Chicago NASCAR Weekend To Feature A Chicago House Music Showcase

Chicago’s upcoming NASCAR Weekend just got a whole lot groovier. In addition to featuring high-speed, 8-cylinder laps around Grant Park, the two-day event will include a music festival and the first ever Chicago House Music Showcase. 

At 5 pm on Saturday, July 6, the Chicago House Music Showcase will rock a stage in the Museum Campus with a lineup that includes Bad Boy Bill, Byron Stingily, Chip E., Chuck “The Voice” Roberts, Curtis McClain, Dajae, The Good, Lidell Townsell, Marshall Jefferson, Maurice Joshua, The Outhere Brothers, Ralphi Rosario, Wayne Williams and White Knight. Celebrating a Chicago-made, disco-based genre that first emanated from a warehouse on South Jefferson St. 40 years ago, the gig promises to dial up some of the best sounds that the city has to offer.

Even better, NASCAR drivers will be practicing for the Cup Series during the show, presumably zipping down the official track on Columbus Drive, DuSable/Lake Shore Drive and Michigan Ave. According to Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese, this is a perfect way to elevate the sensation.

“We always want to use our platform at NASCAR to showcase the best of Chicago – including its world- class music scene,” she says. “House Music is a quintessential part of Chicago’s culture, so we are thrilled to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of House by bringing together these genre-defining artists to help take the Chicago Street Race Weekend experience to another level.”

A performance by The Chainsmokers will follow The House Music Showcase. Other artists playing over the weekend include Lauren Alaina, The Black Keys and Keith Urban.

 

A THROWBACK FOR THE AGES

L to R: Vince Lawrence, Wayne Williams, Curtis McClain, Byron Stingily, Chip E, Marshall Jefferson

Chicago nonprofit House Music 40 is a key partner in putting on the show. Founded by artist, composer, and Slang Music Group founder Vince Lawrence — who collaborated with Jesse Saunders to record the single, On and On, which is considered to be the first-ever House Music track ever released — the organization adds a motherlode of credibility to the mix. 

“This is going to be a throwback celebration for the ages, with pinnacle artists of the genre performing all the classic songs that made House Music what it is,” says Lawrence. “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.”

Besides bringing House Music culture and music lovers together, Chicago House Music 40 is on a mission to provide financial assistance to Chicago House Music DJs facing health issues.

For tickets and additional information, click here.