Inaugural Detroit Beer Week Announced - Friday, October 16 – Saturday, October 24, 2009

Following the success of “Beer Week” events held in other cities such as Philadelphia, New York and San Diego, a group of Industry Professionals is organizing the first ever Detroit Beer Week, to be held the third week of October, 2009.

The week-long series of beer-centric events will be held at participating venues in Detroit, with satellite events at Metro-Detroit brewpubs. These events will consist of brewery tours, tasting flights, meet-the-brewer sessions, food pairings, and a wide array of other unique activities. Events will be hosted by Detroit Beer Week staff and the Detroit Beer Barons, a group of Metro-area brewery personalities.

“We wanted to stay away from the traditional ‘drink this beer, get a keychain’ –type promotions, and instead focus on events that give value to the consumer and to the venue hosting the event,” stated Jon Piepenbrok, principal organizer of the events, AKA Chief Imaginationer.

The grand finale of Beer Week is the Inaugural Harvest Festival, hosted by the Michigan Brewers’ Guild and Metrotimes on Saturday, October 24, in Eastern Market.
While the Guild is not organizing Beer Week events, they have given their full support and cooperation to the organizing committee. “When the Guild announced the Harvest Festival in Eastern Market, we not only saw an opportunity to promote Michigan Beer in southeast Michigan,” stated Jon Piepenbrok, “but to promote the Great City of Detroit, as well; and the Guild has been extremely supportive of our efforts, even including information about events on their website at www.michiganbrewersguild.org.”

The participating venues include Slow’s Bar BQ, Foran’s Grand Trunk Pub, Park Bar, Motor City Brewing Works, Traffic Jam & Snug, Atwater Block Brewery, Detroit Beer Company, Wolfgang Puck Grille, Michael Symon’s Roast, 24Grille, and Fender’s Pub at the Omni Hotel.

A complete, updated list of events and information can be found on www.facebook.com. Keyword search: Detroit Beer Week.

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry contributes over $24 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $133 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #6 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

The Michigan Brewers Guild exists to unify the Michigan brewing community; to increase sales of Michigan-brewed beer through promotions, marketing, public awareness and consumer education; and to monitor and assure a healthy beer industry within the state. For more information, including a list of Michigan microbreweries, log on to www.michiganbrewersguild.org.

Michigan Made Pumpkin Beers Highlight Fall Season

The autumn season brings an abundance of things to the Great Lakes State – like fall colors, harvest festivals and a variety of pumpkin beer. While the recipes may be similar, there’s always a touch of something unique in each of these fall brews – including the originality of the names.

“Every fall I get very excited for two things: NFL Football and Michigan pumpkin beer,” says Cale Chapult, Sales Representative at Rave Associates in Ann Arbor. “There is nothing better in Michigan than a sitting by a nice fire and drinking one of our great pumpkin beers. We here in Michigan know how important it is to use all four seasons to the fullest. What could be better than chilly weather and Michigan pumpkin beer – made here in Michigan with real pumpkin and a dash of autumn spice? It's the best around!”

Michigan made pumpkin brews available for 2009 include:

• Arcadia Ales, Battle Creek (www.arcadiaales.com)
Jaw-Jacker (6% ABV). Grandma's pumpkin pie never tasted this good. This fall seasonal is a celebration of harvest time and the changing of the seasons. Using only the finest malted barley and a touch of wheat, Jaw-Jacker pours a brilliant orange-amber color with truly unique flavors. Although no pumpkins are actually used, a blend of nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon work with the malty flavors to create a bold flavor reminiscent of pumpkin pie. A light hop note balances out the beer nicely. This seasonal beer, available for a limited time on draft and in 6-pack, 12oz glass bottles, is a favorite for harvest festivals, Halloween parties and Thanksgiving dinner. It pairs well with boiled brisket with root veggies, roast duck or turkey, pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie, with vanilla bean ice cream.

• Bastone Brewery, Royal Oak (www.bastonebrewery.com)
Belgian Pumpkin Porter (6% ABV). We add copious amounts of pumpkin to the mash and the boil along with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove lending a depth of flavor and aroma reminiscent of the fall season. Our unique Belgian yeast strains lend a slight fruity taste and effervescent mouthfeel, while the 8 different hand selected grains lend robust and delicious flavors of malty caramel and chocolate. Available only at the brewery.

• Dragonmead, Warren (www.dragonmead.com)
Lil’s Grumpkin Pumpkin Ale (6.0% ABV). Brewed with real pumpkins in the Mash and the standard pumpkin pie spices added to the boil, along with molasses and brown sugar, this American Spiced Ale is reminiscent of your favorite autumn dessert: pumpkin pie. The nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon that create this beer's delicious aroma are balanced against the malts and pumpkin in this recipe to give this spicy treat its charming flavor profile. Lil’s Grumpkin Pumpkin is only available while supplies last.

• Jolly Pumpkin, Dexter (www.jollypumpkin.com)
La Parcela (5.9% ABV). OK, so the joke was Jolly Pumpkin doesn't brew a pumpkin beer! Well, now we do – just this one – No. 1 pumpkin beer. With hints of spice, and a gentle kiss of cacao to liven the soul, this oak-aged sour beer has real pumpkin added to the barrels during the aging process. An everyday easy way to fill your squashy quotient. Guess now folks will have to find something else to joke about! Being released for the first time in Fall 2009.

• New Holland Brewing, Holland (www.newhollandbrew.com)
Ichabod (5.5% ABV). As fall brings color to our trees, a chill to our evenings and countless aromas of the changing season, we instinctively look for early harvest flavors on our plate and in our glass. Ichabod combines malted barley and real pumpkin with cinnamon and nutmeg in a delicious and inviting brew. It befits any autumnal adventure, including mysterious rides through the hollow, and pairs well with autumnal foods such as poultry and root vegetables. After dinner, try it with your favorite dessert. Available on tap and in bottles through November.

• Motor City Brewing, Detroit (www.motorcitybeer.com)
North Cass Community Garden Pumpkin Ale (9% ABV). This Pumpkin Ale is a wonderful community Creation, from the many volunteers who built the North Cass Community Garden to the planting and nurturing of the group’s very first pumpkin patch. This Belgian-style Pumpkin Ale is a special blend of roasted pumpkin & malted barley balanced with American aromatic hops, traditional herb, spices and a lot of the neighbors’ tender loving care. The thin layer of sediment at the bottom of the bottle is the mark of the true natural brewing process. Unfiltered, unpasteurized . . . NATURALLY! For optimum flavor enjoy from the glass. This special brew is in limited supply and is only available at the brewery taproom, starting October 12.

• Short’s Brewing, Bellaire (www.shortsbrewing.com)
Funkin Punkin (5.6% ABV). A seasonal blend of pumpkin, spices, and carefully formulated ale. Notably aromatic of pumpkin pie, and the color of a light pastel brown, this brew is especially true of ale and comfortably consumable. Brewed with real pumpkin and real spice, it’s still very much a beer, but beautifully engineered with spice, pumpkin and beer balance.

• Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro, Hastings (www.walldorffbrewpub.com)
The Candy Snatcher Pumpkin Ale (5.7% ABV). Using local pumpkins and a nice addition of fresh spices always makes a great fall time ale and a local favorite. A bit of lactose (milk sugar) blanaces out the spices to give this a nice creamy texture…almost a pumpkin cream ale. Available on tap the beginning of October, until it runs out.

“The growth of this category of beer annually has superseded 40% minimum each year over the past three years,” says Rick Lack, Executive Vice President at Rave Associates. “Particularly on the on premise side of our business, retailers are finding Michigan pumpkin beers pair very well with food and chefs are integrating these beers more and more into food pairings. On the consumer side, the sweet aftertaste the beer provides has been instrumental in attracting new consumers into the craft beer category- particularly women we are noticing. If, you have not tried one yet ... do so, as this seasonal treat is come and gone in a matter of months.”

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry contributes over $24 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $133 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #6 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

The Michigan Brewers Guild exists to unify the Michigan brewing community; to increase sales of Michigan-brewed beer through promotions, marketing, public awareness and consumer education; and to monitor and assure a healthy beer industry within the state.

Each year, the Guild hosts four annual craft beer festivals, with the next – Michigan Harvest Beer Festival – scheduled for October 24 (1-6pm) at Eastern Market in Detroit.

For more information about the Michigan Brewers Guild, including a dates of upcoming events and a list of member micro-breweries, log on to www.michiganbrewersguild.org.

Fall in Love with Autumn Camping in Michigan

Fall is a perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors at one of Michgan’s privately owned campgrounds. Here, campers seek out area farm markets, u-pick orchards and other agricultural destinations that dot the landscape.

Whether they’re looking for pumpkins, gourds and cornstalks to decorate their campsite, apples for baking aromatic and mouth-watering treats, or that perfect bottle of Michigan wine or beer to pair with a harvest meal, campers will find the area farms and agricultural destinations have just what they’re looking for.

Activities, such as wagon rides, haunted houses and corn mazes are popular for families this time of year. What better way to spend a fall day than walking over crackling leaves through an apple orchard or pumpkin patch in search of harvest goodies. Why not make a visit to one of the historic lighthouses that grace a Great Lake shoreline – especially one that is rumored to be haunted such as White River Light Station, Grand Traverse Lighthouse or Saginaw River Lighthouse.

Autumn activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and golf, are also of interest as campers look for exciting ways to take in the full spectrum of the fall season. Colors can also be viewed from the sky, with a ride in a hot air balloon, glider or airplane at various locations around the state. Even the state’s ski resorts are getting into the action, offering chair lift rides throughout the color tour season.

Campers are encouraged to take a fall color tour, traveling along the scenic byways (and off the major highways), with camera in hand. West Michigan Tourist Association has outlined more than two dozen color tour routes on its website. Travel Michigan offers similar types of routes, under the header “Driving Tours.” Local chambers and visitor bureaus also offer information, such as driving routes and attractions of interest.

In the Kent County area, online brochures are available for the Kent Harvest Trails and Fruit Ridge Farm Markets. The Southwest Michigan Tourist Council has online versions of both their fall color tour map and U-Pick/Farm Market Brochure. The “Taste the Local Difference – Select Northwest Michigan” directory is also available for online viewing. The Michigan Department of Agriculture also publishes an online PDF directory to the state’s Farm Markets, U-Picks & Agricultural Tourism destinations. There’s even a website that directs you to the finest apple farms throughout the state, as well as tours of the state’s finest wineries and breweries.

For more information on fall destinations and activities, check out these websites:
• Fruit Ridge Farm Markets
• Kent Harvest Trails
• Michigan Apple Tours
• Michigan Brewers Guild
• Michigan Cider Guild
• Michigan Department of Agriculture
• Michigan Festivals & Events Association
• Michigan Hard Cider Club
• Michigan Wine Council
• Southwestern Michigan Tourism Council
• Taste the Local Difference
• Travel Michigan
• Upper Peninsula Tourism & Recreational Association
• West Michigan Tourist Association

ARVC represents 225+ member campgrounds with nearly 32,000 sites available throughout the state. Whether pitching a tent, parking an RV or reserving a rustic or modern cabin, Michigan campgrounds offer a great way to disconnect from busy lives and reconnect with families. Campers in Michigan enjoy the great outdoors while fishing or canoeing on the countless lakes, rivers and streams or hiking, biking and riding on the miles of trails that wind throughout the state. There’s definitely no shortage of activities, no matter where the campground is located.

The 2009 Michigan Campground Directory, published by ARVC – Michigan, is available at various locations statewide, including all Welcome Centers. A PDF version is also available for viewing online at www.michcampgrounds.com. The directory not only lists campgrounds by region, but also includes helpful information on the type of sites available, various amenities such as restroom, laundry and dumping station facilities; recreational offerings such as pools and golf courses; and seasons of operation. Campgrounds that now offer wireless internet access onsite are also identified.

Photo by Terry Phipps.

Boyne Mountain’s Skitoberfest Offers Michigan Brewfest and More

Boyne Mountain Resort is hosting the first annual Skitoberfest, October 3-4, in celebration of fall and the coming winter season. Event highlights include a brewfest featuring nearly a dozen Michigan breweries, bratwursts of 30 varieties and gourmet food, live music and dancing, a meet and greet with Winter X-Games gold medalist, Simon Dumont, and former U.S. Ski Team Coach, Greg Needell, and a day filled with family activities.

Staged in the Village, the event kicks off on Saturday at 2 p.m. Michigan craft brewers including Short’s, Bell’s, Founders, Arbor, Mt. Pleasant, Tri-City, Arcadia, Michigan, New Holland, Frankenmuth, and Wolverine, will be serving up a variety of their best beers until 7 p.m. To soak up the frothy brew, there are 30 varieties of bratwursts, made and grilled by Tannery Creek Meat Market of Petoskey, as well as specialties offered by Boyne City restaurants, Red Mesa Grill, 220 Lake Street, Sammich N’ Sudz and Lake Street Market. Admission to the brewfest is $20 and includes a Skitoberfest pint glass and 12 tickets toward beer sampling and food items. From 8 p.m. till midnight, the brewfest transforms to a classic beer tent with a cash bar and entertainment by Charlie’s Root Fusion.

Michigan wine tasting is also being offered with twenty-four regional wines and gourmet food prepared by Boyne Mountain including domestic and imported cheese, sushi, smoked whitefish dip, cured elk sausage, smoked beef and asparagus croustade, among other hors d’oeuvres. The event’s unique ‘wine room’ is open 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and entry is $5 plus a dollar per wine tasting.

Skitoberfest attendees can also enjoy local art, family hayrides, a pumpkin patch, fall color chairlift rides, and a parade.

A Snowsports Summit, hosted by BOYNE Ambassador of Skiing and 2008 U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame inductee, Cary Adgate, provides the opportunity to meet freestyle skier and Winter X-Games gold medalist, Simon Dumont, and former U.S. Ski Team coach, Greg Needell. Entry to the Summit is $5 per person.

Lodging values on Boyne Mountain hotel accommodations offered from $69 and condominiums and cabins are also available. For complete Skitoberfest details and reservations, please visit www.BOYNE.com or call 800.GO.BOYNE (462-6963).

Fennville Goose Festival Celebrates Silver Anniversary: October 9-11, 2009

The community of Fennville, in Allegan County – Southwest Michigan, is ramping up to celebrate its Silver Anniversary Goose Festival, October 9-11, 2009.

Locals and visitors alike are invited to celebrate Fennville’s historic ties to the thriving geese population at the 25th Annual Goose Festival. Attendees are treated to a wide variety of activities throughout the weekend, including a craft show, parades, carnival, Loose Goose Trolley, Wild Goose Chase 5k Run & Gosling Run, live entertainment, pet show, dog show, car show, and much more.

Highlights for the Silver Anniversary include:

• The first ever Goose Festival Queen & Gosling Princess (Announced on Friday, October 9)
• Diego Soulz & Rhythm (7pm on Friday, October 9)
• The Scotville Clown Band (Marching in the parade and then two 45-minute stage performances on Saturday, October 10).
• Funktion (6-9pm on Saturday, October 10)
• John Dudley - Magician & Balloon Animal Artist Extraordinaire (Noon on Sunday, October 11)
• Goose Calling Demonstration with 5-year-old Tyler Schut (3:30pm on Sunday, October 11)
• Los Bandits (5:15pm on Sunday, October 11)

A complete schedule of events is now available online at www.FennvilleGooseFestival.com.

While the first Goose Festival wasn’t held until 1984, Fennville – affectionately referred to as “Goosetown” – has been a haven for the migratory Canada geese as far back as the 1930s. During that time, the geese would stop to feed and rest at what was then the A.M. Todd Farm. Albert May Todd was the world-leader in the production of mint and other oils; the property just south of Fennville was one of his multi-acre mint plantations.

In 1949, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources purchased the Todd Farm, acquiring additional farms in the area up through 1970. Their intent was to establish The Farm Unit, which included a hunting area and a wildlife refuge, serving as a waterfowl management area.

In the 1930s, the estimated number of Canada geese to congregate at The Farm was around 1000. In recent years, fall counts have exceeded 25,000 birds at one time. Through the course of a single season, the refuge serves more than 100,000 geese. These migrating geese usually begin their occupation of the refuge in early September, with the greatest visitation occurring from October to early November. Some, however, have found The Farm Unit a suitable setting to spend the winter. Between 10,000 and 20,000 geese have been known to winter here, in central Allegan County.

The Farm, located at 6013 118th Avenue in Fennville, today boasts a total 3650 acres – of which 1300 acres are maintained as a refuge. The Farm Unit provides a unique opportunity view large numbers of geese flying, feeding and resting in a natural setting. Few places allow people to mingle so closely with wildlife such as this.

For more information:
25th Anniversary Fennville Goose Festival: www.FennvilleGooseFestival.com
City of Fennville: www.GreaterFennville.com

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Hits a Speed Bump

If you happen to be driving in downtown Kalamazoo this fall, there is a Speed Bump you want to make sure you hit! The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is proud to welcome Speed Bump: The Comic World of Dave Coverly, opened on Saturday, September 5, 2009.

Dave Coverly admits there is no overriding theme, no tidy little philosophy that precisely describes what his Speed Bump comic strip is about. “Basically,” he says, “if life were a movie, these would be the outtakes.”

Through wit and whimsy, Dave Coverly reveals the truths of the human experience, from the workplace to family life and beyond. See original daily and Sunday cartoons - each explained with Coverly’s quick-witted humor, and experience what its like to be Dave Coverly with a mock ‘work station’ where creativity collides with paper. Also on view will be Coverly’s illustrations for Sue MacDonald Had a Book, written by Ann Arbor resident Jim Tobin. Admission to this exhibition is free.
Want to know more about what inspires Dave Coverly? Grill him yourself at one of these upcoming events:

• Friday, September 18, 2009 – Art & All That Jazz: Join us at this popular KIA-sponsored event, now in its seventh season. Enjoy music by the famous Kalamazoo reggae band Zion Lion. Soft drinks and Panera Bread treats are provided. Dave Coverly will be on hand to discuss his works and sign copies of Sue MacDonald had a Book (available for purchase in the KIA Gallery Shop.) Other guests include Gordon Alt, Director of the John Cavanaugh Foundation and curator for In Search of Motion, another exhibition that officially opens on September 19th at the KIA. Art & All That Jazz is at 5 – 7 p.m. in the KIA lobby. Tickets are $3 for the public, and free to KIA Members.

• Tuesday, November 3, 2009 – ARTbreak: Join Dave Coverly as he discusses his career and the evolution of Speed Bump, now appearing in over 200 newspapers. With no set theme or characters, Speed Bump is one of the most quirky and original comics today with Coverly creating situations where “the everyday and common place that we take for granted suddenly appears hilarious.” 12:15 p.m. in the KIA auditorium. Admission is free. Bring a lunch! Cookies and lemonade are provided.

• Saturday, November 7, 2009: Is your child an aspiring cartoonist who would like a helping hand from a pro? The KIA Kirk Newman Art School is proud to have Dave Coverly teach two cartooning workshops for kids! Geared towards children in grades 3-6 and 7-12, students will learn various cartooning techniques and create their own cartoons. Registration is now open and space is limited! For more information and to register, please visit www.kiarts.org/school or contact the school secretary at (269) 349-7775 Ext. 3101.

• Saturday, November 14, 2009 – Family Funday! Formerly known as Sunday Funday, the KIA invites families to meet Dave Coverly and take a tour of his work. Guests will also have the opportunity to create their own cartoon! Also visiting with Dave will be Jim Tobin, author of Sue McDonald Had a Book, which Coverly illustrated. Both Jim Tobin and Dave Coverly will autograph their book which will be available for purchase in the KIA Gallery Shop. 2-4 p.m. Admission is free.


Dave Coverly grew up in Plainwell, Michigan and began cartooning seriously in 1986 as an undergraduate student at Eastern Michigan University. In 2009, he won the Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year, the highest honor given by the National Cartoonist Society.

You can currently enjoy Coverly’s cartoon, which runs daily in the Kalamazoo Gazette.
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts would like to thank the following sponsors for bringing great artists like Dave Coverly to Kalamazoo: Creators Syndicate, First National Bank of Michigan and Heritage Community of Kalamazoo. Family Funday is sponsored by Target.

For more information about the KIA, visit www.kiarts.org or call (269) 349-7775.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
314 South Park Street
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007

2nd Annual Great Lakes Cider & Perry Festival Planned for September 12-13 at Uncle John's Cider Mill

The Great Lakes Cider & Perry Association has announced its 2nd Annual Great Lakes Cider & Perry Festival, September 12-13, at Uncle John’s Cider Mill at 8614 N US 127, St. Johns – just north of Lansing.

Throughout the weekend, samples of the finest cider and perry (cider made from pears) from the states and provinces that border the Great Lakes will be available for tasting, while food vendors sell sweet and savory selections. Activities such as cider pressing, nature walks and the kids’ playground, will be open for family fun at Uncle John’s all weekend long as well.

The festival runs from 11am to 6pm on Saturday, with cider and perry tastings throughout the day at a cost of $10 per person, which includes a souvenir glass for the first 250 people, and 10 tasting tickets. Ben Watson, author of Cider Hard & Sweet – History, Traditions & Making Your Own (2nd Edition) and Sharon Kegerreis and Lorri Hathaway, co-authors of From the Vine: Exploring Michigan Wineries will be on hand throughout the day, selling and singing copies of their respective books.

On Sunday, the festival kicks off with an Antique Apple Tasting from 11am-Noon. Then, from 12:30-1:30pm, a Cider & Cheese Pairing will be held. Both sessions are hosted by Ben Watson and are limited to 50 individuals. The cost for each session is $10 per person. During the afternoon, from 1:30-3:30pm, learn from other non-professional cider makers at the cider makers’ roundtable discussion.
Those looking to partake in all the festival’s activities can purchase a special pass for $25 (limited to 50 people). Tickets can be purchased online at www.michiganvine.com/blog/tickets.

All profit proceeds from the festival benefit the Great Lake Cider & Perry Association (est. 2008). Find them online at www.GreatLakesCider.com.

Porkapalooza Invitational Cookout & Music Festival Celebrates the Bounty of the Great Lakes

A day-long celebration of hog-proportion once again takes over the 14-acre Red Horse Ranch in Fennville on Saturday, October 3. The PORKAPALOOZA Invitational Cookout & Music Festival is a farm party and harvest celebration, running from Noon to Midnight (rain or shine), showcasing the bounty of the Great Lakes’ in terms of food, drink, music, art and land. Red Horse Ranch is located just outside of downtown Fennville, on 62nd Street, ¾ of a mile south of M89.

The Invitational Cookout portion of the festival features well-known chefs from throughout the Great Lakes Region, including:
• Chef Chris Pandel from The Bristol, Chicago
• Chef Matt Pietsch from Salt of the Earth, Fennville
• Chef Rob Hammond from Food Dance Café, Kalamazoo
• Chef Matthew Millar from New Holland Brewing Co., Holland
• Chef Chad Miller from Restaurant Bloom, Grand Rapids
• Chef Brian Perrone from Slows Bar BQ, Detroit

“These chefs were hand-selected to compete in the PORKAPALOOZA Invitational Cookout because they share a common interest in the pursuit of culinary quality and a belief in championing local, sustainable lifestyles,” says Fred Bueltmann, Beervangelist at New Holland Brewing.

Each restaurant is asked to showcase at least one primary pork dish, as well as two regionally-influenced side dishes providing sourcing information that demonstrates the technique and provenance of their food.

The event will shine a light on some of the areas treasures, including not only the products available, but the creative energy of many local artisans and musicians. Well over 1000 people are expected to attend and organizers proudly practice earth-friendly ideals, showcasing the realities of sustainable living and entertaining.

Local beers and wines from New Holland Brewing Company and Fenn Valley Winery will make for pleasant pork pairings. New Holland will present Charkoota Rye – a smoked rye dopplebock brewed to celebrate PORKAPALOOZA and the art of charcuterie. They will bring a host of other beers including the autumn favorite Ichabod Pumpkin Ale, as well as Mad Hatter IPA, Full Circle, The Poet Oatmeal Stout and Dragon’s Milk barrel-aged ale. Fenn Valley, which is located adjacent to the fest site, will serve a selection of their favorite award-winning red and white wines.

Throughout the day, an impressive back-to-back line-up of entertainment will keep the toes tapping, including:
• Various David Teske
• 1:00pm Dave Boutette
• 2:00pm Delilah DeWylde & The Lost Boys
• 3:00pm HOG CALLING COMPETITION
• 3:30pm Ben Bueltmann & Pontchatrain
• 4:30pm Mark Duval & Two Track Mind
• 6:30pm Mountain Men
• 8:00pm Midtown Underground

Blankets, chairs and water coolers are welcome. The event is held in a grass field, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Guests are not allowed to bring food or alcohol into the event. All ages are welcome, but guests 21 and older will need to show ID to receive a wristband to consume alcohol. Special activities are also planned for the younger attendees.

Tickets are available now for PORKAPALOOZA and are $8 per person in advance ($12 the day of) with parking at $5 per car. Admission includes access to the unlimited live entertainment. Food and beverages are sold separately. Admission tickets are available online at http://pork.newhollandbrew.com or by visiting New Holland Brewing and other vendors to be listed on the website.

For more information about PORKAPALOOZA, contact New Holland Brewing at 616-355-NHBC.

"Suds On The Shore" Craft Beer Festival & Home Brew Competition Planned for August 22 in Ludington

The Suds On The Shore Committee in partnership with United Way of Mason County, beneficiary of the proceeds from the event, will be hosting its first craft beer tasting festival on Saturday, August 22, 2009, from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m at Ludington City Park. Tickets can be purchased at Artist Market, Jamesport Brewing Company, Ludington and Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Mason County. They can also be purchased on-line at www.sudsontheshore.com.

Tickets purchased in advance are $25 and will be $30 at the gate. Individuals attending the festival must be 21 years of age or older and present valid ID to enter the festival. Upon entrance, individuals will receive tokens for 10, 3-ounce samples of beer and a souvenir mug. Non-drinkers or those serving as designated drivers can purchase tickets on the day of the event for $5, and will be required to wear a different colored wristband from the participants.

According to Curt Vanderwall, Committee Chair, other festivities will also be taking place. Beginning at Noon, John Merchant Acoustic will be performing, followed by the F.O.G. and Powerplay. In addition, there will be several non-profit vendors selling a variety of food.

“We see the festival as a win-win for the entire community, by bringing business to our retail stores and eating and lodging establishments, and providing a means for non-profit organizations to raise money, stated Vanderwall. “The festival is set-up similar to a wine tasting, but rather than wine, we will have several brewers serving various types of craft beer. We are anticipating having up to 25 craft brewers serving three different selections,” Vanderwall added.

For more information contact the United Way of Mason County office at 231-843-8593 or visit the Suds On The Shore website at www.sudsontheshore.com.

Financial Expert Author Shares Investment Philosophies in New Book - "The Virtue of Wealth: Creating Life Success the Zenvesting Way"

Despite reports to the contrary, the recession continues to tighten its grip on individuals in every economic class, including high-powered bankers and investment brokers, auto workers and service providers. Now comes a refreshing look at the basic principles and investment philosophies underlying a successful life the Zenvesting way. The Virtue of Wealth (Spirituality & Health Books, June, 2009; Softcover/$16.95; ISBN: 978-0-9818708-0-9), by investment and financial advisor Paul Sutherland, provides a down-to-earth voice at the center of the economic turmoil.

A wise, gentle and beautifully illustrated book, The Virtue of Wealth reminds us that true wealth resides in our relationships with others, and that financial success is just one way of ensuring our ability to enjoy these relationships.

Chapters on ethical investing and "Fast-Forward" retirement make this a useful financial primer for all ages and economic groups. Additional chapters on couples and parenting make The Virtue of Wealth a wonderful gift for college graduates, newlyweds and future retirees. Through worksheets like "Gentle Budgeting," "Time for Money," and "Insurance for Life," The Virtue of Wealth helps readers connect with the fact that we trade time for money and shows us how to step off the work/buy treadmill. For example, Money and Time are analyzed in the chart below.

"This book was written to encourage readers to recognize the wealth-related choices made each day so that they might understand and anticipate the results. It is actions--and attitudes--that ultimately shape our future," says Sutherland. "Society, media, friends and family all directly or indirectly contribute to a culture of getting and spending. Wants begin to feel like needs when the neighbors have one, your kids want one, and your mother asks why you don't have one. Are we missing out on life by using precious time to shop for, buy, store and take care of our stuff? Getting and spending has taken the place of earning, relaxing, enjoying life ... , and saving."

ABOUT PAUL SUTHERLAND
Paul Sutherland is an expert in the world of finance, and a recognized voice of authority through interviews with Bloomberg News, Barrons, The Wall Street Journal, Kiplingers, Money Magazine and many more. He is a regular columnist for Spirituality & Health Magazine. President and Chief Investment Officer of FIM Group, he is the author of the AMA Guide to Financial Planning and Zenvesting: The Art of Abundance. He has been involved in the investment and financial advisory business since 1975 and lives in Traverse City, Michigan with his wife and three children. To learn more about Paul, visit www.zenvesting.com or www.spirituality-health.com/books/content/virtue-wealth-creating-life-success-zenvesting-way-0
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For more information about THE VIRTUE OF WEALTH, to request review copies or schedule an interview with the author, or to book the author to speak to your group (rates available upon request) please contact: Sara Harding at FIM Group | sharding@fimg.net | 231-929-4500
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www.Spirituality-Health.com

Epicurean Classic Announces 2009 Chef Dinners

One of the highlights of The Epicurean Classic – the Great Lakes’ premier food and wine event, planned for August 28-30 in St. Joseph, Mich – is the line-up of Guest Chef Dinners. Six unique restaurants in and around St. Joseph are participating, each offering a special menu featuring favorite dishes from the acclaimed cookbook of one of this year’s featured chefs. Most notably, the guest chef will dine that night in the restaurant, greet other diners, and sign cookbooks. All dinners will take place on Friday evening, August 28. Seating is limited and reservations are required.

“These dinners provide the ultimate foodie experience. Guests enjoy a fantastic dining experience and get a chance to meet with one of the top chefs in the country,” says Matt Sutherland, co-founder of The Epicurean Classic. “The restaurants love the challenge of cooking new dishes and are honored to have the guest chef in their restaurant. These dinners are the epitome of what this event is all about – getting personal access to the esteemed culinary world.”

The Guest Chef Dinners for 2009 include:

• Dine with Andy Pforzheimer, author of The Barcelona Cookbook at Bistro on the Boulevard
For reservations please call the Bistro at 269.983.6600

• Dine with Giuliano Hazan, author of Thirty Minute Pastas @ Tosi's Restaurant.
For reservations please call Tosi's at 269.429.3689

• Dine with Jennifer McLagan, author of Fat (2009 James Beard Cookbook of the Year) at the Grande Mere Inn
For reservations please call the Grande Mere Inn at 269.429.3591

• Dine with David Leite, author of The New Portuguese Table at Port 412
For reservations please call Port 412 at 269.982.0412

• Dine with Jonathan Schuler, author of The Schuler's Cookbook at Schu's
For reservations please call Schu's at 269.983.7248

• Dine with Scott Uehlein, author of Canyon Ranch Nourish, at Tabor Hill Restaurant & Winery.
For reservations, please call Tabor Hill at 800-283-3363

The annual three-day celebration features an impressive list of chefs and culinary artisans gathering on the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan in St. Joseph, Mich. Throughout the weekend, The Epicurean Classic attendees can choose from over 40 cooking demonstrations, 10 wine/beer/olive oil tasting seminars, six Guest Chef Dinners, the Grand Reception and the daily Tasting Pavilion.

Day Passes for The Epicurean Classic are $119 (Friday or Saturday), $89 (Sunday) and $339 for a three-day “Gourmand Pass” which also includes admission to Friday evening's Great Lakes BBQ, and Saturday evening's coveted Grand Reception. Individual tickets to the Grand Reception and Tasting Seminars are sold separately and advanced registration is suggested. Complete event and program details, as well as online registration, are found at www.epicureanclassic.com

The Livery - Benton Harbor Celebrates its 4th Anniversary with Hand-Forged MicroBrews & The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Proving its reputation as a premier entertainment venue -- as well as award-winning microbrewery -- The Livery in Benton Harbor proudly welcomes The Fabulous Thunderbirds to its 4th Anniversary celebration, August 14-15. It will be a weekend full of hand-forged microbrews, mouth-watering food and, well, fabulous music!

“Our passion for beer is equal to our passion for great and eclectic music,” says brewmaster Steve Berthel. “We have a long-standing reputation for both and it is with great pride that we welcome the Fabulous Thunderbirds to our 4th Anniversary celebration.”

On Friday, August 14, the Thunderbirds will perform at 9pm (tickets are $30 in advance and $35 day of show). Then, on Saturday, August 15, they will perform at The Livery's 4th Anniversary Festival. Festivities start at 2pm with an all-you-can-eat bar-b-cue and complimentary glass of each beer served throughout the day. The band takes to the stage at 7:30pm. Tickets for this day-long celebration are $65 in advance or $75 the day of.

“During the festival, patrons will receive a token for 8oz. samples of each of the four special release beers,” Steve says. “Besides our three real ales on the beer engine, and eight mainstay selections, we will be featuring four special releases.”
These include Carvaceous - a blend of a barrel aged imperial pale ale and a barrel-aged imperial IPA; Agent 99 - a barrel-aged Belgian-style quadruple; 4th Anniversary Ale - an imperial brown rye that is hopped like an IPA; and a dark Belgian-style tripple that is barrel-aged with nectarines.”

About the brewery:
The Livery, at 190 5th Street in Benton Harbor, is one of some 70 licensed craft brewing operations in the state of Michigan. One hundred years ago, the building known as the Palace Livery provided a vital service making it a gathering place for residents of and travelers to Southwest Michigan. Four years ago, the former horse stable and carriage shop was been brought back to life as "The Livery" -- one of Michigan's most exciting and unique microbreweries.

The Livery features a diverse selection of beer styles, ciders and wines, an outdoor beer garden and a Cafe serving custom roasted coffee and espresso. All of the "Hand Forged Microbrews" are painstakingly created by brewmaster Steve Berthel on a 10 bbl. brewing system of his own design. Music and other live entertainment are regularly featured in The Upper Livery entertainment venue.

The Livery is a proud member of the Michigan Brewers Guild. www.michiganbrewersguild.org.

About the band:
For over thirty years, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the quintessential American band. The group's distinctive and powerful sound, influenced by a diversity of musical styles, manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid via such barnburners as “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up.”

Founding member Kim Wilson spearheads the group as it evolves into its newest incarnation. “We started as a straight blues band.” vocalist and harmonica player Wilson says. “We now incorporate a mixture of a lot of different styles. We're an American music band and we're higher energy than ever before.” The Fabulous Thunderbirds features Jay Moeller on drums, Johnny Moeller and Mike Keller on guitar, and Randy Bermudes on bass.

Wilson’s musical talents have garnered him multiple Blues Awards and Grammy Nominations. The Blues Foundation 2008 blues Music Awards named Wilson "Instrumentalist - Harmonica" category. In 2006, he was named “Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year” in 2006, and “Lookin’ for Trouble!” was named Blues Song of the Year in 2004. Wilson has contributed to the work of many other great artists such as the legendary Muddy Waters (who called him his “son”), contemporary artist Bonnie Raitt, guitar legends Stevie Ray Vaughn and brother Jimmy Vaughn, and Martin Scorsese’s movie “The Blues." With his current movie project “Cadillac Records,” Wilson continues to focus on the music he loves.

With over 20 albums recorded and millions sold, Kim Wilson and The Fabulous Thunderbirds tour the world performing their own unique style of music. Ranging from pop anthems like “Powerful Stuff” which was featured in the Tom Cruise movie “Cocktail," to the low down blues of "Chicago," this brand of honest music brings fans back time and again.

Having shared the stage with The Rolling Stones, Joe Cocker, Carlos Santana and blues legends BB King and Buddy Guy and countless others, The Fabulous Thunderbirds continue to tour Europe and the North America, bringing more great music to their fans worldwide.

Their new CD (tentative title “Pay Back Time”) is to be released in mid-2009.

THE LIVERY: www.LiveryBrew.com