Musical Artists Soul Asylum, Sponge and Cracker to Headline Celebration of 66 Fest
Last Updated on April 25, 2025 by WWTR
The ‘90s rock legends headline an electrifying show at World Wide Technology Raceway
MADISON, Ill. (April 24, 2025) – The 1990s were filled with music that made a lasting impact, and World Wide Technology Raceway will celebrate the legacy by hosting three ‘90s rock legends as part of the Celebration of 66 Fest presented by Discover Downstate Illinois on June 14-15. Headliners for the high-energy weekend include Soul Asylum, Sponge and Cracker.
Formed in 1990, American rock-band Cracker has made their name known among the music scene with their wide-ranging discography featured over their 35 plus year career. The band’s unique sound features influence of rock, punk, grunge, psychedelia, country, blues and folk.
Led by singer David Lowery and guitarist Johnny Hickman, the band has a wide variety of hits such as the popular 1992 song “Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now)” off their debut album “Cracker.” The hits did not stop there, the band released their gold selling album “Kerosene Hat” in 1993.
This second studio album produced hits such as “Low,” “Get Off This” and “Euro-trash Girl.” In 2024, the band released their latest album titled “Alternative History: A Cracker Retrospective.” Come listen to Cracker on Saturday, June 14 to hear them play these fan favorites from their decades long career.
The star-studded line up continues into Sunday, June 15 when Sponge takes on the Turn 4 Midway stage. The 1992 Detroit-formed band continues to tour in support of their 10th studio album, “Planet Girls,” that was released in 2024. This archival album features lost songs from 1999 that went unreleased until last year.
While their new music continues to excite the crowd, it is their playlist from their over 30-year career that grabs viewers attention. Main hits such as “Wax Ecstatic” (#10 Billboard Mainstream Rock) and “Have You Seen Mary” (#7 Billboard Mainstream Rock) will be part of the band’s set list.
Their debut album “Rotting Piñata” came out in 1994 where hits such as “Plowed” (#5 Billboard Alt Rock) and “Molly (16 Candles)” (#3 on Billboard Alt Rock) can be found. Their 10 studio albums have produced plenty of hits and have made the Billboard Top 10s four times.
Sunday, June 15 will conclude when the Grammy Award winning band Soul Asylum takes the stage post-race. The Minnesota band has been led by lead singer Dave Pirner since the creation of the band in 1983.
After signing with Colombia records in 1992, the band went on to release their triple-platinum album “Grave Dancers Union.” This album included their Grammy Award winning song “Runaway Train,” which surged to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The band continues to produce music with their most recent album “Slowly but Shirley” that was released in 2024. The Grammy winners promoted this album by touring in 2024 to connect with fans across generations.
The mix of new and older hits is bound to keep fans entertained this year at the Celebration of 66 Fest. This music festival will be alongside the ninth annual Bommarito Automotive Group 500 INDYCAR weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway.
Come see these rock legends perform their greatest hits and watch the INDYCAR action this Father’s Day weekend on June 14-15. Tickets are on sale on our website at wwtraceway.com or call the ticket office at (618) 215-8888 Ext. 1.
About World Wide Technology Raceway
World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is the home of NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA racing in St. Louis’ Metro East region. Located just five minutes from downtown St. Louis and covering more than 700 acres, WWTR is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the area. WWTR’s facilities include a 1.25-mile superspeedway; 1/4-mile drag strip; 2.0-mile road course; the Gateway Kartplex state-of-the-art karting facility; and the adjacent Gateway National Golf Links. WWTR and Owner & CEO Curtis Francois have been recognized with several awards, including: 2023 St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame induction; 2023 Innovation in Philanthropy Award by the St. Louis Business Journal; 2022 Explore St. Louis Hospitality Hero Recognition; 2022 Best in Show and Best Event & Festival from the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism; 2021 Comcast Community Champion of the Year; 2021 Jack Buck Award; 2020 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Track Award; 2018 Innovator Award from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission; 2017 Outstanding Facility of the Year Award from the Race Track Business Conference; and the 2017 Spirit of St. Louis Award from the St. Louis Attractions Association. Our mission: We are committed to making a difference in our community, while providing first-class entertainment and memories that last a lifetime.
MEDIA CONTACT: Payton Buschhorn | pbuschhorn@wwtraceway.com | (314) 517-5125 (cell)
