Were you spotted by our Barlife photographers celebrating the new year? Check out our February issue Barfly galleries.

Apartment, Chicago

Cadillac Ranch, Bartlett

Drink, Schaumburg

John Barleycorn, Lincoln Park

John Barleycorn, Schaumburg

Leg Room, Chicago

Snuggery, Chicago

Maxum, Willowbrook

Wild Bull, Schaumburg

Titled Kilt, Elgin

Want a successful Valentine date this February 14? Then make sure they don’t catch you looking at our February sexy server gallery! Want to nominate a sexy server you know to appear in a future issue? Send us an email with their name and the bar they work at.

Michigan transplants Northpilot have proved that devotion and a love for what you do can get you far. Having moved to the Wicker Park neighborhood after leaving other projects, band mates Travis Shaver (lead vocals/guitars), Danielle Mint (vocals/keys), Justin Vittori (guitars), Matt Cragnolin (bass/vocals), and Dan Julian (drums) pooled their talents to form the current lineup of Northpilot. Their unique sound might be categorized as indie pop, but putting a specific label on them is difficult. Finding a nationally recognized artist or group to compare them to proves to be an almost impossible task ensuring that their creativity and material stands out among the crowd.

Originally formed as a 4 piece in 2006, the band spent 4 years building a solid resume, playing notable venues such as Chicago’s House of Blues, Double Door, Schuba’s, Subterranean, Martyr’s, and Reggie’s Rock Club. In 2007, the band landed a spot in the top 8 of the Lollapalooza Last Band Standing Competition and was a finalist in the 2010 Slurpee Battle of the Bands National Competition, where their final four status earned them a trip to Dallas to shoot a music video. Upgrading to a 5 piece band in 2010, Northpilot released its debut EP, The Bright Brigade, which continues to generate buzz by entertainment rags and blogs. In October 2011, they released their newest single, ‘1000 Lives’, with a b-side (‘Maps and Dragons’).

When asked what makes them so unique, lead singer Travis Shaver thoughtfully responded: “Our songwriting process is very detailed and precise, but not in an annoying or painstaking way. We take plenty of time to let a song develop. Often times we will start working on one song, and it may take up to a few months for it to be fully realized. We never feel the need to rush a piece of music. When it’s ready, it’s ready. Sometimes, in the case of ‘1000 Lives’ for instance, it will take over a year for us to develop an idea we want to incorporate to make the song work.” That patience and dedication pays off. ‘1000 Lives’ is one of the most popular songs in their repertoire and a crowd favorite. Its melodic patterns and innovative vocals create a track that can be played over and over again.

Their commitment to music has proved to be the strongest tool in their success. “We wouldn’t be doing any of this unless we were all married to music,” said Shaver. “We believe that if we believe in what we are doing and our music speaks for itself, success will come.” Working day jobs to ensure they have the resources to pursue their musical futures makes things harder, but does not discourage them in the slightest. “Knowing that outside of the music, we’re all great friends and we’re all there for the same reason makes it so much more fun to show up to band practice and invest the time and money to make it work.”

Northpilot’s fans are made up of primarily 25-35 year olds, but as they say, “Moms love us too!” The internet has allowed them a greater reach in terms of fan base. Nationwide Internet radio outlet Grooveshark reported over 16,000 plays from Northpilot’s debut effort. Plans to release their first LP in early summer and execute a US tour will surely expand their reach even more. Their music can also be easily found on iTunes and Spotify.

You can find Northpilot online at:
www.northpilot.com – click Music for a free download of the new single!
www.facebook.com/northpilot
www.twitter.com/northpilot
www.youtube.com/northpilot

Who says Valentine’s gifts have to be roses or candy? This year, Lover’s Lane wants you to Be the Candy! February 14^th is right around the corner, and its never too early to start thinking about surprising that special someone with gifts of romance, passion and love.

Since 1992, Lover’s Lane has been one of the Midwest’s premier retailers for lingerie and romantic gifts. Now, with 30 stores throughout Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana, patrons of Lover’s Lane have come to realize that “Couples who play together…stay together™!” Each store has plenty of exotic and erotic items to choose from, with separate areas for lingerie and bedroom essentials, so customers who may not be looking for bedroom toys will not have to enter that area. All sales associates, also known as ‘Romance Specialists’, are friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely enjoy helping customers out. Their suggestions and recommendations have had plenty of customers leaving with a big
smile, anxious to get home! There is never any pressure to buy, and if you prefer, Lover’s Lane offers gift cards for the undecided. You have to be over 18 to enter the store, but you never have to feel uncomfortable about shopping there, since the stores are well lit, and everything is tastefully displayed.

February is an extra busy time at Lover’s Lane, with Valentine’s Day being the ideal excuse to shop for something for you or your partner.  Sensuous lingerie is one of the best selling category, and Lover’s Lane carries plenty of tantalizing styles, ranging from babydolls, bra sets, cami sets, chemises, corsets, bustiers, gowns and robes. There are a rainbow array of colors to choose from, as well as sizes that range from petite to full figure, with price ranges perfect for anyone’s budget.

Another way to keep things hot is to plan some special time alone with your Valentine and explore new sensations with Lover’s Lane massage creams or oils, body painting kits, and candles to set the mood. Lover’s Lane features Shunga and Kama Sutra Massage products, which are both so popular, they lead to  plenty of repeat customers literally overnight! If you feel like going out for Valentine’s Day, be sure to check out the clubwear selection. Figure-flattering dresses, stylish tops and skirts, and corset styles that can be worn outside of the bedroom will add instant sexiness to your wardrobe. Finish off that look with Lover’s Lane accessories, including rhinestone jewelry, sheer hosiery, and thigh-high boots for a night out that will be unforgettable.

Lover’s Lane is the perfect place to shop for any occasion, including birthdays, anniversaries, wedding showers, bachelorette parties, or just because you’re falling in love all over again. Considered to be the bachelorette party headquarters, Lover’s Lane carries plenty of outrageous bachelorette party favors, games and gag gifts, as well as party supplies and invitations. The bridal line is especially popular for shower gifts, and wedding night memories. Other items include intimate and instructional books and DVD’s,  sexy men’s wear, fetishwear, exciting games for lovers, entertainer outfits, fantasy wigs, 5 and 6 inch high heel shoes, and of course an incredible selection of intimate bedroom toys.

Since 1996, Lover’s Lane has expanded and thrived in the Chicagoland area, with 19 stores in Illinois and Northern Indiana. You can find the store location nearest you in time for Valentine’s Day at www.loverslanestore.com.  In order to truly get the full experience, take a stroll to Lover’s Lane anytime Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays noon to 6 p.m. You can also shop with confidence at home anytime, at www.loverslane.com.

The Personnel may only have been together in the form of their current line-up for the last nine months, but they have already taken the Midwest by storm… and they’re working on the rest of the country. Band members have shared the stage with Maroon 5, Good Charlotte, Tonic, Jon McLaughlin, Josh Kelley, Tristan Prettyman and more. How do they do it? “Playing anywhere and everywhere we can,” said frontman Seth Bradley. “We work extremely hard, we’re focused and committed and build the project as a business and brand. We know what we do is a business, and we make smart decisions to grow the business.” With the type of crowds they are bringing in to local establishments like Cubby Bear, America’s Bar, and Uncle Fatty’s, they’ve certainly been doing something right.

Seth, Justin Eisenbraun (guitar and vocals), Sean Geyer (bass and vocals), and Steve Kentala (drums) are The Personnel. The guys attribute their band name as a throwback to old records where the band that played on the records was credited as “the personnel.” Steve and Justin met in college, and Steve and Sean came along through networking and just plain kismet. Once the four began playing together, their unique sound really came together and allowed them to quickly create a following. With a crowd made up largely of good looking 20-40 year old women, who WOULDN’T want to attend a show?!?

Playing R&B and 90’s/current pop tunes as well as their top notch musicianship has set them apart from other local groups. Their set list includes tunes from Bel Biv Devoe, N’Sync, NKOTB, and Color Me Badd as well as more recent artists Maroon 5, LMFAO, and Taio Cruz. Seth’s inspired vocals make any cover new again – check out his vocal recording of David Guetta and Usher’s “Without You” on the band’s website at http://www.thepersonnel.net/. It’s as if he is his own show choir! Complimenting his Glee-tastic vocal ability is his band mate’s powerful musical skills.

With their already steady success and future goals to “continue building their reach and fan base, to write and record music, and to have the best possible time doing what we love to do best, and that is to perform,” The Personnel is set to become one of the most recognized bands in the business.  “The ability to make music is a gift for which we are eternally grateful,” said Justin. The band’s love of the music and their respect for the business and the opportunity they have comes through in each and every performance. With over 60 shows already on the books for 2012, the band will have plenty of chances to make believers out of anyone skeptical. You can them out at America’s Bar in Hoffman Estates on February 11^th or Social 25 in Chicago on February 17^th.

Bellator is finally returning to the Chicagoland area on Friday March 9 with Bellator 60.  The event will take place at the Horseshoe Casino, in Hammond Indiana.  This marks the first time Bellator has been in the Chicago area since August of 2010.

The night of action will be headlined by Team Curran featherweight fighter Pat Curran.  Curran will be taking on current Bellator featherweight champion Joe Warren for the featherweight title. Curran earned the right to challenge Warren after winning the Bellator Summer Series tournament.  Curran got to skip the line ahead of Pitbull Fierre to challenge Warren after Fierre was unable to heal up in time.

The night will also feature the opening round of the season six featherweight tournament and be broadcast on MTV 2 through out the United States. Like other Bellator cards, local talent will be used to fill up remaining slots on the undercard and could potentially earn a spot on the Bellator roster.

This marks the second major mixed martial arts event to come to the greater Chicagoland area in 2012.  There is discussion that a third national organization will be putting on an event later this year as well.

Brent Todd owns and writes for MMARecap.com the leading mixed martial arts website in the greater Chicagoland area.  Find them on Facebook at facebook.com/mmarecap and on twitter @1outmma.  Photo of Jeff Curran by Joey Hill.

Their tagline, “Fusion of Nightlife Culture and Fitness” definitely fits the new Hit It!® fitness studio NOW OPENED at 472 W. Lake St. in Roselle! Constance Contursi Barker and DJ KJ®, Owners of the trendy boutique facility have been nationally recognized for their Fitness Instructor trainings and their live Hit It!® Kickbox classes done in multiple Chicago Health clubs and nightclubs. Kevin Barker, aka DJ KJ® provides current popular club tracks and dance tunes (No cheesy aerobics music here!) while Constance instructs the classes.

The pair developed a cult-like following of exercise enthusiasts and newbies back in 2006 through their live class performances. People of all kinds were getting in shape and they stayed in vogue doing it! Now, in 2012, the Hit It!® fitness studio expands on this movement. Welcoming you with a modern, lounge-like reception area, state-of-the-art nightclub lighting & hi-fidelity sound, dark wood flooring, and stylish chandeliers, this sensational duo and their brand of fitness is sure keep you hip while you get fit.

Services offered at 472 W Lake St. in Roselle range from group classes such as their signature class Hit It!® Kickbox, a result oriented cardio-kickbox format set to hi-energy dance tunes to Hip-Hop & Latin based dance classes like Remix™ as well as personal training and small group boot camp programs. In addition, Bollywood dance, Salsa and Athlete Yoga will be upcoming additions. Constance explains that the quality of classes and educated instructors will guarantee results and offers a program unparalled by your average health club chain.

Looking to shed the pounds this year? Or want to become a Hit It!® trained instructor? Check out The Hit It!® Fitness Studio located at 472 W Lake St. in Roselle TODAY! Contact info@hit-itfitness.com for further info or 847.530.9128. Website: www.hit-itfitness.com

Team Curran founder Jeff Curran has been in the sport for a long time. Having first competed professionally in 1998, Curran has been a part of nearly every major organization. In May of 2011, he took on a late replacement Billy Vaughan and used the fight to propel himself to return to the UFC.   His first bout was against a very game Scott Jorgensen at UFC 137 who implemented what most opponents need to do in order to beat Curran.

“It was a typical Jeff Curran fight. If a fighter can get me to the ground and survive my guard they win a decision. It’s not the way I like fights to go. I feel like him taking me down and riding out a decision was the easiest route. We were supposed to stand and trade, but it didn’t go that way.” Like many fighters who sign multi-fight contract with the UFC, even a single loss could spell disaster. “It’s always a gray area. If I perform like crap and lose, they can cut me, but they were happy with my performance in my last fight.” It’s the two-fight losing streak that fighters fear, and for good reason.

“It has been made pretty clear to me that if I lose this next fight, they will have to release me. So the pressure is really on. It was such a hard road back, but I was told by my management that I would get two fights, but one more loss and I am sure they will have to release me. I mean you got guys with less than ten fights in this sport killing it. They are out there taking risks, and if I can’t show that I am with that new breed then maybe it’s time for the next wave of guys.”

As for when Curran is looking to return to the UFC, the date is nearly set as is the opponent, yet Curran must remain mum on it.“ April is the decided upon month. Hopefully in the next day or so we will know the decided upon opponent and date. I have a guy but I can’t tell you. I don’t know if he has agreed to it. We were both a little weary on it. We were both a little skeptical on the idea, but neither one of us can be too picky about who we take at this point.”

I have an idea: let’s get drunk and complicate our “just friends” relationship.

A friend of mine from HS told me when he was drunk, that he had a crush on me through HS. I just can’t believe this, mainly because of the shit show I was in HS. He was always very nice to me, and his friends have remained very nice to me and stayed in touch. My question is why it would occur to him to share this with me now?

I really thought it was just a drunk ploy, something that a guy would say. But he has continued to call/text me and when we talk I feel totally at ease and calm. I just can’t believe this, mainly because of the shit show I was in HS. He was always very nice to me, and his friends have remained very nice to me and stayed in touch. I have no idea why I didn’t know about this crush, I thought I was at least in tune with people who liked me.

Still shocked, and trying to figure out how I missed this, I called my B.F.F. (our relationship also began in HS) explained what happened and asked her what she knew about this. She confirmed his crush and went further to state “did you really not know, I mean you couldn’t tell? He would always try to talk to you, and was always super nice to you.”

I had no idea! I mean, how could I have even known? I didn’t think he even really knew who I was; we didn’t hang out in the same group, but really just bumped into each other when our friends co-mingled. I just didn’t think he thought of me as anything other than the party girl. Where did this even come from?

Are things too different in our “just friends” lives for us to make something work, or is this something that should be complicated for a good reason?  He is a great guy; I would totally love to have him as a Valentine’s Day date and what I remember he has always been the better of the guys I knew back then. Damn, now I have a crush on someone that I should be “just friends” with. What to do?

That super awkward moment when you are in the elevator with a co-worker that you have no socially appropriate thoughts. No I don’t mean sexual, I am talking about how you only are thinking about the work that you have to do with them, or the last meeting you have together and then you end up asking about the weather.

Yes the “it is so warm out” or “wow it is crazy cold today, right?” Yeah that conversation. Then the conversation leads into the work-life because that is really all you know about that person. What is with our need to make small talk about something other than work, these are work people, and shouldn’t that be enough? I mean, these really aren’t REAL people they are WORK people, why do we care about their lives outside of the office if we never see them anywhere but in the office?

This morning when I was riding up I tried to avoid getting into the elevator with someone I know from meetings that works on my floor. It’s not that I don’t like this person; it is that I am just not really in the mood to make small talk first thing in the morning. I don’t really care how her commute is, nor how the weather is, nor where her family is this morning. Actually the only thing I care to know is how she wears those killer heals every morning, but that is not really appropriate conversation for the morning elevator ride. I just ended up smiling at her and left my head phones in. I suppose that is why she felt the need to initiate needless elevator conversation about the weather.
“It’s really warm out” she states.
“Yeah, no kidding, its crazy weather right now. Totally not normal for the season” I reply. Man, she started it. Damn It! Who is stopping before our floor? I have to get out of this elevator!
“That’s why I am not wearing a coat” she points out. I don’t care, I didn’t even notice.
I smile “I am too lazy to find my other coats.” DING! Finally we reach our floor, now for the awkward good bye. “Well, enjoy your day!” Mad dash to my cube!

Or maybe it is just me, am I the awkward person that feels the need to make small talk in elevators? Or am I the only one that feels they are awkward?

-Curly