I remember hearing about the picnic behind the museum every year. Sometimes, I would make my way over there to enjoy the summer fun. Now, 25 years later this picnic behind the museum has morphed into a Chicago tradition recognized worldwide as The Chosen Few Picnic. On the surface, this gathering is about house music, the amazing DJs involved and hanging out on a beautiful summer day; however, at its core, it is something else.
Turn on the news at any given time and you will hear about the violence in Chicago. Many of the youth have adopted the name “Chiraq” to speak to the perpetual state of war that Chicago is in, depending on what neighborhood you live in. I have heard on more than one occasion that out-of-towners are fearful of Chicago because of what they see and hear about on the news. The Chosen Few gathering speaks to the true heart and spirit of Chicago in a way no other event can and it paints the picture of the Chicago I know and love. The Chosen Few represents love, spirituality, family and amazing music.
This year was even more eventful because of The Chosen Few’s 25th anniversary. Stephanie Mills did an amazing acapella rendition of “What Cha Gonna Do With My Lovin.” The house music played late into the night. I ran into so many old friends, as always. R Kelly stopped by and premiered his new song “Back Yard Party.” It sounds like your quintessential summer barbecue song. The crowd loved it. The highlight of the evening was watching President Obama deliver a message to The Chosen Few by video.
President Obama said, “Happy 4th of July, everybody. Michelle and I are sorry we can’t be home with all the ‘house heads” in Jackson Park today. We are having a 4th of July get-together of our own at the White House with some of America’s finest service men and women and their families, but I still wanted to wish The Chosen Few DJs a happy 4th of July and a happy 25th anniversary Chosen Few Picnic. Enjoy the fireworks.”
The Chosen Few Picnic represents the beautiful spirit of Chicago. Thousands gather with love in their hearts and house music in their soul in order to celebrate life. It was an amazing day and I look forward to the celebration again next year.
Learn more about The Chosen Few Picnic by visiting the link https://chosenfewdjs.com/about/
Check out the pictures in the gallery.
Instagram/Twitter: @precise_chi
Eddy Lamarre aka Precise is a hip-hop artist-writer-actor from Chicago. The Chicago Reader recognized “Ladies Love Mixtapes” his latest release as one of the best projects of 2014. Listen/Buy Ladies Love Mixtapes at: https://precise.bandcamp.com/album/ladies-love-mixtapes-the-ep
