Justin Timberlake plans to perform in Chicago despite DUI arrest

justin timberlake He’s not shying away from the spotlight after his DUI arrest — in fact, he’s stepping into it later this week… as he’s ready to perform in the Windy City.

Sources with direct knowledge of the situation tell TMZ … that JT will, in fact, perform in Chicago starting Friday, kicking off two previously scheduled tour dates. We’re told Justin would love to take the Chi-Town stage for Friday and Saturday’s show.

It’s unclear if Justin will speak DUI Arrest — directly or indirectly — but at least, we’re told his fans can expect regularly scheduled shows from him.

In other words… JT will be playing his full show at the United Center, and from the sounds of it – it looks like every other concert he’s done recently… well crafted.

As we’ve seen in recent weeks… Justin used a floating stage that moved in the air, with a suspended JT standing on top and fixed to the structure. Very neat.

One thing we don’t know about his tour plans is whether he’ll be in New York next week… as he has two dates in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday, including other shows that will run through the end of June and trickle in July.

Of course, the New York dates are relevant because he was just arrested there – but, presumably… he’ll show up at these dates too. If he was going to Chicago so soon after his arrest…it stands to reason that he would also be playing other shows in other cities, maybe even New York.

At this point, Justin hasn’t spoken publicly about the arrest — we know he was arraigned on a DUI charge, among other traffic charges … and he spent the night in jail.

he still Posing for this mugshot While in custody – that really paints a picture.

Luckily, Justin was unhurt during the whole ordeal…and neither was anyone else. While it may not have been the best look – aside from the embarrassment, there was probably really no reason not to go ahead with the show… and now, we’re told it was all a systematic attempt.

Justin has been touring since April – on the heels of a new album – and he has dates lined up throughout September… the latter of which will take him overseas.