My sophomore venture to the Chosen Few Picnic 2k15- 25th Anniversary!

Happy Monday!  

Unless you live under a rock or just don't celebrate anything, like ever, you spent some time this past weekend celebrating the 4th of July.  Independence Day.  Red White and Blue. BBQs, family reunions, picnics and fireworks everywhere!  I hope you all survived and are getting back to your daily grind after the long weekend!  In my corner of the world we started with an impromptu social outing on Thursday night to Bar Louie Matteson, a 40th Birthday Celebration on Friday, and The Chosen Few Picnic on Saturday the 4th.

I'm sure some of you are scratching your heads, trying to figure out what the heck is a "Chosen Few Picnic," right? I'm gonna tell you in just a moment but I have to start with this:

I am a house head.  Unapologetically.  When I hear the beats, I have to dance.  I just can't help myself!  For those of you not from Chicago or weren't a teenager in the 1980s, house music is type of music that had its origins in Chicago in the 1980s.  Find out more about Chicago house music here.

Anyway, there is a group of Chicago-based DJs, The Chosen Few, who have put together a house music picnic every summer around the 4th of July.  See more about The Chosen Few DJs and house music here.  Anyhoo, the first "house picnic" was in 1990.  And it has grown and grown until now it's a huge, huge part of Chicago's summer festivals.  I won't get into the economics of what this picnic means for Chicago's summer festival revenues, but just know that it's a huge event.  There's even an exhibit about the history of house music currently at the Chicago Cultural Center (yes, I've seen it already), it goes until August 16, 2015.  And the Cultural Center is FREE!  See more info here. In fact, here are a few pics to whet your curiosity for the exhibit and perhaps even inspire you to go have a look:

I must confess that I attended the house picnic for the very first time last year.  That's pretty deplorable for a house head.  My life has evolved tremendously over the past 25 years... But, I went last year and had a ball!  So I went back again this year for the 25th anniversary picnic. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!  Special thanks to my sis, Dee, for the invite again this year (she was a great hostess, by the way) and Fletcher for griling (grillmaster)!

They really did it up for the 25th Anniversary!  For everyone that complained about the price, the amenities were apparent once you got there.  We had a parking pass that included a shuttle to the front of the picnic (it was very, very nice and convenient) and everyone working that day from the shuttle drivers, to the QC scanners and the security (thanks, CPD) were very pleasant! Even the porta-potties were well maintained all day (and I truly hate porta-potties!).  The music was OUTSTANDING this year and the special guests included Evelyn "Champagne" King and Stephanie Mills. 

What amazed me the most was once again how organized it was and just how many people were in attendance.  The organizers clearly sat down with some planners and mapped out how this thing was going to be set up - there were little "cities" with thoroughfares so you didn't have to traipse through anyone's personal space to move around. Everyone was hospitable, even to strangers.  There were vendors and a food court, so you were able to purchase food and beverages all day.  People were really creative with their setups, and there was just an overall celebratory atmosphere, due in part to the picnic being on the actual holiday this year.  Here is one of the best set-ups that I saw out there; the theme was "Welcome to Paradise."

The house picnic draws attendees from all walks of life, and everyone just has a good time, socializing and enjoying the music together.  I LOVE THAT!

Miller Life was a HUGE sponsor this year, and they really laid out the red carpet for Chicago's house heads!  They had multiple seating areas, bean bag areas and a HUGE VIP area.  It was really, really nice (I know I keep saying that, but it was!).  My sorority sister Pam and I met one of the Miller Lite bigwigs just before we left, and we chatted with him for awhile.  He told us that Miller takes the portable bars and VIP areas all around the country to large outdoor festivals.  He even gave us free libations and took a picture with Pam! Check out some of the Miller Lite amenities:

Under each of those tents was a lounge area.

This was the smaller of the portable bars, but still nice; it had 2 levels!

And here is Pam with the Miller Lite guy!

All in all, it was a great time!  The highlight of my day?  Besides socializing with friends and family and seeing folks I hadn't seen in awhile?  The pic I took with this guy:

YESSS!!!!  So who else attended the Chosen Few Picnic 2k15?  What did you think?  Holla @ Darvi and let me know!  Have a great week and Be Blessed!