DJ Terry Hunter dropped a sweet announcement at Saturday’s Chosen Few Picnic & Festival. He’s got another Beyoncé house remix on the way. This time, he’s adding his groove to “Jolene” from Beyoncé’s 2024 album, Cowboy Carter.
“Chicago we did it again. Beyoncé, ‘Jolene,’ coming soon y,all,” Hunter said to the crowd before playing the record. He alluded to the success of his first Queen Bey remix, “Break My Soul,” which brought him a 2023 Grammy nomination. Hunter, a staple in the house community, also has worked with other big names such as Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, and Twista.
Originally written and performed by country legend Dolly Parton in 1974, Beyoncé’s 2024 adaptation of “Jolene” features Parton giving the queen and her listeners her blessing before the record begins.
The 34th annual Chosen Few House Music Picnic and Festival on July 13 was part of the larger celebration of the 40th anniversary of house music. The picnic, which began behind the Museum of Science and Industry in the 1990s, is now the largest and longest-standing house music festival in the world. The picnic has become ritualistic for Summertime Chi, and a required event for house heads of all ages.
Some special guests also showed up and showed out. During his set, Hunter brought out comedian and Chicago native Deon Cole to join him on stage. The two gave the crowd a show, as they performed their hit song, “Post That,” released in June.
Hunter’s set was simply electric. Cole stayed on stage, noticeably enjoying the rest of Hunter’s crowd-rocking mix of hits, including the house remix of the gospel track “Jesus Can Work It Out” by the South Side’s Dr. Charles G. Hayes and the Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir (a.k.a. “The Warriors”).
Hunter would also play a house remix of Prince’s 1980s record “Adore” that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Also joining the party was actress Lisa Raye, who said a few words to her hometown crowd. Raye stayed on stage, dancing and hyping up the crowd to DJ Wayne Williams’ mix of “Brighter Days” by Cajmere ft Dajae.
The TRiiBE got a chance to talk to Williams, moments after his set.
“It feels awesome. Unity, love, house music. What more can you ask for on a beautiful, God-fulfilled day,” he said.
Mike Dunn started his set with the ending of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I’ve Been To The Mountaintop” speech, sending chills through the audience, before playing a slew of old-school house remixes.
Alan King, along with brothers Tony and Andre Hatchett, closed the festival. Before his set, King briefly spoke with The TRiiBE.
“The 40th Anniversary of House Music is a beautiful thing,” he said. “We’re out here at the Chosen Few Picnic and Festival, our 34th anniversary, and just enjoying being with people from all over the world, enjoying Chicago House music.”
Check out our photo gallery capturing Saturday’s picnic. Photos by Sterling Hightower for The TRiiBE.
