DC101’s Elliot in the Morning announced this week that Weezer will headline the 32nd Annual DC101 Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, May 21 at RFK Stadium Festival Grounds. DC’s biggest one-day rock festival, is expected to raise $1.5 million to benefit the National Kidney Foundation Serving the National Capital Area (NKF/NCA.)
The DC101 Chili Cook-Off is the largest one-day fundraiser for the National Kidney Foundation nationwide. Last year’s Cook-Off attracted 25,000 people and raised over $1.3 million dollars to support the Foundation’s programs in research, patient services, professional and public education, and organ donation awareness.
NKF/NCA Division President & Government Relations Director Preston A. Englert, Jr., CAE, said, “We are indebted to DC101 for the decades of support they have provided. The Chili Cook-Off is a significant fundraiser that helps support programs such as research that leads to medical breakthroughs, our patient emergency fund, and free early detection screenings for at-risk members of our community.”
US Capitol Has High Rate of Kidney Disease
The Washington, DC area leads the nation in the prevalence of kidney disease with 700,000 affected, nearly 6,000 on dialysis and more than 1,500 waiting for a kidney transplant.
True to its name, the Chili Cook-Off features an intense competition between 101 chili cooks in four categories: Red Chili, Green Chili, Freestyle, and Salsa. The 2010 Red Chili winner, Monica Parker with “Monica’s ‘Show Me the Money’ Chili,” went on to compete in the World Championship in New Hampshire this past fall.
In addition to Weezer, rounding out the lineup of bands for Chili Cook-Off 2011 are national recording artists Panic at the Disco, Papa Roach, Seether, Neon Trees, Paper Tongues, and Middle Class Rut. According to DC101 Program Director James Howard, “We at DC101 strive to bring elite entertainment to this event every year. Chili Cook-Off will yet again be more than a good time because it comes with the knowledge you helped make a difference.”
Date and Location
RFK Stadium Festival Grounds is pleased to be hosting the event. According to Erik Moses, Managing Director of the WCSA Sports, Entertainment and Special Events Division, “In just our third year of hosting the DC101 Chili Cook-Off at RFK Stadium, it’s quickly become one of the most anticipated events on our calendar. With another fantastic musical lineup, it will be a great time for all and more importantly, raise money for a worthy cause.”
Tickets go on sale Friday, April 8 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets are $35 in advance general admission and $250 for limited VIP tickets, which include complimentary beer, soda, water, private port-a-johns, and elevated view of the stage, plus all applicable Ticketmaster and service fees. Tickets are $55 at the gate the day of the Chili Cook-Off. RFK Stadium Box Office will be open during the week (M-F) from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ONLY selling tickets with NO service charge. On May 21, gates open at 11 a.m. and participants are encouraged to take Metro to the Stadium/Armory Station on the Orange & Blue Lines.
