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Ohio Players Ready To Take The Stage at Martinsville Speedway

Martinsville Speedway is known for moments that bring people to their feet and Celebration 2017 won’t be any different, as the Ohio Players are set to bring their funky sound to the historic half-mile racetrack.

The band is ready to get the crowd dancing with a catalog of music that spans five decades and includes number one hits like “Fire” and “Love Rollercoaster.”

“The Ohio Players, just like those fast cars, are going to set the Martinsville's race track on fire, July 3rd” Band Leader James “Diamond” Williams said. “It’s Ohio Funk at its best! Come ride our Rollercoaster!”

The Ohio Players came into musical prominence in the 1970’s as pioneers of street funk and underground R&B. After signing with Mercury Records in 1974 through 1977 The Ohio Players landed three consecutive platinum albums “Skin Tight, “Fire”, and “Honey”.

The Ohio Players today are one of the few bands from the 70’s era who still currently performs all of their music using no computers or samplers to enhance their musical production.

Martinsville Speedway Clay Campbell is ready for the energetic sound the Ohio Players are sure to bring to the area’s biggest Independence Day Celebration.

The Ohio Players are going to bring the high energy that we’re used to at Martinsville Speedway,” Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said. “We want Celebration to be fun and that’s exactly what we are going to get. I don’t think you will see very many people sitting when these guys are playing, that’s for sure.”

In addition to the Ohio Players, Celebration 2017 will include free carnival rides and the biggest fireworks show in the region.

There will also be a canned food drive, benefiting the Grace Network of Martinsville and Henry County. Food donations can be dropped off at the main entrance to the grandstands.

The Celebration 2017 remains free thanks to the more than 60 local businesses who sponsor the event.

The rides will start at 3 p.m. with grandstands opening at 6. The Ohio Players will take the stage at 8 and the fireworks will follow the concert.