Rev your engines and pump up the volume, because NASCAR is bringing both high-speed thrills and a powerhouse music lineup to the streets of Chicago this summer. The Chicago Street Race Weekend is not just about the roar of engines; it's set to be accompanied by the beats of Keith Urban, The Black Keys, and The Chainsmokers, as confirmed by NASCAR officials. But it’s the celebration of house music's 40th anniversary that’s going to put Grant Park on the cultural map. Headlined by icons like Bad Boy Bill, the showcase promises to get the heart of the city thumping to the rhythm of its own creation.
While engines are set to start, fans can anticipate the Chicago House Music Showcase featuring a top-tier selection of artists who have defined the genre across decades. Making appearances on July 6th will be Marshall Jefferson, Lidell Townsell, and Byron Stingily of Ten City, to name just a few. Wrapped into the two-day extravaganza are notables Keith Urban and Lauren Alaina, delivering their country flair prior to Sunday's Cup Series race. Fans of The Black Keys can catch them tuning up the day before the Xfinity Series Race, with the electric Chainsmokers performance rounding off an event-filled Saturday, according to NBC Chicago.
Last year's planned performances were a washout, quite literally, with acts like The Chainsmokers and Miranda Lambert unable to perform thanks to Mother Nature's downpour and a light show of her own—lightning that forced the cancellation of all concerts. Chicago is known for its unpredictable weather, but with fingers crossed, fans hope the tunes will play as smoothly as the tires roll across the specially designed street circuit this time around.
General admission will get you more than just a glimpse of cars zipping past; it's an all-access pass to the concerts as well. "We’ve never had a lineup of House artists like this on the same stage together, and we are excited to partner with a group like NASCAR who is committed to putting Chicago front and center of everything they do," said Vince Lawrence, House Music 40 founder and the event’s curator, in singling out the event for its musical significance. Celebrating a genre born on its very streets, the weekend’s concerts are included with every two-day pass, with special pricing options for the youngsters: kids 12 and under are free on July 6, and youth general admission stands at a budget-friendly $45 on race day with a paid adult, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.
With tickets ranging from $150-$465 and VIP/hospitality suites being snapped up, whether you're there for the adrenaline of the race or to dance away to the house legends and modern-day chart-toppers, Chicago's set to deliver a weekend that has something for everyone. Tickets are selling now, so buckle up for a festival that promises the full-throttle excitement of NASCAR combined with a once-in-a-lifetime musical lineup.
