Get ready to unleash your urban cowboy, so say organizers of the first annual Hillcrest Hoedown happening Sunday, Oct 16.
So exactly what is a hoedown?
According to Dictionary.com it’s “a community dancing party typically featuring folk and square dances accompanied by lively hillbilly tunes played on the fiddle.”
This year’s event will take place 1-8 p.m. on University Avenue between Normal Street and Vermont Avenue and is promising to be one of San Diego’s most festive and colorful street fairs.
In charge of helping to entertain hoedowners, is Jason Coleman. Coleman told San Diego LGBT Weekly the event will be good for people interested in learning about lesser known styles of dance and music, outside of mainstream pop, rock and electronica.
“This event is important to Hillcrest because it ties in the history of early western culture and focuses on promoting roots music, folk dance, bluegrass music and traditional Americana entertainment,” says Coleman.
There will be no short supply of entertainment for Hillcrest Hoedown, not even for kids.
“Hillcrest wouldn’t let a fall-themed festival pass us by without both a petting zoo and hay rides,” says the Hillcrest Business Association, the group behind the event.
Coleman expressed excitement about the artists he has lined up. Acts scheduled to perform include Ballet Folklorico, Heritage Bluegrass Band, DJ Tim Harmon – who will be spinning country – as well as the dance troupe, Urban Kickers. The latter act, for which Jason Coleman just happens to be artistic director, is also a sponsor of the main stage and the dance stage.
“I really wanted to focus on groups with good crowd appeal, that could motivate the audience to get up and dance,” said Coleman.
To keep attendees feet moving, Hillcrest Hoedown will feature line dance lessons, a costume competition and assorted vendors, not to mention a host of food options. A “Streetside Saloon” will also be available to those 21 and up. The Saloon will feature Blue Moon Beer and Three Olives cream soda cocktails.
