By Chris Clemens
Palm Desert kicks up its heels and swings into full gear again this February when the City presents the exciting second annual Swing N’ Hops Street Party – an outdoor extravaganza celebrating swing dance, craft beer, and live music in the heart of Palm Desert’s upscale shopping and dining district, El Paseo. Happening from 1 to 5 pm on Saturday, February 4, on the street between San Pablo Avenue and Larkspur Lane, this free, four-hour street party transports guests to a time when swing was king and everybody danced.
With live music from the Jennifer Keith Quintet, everyone can boogie-woogie outdoors, while also enjoying a variety of microbrews in craft beer gardens and great gourmet food booths. Honoring the timeless marriage between jazz dance and live music, the swing party goers can get their groove on with free dance instruction at the event. From West Coast swing to the collection of vintage swing dances – such as Lindy Hop, Shag, Balboa, Jitterbug and the Charleston – those with their dancing shoes on will learn a variety of popular moves from the one and only Lupita Limon. There will also be a swing performance during the event and attendees are encouraged to revive the glamour of the swing era by wearing fun fashion representative of the 1920’s through 1940’s!
A number of retail vendors and pop-up shops will be located along the avenue including era-specific hair stylings and simple make-up applications. Party-goers can purchase gourmet eats from one many tasty food booths lining the street. Craft beer connoisseurs can hop over to one of two “speakeasies” – beer gardens stocked with suds by local favorite, Coachella Valley Brewing Co., sponsored by Liquid Catering. El Paseo Cruise Night will showcase classic autos from the swing era and beyond. With interactive art stations, crafts, and family fun, there’s something for everyone at Swing ‘N Hops.
Event Sponsors to date include Presenting Sponsor City of Palm Desert, El Paseo Cruise Night, The Gardens on El Paseo, Coachella Valley Brewing Co, Liquid Catering, FG Creative, Leeds and Son Jewelers, The Desert Sun, CV Weekly, Lamar, Alpha Media Group (Mix 100.5 & The Bull 98.5) Sunny 103, Coachella Valley Water District, and Burrtec.
Swing N’ Hops Street Party is a featured event of First Weekend, the city’s monthly art and culture program taking place every first weekend November through May. Other First Weekend events include Art Walk, El Paseo Cruise Night, Free Fridays at the Galen, and much more. For more information about Swing ‘N Hops Street Party or First Weekend please visit www.pdFirstWeekend.com.
