Celebrating 40 Years of House Music: The Chosen Few Picnic Unites Chicago's Vibrant Community

The Chosen Few Picnic & House Music Festival, a beloved annual event in Chicago, recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of the house music genre. Thousands of enthusiasts gathered in Jackson Park to dance, reconnect, and honor the pioneers who have kept this musical movement alive. The festival showcased the enduring passion and unity of the house music community, as attendees from diverse backgrounds came together to immerse themselves in the rhythms that have defined their lives.

Uniting Generations Through the Power of House Music

Honoring the Legends and Inspiring the Next Generation

DJ Andre Hatchett, a veteran of the house music scene, has dedicated decades of his life to this genre, driven by a deep-rooted passion. "Music is my life," he simply stated, reflecting the unwavering commitment that has defined his career. Hatchett, along with his fellow Chosen Few DJs, including his brother Tony, Wayne Williams, Jesse Saunders, Alan King, Terry Hunter, and Mike Dunn, have been the driving force behind the festival, ensuring that the spirit of house music continues to thrive.The event's ability to draw a massive crowd of around 40,000 attendees is a testament to the enduring appeal of house music. As the sun rose on the festival grounds, the "house heads" eagerly awaited the sets by the legendary Chosen Few DJ collective, eager to lose themselves in the rhythmic beats that have defined their lives. For Hatchett, the joy of inspiring people to dance is what makes his job "even better," regardless of the size of the crowd. "There could be two people out there, and I'm happy," he said, embodying the inclusive spirit that has always been at the heart of the house music community.

Fostering a Sense of Community and Belonging

The Chosen Few Picnic & House Music Festival is more than just a musical event; it is a gathering of a tight-knit community that has been shaped by the shared experiences of its members. Attendees such as Debbie Shannon, a South Sider in her 50s, described the festival as a "family reunion," where people from similar backgrounds, including Englewood, the South Side, and the West Side, come together to celebrate the music they love.The festival is a place where old friends reconnect and new connections are forged. Groups like the "Blue Sweater Posse," a group of high school friends who bonded over their love for house music, proudly displayed their banner, showcasing the enduring bonds that have been formed through this shared passion. Similarly, the "House Heads on the Move," a group of dancers over the age of 50, came together to "keep the crowd pumped and going," demonstrating the multigenerational appeal of house music.

Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity

The Chosen Few Picnic & House Music Festival is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, where people from all walks of life come together to share in the joy of house music. Attendees such as Claretha Washington, a retired school teacher, and Dante McCommon, an Air Force veteran, found solace in the music, with McCommon stating, "When I'm depressed, us veterans get together and hit the button and listen to house music. I grew up on it. I will love it 'til I die."The festival also served as a platform for local businesses and food vendors to showcase their offerings. Oooh Wee It Is, one of the event partners, saw the festival as "a great opportunity to be among our fans and our foodies." The founder, Mark Walker, expressed his love for house music, drawing parallels between the genre and the peace found in church music, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences that converge at the Chosen Few Picnic.

Celebrating the Pioneers and the Next Generation

The Chosen Few Picnic & House Music Festival is not just a celebration of the present, but also a tribute to the pioneers who laid the foundation for the genre. Attendees eagerly awaited the sets by DJs like Sundance, who was praised for her ability to seamlessly blend the old and the new, captivating the crowd with her mix of classic and contemporary house music.For the Chosen Few DJs, playing at the festival is a career highlight, even for the Grammy-nominated Terry Hunter, who has traveled the world and remixed songs for renowned artists. "It's nothing like it in the world," said Hunter, who lives on the South Side. "It's hard going to another event after playing this."The Chosen Few Picnic & House Music Festival is a testament to the enduring power of house music, a genre that has united generations and fostered a sense of community that transcends geographical and social boundaries. As the genre celebrates its 40th anniversary, this annual event serves as a reminder of the rich history and the bright future that lies ahead for the house music community in Chicago and beyond.