RECOMMENDED Being the birthplace of house music, Chicago has had its fair share of homegrown talent. But few of them can brag and boast like Paul Johnson. Born and raised in Chicago, Johnson was influenced early on by legendary DJs Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy and Farley “Jackmaster” Funk, and was soon DJing and throwing parties of his own in 1985. Now, over two decades later, Johnson is ranked as one of Chicago’s DJ elite, producing tracks for labels such as Cajual, Dance Mania and Dust Traxx, releasing anthem after anthem, including his biggest release “Get Get Down,” as well as collaborating with artists like Robert Armani, who together make up Traxxmen. Also, the man is no slouch when it comes to the ladies (just look at his MySpace page). Tonight, Johnson brings the party to Smart Bar. His DJ sets, like his music, span the house spectrum. From smooth and funky, to ghetto, booty shakin’ beats, he’s always consistent at rocking the crowd. Juano and Milwaukee’s own Marcus Aurelius kick off the evening. (Zeb Resman) Saturday, March 29 at Smart Bar
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