April 26, 2021

The Chosen Few DJs have reached the very difficult decision that we will not hold our annual in-person summer gathering, the Chosen Few Picnic & Festival, in 2021. Instead, we will host a virtual event again this year on Saturday, July 3, 2021.

We have made this decision based on several factors - most notably the continuing uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of our attendees continue to be our top priority, and it is not possible for us to execute the very costly and time-consuming process of planning for an event that may not happen given the level of public health uncertainty that still exists.

While we considered holding some version of a socially distant, limited attendance Chosen Few Picnic, we determined that even under those circumstances, the health and safety of our guests could be at risk. Additionally, we just do not want to return without the full Chosen Few Picnic experience that we’ve all come to know and love.

If you purchased the $25 Early Bird General Admission ticket back in 2020, your ticket will be honored at the 2022 Chosen Few Picnic & Festival. If you would instead like a full refund, you may request it from our ticketing partner, See Tickets by completing the refund form (click here to access). Please note that if you submitted a request and received a refund in 2020, you are ineligible to receive one in 2021. Additionally, to be eligible for a refund this year, all refund requests must be submitted to See Tickets by 11:59pm (CDT) on May 22, 2021.

In the coming days, we will be sharing details about the 2021 Virtual Chosen Few Picnic & Festival, which we are very excited about!

While we know many will be disappointed with this decision – as are we – we believe that not holding an in-person event in 2021 is the right call and the responsible decision under the circumstances. Thank you all for your continued support.

Yours in the music,

This year's Chosen Few Virtual festival will feature prominent and successful Chicago artists at the top of their game. The Festival, to be held on July 4, 2020, will feature live DJ sets and performances from the Chosen Few DJs and House Music legend Byron Stingily, lead vocalist of the seminal House group Ten City; and singer-songwriter Carla Prather, noted for her work with Poi Dog Pondering and Mr. A.L.I., and the current smash hit, "Never Fall in Love with a DJ."

A singer since the age of five, Byron Stingily grew up on the West Side of Chicago and became part of Chicago's exploding house music scene in the early 80s. As the lead vocalist for Ten City, they scored numerous hits that became house music classics. With singles such as "Devotion," "Right back to you “and” That’s the Way Love Is," they solidified their names in house history as these tracks are still played in clubs around the world today. As a solo artist, Byron topped the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart three times with "Get Up (Everybody), a remake of Sylvester's "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" and the re-recorded version of "That's the Way Love Is."

Another Chicago native, singer/songwriter, Carla Prather, has graced the stages of numerous venues in Chicago and abroad. Like many soulful singers, Carla honed her craft as a young girl in Church. After a chance meeting with the Poi Dog Pondering's, Frank Orrall, she was invited to become a member. She has created music with some of the biggest in the house music industry, including Terry Hunter, Byron Stingily, Hula Malone, Maurice Joshua, Mike Dunn, and more. She can be found performing with her band, Carla Prather and Company, Poi Dog Pondering, Mr. Ali, and Zzaje.

This year the two joined DJ Emmaculate and released the smash hit, Never Fall in Love with a DJ on Nervous Records. The song shot up the charts and is currently being played by DJs around the world to incredible critical acclaim. I had a chance to chat with these incredible artists about their careers, the incredible year they are having, and what it means to perform at this year's Chosen Few Virtual Festival.

The free Chosen Few Virtual Festival livestream runs from noon to 9 p.m. Central Daylight Time and can be viewed at chosenfewdjs.com.

World’s biggest dance party moves online with daylong livestream on 4th of July

CHICAGO (June 24, 2020) – Even as COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of most mass gatherings this summer, the party will still go on – online – for the annual Chosen Few Picnic & Festival, organizers announced today. The virtual festival, to be held on Saturday, July 4, 2020, will feature live DJ sets and performances from the Chosen Few DJs and guests, including comedian, actor and DJ Deon Cole, whose weekly Instagram Live DJ sessions have gone viral during shelter-in-place directives; House Music legend Byron Stingily, lead vocalist of the seminal House group Ten City; and singer-songwriter Carla Prather, noted for her work with Poi Dog Pondering and Mr. A.L.I., and the current smash hit, “Never Fall in Love with a DJ.”

The free virtual Chosen Few Festival is part of the City of Chicago’s official Fourth of July festivities, which also include at-home Salsa dance parties across Chicago – “SummerDance in Place” (chicagosummerdance.org) – presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events with the Chicago Park District, and a virtual “Independence Day Salute” concert presented by the Grant Park Music Festival (gpmf.org).

“While we certainly expected to celebrate our 30th anniversary with our fellow House Music fans in Jackson Park, we’re excited that we can still keep the party going, in a different way,” says Wayne Williams, founder and president, Chosen Few DJs. “Even though the format has changed, we hope our event will do what it’s always done: bring people together to celebrate life and music, especially in these extremely challenging times.”

The festival livestream runs from noon to 9 p.m. Central Daylight Time and can be viewed at chosenfewdjs.com. Event partners include the City of Chicago, Le Nocturne Chicago, V103 Chicago, Walgreen’s, Illinois Lottery, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.

Ticketholders for the 2020 event may redeem them to attend the in-person festival scheduled for July 2021.

Started in 1990 as a small gathering of friends behind the Museum of Science & Industry, the Chosen Few Picnic & House Music Festival is the world’s longest-running event dedicated to House Music. Nicknamed the “Woodstock of House Music” for its family-reunion vibe, the Picnic & Festival attracts more than 40,000 fans to Chicago’s Jackson Park each year, and counts among its supporters former United States President Barack Obama.

About the Chosen Few DJs

Founded in 1977 by Wayne Williams, the Chosen Few DJs is a music collective that was among the first wave of DJs and producers in Chicago who created what became known as House Music. Since 1990, the Chosen Few DJs – Williams, Jesse Saunders, Tony Hatchett, Alan King, Andre Hatchett, Terry Hunter, and Mike Dunn – along with childhood friend Kim Parham – have organized the Chosen Few Picnic & House Music Festival, drawing more than 40,000 fans each year. The collective hosts events in cities across the United States and perform at festivals around the globe, including Amsterdam Dance Event, Winter Music Conference, Tribe Tambor Cruise, and Suncébeat. They also produce hit music, from Terry Hunter’s and Wayne Williams' GRAMMY-nominated “It’s Your World” by Jennifer Hudson and NAACP Image Award-winning production on “Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics” to Mike Dunn’s critically acclaimed, “My House from All Angles”, the smash "In The Beginning (There Was Jack)", an update of the classic House track featuring Chuck Roberts and Monique Bingham, and Jesse Saunder’s 2019 Billboard chart-topping “Higher”. More info: chosenfewdjs.com; Facebook; Twitter; Instagram.

The Chosen Few VIRTUAL House Music Festival! 

WHAT: The world’s longest-running event dedicated to House Music, is taking the party ONLINE in 2020! Due to COVID-19, we can’t meet up in our regular spot in Jackson Park, but that’s “not gon’ stop the HOUSE!” Tune into the Chosen Few Virtual Festival live stream from your backyard, family picnic, or wherever you’re spending the 4th of July. 

WHEN: Saturday, July 4, 2020, 12pm-9pm Central Daylight Time

WHERE: Just go to CHOSENFEWDJS.COM from your desktop, phone, tablet, TV, or other internet-enabled device

COST: FREE.99!

PERFORMERS: The Chosen Few DJs - Wayne Williams, Jesse Saunders, Tony Hatchett, Alan King, Andre Hatchett, Terry Hunter, and Mike Dunn. Plus, special guest DJs and vocalists to be announced.

Mickey Calvin, a Chicago native began his love for music as a collector at a young age. While he was still a club kid himself, not really intending on being in front of an audience; he began DJing as a hobby. With great influences like his dad – who bought him his first set of “12’s” and the support of his friends Jamil Monley, Scooter B, Eric Jones and Cody Shorter who taught him the craft of Djing; Mickey finally decided it was time to test his skills before live audiences. 

Like most DJs in the 80’s and early 90’s, Mickey began to refine his sound by spinning at old school ‘house’ parties and opening in clubs for other House DJs. He’s played alongside some very notable DJs.

 He started doing events on a larger scale with promoter Marvin Terry and with the Help of George Jackson, He ended up doing venues such as Medinah Temple, The Armory and various other cool ‘house’ music party’s. DJ Mickey Calvin was in demand enough to establish an opening residency, with the help of his Mentor DJ LiL John at the hottest ‘house’ music club in Chicago - “Red Dog” from 2000 until 2003 (now closed) on North Avenue.  In 2004-2009 relocating to Nashville, TN Mickey connected to a small house scene and started doing a summer event called The Tea Dance, and also House Music Nashville. In his time there he also started doing an internet show on Pressure Radio that was based out of the UK. 2012 came fast and DJ Mickey Calvin teamed up with DJ/Producer Deejay Alicia in the creation and launch of MAC Productions. Together they started a weekly Thursday Residence at the Licorice Lounge on the Southside of Chicago.

 In 2014 he extended his branches a little further and became a partner with the tee shirt company “It's House Baby/U'Memba dat with Mace and Tim who started out in 2007 with a simple idea, to have a tee shirt that represented our love for House Music and the culture we were raised in. The same year he also was asked by Steve Silk Hurley and Shannon “DJ Skip” Syas of S&S Chicago to edit songs on the forthcoming The Chicago LP.   In 2015 DJ Mickey Calvin partnered with Devo Entertainment to form House Music Monday at The Family Den which is still one of the hottest ‘house’ music parties running on a Monday night on the Southside of Chicago.  2015 also marks the year that Mickey became a member of FREE UR SOUL in Atlanta where he participated in the Atlanta Weekender and the parties surrounding noted ‘House in the Park’.

 In 2016 he developed Mickcal Entertainment and was invited by Farley “Jackmaster Funk to play at the 35th year Anniversary Festival of the legendary Hot Mix 5 DJ’s and repeated that event the following year.   In 2018 he partnered with (Lady Alicia, DJ LIL John, and Renee Sonya to form M.A.J.R. Moves Chicago where the four friends decided to grow their friendship into a more social yet productive level. In this same year DJ Mickey Calvin also served as a guest DJ at the Phoenix House Fest in Arizona.

 This year has been an incredible year for Mickey Calvin as he released his first E.P. ON Campo Alegre Productions and was chosen to play the 2019 Chosen Few Picnic & Festival. 

 I had a chance to talk to Mickey about his career and his thoughts on playing this year’s Festival and Picnic.

Black Widow:  What was your introduction to House Music and what made you want to become a DJ?

Mickey Calvin:  I was introduced to house music in high school. I loved the music and was in a dance crew.  I started collecting music and hooked up with a few friends who taught me the art of DJing.  I learned about BPMs and how to mix and how to know your music.  It really just grew from there.

Black Widow:  When did you know DJing was more than a hobby?

Mickey Calvin:  Initially when I started to DJ it was really just for me.  I wanted to make mixes for myself that I could take with me and listen to.  I would be creating mixes at home and some people, who later became friends, would knock on my door and ask who’s that playing? From there people would ask me to DJ their parties.  I started doing parties around the neighborhood.  From there I would do high school and college parties and it eventually led to me DJing in clubs.

Black Widow: What would you consider to be the key to longevity in this scene, especially in Chicago, where the market is so saturated?

Mickey Calvin:  I think putting my time in, studying my music and my craft has really been the key. When I first started, I would practice almost 5 hours a day.  I still practice now.  I think acquiring good music, keeping your ears to the street and knowing what’s going on in the scene all help. I really think there aren’t any bad DJs…

Black Widow: Really?

Mickey Calvin:  Yeah, I say that because when I go hear another DJ play, I’m always learning. I’m either learning what to do or what not to do. 

Black Widow:  So even when they are bad, you still take something away from their set, you are always observing and learning from other DJs?

Mickey Calvin: Absolutely! Yes!

Black Widow:  Over the years, you’ve had different residencies. You are currently a resident at House Music Fridays, and House Music Mondays. What are some of the lessons you’ve learned as a resident DJ?

Mickey Calvin:  Pick the place you want to have your residency carefully, talk to the owner, go in on different nights and see what they do.  If you start something you want it to last and it won’t if you don’t know the crowd and how they may vary on different nights.   You also have to have a dope team. It has to be like a family. Everyone has to be on the same page, the bar staff, the security…everyone.  Honestly, everyone on the team should like house music because if they don’t, your patrons can see and feel that energy.  You don’t want that.  When people come to an event and see your bouncer bopping his head and your bartenders feeling the music, it helps create the atmosphere for a great party.

Black Widow:   it’s more than having a great place and DJ…

Mickey Calvin:  Right, because that’s what makes or breaks an event.  People come to feel connected and when the team feels like family, that energy translates throughout the party.   That’s part of the experience.   The customer service, the atmosphere…that’s what we are selling.   If you don’t have that, people are going to stop coming.  It’s a complete experience.   You can have the best music on the planet but if the atmosphere sucks, people won’t care. They can’t focus on the music because everything else is messed up.  Each piece is an essential.

Black Widow:  When did you decide you wanted to stretch into production?

Mickey Calvin:   Most DJs want to make their dance floor different so I started doing edits.  From there I started to try to create stuff on my own.  I started with remixes and would remix my own remix. 

Black Widow:  What would be some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?

Mickey Calvin:  I spend time worrying about craft. My focus is always on how I can be better next year.  Whether it’s marketing and promotion, DJing, my musical selections, I’m always focused on being better. I don’t like to spend a lot of time focusing on the past or the negative. I don’t like to look back.  I look at it like this, if I’m a conductor on a train, I’m not looking back to see where I’m going.  I’m looking forward to what’s coming ahead.

Black Widow: Onward and Upward…

Mickey Calvin: Yes…always.

Black Widow:   how did it feel to get the call to play the Chosen Few Festival and picnic?

Mickey Calvin:  WOW! It felt amazing. Wayne called me on a Friday.  He was so casual.  He said I’m just checking to see if you are busy July 6th.  I’m having an event, I want to you participate in. It was so funny because it hadn’t clicked yet. I remember saying well yeah, I think so.   I actually thought they selected DJs for the picnic already so I thought he was asking me to play a pre or post party.  When he said he wanted me to play the picnic, I got quiet at first. [Laughter] then I was like OMG! I’m available!

It was quite overwhelming, humbling. That was the best call I’ve received this year. It’s just so amazing. It means so much.  Playing the picnic feels like I’m accepted by my city, the birthplace of this genre, the mecca. It’s such an honor. We have so many talented DJs in Chicago so to be mentioned, looked at, selected or Chosen it’s an honor and a humbling experience.

It means what I’m doing matters to somebody, people noticed what I’ve been doing over the years. 

Black Widow:   Like a validation…

Mickey Calvin:  Yes, exactly

Black Widow:   So what are you looking forward to the most at the festival?

Mickey Calvin:   I can’t wait to play the first record because that’s the hardest part. That first record sets the tone. 

Black Widow:   Have you given thought of the direction you want to go?

Mickey Calvin:  I have some songs but it’s probably going to be more of freestyle because when you play events like this it’s really can change. When I see the people, when I feel that energy, I’ll know exactly what I want to do.  It’s about feeling the vibe when I get there. 

Black Widow:   Well I cannot wait to hear you play. You know I’ll be there from sunup to sundown…

Mickey Calvin:  RIGHT! You know how we do! We are Chosen Few Professionals! [Laughter]

Black Widow:  Indeed! [Laughter]  We will definitely celebrate after your set.  I’m excited for you!

Mickey Calvin:    Thank you so much! I’m excited too. It’s going to be great!!!

In addition to this year’s Chosen Few Festival, You can catch Mickey Calvin each and every Monday at the Family Den and on Friday nights at VIP Bar & Grill and on the following social media sites:

Instagram.com/djmickeycalvin

Twitter.com/djmickeycalvin

Mixcloud:  https://www.mixcloud.com/djmickeycalvin/

Facebook.com/djmickeycalvin

Djmickeycalvin.com

Until next time, See you at the Chosen Few Festival and Picnic July 6th!!!

If you are lucky to live in Chicago then you know the Chosen Few Festival isn’t just a day, it’s an entire weekend of fun filled activities, but what about those who are traveling to the city for the Festival? How do you prepare? Today on Black Widow’s Web, I’m helping all our out of town househeads plan and prepare for a fun, successful and stress free trip to Chicago! Check out my guide for Out Of Town Guests today!

 Where to Stay

The Chosen Few Festival and Picnic is held in Chicago’s Jackson Park.  The surrounding neighborhoods of Woodlawn, Hyde Park, Bronzeville and South Loop are ideal places to find lodging for the long weekend.  It is a holiday weekend so hotels are usually more expensive and harder to find. Luckily for you, the Chosen Few have partnered with a few hotels in the area and are offering special deals for Festival attendees.

HOTEL NAME: Marriott Marquis Chicago

ADDRESS/PHONE: 2121 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616 | (312) 824-0500

RATE:  SALE: $135 per night (taxes not included; discount expires 6/6/19)

ROOM TYPE(S): King and (2) Queens, based on availability

DATES: July 4 – 7, 2019

GROUP NAME: Chosen Few Picnic & Music Festival

BOOKING: online – https://aws.passkey.com/e/49573461; or phone – 844-202-8535; mention “Chosen Few Picnic & Festival”

 This new, four-star hotel is located near Chicago’s McCormick Place convention center and is a 15-minute drive to the Picnic site via Lake Shore Drive. Reservation confirmation by credit or debit card to hold room(s). Room reservations can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance

 HOTEL NAME: Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel

ADDRESS/PHONE: 5300 N River Rd., Rosemont IL 60018 | 847-544-5300

RATE: $119.00 per night (taxes not included; discount ends 6/18/19)

ROOM TYPE: King and (2) Doubles, based on availability

DATES:  July 4 – 7, 2019

GROUP NAME: Chosen Few DJs

BOOKING: online – https://www.loewshotels.com/chicago-ohare/chosen-few-picnic-2019; phone – (877) 868-9134; reference

“Chosen Few DJs” for the discounted rate

 If you don’t mind driving, taking public transportation or a driving service like Lyft or Uber, the Loews hotel is a great option for you.  Located minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare airport, Fashion Outlets of Chicago and MB Financial Park entertainment center. Complimentary airport shuttle service to/from O’Hare. Reservation confirmation by credit or debit card  to hold room(s).Room reservations can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance

For general questions about Chosen Few Picnic accommodations, contact the Chosen Few Director of Hospitality at [email protected].

 Additional options:

I highly suggest checking online sites for travel deals. Airbnb, Booking.com, Hotwire.com and Expedia often have last minute deals on hotels around the city.  The Hyde Park, South Loop and Bronzeville area put you right in the middle of all of the action going on in the city and are short trips to the festival site.

 Where to go

So you are in Chicago for a few days, what should you do?  The Chosen Few Festival and Picnic isn’t just a one day event. There are parties leading up to the festival and after.   Chicago is an epi-center of music, great museums, and culture.  If you have a few days, check out some of our biggest attractions.

 The Millennium Park Summer Film Series

If you are in town the 1st week of July, check out the Wiz at Millennium Park. There’s nothing like sitting on the lawn and watching a movie under the stars! While you are there, check out the famous “Bean” and take a short walk to Buckingham fountain and enjoy our beautiful lakefront.

 The Museum Campus:

Chicago is home to some of the best museums in the country. Check out the Museum Campus and see three of them: the Field Museum of Natural History, The Alder Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium have great exhibits.

 Cirque du Soleil Volta

Currently in town until July 6th, with tickets starting at $49, the show's storyline is about a game show contestant named Waz, who has lost touch with himself; he starts a personal quest to find his true self by going through his memories, after discovering a group of free spirits who encourage him during this process.

 The Hyde Park Area

 Downtown Hyde Park Chicago is the epicenter of dining, shopping, entertainment, and culture in Hyde Park, one of Chicago's most vibrant neighborhoods. Check out downtownhydeparkchicago.com for more information

Chosen Few Parties & Events

Friday 6/28/2019: Chosen Few DJs Night with the Chicago White Sox!

MUSIC BY: Chosen Few DJs will be playing House Music + Disco before the game (starting at 5:30pm), during, and after at Chisox Bar & Grill, 320 W 35th St. Chicago, IL.

TICKETS: Specially priced tickets are $15.68 to $30.24 (taxes/fees included). Buy your game tickets at whitesox.com/house.

Questions? Contact  Chosen Few Ambassador Angie Tee on Facebook, or call her at 773-350-8487.

  Saturday, 6/29/2019: The Summer Saturday Series with the Chosen Few DJs

Music By:  Chosen Few DJs, Terry Hunter & Tony Hatchett will be playing at the Beach at Pier 31 from 2pm-8pm.

Tickets: It’s free admission

Come out and enjoy a day at the beach with house music in the background! Pier 31 offers plenty of seating, great food and cocktails and plenty of room to dance!

  Weds, July 3rd, Renaissance Bronzeville

Music By: Chosen Few DJs, Alan King and Wayne Williams with Special Guest DJ Tony Touch (NYC), Torin Edmond and Live Performance by yours truly, Black Widow!

Admission: $10 before 11pm, $15 at the door

Location: Renaissance Bronzeville, 4641 South King Drive

Thursday, July 4th: The Chosen Few Disco Party!

Music By: Chosen Few DJs, Jesse Saunders, Tony Hatchett and Andre Hatchett and special guest, DJ Craig Loftis

Tickets: $10 before 11pm; $15 at the door

Location: The Promontory, 5311 South Lake Park Avenue West, Chicago

 Friday, July 5th: The Chosen Few Day Party!

Music By: Chosen Few Festival 2019 Guest DJ, Lori Branch, DJ Yogi (Toronto) and Bruce Bailey (Detroit)

Tickets: $10 before 11 and $15 at the door

Location: The Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery, 9030 South Hermitage, Chicago

Saturday, July 6th, The Chosen Few After-Party!

Music By: Chosen Few DJ, Terry Hunter and Special Guests Ramon Rawsoul & DJ Kermit (House in the Park Atlanta)

Tickets: $10 before 11pm and $15 at the door

Location: The Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery, 9030 South Hermitage, Chicago

 Sunday, July 7th: The Finale!!! Chosen Few Festival Closing Party!

Music by: Chosen Few DJ, Mike Dunn and Special Guest, Stan Zeff

Tickets: $10 before 11pm; $15 after

Location: Renaissance Bronzeville, 4641 S. King Drive, Chicago

 For more house events happening around the city, check out my website, www.blkwidowsweb.com!  I have every house music related event on my website updated regularly!

 Attending the Chosen Few Festival & Picnic

 If you are attending the event and are coming from out of town you have a few options to make your festival experience the most enjoyable.  If you are joining or meeting friends from Chicago, pack a chair, bring a drink to share, some ice and meet your group at their location. 

 If you are coming alone or with a group of friends from out of town, consider purchasing a VIP ticket.  The VIP ticket allows you to come and enjoy the festival and let the Chosen Few staff take care of you the entire time.   Your VIP ticket admission gets you access to the Chosen Few DJs VIP viewing stand and seating area near the stage, entry into the VIP lounge tent where there is complimentary food and drinks and access to premium restroom facilities.  You just bring yourself and everything is there for you to enjoy! There are only a limited amount of VIP tickets left so grab yours today at chosenfewdjs.com.

 If you purchase a general admission ticket (which I suggest you do before the festival because tickets are higher at the gate), you’ll need the basics:

 Comfy shoes for walking and dancing

Lawn chairs

Cash to purchase food and beverages at on-site food and beverage section of the festival

Sunscreen, hats, fans, towels, etc.

Water and Ice (Stay Hydrated!)

Extra batteries and/or wireless chargers for your mobile devices (you’ll be taking lots of photos and videos)

Hand sanitizer

Stay tuned to Black Widow’s Web for complete coverage of the 2019 Chosen Few Picnic & Festival! Until next time!

See ya on a dance floor