HYDE PARK — After 25 years, the Chosen Few Old School Reunion Picnic is a thing of the past. Now that it’s become a staple of July on the South Side, it's transitioned into a full-blown festival.
Now called the The Chosen Few DJs Music Festival, the event is expanding to July 2-3 in Jackson Park and has announced it full music lineup for its 26th year.
“For years, guests have been asking for more music and more time, so we’re delighted to expand into a full-blown festival, celebrating so much of what’s great about our city,” said Wayne Williams, founder of The Chosen Few DJs. “Nothing is more Chicago than house music, and we’re excited to showcase this homegrown sound all across the city, from Daley Plaza to Jackson Park to the home of our world champion baseball team, the White Sox."
The first day of the fest will still be much like fans know and love about the event, nicknamed the “Woodstock of house music.”
People still can bring tents and grills to make a day of it, but the festival will now offer a reserved area where organizers will provide and set up the tent and have security keep an eye on grills and coolers that can be brought in as early as the Friday night before the fest, July 1.
July 3 will shift into a more standard festival, with guests still allowed to bring chairs and tents, but no longer allowed to bring outside food or drink.
The festival starts at 8 a.m. July 2 with performances by DJs Joe Claussell, Bobby and Steve, Dee Jay Alicia and DjTonyT.
Of course, the Chosen Few DJs also will perform, including Williams, Jesse Saunders, Tony Hatchett, Alan King, Andre Hatchett, Terry Hunter and Mike Dunn.
Rounding out the July 2 roster are Monique Bingham, Josh Milan, Harry Dennis and Curtis McClain.
On July 3, festival day will start at 11 a.m. with performances by Roy Ayers and Cheryl Lynn.
The DJs will keep playing throughout July 3 with more from the Chosen Few DJs and performances by DJ Spinna, DJ Sam Chatman and DJ Mark Flava.
Though it hasn’t been free since 2010, the festival still is a bargain among the city’s festivals. Tickets go on sale May 10 and are $40 each day at the gate, but as low as $25 for a one-day pass or $50 for a two-day pass if bought early online.
The event remains open to families, with kids welcome and admission free for children younger than 12.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
