By Jessica Acklen and Bonnie Berger
A&E editor and reporter
The 77th annual Diadeloso will be all country, according to Student Activities, which revealed its plans for the “Deep in the Heart of Dia” theme Wednesday night.
The daylong festival, set for April 14, is a longstanding Baylor tradition of music and canceled classes.
“Once we decided the theme, we tried to incorporate our theme into every part of the day during Dia,” Monahans sophomore Bo Rose said. “We looked into some different artists and Jack Ingram seemed like a really good choice that we think people would like listening to.”
The “Barefoot and Crazy” star solidifies the festival’s country theme, offering upbeat and heartfelt melodies for students’ listening pleasure.
“He’s originally from Texas…so it’s kind of a neat way to keep it local,” said Saratoga, Calif., junior and Diadeloso 2011 chairman Katrin Cooper.
T.J. Hales, Corpus Christi sophomore and entertainment coordinator for Diadeloso, said the theme had a major impact on the choice of performing artist.
“I started off with a group of artists that I wanted to get,” Hales said. “Then we kind of started to narrow down into a theme – the country theme that we’re going with — and that obviously made me want to focus more on country bands. … I consulted a lot of people of [Baylor’s] Chamber and we came to the consensus that Jack Ingram would be best.”
Country artist Jack Ingram is set to play at the 77th annual Diadeloso on April 14. This year’s theme is “Deep in the Heart of Dia.”
Although the festival reflects deep country western influences, numerous other musical genres will be represented.
“We’re going to have a variety of music throughout the day, not just country music,” Cooper said. “We definitely have Baylor students performing on stage, which is important because Dia is for the students.”
Hales said that presenting artist from Baylor is an important tradition chamber will be maintaining.
“We’re staying with the tradition to keep a lot of artists from Baylor,” Hales said. “We are featuring four Uproar artists [Zoo Studio, Amy Boykin, K.J. Doug Grate and David Dulcie].”
With preparations beginning months in advance, Student Activities strove to plan a celebration that Baylor students could appreciate, Cooper said.
“We’re really excited about the great day we have planned; the committee’s been working extremely hard since November getting ready for this,” Cooper said.
“We hope it’s something the Baylor community will enjoy because we’ve been keeping them in mind throughout the planning process.”
In addition to upbeat tunes, crowds can expect numerous game tournaments, contests and booths. Such hit activities are always fan favorites, Cooper said.
“The dog show’s a favorite and Dia queen,” she said.
“We’re just trying to find the little things throughout the day to take it to the next level and make it special and memorable.”
Dating back to 1934, the venerable Baylor tradition helps define the uniqueness of the university, creating a fun-filled atmosphere and a break from scholastic responsibilities simultaneously.
“You only have so many Dias in your life as a student and it’s definitely special when you are a student participating in Diadeloso,” Cooper said.
For the first time in Dia history, the event is completely paperless.
Partnering with efforts to make Dia “green,” all sign-up forms and submissions can be filled online at www.baylor.edu/diadeloso.
Chamber encourages students to utilize the resources online to submit forms for Dia Queen, as well as the numerous activities and tournaments.
As music, games and food meld for an exciting event, there is a little something for everyone throughout the festivities.
“Hopefully there’ll be something for…[for] all students [to] enjoy and can really latch on to and have a good time,” Rose said.
“What other school gives you a Thursday off before finals for you to hang out with your friends,” Cooper said.
“It definitely makes Baylor Baylor.”
