South-side DJ collective the Chosen Few, which Wayne Williams founded as a high school student in 1977, played an instrumental role in popularizing disco and house music in Chicago during the late 70s and early 80s—at first, both styles were largely confined to gay clubs. Given the huge influence that house has had on pop’s subsequent development, its embryonic years have acquired a mythological glow that rubs off on any artist active in the field at the time—and the Chosen Few have found a way to share their slice of that glory. The crew’s annual picnic and concert has grown into one of house music’s biggest parties.

The Chosen Few Picnic stands out among the glut of Chicago music festivals, and its deep roots in the south-side house community give it much of its appeal. Its relatively cheap tickets (it was free till 2010) and relaxed, convivial atmosphere definitely help too. The picnic is BYOB, and fans can bring lawn furniture, coolers, tents, and food; you can even do your own grilling if you want, though gas grills aren’t allowed. (No glass bottles either.) The picnic weekend, which begins on Thursday, also includes several smaller parties at more conventional venues; you can find details at chosenfewdjs.com.

Marlene Hatchett: It started out with family, and it started out I would say maybe 20, 25 people. And then all of the sudden, Tony and Andre decided they wanted to play some music for the family.

Greg Gray: I was a sound engineer—that was my connection. I was renting sound equipment to Andre Hatchett, who’s one of the Chosen Few DJs, for other events. When this one came around [in 1990], he asked me would I be willing to provide sound for their event.

Wayne Williams: That’s the reason we started having guest DJs, ’cause none of us wanted to DJ early. We wanted to wait till the crowd built up and they was ready to dance.

Linda Redd: Each year was more and more people coming, more and more people finding out about it, and it just got larger and larger.

Sat 7/4, 8 AM till 8 PM Jackson Park 63rd and Hayeschosenfewdjs.com $35, $25 in advance All ages