Bluegrass and old-time string band music fans have another reason to kick up their heels: from Feb. 8 through Feb. 10, the weekend-long “Brooklyn Winter Hoedown” returns to DUMBO for a fourth year.
“Bluegrass music here is where it has been for a few years,” said Dock Oscar, the festival’s organizer. “It’s very much a local scene. It’s like a social scene — most of the same people come and see the bands. No one’s made a million dollars, and it stays local.”
Over the festival’s three days, 12 local groups — including the M Shanghai String Band, Citigrass and Oscar’s own project, Dock Oscar & the Ambassadors of Love — will take the stage at spacious Superfine restaurant for a dedicated crowd of the borough’s bluegrass enthusiasts.
Indeed, Oscar plays a significant role in making sure Kings County’s good ol’ boys and gals have plenty of live, musical entertainment. In addition to organizing the “Hoedown” for the past two years, Oscar runs the “Kings County Opry,” a monthly country music event at Freddy’s in Prospect Heights.
But the yearly “Hoedown” is his prize festival, promising good times and good music in equal measure.
“People can just get on stage and relax and play some music,” said Oscar. “But the angry rebel rocker thing doesn’t really happen on stage.”
“The Fourth Annual Brooklyn Winter Hoedown” will be held from Feb. 8 through Feb. 10 at Superfine (126 Front St. at Pearl Street in DUMBO). Tickets are $5 on Friday and Saturday. Admission on Sunday is free. For information, call (718) 243-9005 or visit www.brooklyncountrymusic.com/hoedown4.html.