Mya asks – Backstage on day two of the Forever Mine Festival at Union Park, Mya delivered dance-floor classics, new music from “Retrospective,” and a warm call to Chicagoans to help her find a vegan deep-dish spot.
On day two of the Forever Mine Festival at Union Park’s West Loop grounds, Mya didn’t just take the stage—she practically turned the crowd into collaborators.
Backstage, she stopped to ask Chicagoans for help with something simple and specific: “I’m searching tonight for a vegan deep dish spot,” the singer said. “I’ve been craving it all week.”
The request landed the way the rest of her performance did—light, playful, and unmistakably Chicago-aware. Mya’s appreciation for the city runs deep. stretching beyond name-drops like Garrett Popcorn to her admiration for the iconic Chosen Few Picnic and House Music Festival. which she has hosted in the past. She also praised Chicago’s house DJs for inspiring her. including hometown hero DJ Terry Hunter. who has even remixed one of her songs.
“I love this city,” she said. “Not so much in the winter, but the summer has always been the season for me here. And just the spirit of Chicago in general.”
When she finally stepped back into the spotlight. the crowd met her with the kind of warmth that made the night feel shared. Mya dazzled in a sparkling. frilly silver dress and boots. drawing people in with polished stage presence and a dance-forward set. Decades before pop and R&B performers like Tate McRae. Normani and Victoria Monét became known for choreography-heavy moments. Mya was already bringing classic movement and showmanship to TV screens.
Memories of those signature visuals came rushing back as she executed choreography that included hip-hop dance breaks. salsa dancing. voguing. and even a Michael Jackson tribute—with fedora and all. For many longtime fans. it was the kind of performance that didn’t just play songs; it recreated the feeling of the era when the videos themselves were the event.
“I just love the freedom and joy,” Mya said, describing how she builds dance into her shows. “And people seem to love it. But I do, too, because I just don’t do it every day, and so when I get a chance to do it, it just lightens the mood. Because sometimes as adults we take ourselves too seriously.”
The set balanced nostalgia with what she’s putting out now. In addition to classic hits. she performed “ASAP. ” a single from her new album “Retrospective. ” which pays homage to music of the ‘70s and ‘80. She also threaded snippets of classic songs from Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, Mint Condition and Tevin Campbell.
All of it added up to one clear theme: a love letter to R&B and the emotion it carries.
“R&B gives you the feels,” Mya said. “Just real soul and depth. Even the chord changes come from gospel music, and so it hits you in the gut and it takes you on a journey.”
Even in the middle of the festival lights and dance breaks, Mya’s closing message to Chicago sounded like a reminder of what she came for—connection. One night at a time, she’s still bringing the show, and still inviting the city to bring something back.
Mya Forever Mine Festival Union Park Chicago vegan deep dish Retrospective R&B house music DJ Terry Hunter Chosen Few Picnic
Vegan deep dish in Chicago sounds impossible lol.
How does she just “find” a vegan deep dish spot like that? I mean there’s like 3 pizza places and half of them aren’t even fully vegan? Also she’s asking backstage but everybody knows where the best food is right?
Wait I thought Forever Mine was a totally different thing? Like I saw something about it online and assumed it was more of a concert tour, not Union Park. But her dancing part sounds cool, salsa AND voguing is random. And if Terry Hunter remixed her song then that explains why it slaps.
This is why Chicago is the best. She’s out here calling for vegan deep dish like that’s a normal request 😂 also the winter part like.. yeah it’s cold but still. I’m just confused though, deep dish is like not even the easiest thing to make vegan, so I’m guessing she’ll end up eating regular pizza with no cheese or something? Idk.