Chicago’s Chosen Few DJs are celebrating their record-breaking 25th anniversary with the announcement that they are creating the Beyond The Groove Foundation, a non-profit corporation aimed at empowering the city’s youth.
Among other goals, Beyond the Groove plans to acquire or lease a “multi-use facility that will include nightclub space where the Chosen Few DJs, other local talent and guest DJs from around the world will perform, and will also serve as a safe venue for teen nightclub events featuring young house music DJs,” according to a release. The location will also feature music production facilities, classrooms and areas for courses on DJing, production and the history of House Music.
“We were blessed to have grown up at a time in Chicago that was filled with safe, constructive activities for young people, including learning the DJ craft, and expressing ourselves through music and dance,” Chosen few founder Wayne Williams was quoted as saying. “We were inspired to act now, especially in light of the violence that affects too many of our young people in the city today and the often diminishing school-based programs in music and the arts.”
The “ultimate vision,” the Chosen Few’s Alan King says, “is to build a thriving community center on the South Side centered around house music.”
