whoville Starry Night

By Luis Gomez

Where did the famous and semi-famous spend New Year's Eve in the Chicago area?

NASCAR driver Danica Patrick dined New Year's Eve at the newly opened Baume & Brix in the River North neighborhood before heading nearby to The Grid. "Cooler Than Me" singer Mike Posner attended the Bulls-Charlotte Bobcats game at the United Center before performing at the "NYE 2013" party at the Hilton Chicago hotel. "Malcolm in the Middle" actor Chris Masterson DJed "Esquire Eve" at Chuck's Manufacturing in the Hard Rock Hotel. Musician Butch Walker also stopped by.

The Bears' Charles Tillman and former Bull Ben Gordon, now with the Bobcats, partied at Paris Club's upstairs club, Studio Paris, New Year's Eve. The Bulls' Luol Deng and Taj Gibson hung out Dec. 31 at The Underground — their second time there in three days — along with teammates Jimmy Butler and Marco Belinelli. The Bears' Kellen Davis had dinner at Japonais that night.

Speaking of the Bears, Zack Bowman rang in the New Year at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill in Rosemont with "Hardcore Pawn: Chicago" cast members Nathan and Elyse Cohen. Bowman and singer Cathy Richardson, who has been touring with Jefferson Starship, seperately attended "Hardcore Pawn: Chicago's" premiere party Tuesday at a private residence in the northern suburbs (the show was TruTV highest-rated series debut ever).

The Arizona Cardinals' Michael Floyd dined Dec. 31 at Tavern on Rush, while the New York Yankees' Curtis Granderson celebrated the holiday for the second year in a row at Roots Handmade Pizza, where he is an investor. Nic Rouleau and his "The Book of Mormon" co-stars, currently performing at Bank of America Theatre through at least Sept. 8, celebrated at Drumbar in the Raffaello Hotel.

Heads up: Reality TV star Kristin Cavallari will promote her shoe line, Chinese Laundry by Kristin Cavallari, Feb. 9 at the Von Maur store in Yorktown Center mall in Lombard. Cavallari will sign autographs and pose for photos at the appearance, which is open to the public. … Chicago rapper Rockie Fresh's first major label mixtape, "Electric Highway," will be released Jan. 21. Fresh, who is signed to rapper Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group, will celebrate the release with a performance Feb. 2 at Bottom Lounge.

Help wanted: Auditions for NBC's "The Voice" will take place Saturday and Sunday at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. You must be 15 or older to audition for the singing competition and can register at nbcthevoice.com. … Meanwhile, if you're interested in becoming one of Maxim magazine's "Neighborhood Knockouts," there will be a casting call Wednesday at The Grid. Email Jessica@TheGridChicago.com for details.

Celeb dish: Rockit Bar & Grill will celebrate what would have been Elvis Presley's 78th birthday Tuesday by adding the Peanut Butter & 'Nanner sandwich (which includes bananas and bacon) to its menu for one day only. The sandwich was said to be a favorite of the King's.

About this week: NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen and his wife and former "The Real Housewives of Miami" cast member Larsa Pippen will host a benefit Tuesday for Chicago Bulls Charities and Bright Pink at Paris Club's upstairs club, Studio Paris. … Legendary rapper Rakim is set to perform Friday at The Shrine.

Sightings: "Modern Family" actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson and fiance Justin Mikita promoted their Tie The Knot bow ties — which raise money for the Human Rights Campaign, among other groups — Wednesday at The Tie Bar in Naperville. … The Bears' Jay Cutler and Cavallari had brunch Wednesday at Prasino in the Wicker Park neighborhood. Cutler and his offensive linemen had dinner Dec. 30 at Sunda. Cavallari visited Maxine Salon in the Gold Coast Friday. … The Bears' Matt Forte hung out Tuesday at Public House and Wednesday at RA Sushi in the Gold Coast with teammates Brandon Marshall and Corey Wootton.