A City of Palm Desert First Weekend Featured Event
BY TRICIA WITKOWER
Palm Desert kicks up its heels and swings into full gear again this February when the City presents the exciting third annual Swing N’ Hops Street Party – an outdoor party celebrating swing dance, craft beer, art, classic cars, and live music in the heart of Palm Desert’s upscale shopping and dining district, El Paseo. Taking place from 12 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, on the street between San Pablo Avenue and Larkspur Lane, this free, five-hour street party transports guests to a time when swing was king.
Attendees are encouraged to revive the glamour of the swing era by wearing fun fashion representative of the 1920s through 1940s. Hair stylists and retro headbands will be available to help the ladies with their pin-up victory curls. There will be a costume contest at 2:00 p.m. and a swing dance contest at 3:30 p.m. with prizes provided by El Paseo retailers including Uno de 50, Savory Spice Shop, Pacifica, Body Deli, L’Occitane, Spectacular Shades, Cactus Flower Shoes, BG’s, Bare Minerals, and more!
The Jennifer Keith Quintet is back, providing music that will have everyone jitterbugging and lindy hopping all afternoon. For swing newbies, free dance instruction will be available at the event. From West Coast swing to the collection of vintage swing dances – such as the shag, balboa, and the Charleston – those with their dancing shoes on will learn a variety of popular moves from the one and only Lupita Limon.
For the first time, the event is being fenced off so attendees can enjoy their hops while experiencing the entire event, rather than being confined to beer gardens. Local breweries Coachella Valley Brewing Company, La Quinta Brewing Company, and Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse will have craft beer for purchase in addition to wine and liquor cocktails provided by Liquid Catering powered by TRIO Restaurant. There will also be a multitude of food and retail vendors, and party goers will be able to get creative at various interactive art exhibits throughout the event, and of course check out the vintage rides of El Paseo Cruise Night who will be showcasing classic autos from the swing era of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s.
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.
