After a full opening day Monday, the fun is just beginning as pioneers of the rock-jazz genre, Chicago, take the stage on AeroShell Square courtesy of Ford Motor Company.

The band that ranks as the top American artists on the Billboard Hot 100 appears free of charge to all AirVenture guests immediately following the afternoon air show.

Chicago, led by founding members Robert Lamm on keyboards and the distinctive horn section of Lee Loughnane, James Pankow, and Walt Parazaider, has attracted multiple generations of fans over 40 years of recording. Chicago’s jazz-infused “rock ’n’ roll band with horns” sound has created hits in five decades—an accomplishment matched only by the Rolling Stones in pop music history.

Chicago’s style is instantly recognizable and has left its unquestioned mark on music history. From the band’s first top 40 hit in 1970, “Make Me Smile,” through No. 1 hits such as “If You Leave Me Now,” “Hard To Say I’m Sorry,” and “Look Away,” and classic songs such as “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” and “25 or 6 to 4,” Chicago has created an instantly identifiable legacy that continues to thrill longtime fans and welcomes a new generation to their music.

“Over the past decade, Ford has been proud to be a part of EAA AirVenture, The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” said Kevin Keling, Ford corporate events manager. “We’re very happy to help support EAA, all EAA members, and this great event in a variety of ways, including bringing top entertainment such as Chicago to aviation’s annual family reunion.”

In September 2008, Billboard Magazine named its Top 100 artists of all time, based on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Chicago’s extraordinary career landed it at No. 13, just behind artists such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, and Elvis Presley, and ahead of Marvin Gaye, Prince, and Rod Stewart. Chicago has the distinction of being the top American band on that list.

The opening-day concert at EAA AirVenture, along with Ford Motor Company’s support of the nightly Fly-In Theater, is among the experiences embraced by Ford and EAA to enhance the annual EAA AirVenture convention. Ford also provides vehicles used during the event, the SR-71 Mustang—a one-of-a-kind vehicle for the Gathering of Eagles fundraiser during AirVenture—support for the Young Eagles raffle vehicle, and discounts on Ford Motor Company vehicles for EAA members. Ford will also offer additional highlights and benefits for EAA members and AirVenture attendees during this year’s fly-in.