2008 Chosen Few Picnic Information
by Terry Matthew | updated June 28, 2008
+ Background: Now in its 18th year and attracting in excess of 5,000 people, the Chosen Few Picnic and Old Skool Reunion has become the largest House Music festival in the Midwest and probably the whole of North America. The legendary Chosen Few DJ Crew was originally formed by DJ Wayne Williams in the late 1970s with Alan King, Andre and Tony Hatchett, Terry Hunter and Jesse Saunders, and indoctrinated many to the new sound of House Music at seminal venues including Sauer's, First Impressions, Tree of Life and The Loft. For more information on the Chosen Few, visit chosenfewdjs.com.
In 1990, the Chosen Few organized a party with 100 or so friends, which became the first Chosen Few Picnic. With Kim Parham, the Chosen Few still organize the picnic Independence Day weekend every year and pay most of the costs out of pocket to keep the outdoor event free to all.
+ This Year's Pre-Party: Late breaking news: The official Chosen Few pre-party is
The Chosen, held
Friday, July 4, 2008 at
Room 43 (1043 E. 43rd Street). On Level 1 are the Chosen Few DJs; on Level 2 are Craig Loftis,
Gene Hunt, Greg Gray and Norm Talley, with hosts Ronda Flowers and Koko. The Chosen is free; free parking is available.
+ This Year's Picnic: This year's Chosen Few Picnic will be held
Saturday, July 5, 2008 (note the date change!) from 10am to 8pm in the park at 63rd and Hayes Drive on the Southside of Chicago. This year's picnic features the Chosen Few DJs (Wayne Williams, Alan King, Andre and Tony Hatchett,
Terry Hunter and Jesse Saunders) with special guests Mike Dunn,
Mark Grant and Lady D.
+ This Year's Afterparty: In order to help defray the costs of keeping the picnic free, the Chosen Few hold an afterparty to raise funds. This year's afterparty will be held
Sunday, July 6, 2008 (note the date and location change!) at Excalibur (632 N. Dearborn St), with doors opening at 7pm. The afterparty features the Chosen Few DJs plus Mike Dunn and a very special surprise guest.
+ Driving Directions to the Picnic: From downtown/the north side, take Lake Shore Drive south for 5 miles to E. 57th Street. Turn right on 57th. 57th Street loops around to Cornell Ave; continue south on Cornell to Hayes Drive.
Click here for a map and driving directions from other areas!
+ Parking Info for the Picnic: From
Alan King:
As many of you know, parking and traffic flow has been a major issue at past picnics. It is a major concern for the Chicago Police Department, the Chicago Park District and the Alderman's office, and threatens our continued ability to hold this event. This year, we have worked with these entities to develop a parking and security plan that will be strictly enforced. With a little respect and cooperation from everyone, we will have our usual great time next Saturday and in years to come.
There are 5 free public parking lots that may be used for attending the Chosen Few Picnic, all of which are likely to fill up fairly early:
1. Main Parking lot at 63rd + Hayes, adjacent to the picnic area. Enter from Hayes Drive, just west of Lake Shore Drive. This lot will also be used for drop off (see below).
2. 63rd Street Beach parking, across Lake Shore Drive from the picnic area. Enter from Lake Shore Drive, just south of Hayes Drive.
3. 63rd & Cornell Drive. Enter from Hayes Drive, just east of Cornell Drive (west of the picnic area).
4. Behind Museum of Science & Industry, 57th + Lake Shore Drive. Enter from Lake Shore Drive onto Museum Drive, on the south side of the Museum.
5. University of Chicago Lot, at Midway Plaisance Drive (between 59th + 60th Streets) and Stony Island Avenue. Enter from Midway Plaisance Drive, just west of Stony Island Avenue.
Drop Off
There will be a drop off lane manned by security officers in the main 63rd & Hayes parking lot. Cars will be allowed to enter the lot, "snake" through the drop off lane and drop off on the grass immediately next to the lot (you may not stop in the drop off lane while you set up in your preferred location). The intent is to have a steady flow of cars essentially pausing for 5 minutes or less to drop off riders and gear, to be reclaimed and moved to your desired location after parking your vehicle. If there is an available legal parking space in the lot, you may of course park in that space before or after dropping off.
The drop off lane will be provided until at least 12:00 noon, and we are hopeful that most drop offs will be made by noon. Once the drop off lane is closed and the lot is full of legally parked cars, there will be no entry into the main parking lot.
Street Parking: During the Chosen Few Picnic, by police order there will be no street parking along the north side of Hayes Drive near the picnic area. There will be limited street parking along the south side of Hayes Drive. Other street parking options are on Stony Island Avenue, Midway Plaisance and 67th Street.
Ticketing and Towing: In past years, the police have threatened to ticket and tow cars illegally parked around the picnic area. This year, by order of the district commander, we've been assured that it's a promise. Any cars double-parked, parked in non-spaces, parked on the grass, on sidewalks or on bike paths, or otherwise illegally parked in or around the 63rd & Hayes parking lot or the picnic grounds, will be ticketed and towed by the Chicago Police Department. Please note that there is also a small parking lot on the south side of Hayes Drive directly across from the main parking lot. This lot is for boaters only. Anyone parking in that lot for the picnic will also be ticketed and towed.
+ Hotel Accomodations: The following is posted on the
Chosen Few's website:
Room rates are $109.00 per nite for anyone traveling to chicago for picnic event. Rates are good only july 2-6. Please make reservations by may 30th. June 1st rates will go up...mention "The Chosen Few Package". ...312-567-1234 or 1800 233-1234 website is mccormickplace.hyatt.com. Any problems call Celeste 773.762-7998
