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The Hideout hosts a night of soul, early and late.

Monday Jan 19, 2009.     By Maya Henderson

Music Feed

DJ Babu/The Goodness
Friday, January 23 at Lava Lounge, 9 p.m.; $10 before 11, $15 after
DJ Babu, the famed turntablist/DJ from California underground hip-hop group Dilated Peoples and the Beat Junkies shows off his famous turntable skills at Lava Lounge tonight. Babu, who released the mixtape/breaks album Duck Season Vol. 3 in late 2008, is joined by local hip-hop DJs Rude One and Tone B. Nimble for the type of organic, funky and imaginative hip-hop night that Chicago hasn't seen in quite awhile. If you don't know by now, Lava is the size of a Logan Square studio, so get there early or don't expect to get in at all.

Spandexxx
Friday, January 23 at Sonotheque, 9 p.m.; $10, free if you wear over 70 percent Spandex, $5 with RSVP to urchicago.com
Rocktapussy, the all-female DJ act comprised of Mother Hubbard and DJ A-Cup, have appropriately teamed up with Venus, the pro-lady magazine that touts talented women, for Spandexxx, a new monthly dance party at Sonotheque. Tonight, they kick off the event with special guest Silverghost and Million $ Mano's electro-rock-dance group He Say She Say. Save some cash by wearing at least 70 percent spandex (aka a bodysuit) for free entry and get there early for hosted bar from 9-10 p.m.

Aquarius
Saturday, January 24 at 5th City Center, 9 p.m.; $5 with RSVP to going.com
Be warned! Aquarius is for the youngins! So young that they throw nu-rave parties instead of rave throwback jams at quite possibly illegal venues. But it's cool. We get it and as long as the extensive lineup of practically unknown DJs delivers (more recognizable names include Perfect Kiss, Lance Milk and Mr. Bobby), we think it's Best Beats-worthy. Besides, if you're a young Aquarian, where else are you going to go to party from 9 at night until 5 in the morning for just a $5 cover?

East of Edens Soul Express
Saturday, January 24 at Hideout, 9 p.m.; $10 if arriving for the Celebration of Soul Party, $5 for East of Edens at 11:30 p.m.
Just because this party doesn't go until the sun comes up, it doesn't mean that it's not a good bet for a ragin' fun time. It's that time of the month when soul and funk masterminds John Ciba and James Porter bring the best soul and funk jams to the Hideout. Cheap drinks, fun music and an unpretentious crowd make the East of Edens Soul Express party one of the best and most affordable bets for Saturday night. Get there early for the St. Timothy's Day "A Celebration of Soul" Party at 9 or just show up with the late-night revelers at 11:30 for the soul throwdown.

Disco Biscuits, Prefuse 73, RJD2
Saturday, January 24 at Congress Theater, 7 p.m.; $25 (free if you write the winning user review of the week!)
We've noticed a string of groups that easily fall into the jam-band category have been hitting the tour circuit with acts known more for hip-hop beats. Tonight, Disco Biscuits headline a tour with Prefuse 73 and RJD2. These acts have never been afraid to experiment with different genres, sounds and artists, which means anything goes at this Congress Theater show and it's likely well worth the $25 ticket price.