New kid on the block
Willy Joy of Flybynight had been a DJ and producer for the better part of a decade, and when he returned to his native Midwest from Boston about two years ago, he brought cutting-edge hip-hop talent to Chicago. “I had this idea for a monthly party, just showcasing myself and DJ friends like Capcom—DJs and artists who were essential or going to be essential,” Joy says. In less than a year, Flybynight has quickly become a key player in the underground hip-hop dance-party scene.

WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK Flybynight’s Willy Joy brings new club beats to the kids at Empire Liquors every third Thursday.

Party philosophy “In general, it’s a dance party first and foremost—fun, progressive new music,” Joy says. “We’re trying to isolate the new hot sounds while maintaining a good dance party.”

Who’s there? A young, trendy crowd that digs obscure hip-hop, plus rock dudes and hipster club kids populate these parties. “We want to meet everyone, hang out, have drinks, dance around and have fun,” Joy says, while stressing that his party is less “sceney” than similar bashes. “No one’s there to be seen or cares what they are wearing.”

Sounds like “We focus on the music first and everything else second,” Joy says. While Flybynight is based in a rap and hip-hop aesthetic, it’s more about mixing styles. Live acts have ranged from the Cool Kids to funk band Miss Fairchild. DJs spin rap, pop, house and techno.

A night to remember Dude ’N Nem, the juke outfit from Chicago’s South Side responsible for the hit single “Watch My Feet,” played what Joy deems “a legendary show” last year at Underground Lounge, complete with footworkin’ dancers onstage.

Next up This month, Flybynight Records issues a vinyl 12-inch featuring Joy, Capcom and New York producer Handshake, with Chicago rapper Vyle making a cameo.

Check it out Empire Liquors (1566 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-278-1600) hosts Joy’s parties every third Thursday of the month, usually featuring a DJ and live act.

Continental vibes
Eric Hurlburt started out as the guy who didn’t want the night to end. “Since there was never any place to go after the clubs closed and I had all my DJ equipment and a ton of music at my house, everyone would end up there,” he says. “As things grew, we moved to other friends’ bigger spots and finally into lofts hosting after-hours events.” Under the name Funky Couture, he’s been throwing high-end housecentric parties in Chicago clubs for the last two years. More recently, he’s been pitching in at a “dirty underground” Sunday-night party at Smart Bar.

IN THE PINK Eric Hurlburt wears his intense face for a “dirty underground” party at Smart Bar.

Party philosophy Hurlburt’s goal is a complete night out with good music, of course, but also “stimulating visuals, decor and a good value.” The result? Partygoers sipping bubbly while platform dancers wearing angel wings get busy to European house music. Funky Couture’s Champagne-and-sushi soiree at Victor Hotel was both classy and musically adventurous, so we’re glad to hear it’s coming back.

Who’s there? A music-savvy, upscale, high-end-cocktail-drinking young crowd that’s dressed to be seen and admired usually congregates at Victor Hotel. On the flip side, the End is an unpretentious freak-friendly industry party where shots and cheap beer flow freely.

Sounds like At Hurlburt’s Victor Hotel parties, he’s booked British house jocks and stylists like New York producer Eric Kupper. Guests at the End have been first rate: techno god Richie Hawtin and new wavers the Sounds, plus a who’s-who of local hotshots.

A night to remember Hurlburt’s favorite bash was last year’s Fierce Angel Es Vive Ibiza party. “We had more than 850 people on a Thursday night to see Eric Kupper and myself on the decks and Bonnie Bailey performing,” he says. “Everyone looked amazing…drinking Champagne, dancing, and the vibe was incredible.”

Next up A new venture with Wicker Park nightclub Ohm (1958 W North Ave, 773-278-4646)—a Red Dog Reunion party with a host of Chicago house DJ favorites—and a Funky Couture NYE party at Vision.

Check it out Hurlburt’s monthly Victor Hotel (311 N Sangamon St, 312-733-6900) residency resumes with the November 16 Funky Couture Bash; visit funkycouture.net for details. He copromotes the End (myspace.com/theendchicago), James Lauer’s Sunday-night party at Smart Bar (3730 N Clark St, 773-549-0203), with Paul in Chicago of Dark Wave Disco fame and promoter Alex Gross.