Whenever anyone asks me what there is to do on a Monday night, I instantly scream at the top of my lungs “BINGO!” This usually elicits a curious look from the questioner, followed by a hushed response of “You aren’t serious, are you?”. Well yes kids, I’m deadly serious. “It’s Just Bingo, Bitch!”, the award-winning Monday night madness happening at Charlie’s is not to be missed. Hosted by the stunning Lauren Jacobs and the equally fabulous Frida Lay, Monday night bingo at Charlie’s is an experience everyone should have. But fear not! This isn’t your ordinary Catholic church-hall game of bingo. Far from it. These two bingo-ball-bearing babes (say that five times fast …) truly put on a show second to none. Part audience-participation, part game show, the duo of Jacobs and Lay bring their unique talents to life every Monday. With no cover at the door, free bingo with great prizes, free food, handsome Damon behind the bar, and two of the most entertaining personalities in dresses (or gowns, or skirts, or wheel chairs, whatever) that we have in Chicago, the next time you want to do something on Monday night, just remember “BINGO!” On Fridays, if you like the sounds of hip-hop, make your way to The Dragon Room at Halsted and Evergreen, a few blocks north of Division. i-candy Productions fills the club with a crowd of gorgeous females looking for females. Upstairs, DJ Freckles keeps the vibe hype on the crowded main floor. But take my advice and head down to the basement where DJ Stoney truly turns it out. Blending the rhythms of house, hip-hop, and nearly every other R&B genre, the more intimately styled basement carries a vibe of it’s own. Stoney masterfully reads the audience and keeps his unique sound in tune with the energy of the crowd. Grab a drink from the bar in the back, sip it quick, and step in time with the beats in the air. If you are feeling dirty on a Friday night, it might be time to get in the shower and wash all your sins away in front of an audience. Or maybe you just enjoy watching people get wet. Whatever the case, every Friday night Spin holds their infamous shower contest at midnight. Hosted by many of Halsted’s familiar painted ladies, if you haven’t been back lately, now is the time. The crowd is energetic and fun, and Spin has recently re-styled the back room with more seating and open windows. Don’t feel like dancing on the dance floor or watching the contest? Then head up front where you can enjoy all of your favorite videos played by live VJ’s. Spin has something for everyone, and if you haven’t stopped by on a Friday, come check it out. And now some shameless self-promotion. Hi! I’m Peter Mavrik; Aqueerian, underground DJ, raconteur, and newly minted scene contributor for this brilliant publication (thank you Sukie!). You can find me pumping the sounds on the dance floor every Friday at Spin and alternating Thursdays at @mosphere in Andersonville. If you love me, or hate me, or want to tip me off on somewhere you’ve been or would like to go, you can reach me at petermavrik@hotmail.com.Until next time, my heart beats with you in 4/4