

RSVP Here
Purchase Tickets Here

TGIFresh Friday

I'm on a much needed vacation in Chicago right now and it feels like my social life has been revived!!! Although I'm clearly over the "club" scene (I've been donating $ to the cause since I was 18 lol), it's always refreshing to get together with my girlfriends and have a night out.

I've heard great things about the TGIFresh Friday events and am looking forward to attending Summer Madness next week. Best part? Although an RSVP is required it's free before 1030p! I'm all about fun times on a budget... or better yet, fun times for free.

Sidebar: My birthday is Monday!!! Yay for turning 27... still sounds kinda weird to say that number out loud. Like, what in the hell is 27?? lol... but I'll be using this event which is a few days later as my semi-official b-day outing. If you want to come celebrate with me please click the flyer to send your rsvp. You'll receive an email confirmation with a TICKET that must be printed out... and it has your name on it too!! Very fancy and high tech lol... I love how they're cutting down on craziness at the door.

Halloween for the Cheap

I'm all about being recession savvy and having fun while saving $. Halloween weekend is going to be full of things to do and I just stumbled upon a great deal.

The Shrine will be hosting their Halloween Soul party on Friday night featuring the amazingly talented DJ Mick Boogie. I've been listening to Mick Boogie's mixtapes for years now and can personally assure everyone that he is the business! With an RSVP to the event, you'll guarantee yourself complimentary cover before 1030p ... and if you read my blog about my experience there last weekend, you'll be sure to do a nice amount of pre-drinking before you get to the club.

As with most holiday weekends, be sure to take extra precautions while out on the roads. It's easier to determine who your designated driver will be before the night gets started... and by designated driver I mean someone that is not going to drink ANYTHING... not the person that seems to be the least drunk at the end of the night.

Hope everyone has a fun weekend!!!

xoxo

Sticker Shock: My Sat night @ The Shrine

How much of your hard earned cash are you willing to part with all in the name of having a good time on a Saturday night? If outrageous cover and overpriced drinks don't scare you, make your way to The Shrine for what's sure to be an enjoyable Saturday night. Situated at 2109 S. Wabash St., The Shrine is the newest addition to the growing South Loop night life.

After the high I was riding from the Bacardi event on Thursday I wasn't in the mood to fork over tons of cash for a regular club on a regular night (no special guests/events). When I went this past Saturday I had the pleasure of going with my friend who works there so I didn't have to pay the cover... and thank God for that. Ladies can expect to pay $20 while men are being taxed a bit higher at $30. If you're used to paying cover and it's not a big deal, pay it because you can expect to have a good time.

The decor is nice, the club spacious, the air quality top notch (you won't sweat your hair out just standing around) and if DJ Timbuck2 is there (Tues/Sat) you can rest assured that your ears will be delighted (just an fyi - - he starts his set about 1am on Sat nights).

All my drinkers please be put on notice: The drinks, while good, are overpriced. I paid $13 cash for a Patron Margarita and was charged $16.80 (charged on my card) for the same Patron Margarita a few hrs later. Of course this bugged me out but I already had a nice buzz going on so I just paid for the drink. I made sure to make mental note to always pay cash in the future. If you're going to party @ The Shrine it'd be advisable for you to pre-drink. You'll run up a hefty tab trying to "get it in" at this spot.

Between the cover ($20/women, $30/men) 2 drinks ($25-$30) and the inevitable munchies you'll get after the club ($10-$15) you should be prepared to spend over $60. Most Chicagoans are used to dropping cash to have fun so it doesn't bother them, but my girlfriend told me of one couple that was in line and rationalized that the $50 cover for the two of them would be better spent on groceries. It's nice to see people operating with their thinking caps on.

On another note, I must warn everyone that the crowd on Saturday night is mixed. You will see the ( I don't know another word to use other than "ghetto" or "slightly hood") Gucci Mane loving, always have their shades on the in the club folks right along with the urban professionals. This wasn't really a problem because everyone seemed to have a dose of "act right" before they stepped out and things stayed calm... but I'm always hesitant to party with the Madison/Pulaski types. I just never know if some shit is about to pop off... but I digress.

If you're in search of something to do on a Saturday night, definitely put The Shrine on your list... just know what you're getting yourself into with the cover charge and drink prices. Some surprises are just no fun.


SIDE BAR: Don't be scared away by the plethora of constantly patrolling cops (the Harold Ickes projects used to be across the street) because the area is up and coming and relatively safe.

Adler After Dark

If you thought you had seen everything at the Adler Planetarium, think again. Thursday, October 15th will mark the launch of "Adler After Dark" which features music, drinks and appetizers the 3rd Thursday of every month. Guests will be able to enjoy special features of the planetarium including having their skin analyzed with a UV camera, testing the strength of a space shuttle heat tile by placing your hand behind it - - as they use a blow torch, and best of all ... having access to the Doane Observatory, the largest public telescope in the Midwest. The opening night (10/15) will be free 6p-10p, with every event after costing $15 (non-members). Thursday is the new Friday, and has been for some time now, so give the club scene a break and change it up a bit.

What: Adler After Dark
Where: Adler Planetarium 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.
When: Thursday 10/15/09
Time: 6p-10p
Cost: Free on the opening, $15 for non-members thereafter

Occupation: Club Promoter??

"Don't call me no mo and don't text me no mo... Cuz I'm through with ya! Cuz I'm through with ya!"

- The Great Project Pat

Everyone is accustomed to being bombarded with countless promoter text msgs, emails and wow - - haven't they destroyed the facebook event invite!!! A few hrs ago I received a text msg from a random number telling me that I needed to say such and such name at the door of fill in the blank club for whatever party. Jesus Christ, not again!!! I hate getting these annoying ass text msgs. I typically reply back asking to be removed and never get a response ... only another text msg when it's time to "promote" the next party. *sigh*

Today I was shocked when I actually received a response back to my reply of "please remove me from your list"... the promoter decided to let me know how he felt with a simple "no". NO??? Many blank stares, crickets and tumble weeds crossed my mind. How dare this raggedy ass text msg promoter tell me that he wouldn't be taking my name off of his list. I tried to scan my brain to remember when I last entered my email/phone # online in hopes of getting a $10 cover before 11p. lol... I was drawing up blanks as I haven't been going out lately. The next thing I know I received a text back from the "promoter" explaining to me that if I were to answer my phone when he calls then he wouldn't have to resort to sending text msgs. My head tilted in the way a dogs does when it just doesn't quite understand what's going on. God, this "promoter" must be some dude I had deleted from my phone and life... only for him to be making his dramatic return.

Annoyed at the msg I decided to take the high road and ignore the msg. I did, however, vent via twitter posting his phone # because umm, newsflash: if you're not going to remove me, I'll put your ass on blast and let the world possibly aid you in getting your mind right.




Now that my little venting session is out of the way, I have some great news for so-called promoters (i.e. guys that don't have legitimate jobs unless you consider being a professional text msg/email sender w/ access to the occasional free drink a real career)... Downtown Entertainment (Enclave and Cuvee) has partnered with Wingman Promotions to offer people the chance to compete to be: Chicago's Next Top Host!!!

Corny name? Yes... but don't dismiss this competition just yet. The winner will be given a grand prize of $5k and a full time marketing position with Downtown Entertainment and Wingman Promotions. Yes folks - - you'll actually be an employee of a legitimate company and be able to say you get W2s. If you think you're the life of the party, come up with creative party ideas, a strong circle - - or just want to be able to drink and party for free - - you could become Chicago's Next Top Host.

Over the course of the 6 week competition, contestants will be judged on their VIP relations, ability to attract people to an event, client services/satisfaction, and creativity. Get your friends involved as well by having them cast weekly votes for you online. To sign up for your chance to become a bit less annoying and more legitimate, visit the site.

'The Hills' Season 6 kick-off party

The 6th season of The Hills will premiere on MTV Sept. 29th @ 10p... but if you'd like to get an early dose of all the drama, resident bad boy Justin Bobby will be hosting the kickoff screening party this Friday (9/25) at Lumen. The cover is $20 but you can RSVP to info@lumen-chicago.com for no cover before 11p.

I've always been a fan of The Hills and Justin Bobby. He still has that sexy, bad boy, "kinda dirty and needs a shower to get the grease out of his hair" swag that I love!!


What: The Hills Season 6 Screening Party

Where: Lumen Chicago - 839 W. Fulton Market

Time: 9p

Cost: $20 (no cover with RSVP to info@lumen-chicago.com)

Friday Night Fun

Looking for something to do tomorrow night? Sprite Green will be hosting their Satellite Installation One party at the Harris Theatre Rooftop in Millennium Park. The event will feature the RSVP Gallery in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood (specializing in pop art from around the world), as well as performances from various G.O.O.D. Music recording artists.

This has undoubtedly been the summer of the "rooftop party" so come out and celebrate the end of summer with the best of Chicago's funky art scene. To RSVP click the flyer.

When: Friday 9/18/09
Where: Harris Theatre Rooftop in Millennium Park 205 E. Randolph St.
Time: 8p
Cost: RSVP Needed