On Sunday 26th February 2006 at 00.50 hrs Chicago sealed its doors. Not the city of Chicago but the Premier Soulful House night based at Timbuk 2 in Bristol. The management had to operate a strictly two out one in policy. The decision had even been made to open a third room to accommodate new residents and rapidly rising duo Indy 500, but due to technical problems this did not happen.

Seventeen months ago Lakota veteran Mark Davis, Ian Cole & Pegwardo decided to start a night that would showcase their love of Soulful house music. The name was originally Chicago Connection but the latter was dropped. Mark and Ian were already veterans to the scene with Mark a resident and co promoter at the legendry Fandango nights at Lakota and also Bubblegum. After finishing Uni Ian embraced the dance scene by playing out his beloved Trance and moving onto House. Djing in local bars this led to him securing a residency in the back room for the Slinky nights at Creation.

They rented out the main room in a newly opened underground venue by the name of Timbuk 2. The first night attracted in the region of fifty punters, this was deemed a success. The trio had dreamed about attracting the numbers they did for their February Soiree, but never imagined it would happen so soon.

Mark & Pegwardo resembled a pair of Cheshire cats with the size of the grins on their faces. Ian however looked physically and emotionally stunned. He commented to me “I can’t believe all the people here”. Later on he informed me of a head count of about 500 and the subsequent lock out.

Headlining were Tom Reynolds and Matt Zarandi from the famous Canal club in Wolverhampton. Because I kept up my tradition by arriving late I could not get into the main room where this duo were playing so had to retreat into the first room to capture the delights of the Just Jack crew. These youthful trio started off as uni undergraduates and housemates who decided they wanted to share their love of the beats. They consist of Dan Wild, Tommy Rio & Rag, Tommy & Dan are the DJs and Rag is the promoter. Several months ago they secured the residency along with Catmonkey who consist of the endearing Chris Bellamy & Del Star. It is their task to greet the Chicago revellers as they start their soulful journey. Tonight also featured the Funk Boat Crew Luke Langston and Alex Clarke whom in the summer run regular boat parties along the River Avon

When the revellers started to circulate I found an avenue into the main room, ducking and weaving my way through I managed to secure my place in front of DJ booth to witness a Back 2 Back set from residents Mark and Ian. What a set they delivered, more on a dirty Electro house tip but sprinkled with some vocal gems, every inch of the main floor was covered, this was their finest yet. There was times when the baying crowd could not move but only sway to the sumptuous beats. Finally due to suffering from dehyradration & heat exhaustion I managed to pull myself away to replenish vital bodily fluids. .

The last hour was handed over to new resident Jay Russell, but there was a treat in store as he went back 2 back with Bristol Jackin house stalwart Renny C. Renny is already enjoying rapidly rising reputation over the last twelve months, with his Chicago and Koolwaters residencies. Jay also has recently secured two residencies with Chicago and Empathy. This has given him given the chance to exhibit his technical abilities on the CDJs. As expected they did not disappoint. Dropping Adam Freeland’s retake on the Doors Hello they delivered some tough dirty Chicago House which the likes of Derrick Carter and Doc Martin would be proud to have in a set of their own. When two talented individuals come together unplanned it doesn’t always work, but you would think they had been playing out together for years. I seriously think they should consider making this a regular event.

04.00 hrs arrived & everyone is ecstatic but exhausted, Mark, Ian and Pegwardo now know they have arrived. This night so reminded me of the old Fandango nights at The Lakota which was my true education regarding soulful and pumping house.

Over the last few months Chicago has showcased national talents such as Bobkat from Taunton, Welsh boys Superchunk, legend Danny Slade and seminal Ibiza promoters Clockwork Orange from the beautiful and legendry El Paradiso club. The boys are also in negotiations with some top international DJ /Producers to bring to the West Country which will have the Chicago diehards drooling. Saying that on tonight’s performance the local residents can more than hold their own. The Chicago community is growing in numbers with many new friendships being formed.

As well as giving Local DJs a stage, last month saw the Chicago debut of vocalist Emmalease. She wowed us with her celestial harmonics, a talented lady with a very bright future... (Check out her DSI profile for more info)

The next instalment of Chicago is on Sat 25th March featuring Dave Mills (COOL HOUSE), plus the Funk Boat Boys, Catmonkey and the belated debut of the Indy 500 boys. One piece of advice is arrive early and for me personally I am coming equipped with a Saline drip so I don’t have a repeat of last time. So if want top quality across the board house and join the ever growing Chicago community come down, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed, the Chicago adventure has only just begun.

Individually the Residents can be seen playing and promoting their own nights

• Indy 500 own Sanchez which is held @ Club Cuba on the first Sat of every month.

• Just Jack’s own Koko a weekly Wednesday residency at Po Na Na and after hours gig @ Dojo Club on selected weekends.

• Pegwardo’s own Le Peg Fantastique! @ Comfi Club on the second Friday of every month.