Aurora's 'Andy Warhol' Studio 54 summerlong celebration brings increase in tourism

It was another party with a purpose in Aurora as the state's second-largest city continued its summer-long celebration centered on the pop art icon Andy Warhol.

The monthly Studio 54 Celebration brought the community together for a block party on July 13 with a '70s theme in tribute to the highlight years of the famed Studio 54 in New York City.

The popular Chicago area 1970s tribute band, The Shagadelics, played various cover songs that had the crowd dancing well into the night.

There was a 1970s outfit contest for community members who earned cash prizes for dressing up in the theme.

The Studio 54 Celebration is just one component of the Warhol Summer Experience designed to bring more tourism and business support to downtown Aurora, filled with Warhol-inspired art installations and exhibits.

The next block party will be held on Sunday, Aug. 6, which would have been Andy Warhol's 95th birthday.

It will feature a 1970s fashion show and a Earth, Wind and Fire cover band.

Aurora is one of 26 cities in DuPage County and the greater Fox Valley area participating in the Warhol Summer Experience inspired by the College of DuPage's new Andy Warhol exhibit.

At Aurora's kickoff to its "Color Me Warhol Summer Experience" in early June, hundreds danced the night away with a special Studio 54 Celebration in the heart of downtown, which now features several outdoor art installations and two indoor galleries focused on Warhol and pop art.

Pop Art, like the iconic Campbell's Soup Cans, are on display in Aurora throughout the summer.