Kristen Kaza

Up next in our series of weekend plans from notable, in-the-know locals—a.k.a. people we like: Kristen Kaza, a principal as No Small Plans Productions and the host of the monthly dance parties, Slo ‘Mo: Slow jams for homos at The Whistler. The Slo ‘Mo holiday edition is on 12/20 at 9.

“Thursday is my monthly residency at The Whistler hosting, Slo ’Mo: Slow jams for homos (and their fans). The party is usually a hit because people love nostalgic slow jams. They mix well with the impeccable Whistler cocktails. The dance part is cozy and sexy, just what the holidays should be.

“Friday my mom and I are going to Willis Tower because she’s never been and I secretly want a photo on that suspended glass balcony. My girlfriend will be working on a Tegan and Sara photo shoot that day, so we may see their show with The Killers at UIC Pavilion. In my dreams we take them out for shots of Malört at Scofflaw and late-night, wild times at the nightclub Berlin.

“Saturday I will have to finish my holiday shopping, so I’ll hit up Una Mae‘s in Wicker Park. It’s my go-to for affordable, unique, and stylish gifts. My mom and I will have dinner at Mana. I love the candlelit intimacy, and the mushroom polenta is what dreams are made of. Then we’ll head to the House Theater’s Nutcracker. It's an interpretation of the classic and my piano teacher is the music director of the show. Afterwards, I’ll make a late night stop to the new queer hip hop party, Unicorn Hustle at Parlour to get my dance on.

“Sunday I’ll take my mom to Ina’s, because I think those two will hit it off. I love that the decor is all salmon pink and mint green, and that there are different seasonal salt & pepper shakers on each table. The vegetable hash is perfect. Then we’ll head over to the Music Box to watch [a holiday movie].” —As told to Elly Fishman