Good times this weekend and beyond: Art, beer, Speakeasy & more.

As was made clear by yesterday’s self-congratulatory posting, beer is the senior editor’s life, but as was pointed out long ago in this space, there is a strong case to be made for craft beer (and numerous other small-scale, niche-driven consumer preferences) in the context of downtown revitalization.

Beer Basics considers pubs, restaurants and downtown revitalization (June 15, 2005).

To me, it’s simple. We need people who, in large measure, are drawn from a readily identifiable demographic. Provide them with the amenities they seek, and they just might like it here. When it comes to food and drink, examples of these amenities currently can be found downtown at Bistro New Albany and Connor’s Place.

A third example is Speakeasy, the downtown jazz bar and restaurant that is planning its sold-out grand opening for Saturday, June 16. Brad, Lori and the crew hope to be doing “soft” business next week, although currently the exact details are not known. I’ll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, another example of synergy is provided by the happy marriage of craft beer and the arts. The New Albanian Brewing Company is donating beer to help raise money for two arts-related events in Floyd County.

Art on the Green … St Paul's Episcopal Church is reviving an old tradition, with a one-day St. Paul's Art on the Parish Green showcase of visual arts and fine craft to be held June 9th on the grounds of the historic St. Paul's Episcopal Church (corner Main & East 10th). There’ll be a keg of NABC Elector for sale alongside Bud Light, with both extremes being vended for public consumption.

Magic at the Mount … Staged by the Mary Anderson Center for the Arts at the artist colony’s home base at Mt. St. Francis, only 15 minutes from downtown Louisville off Highway 150. We’ve donated a keg of Community Dark for the enjoyment of the artists and performers. I’m not certain what provisions will be available to the visiting public.

Also this weekend, NABC’s brewers, Jesse and Jared, will be in carrying the company banner to the 12th Annual St. Louis Microfest in St. Louis, Missouri, where during last year’s event NABC sold numerous “These Machines Kill Fascists” t-shirts without having to explain to a single person what the phrase means.

Soon, that might even be true here.