DJ Nick Stracener returns for Market Days this Sunday, Aug. 11

DJ Nick Stracener knows full well what to expect when he ventures north from his home in Dallas to bring the beats to a Chicago party:

“Chicago gigs have always been a blast for me. The energy is electrifying and it’s incredible to see the dance floor packed until 5 a.m. I absolutely love the vibe there,” said Stracener, 33, a resident DJ at the Eagle in Fort Lauderdale and in Dallas.

Stracener will be front and center on the ViiV Dance Stage, powered by Hydrate Nightclub, at the annual Northalsted Market Days on Sunday, August 11. He starts at 3:30 p.m.

“My favorite Chicago gig was the last time I played at Hydrate. Being surrounded by great friends and experiencing the never-ending party atmosphere made it unforgettable,” Stracener said. “The standout feature of Chicago parties is the energy and the smiles on the dance floor. The crowd’s enthusiasm is unmatched.

“Market Days is the epitome of circuit parties. It’s one of the largest and most iconic festivals in the country. I’m both honored and humbled to be a part of it, having attended several times myself. It truly is one of the best parties.”

Stracener added: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be returning to Chicago for the largest circuit party in the country. The anticipation and excitement are through the roof. I feel a mix of nerves and excitement about DJing at Market Days. However, I’m confident those nerves will disappear as soon as I step on stage and see the incredible crowd.”

Attendees can expect a high-energy set, packed with uplifting female vocals and lots of smiles from Stracener. “It’s all about creating a vibrant and joyous atmosphere,” he said. “My DJ style is a unique fusion of indigenous female vocals with a mix of classic and contemporary tracks. I love incorporating elements of Latin and Middle Eastern cultures, blending instruments and sounds from around the globe to create an eclectic and captivating experience.

“What motivates me is hearing how my set has positively impacted someone’s night, week, or even month. Knowing that I can uplift someone’s spirits through music and receiving that heartfelt feedback is incredibly moving and makes me genuinely happy to do what I do.”

NOW SPINNING … DJ Nick Stracener

Favorite DJs: “Naming favorites is tough because there are so many incredible DJs, but a few who stand out are Sagi Kariv, Alison Nunez and Mickey Friedman.”

Three DJs To Watch: Vicky Cuba, Sakalem and Josh Ruiz

A Good DJ Is … “One who can read the crowd and adapt the music to match the vibe of the dance floor, even if it means deviating from their original setlist. It’s all about being in tune with the audience and delivering what makes them happiest in the moment.”

All-time Favorite DJ Gig: DJing in Dubai, “which was an unforgettable experience … but I have a feeling that Market Days might top the list in the future.”

Drinking In The DJ Booth: “I usually go for a sugar-free Red Bull and water, as long as I remember to grab them.”

Favorite Actor: Will Smith

Favorite Actress: Sandra Bullock

Favorite TV Show: Shark Tank – “I love seeing the passion and creativity people bring to their inventions and the dedication they put into their ideas.”

Favorite Movie: “It might be a bit cliché, but Titanic. I’m fascinated by its historical context.”

Favorite Sport: “My favorite sport to play is tennis; my favorite to watch is football.”

Hobbies: “I enjoy antique and thrift shopping, working out and being a homebody on the few days I have off each month.”

Little-known Fact: “I have a background in playing the saxophone, which I pursued throughout college. It’s one of the reasons I developed such a deep love for music and eventually became a DJ.”

If I Wasn’t a DJ: “I’d probably be working in marketing because I have a real passion for it.”

Boxers or Briefs: “This is a tough one! It really depends on the occasion. I go for boxer briefs when I’m on the job in the travel industry, briefs when I’m rocking some stylish shorts and want the waistband to show, and a thong for those special moments in the bedroom. Wink.”

Getting Started As a DJ: “I’ve always had a deep passion for music, having played the saxophone throughout college. Wanting to reconnect with the music scene and feeling fed up with the repetitive tracks at clubs, I decided to take matters into my own hands and create my own music.”

First DJ Gig: “It was at a now-closed club in Dallas for the DILF party. I had the honor of opening for DJ Kitty Glitter, for the renowned and late Joe Whittaker.”

The 42nd annual Northalsted Market Days, which is organized by the Northalsted Business Alliance, runs Saturday, Aug. 10 and Sunday Aug. 11 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. along N. Halsted St. from Addison St. south to Belmont Ave.

A $20 suggested donation is recommended. Donations support local nonprofits and fund community projects like the Chicago Pride Crosswalks. A $50 VIP Pass with express entry is available for purchase at northalsted.com.