Play that soulful music, white boys. No, that's not the actual name of a song, but it goes a long way toward describing the monthly Windy City Soul Club parties.
The popular dance night kicks off 2010 on Saturday night at The Empty Bottle.
More than 500 people typically pack the house for the monthly events, which started in November 2008.
Six DJs run the show, soul music connoisseurs who came across the genre of northern soul at different points in their lives, and spend an inordinate amount of time searching online and record store back bins for those rare dusties.
"It's rare '60s uptempo soul," says the group's marketing man, named -- not surprisingly -- Nick Soule. "They were local hits, but that's as far as they went. The groups produced this stuff just hoping to get some air play."
The club has moved around to different spots in the city over the past year, but seems content with the Empty Bottle space, which has capacity for 400 people. But many more pass through the doors over the course of a night. Translation? Get there early or be prepared to wait in a line that's been known to stretch around the block.
"It's a good, dark vibe. Everybody's always dancing and it's a just a fun vibe," Soule said. "It's just good music. Whether or not you know what it is, the people who come appreciate good music."
The monthly soul nights are held on different weeks every month, so check out the Web site for future dates.
January 9 and Feb. 5, 10 p.m., The Empty Bottle, 1035 North Western Ave., 10 p.m. $5
Windy City Soul Club Anniversary Mix
