Jax Brew Bitch: Beaches Summer Fest

Showing posts with label Beaches Summer Fest. Show all posts

Monday, October 8, 2012

Bold City Brewery taps into Fall and Jax never missed a beat ...

Martha Graham

Martha Graham was the first dancer ever to perform at the White House … wow, can you imagine? … what an honor that must have been …

However, Martha Graham had a lifetime full of honors and awards including being regarded as the “Picasso of Dance” due to her influence in that artistic form and choreography. She also won the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the “Key to the City of Paris” and the Japanese Imperial “Order of the Precious Crown”. She also founded the Martha Graham Dance Company, which outlived this accomplished and talented mega-star, now the oldest dance company in the United States.

She once said, “Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.”

In retrospect, last night (Thursday, Oct 4) was an evening filled with watching others as they performed magnificently - all motivated by their passion. No, nothing pornographic here, so “git yer minds outta the gutter” …

Bold City Brewery (2670 Rosselle St - 904.379-6551) was having a special tapping of a cask of a Maple and Caramel Pumpkin Spiced Ale – only 5 gallons would be available – so, companion and I had arranged our schedule to arrive at Bold City before the doors opened at 3:00 pm to make sure we were lucky enough to get a pint.

Although the weather had turned and rain was pouring down upon us and the other loyal Bold City patrons, as soon as owner Brian Miller unlocked the door, about a dozen fellow beer-lovers invaded the taproom – many more were on their way.

The group of “early arrivers” included Gary and Jackson (talented and motivated home brewers), Keith Kimball and Allison Lang (performing duo who are also part of Firewater Tent Revival), Jay and Tiffany (masterful home brewers) with friends Ryan and John Allmand, a local and very talented artist who's work is now featured at CoRK Arts District. Following soon were Mark Corbin and Mike Lichtenfels (beer critics of great renown), Robin (beer-bringer extraordinaire at the Brewer's Pizza Bottle Sharing events) and Ed Stansel (co-author of Amber Waves and multi-awarded home brewer who took home beaucoup bling from the latest CASK First Coast Cup). Ed is also the “Uncle Ed” noted on the Bold City board as the namesake of “Uncle Ed's Belgian IPA” - available there at Bold City Brewery.

Brian and Susan Miller at Bold City Brewery

Companion and I ordered a pint each of the special Maple and Caramel Pumpkin Spiced Ale cask offering. Sweet, a little spicy and for which Ed Stansel nailed the taste – “like liquid candy corn”! … so delicious and unique!

Owner Susan Miller had a large plastic container filled with Rice Crispy Treats made with pumpkin-flavored marshmallows which she suggested to Brian he open for those in attendance. Brian was a little hesitant to do so immediately since he believed the treats may overshadow the flavor of the Maple and Caramel Pumpkin Spiced Ale. We tried to hold off, we really did – but we finally gave in to the temptation. The treats were fabulous!

Companion was hungry, so we shared a Pulled Pork Sandwich from Vernon of Jolly Mon Catering, the in-house grill master of Bold City. Complete with side dishes of beans and homemade coleslaw, at $6.00, you really would be hard pressed to find a better deal.

Following our special cask pints, companion and I ordered the new Pumpkin Ale and a pint of:

Ed Stansel, writer for Jacksonville Times
Union & Amber Waves

Bold City Brewery 1901 Red Ale

This is not your standard Red Ale. This is a very ‘malty’, ‘roasty’ and complex Red Ale. The roasted flavor comes from the high presence of roasted barley. With a very minimal but high alpha hop addition, this Red Ale has become a favorite among patrons.

After visiting a couple of tables and milling around a bit, we had settled in at a table with Keith and Allison. We learned that later that evening, these two would be performing at Open Mic Night at a local watering hole. They also invited us to come share a roast they had been cooking all day in a Crock Pot – of course, we jumped at the chance!

Whole Wheat Bread's Will Frazier

As I was finishing off my Pumpkin Ale, I watched the family, Will and the rest of the team who own and manage Bold City Brewery as they took care of customers and joked around lovingly with each other . I realized I was beholding an organization founded and run on passion – passion for their craft – passion for their team – and passion for their customers.How fortunate we are here in Jacksonville to have the Millers, their extended family and loyal staff – all dedicated so earnestly to our community.

Be sure and make plans to come to Bold City Brewery's Fourth Anniversary Party on October 20, 2012 from 1:00 to 11:00 pm. Let's all turn out to show them how much the Greater Jacksonville craft beer community appreciates their commitment to each of us.

Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance
http://marthagraham.org/

Bold City Brewery

http://www.boldcitybrewery.com/index.php

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bold-City-Brewery/54391921191?ref=ts

Jolly Mon Catering

http://www.jollymoncatering.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jolly-Mon-Catering-Inc/125077294172277

Companion and I were then blessed with the opportunity of sharing a couple of quiet hours with Keith and Allison at their home while we shared great fellowship, Uncle Ed's Belgian IPA (I had filled a growler earlier that evening at Bold City), some white wine, cheese from Grassroots Natural Market and an outstanding pot roast! … we also got to meet their “babies” - Marley and Dottie (lovable canines) and Kipper, the Cat!

The watering hole they were headed to in order to take advantage of Open Mic Night was Yesterday's Social Club (3638 Park Street – 904.387.0502). As time approached for their performance, companion and I excused ourselves while they packed and we agreed to meet them there.

Located next to Orsay, there is some parking on the street in front and a large unpaved parking area in the rear.

The place is huge and consists two sections – one with a bar, pool tables, darts, etc. and the other dedicated to performances with a large stage, another large wrap-around bar and large seating area / dance floor. Yes, a good scrubbing might be in order, but nothing just a little attention couldn't handle.

Although smoking is allowed, it was not overpowering to us. The bar is cash-only but an ATM is available.

I was impressed that there was Bold City Brewery Duke's Cold Nose Brown Ale and Killer Whale Cream Ale available on tap along with two different options brewed by the SweetWater Brewing Company. Yesterday's Social Club also offers Intuition Ale Works People's Pale Ale in cans.

On Thursday evenings, you can get a great deal at this establishment! … not only can you be entertained by some highly talented musicians who call Jacksonville their home but it is also Ladies Night where ladies drink free from 9:00 to 11:00 pm.

Keith & Allison at Yesterday's Social Club

Companion was going to order a pint of Duke's Cold Nose Brown Ale but our friendly and helpful bartender Nick suggested we opt for a pitcher since the pitcher is only $10! ... Great suggestion and I decided to split the pitcher with companion in lieu of choosing free beer from their mass-produced inventory. Now, we all know free beer is always good – but I didn't want to stray from craft brews this evening.

Keith and Allison would be taking the stage following the passionate and inspired performances of three other musicians / duets. All the performers that evening were impressive and entertaining. When Keith and Allison started their set, it was obvious this couple has a passion for music – both are capable of playing more than one instrument and the small late-night crowd there was obviously enjoying this couple as they displayed their musical talent.

As I mentioned before, Keith and Allison are also part of a larger band, Firewater Tent Revival, who had appeared at the recent Beaches Summer Fest 2012, benefiting the MDA. You can also catch them at various places around the town, so check their Facebook page!

This couple are meant for the stage – and strive to better themselves with frequently scheduled practice sessions and Open Mic Nights to hone their musical craft. You can see it in their faces – and hear it in their music.

Firewater Tent Revival's, Keith & Allison

As the evening drew to a close, I was thinking about Martha Graham - and inner passion – and how it had played out before me that night – earlier at Bold City Brewery and here with all the performers at Yesterday's Social Club.

We are so blessed as humans to not be like cows – bovine creatures who wake up in a new world every five minutes. As humans, we have the ability to become motivated by an inner passion. My hope is that all the purveyors of brews and chews in the Greater Jacksonville area will become motivated in this way and not lose the focus of their efforts.

It is unfortunate some never “hear the music”. My wish is that they will though, one day – my prayer is that we ALL do – and when we “hear the music”, that we NOT back even one small step away from the stage.

Let's all just get up and dance.

My sincere appreciation to Nick for his insightful suggestion and to Keith and Allison for opening their home – and Crock Pot – and passion - to us, making this, our first visit to Yesterday's Social Club, a perfect last note on this evening's Jax Brew Bitch Prowl.

To view more photos from this evening, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.361089987309950.86870.181100418642242&type=3

Yesterday's Social Club

http://www.iwantabuzz.com/jacksonville-fl/profile/yesterdays_79582

http://www.reverbnation.com/venue/23459

http://events.jacksonville.com/jacksonville_fl/venues/show/279616-yesterdays-social-club

Firewater Tent Revival

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Firewater-Tent-Revival/153768074696400?fref=ts

Whole Wheat Bread
https://www.facebook.com/wholewheatbread?fref=ts
http://wholewheatbreadmusic.com/

Amber Waves Jax
https://www.facebook.com/AmberWavesJax?fref=ts

The JamMin Movement (Jamie and Mindy Gillis)

www.facebook.com/thejamminmovement

Beaches Summer Fest

https://www.facebook.com/beachessummerfest

Grassroots Natural Market

http://www.thegrassrootsmarket.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Grassroots5Pts

Monday, September 17, 2012

Beaches Summer Fest for MDA 2012

Last night (Saturday, Sept 15) provided a departure from the usual focus of my Prowls since the evening had finally arrived for the Beaches Summer Fest 2012 at the Courtyard Marriott in Jacksonville Beach. Proceeds from the event would benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and in an earlier blog post, I mentioned that although I had heard of Muscular Dystrophy, I had never genuinely endeavored to learn much about it. I now realize how truly horrible neuromuscular disease is and companion and I are both grateful for our newly-acquired awareness.

Jamie & Mindy Gillis. Thanks to
Woody with Jacksonville.com
for capturing this great shot!

I had been alerted to the event by Jamie Gillis (a very talented homebrewer) and learned more about it when we met Jamie and his beautiful wife Mindy (also a very talented homebrewer) at Poe's one evening. Jamie and Mindy founded The JamMin Movement – a creative collaboration on a mission to inspire, connect and pay it forward … they are motivated to help and their focus this evening was Muscular Dystrophy.

Our friend from Orlando (Mad Dog) had purchased a ticket online last week so that he could join us and had traveled up to Jacksonville Thursday evening. Since I was going to blog about the event, Jamie had asked me to attend the Orientation Meeting at 4:50 pm, so Mad Dog graciously provided his rather new vehicle as transport across town.

The boys dropped me off in the portico of the hotel and went to enjoy a beer at a nearby bar until it was time for the event to begin.

Chef Zach and Keegan with Brewer's Pizza
and Pinglehead Brewing Company

After the Orientation Meeting, I circled around all the rooms reserved for the event, taking pictures and making note of what each vendor had brought to share at this charitable function.

Companion and I were able to text back and forth as the event began promptly at 6:00 pm. I was not surprised to learn they had quickly focused on some tasty beer being provided by Keegan Malone of Pinglehead Brewing Company, the Landslide Double IPA and the Moon Dance Oatmeal Stout and sample cups of their amazing and popular Gator Burgoo and Crab & Shrimp Bisque prepared and served by chef Zach from Brewer's Pizza.

The Tree Hugger by
On the Fly Sandwiches & Stuff

I joined them and noticed in the same room that On the Fly Sandwiches & Stuff were set up and offering slices of The Tree Hugger – a wrap of fresh hummus, homemade pickles, On the Fly Sauce, lettuce, tomato and Bermuda onion nestled in a flour tortilla. Hubba Hubba Hummus! … this was fantastic!

Decadent delights by Alley Cakes

The other vendor in the room was Alley Webb, owner of Alley Cakes – with a scrumptious-looking display of dessert goodies, including Red Velvet Cupcakes, Oatmeal Cookies, Caramel and Pecan Brownie, Mini Apple Pie Empanadas and Key Lime Pie Pops! … be still my heart … so decadent! The beautiful table display was done by Adair Currie owner of Dairing Events

Preben and James from
Grassroots Natural Market

While we sat and enjoyed what all three vendors were providing, companion told me he and Mad Dog had already made a tour of the Silent Auction room where Mad Dog had made the opening bids on a few items. In THAT room, Preben Olsen and James Garrison of Grassroots Natural Market were providing an incredible selection of cheese including a knock-yer-socks-off salt crystal Gouda and an impressive bleu.

Across the room from Grassroots was Bold City Brewery with Susan and John Miller volunteering their time and pouring their delectable brews, the 1901 Red Ale and the Rhino Pale Ale.

Mr. Miller serving Bold City Brewery's 1901

Adjacent to the Millers was Mark Stillman of Green Room Brewing slinging some of their mean brews, as well - the Cherry Key Limeade Wit and the Pablo Beach Pale Ale!

Silent Auction items included impressive art, a neat cruiser-style bicycle, wooden lifeguard chair, wooden beach chair, cooler, kayak, surfboard, hotel stays, swag bags, growlers and beautiful jewelry. Mad Dog eventually won a growler and t-shirt from Pinglehead Brewing Company – and he was quite the happy boy with both!

Firewater Tent Revival

The other room was situated to provide room for the band, Firewater Tent Revival, and for dancing for those so motivated. The band was phenomenal and was certainly a big hit for the event!

Next to the band a table was set up where David Rigdon and his wife Susan were pouring Intuition Ale Works I-10 IPA and their Belgian Trippel.

Luch with Engine 15 Brewing Co.

Also in that room was Eric Jankowski of Micro Man pouring Lost Coast Tangerine Wheat Beer.

Adjacent to Eric of Micro Man was Engine 15 Brewing Company where Luch Scremin and Sean Bielman were holding down the fort pouring their incredible brews including E15’s Old Battle Axe and the JamMin Jasmine Saison for which Jamie and Mindy Gillis won 9^th place in the Samuel Adams Longshot Homebrew Contest facing roughly 1000 other challengers!

Chipotle & Strawberry BBQ Baby
Back Ribs by Perfect Pear Catering Co.

Adjacent and perpendicular to Engine 15 was chef Michael and Rachael Deremer, owners of The Perfect Pear Catering Company. REMEMBER THESE SEVEN WORDS: Chipotle and Strawberry Barbecue Baby Back Ribs (yes, I know you just moaned with delight) … and the other incredible menu item they were providing was Shrimp and Grits with Chorizo. Simply outstanding!

Ocean 60 Restaurant

Ocean 60 Restaurant, Wine Bar and Martini Room was situated next to The Perfect Pear where Owner and Executive Chef Daniel Groshell was providing an impressive and popular Grouper Ceviche with some homemade Sundried Tomato Tortilla Chips – paired with a Grapefruit Martini infused with Basil.

Paxton and Mike Duo

Out on the deck, the ambience was being enhanced by the cool acoustic duo of Paxton and Mike and there were some impressive breweries being represented outside:

Saint Somewhere Brewing Company from Tarpon Springs, FL – Saison Athene and Lectio Divina being poured by Owner Bob Sylvester and his beautiful and intelligent wife, Ann.

Ann & Bob Sylvester
from Saint Somewhere Brewing Co.

Three Palms Brewing from Tampa, FL – Ruby Pogo Hoppy Red Ale and Queen of Wheat Hefeweizen being poured by Randy and Mike. Note: this brewery just opened in August!

Swamp Head Brewing from Gainesville, FL – Stump Knocker American Pale Ale and Midnight Oil Ale with Coffee being poured by Brown Distributing Company's Carolyn Lindsey Graham and Zach Schuster.

Kevin, Randy & Mike with
Three Palms Brewing

Distributors involved in the event included Champion Brands's David Rigdon accompanied by his beautiful wife Susan, North Florida Sales's Scott Russell, Brown Distributing Company's Carolyn Lindsey Graham, Zach Schuster and Micro Man's Eric Jankowski.

As an update to this blog post, in the future I will post the list of those who so graciously donated items and swag for the Silent Auction and total amount of donations raised for this event.

with the most gorgeous Brewer in Jax,
Susan Miller of Bold City Brewery

I was so excited I got to mingle with so many people and I was honored to be able to step in and pour Intuition Ale Works beer for David Rigdon. Also, I was pleased and honored to do the same for the Miller's with Bold City's brews and for Mark Stillman when I briefly poured Green Room's tasty beer.

An entire evening of fine brews, chews and tunes provided by a collection of charity-minded business owners – all volunteering time, talent, money, food, beer and items for the Silent Auction. Well planned and executed, the event could also serve as a primer for those interested in learning how to put on a charity event – the right way.

Amazing art created and graciously
donated by Adam Brett

The most exciting part of the evening was the growing awareness that Courtyard Marriott Jacksonville Beach and all the vendors and volunteers had supplied the space, an enormous amount of their time, swag, delicious food, tasty beer and items for the Silent Auction at NO COST to the event. Every dollar raised through ticket sales, donations, and Auction proceeds went directly to the cause! … these offerings from these people and their organizations represent a sacrifice “from their first fruits” - especially significant during a period with a beleaguered overall economy. From the smallest Auction item to the use of the rooms themselves – from the bites of cheese to the ribs and beer – from purchasing a ticket to giving up an evening to volunteer – ALL these gifts were so very important to make the evening a success from both entertainment and charitable considerations. Each dollar raised now gets to go to work immediately for those who need the help – each dollar is now “in uniform” with a mission to defeat this illness which attacks so many of our fellow human beings.

The precious faces and gentle
reminder for this evenings event.

For those of you who believe in the power of prayer, please “lift these soldiers up” in your next prayer, asking that each dollar invested from this magnificent event will yield the highest possible return in the fight against neuromuscular disease.

To Jamie and Mindy Gillis, I personally thank you for the opportunity of learning more about Muscular Dystrophy and the MDA ... I, as the Jax Brew Bitch, also thank and applaud you both for being such effective and wonderful role models for beer-enthusiasts everywhere. The Greater Jacksonville area is indeed lucky to have you.

Courtyard Marriott which is located
on beautiful Jacksonville Beach, FL.

A standing ovation for management and staff of Courtyard Marriott in Jacksonville Beach for providing quality space and service for the event.

Finally, to those of you who attended, to you who planned, managed, set up, volunteered and provided (and bid on) Auction items, to you who performed, to you who provided delicious brews and chews – a sincere, heartfelt thank you for stepping to the plate to “pay it forward” and for caring enough about those affected by Muscular Dystrophy to make the Beaches Summer Fest 2012 a most memorable, successful and blessed event.

To view more photos from Beaches Summer Fest 2012, please visit the link below ...
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.354464891305793.84915.181100418642242&type=1

Muscular Dystrophy Association

http://mda.org/

The JamMin Movement (Jamie and Mindy Gillis)

www.facebook.com/thejamminmovement

Beaches Summer Fest

https://www.facebook.com/beachessummerfest

Courtyard Marriott – Jacksonville Beach

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/jaxjv-courtyard-jacksonville-beach-oceanfront/

https://www.facebook.com/jaxbeachcourtyard

Pinglehead Brewing Company

http://www.pinglehead.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Pinglehead