This weekend, we'll be hearing about the Forecastle corporate music festival so often that when we go to buy knitting needles to plunge into our eyes and ears, they'll be sold out, and we'll have to make do with other varied sharp household objects.
But at least Forecastle finally got the local beer availability memo this year, even if it doesn't include NABC. Apparently the Against the Grain brewery spearheaded a local beer village vending area of some sort, while Sierra Appalachia remains the overall beer pay-to-player.
For the tragically unhip, the ranks of whom include your faithful correspondent, Kevin Gibson has
suggestions for what to do instead of attending Forecastle.
Meanwhile, Jeffersonville will devote its riverfront weekend to the wonders of country music, and the jokes write themselves.
Let's see what can be salvaged from the hype and hullabaloo.
FRIDAY the 18th
Tonight (Friday, July 18), New Albany’s Bicentennial Park Summer Concert Series
features the Ben Miller Band.
Production Simple offers this synopsis:
Hailing from Joplin, Mo., The Ben Miller Band is a one-of-a kind trio that combines the frenetic energy of bluegrass, the soul of the delta blues and the haunted spirit of Appalachian mountain music. Band members Ben Miller, Scott Leeper and Doug Dicharry create a unique and modern sound while continuing the tradition of blending together many different musical styles, which has long been a trait of their native Ozarks.
As usual, NABC will offer Progressive Pints to accompany the show at Bicentennial Park. Also on Friday, roughly one block from Bicentennial Park, Bank Street Brewhouse will be open and pouring. Be advised that if you call Wick's for pizza delivery to Bank Street Brewhouse, you'll receive a 20% discount on your order. The Big Four burger trailer may or may not report for duty this evening; when I know, this passage will be updated.
For those reading these lines from comfy armchairs in Circle City, note that NABC's Blake Montgomery will be in Speedway to host the
Lino’s NABC Tap Takeover, featuring Beak’s Best Bitter, Hoptimus, Houndmouth and Naughty Girl.
SATURDAY the 19th
In downtown New Albany, Bank Street between Spring and Elm streets will be closed for
Rally to Rescue the Rescuers, with adoptable pets, vendors, and a dog and cat food drive. Bank Street Brewhouse will be available for human refueling throughout, with specials on (what else?) Houndmouth. The event runs from 5:00 p.m. through 9:00 p.m. In addition, Gregg Seidl's
Drinking with the Dead Haunted History Tour will be winding its way through downtown. Consider joining in.
July 19 also is the occasion for one of NABC's most important annual road jaunts. The
Indiana Microbrewers Festival makes its 19th appearance at the Indianapolis Art Center and Optimist Park in Broad Ripple. Indiana breweries will be joined by a select group of guest breweries from around the country at Indiana’s largest craft beer event. Over 350 beer selections will be available during a running time of 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and subsequent debauchery city-wide, extending far into the evening.
SUNDAY the 20th
I've got nothing, so here's a word from your sponsor: Bank Street Brewhouse is open from noon to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. Bring a picnic basket, bring carry-outs or order delivery, and pair our Beers of Proven Merit with the very best food from local eateries ... well, at least those open on Sunday.
Always remember that Indiana
does have carry-out beer sales on Sunday: At craft breweries. For carry-out wine on Sunday, visit our friends at River City Winery or Indiana's many other artisanal wine makers.
To be reminded of why Indiana's alcohol laws governing beer temperature and daily availability came to be, visit the Indy Star:
Will Indiana ever expand Sunday alcohol and cold beer sales?
