Smells Like Nirvana coming to Pearl Street Brewery

Pearl Street Brewery is hosting national touring Smells Like Nirvana, taking place Saturday June 15, 2019. Smells Like Nirvana is composed of seasoned pros and die-hard-fans of Nirvana, fronted by Paul Wandtke (ex Trivium, Dead Original), Nick Shabatura on drums and Mike Petrasek (Bedlem).

Their live tribute to Nirvana is a haunting episode of grunge filled angst playing songs from Nirvana’s albums Bleach, Nevermind, In Utero and MTV Unplugged as well as rare b-sides and more; played without click tracks or backing tracks, a trait that is rare in today’s contemporary musical landscape, a trait and philosophy that Nirvana lived by.

Attendees may find out how to make a song request for this show here.

What: Smells Like Nirvana

When: Saturday, June, 15 2019
| $12 / $15 Day of Show | 7pm | 21+

Where: Pearl Street Brewery
1401 St Andrew St La Crosse, WI 54603

About Pearl Street Brewery:

Pearl Street Brewery has been creating award-winning craft beers in La Crosse, WI for 20 years. Their beer can be found in restaurants, bars, and retailers all over Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota. Brewery tours are available every Friday and Saturday and patrons can visit the Tasting Room Tuesday through Sunday. The brewery plays host to musical groups, yoga classes, fundraisers, and many community events.

Smells Like Nirvana Contact:

Paul Wandtke
Smells Like Nirvana
Singer/Band Leader
paullymusic@gmail.com

Pearl Street Brewery Contact:

Tami Plourde
Owner / Director Sales and Marketing
Pearl Street Brewery
tami@pearlstreetbrewery.com

1401 Saint Andrew Street
La Crosse, WI 54603
608-784-4832 Ext 6

Airpower History Tour

The Airpower History Tour brings iconic World War II bombers, B-29 Superfortress “FIFI” and B-24 Liberator “DIAMOND LIL”, to La Crosse Regional Airport in La Crosse, WI for public tours and rides in July 2019.

–  Event offers great visuals and interview opportunities

–  Media will have exclusive access to the aircraft upon arrival

WHAT:
The sights, sounds, and stories of World War II aviation will come to La Crosse when the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, FIFI, and the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, DIAMOND LIL, land at La Crosse Regional Airport, accompanied by a T-6 Texan, and a PT-13 Stearman. The event is presented by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), which brings its AirPower History Tour to airports across North America each year. Visitors will be able to view all aircraft up close, purchase rides in the aircraft, and tour the B-29 and B-24 cockpits when the aircraft are not flying.

WHEN:
July 25, 2019: The B-29 and B-24 are scheduled to arrive Thursday, July 26 at noon. Additional aircraft are scheduled to arrive Thursday as well.
July 26 – July 28: The event will be open to the public Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.  Supporting aircraft will be offering rides all three days. The B-29 flies on Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.  The B-24 flies on Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Cockpit tours of the B-24 and B-29 will be available beginning at 9:00 a.m., except on Saturday and Sunday when they will begin at noon.

WHERE:
The aircraft will be located at the La Crosse Regional Airport, Civil Air Patrol Ramp,  2906 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, WI 54603. 

EVENT INFORMATION:
Access to the ramp is $15 for adults and $8 for youth age 10 through 17. Children under age 9 are admitted free. The cost of rides ranges from $85 to $1,995 depending on aircraft type. Rides may be booked in advance at AirPowerTour.org where additional information about the event may also be found.

ABOUT THE CAF B-29 SUPERFORTRESS FIFI:
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) acquired FIFIin 1971 when a member found her at the U.S. Navy Proving Ground at China Lake, California. The airplane was rescued and restored by a group of CAF volunteers and has been flying for more than 45 years. Since 1974, FIFI has been traveling coast-to-coast each year honoring the men and women who built, maintained and flew WWII aircraft, and educating the next generation on their service and our history, attracting large crowds at every tour stop.  The Boeing B-29 Superfortress, was first flown in 1942. It began active service in the US Army Air Corp in 1944, and is best known as the aircraft whose missions over Japan helped bring an end to World War II. The B-29 also was used in the Korean War in the early 1950s and was a staple of the U.S. Air Force until 1960. Learn more about FIFI and her tour schedule at www.airpowertour.org

ABOUT THE CAF B-24 LIBERATOR DIAMOND LIL
Today, DIAMOND LIL is one of only two airworthy B-24s bombers in existence and is one of the featured aircraft in the CAF AirPower History Tour. The CAF has been bringing LIL to airports throughout the United States since 1968. In the fall of 2018, LIL returned to the skies after a three-year restoration. The Consolidated B‐24 Liberator, first flown in 1939, began active service in 1941 and was the most produced American aircraft of World War II, with 18,482 built. The Liberator was used in every theater of the war and for a variety of missions from long-range bombing and submarine patrol, to transporting high priority cargo and VIPs. Learn more about DIAMOND LIL and her tour schedule at www.airpowertour.org

ABOUT THE COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE:
Through more than six decades of collecting and flying World War II aircraft, the CAF has become the world’s largest flying museum. Their fleet of over 170 World War II airplanes is assigned to unit locations across the U.S. and is supported by 12,000 volunteer members. Nearly all the aircraft are kept in flying condition, enabling people to experience firsthand the sight and sound of vintage military aircraft in flight. The CAF is dedicated to honoring American military aviation through flight, exhibition, education, and remembrance.

To learn more about the Commemorative Air Force, please visit  www.commemorativeairforce.org.

Fire in the Shire on June 8th

Fire in the Shire in Alma on June 8th

Visit Alma, Wisconsin on Saturday, June 8th for Castlerock Museum’s fourth annual Fire in the Shire event, a citywide celebration of all things medieval. Join us for what promises to be an exciting day full of colorful exhibits, demonstrations, food, shopping and family fun.

The event starts at 9am with a Meet and Greet with coffee and donuts at the Alma Hotel followed by a knightly procession at 10am led by an armored horse that will wind its way up to the Castle. The parade starts by the Alma Hotel, heads up Elm Street which turns into Orange Street, and then down 2nd Street to the museum.

Kazimir the Hungry will kick things off at the Castle with sword swallowing and fire breathing at 10:15am. The museum opens at 10:30am and there will be ongoing displays by Clann Tartan and A Life Medieval along with a traditional medieval craft demo.

For many visitors, the highlight will be the fighting demonstrations at the Castle. The Wisconsin Historical Fencing Association will demo the longsword at 10:40am and 2:00pm and the rapier, dagger, and smallsword at 12:00 and 3:20pm. There will be program on Armor thru the Ages at 12:40pm. Clann Tartan will do a non-firing matchlock demo at 11:20am and a pike demo at 2:40pm. Bardmageddon will perform in the museum theater at 1:20pm. Kazimir the Hungry will be back at 4:00pm followed by the Uptown-on-the Lakes Morris Dancers at 4:20pm. The museum closes at 5:00pm.

The Alma Hotel will provide concessions. Admission wristbands are $6 for adults and $4 for students. Children four and under are free. Visitors in ancient, medieval, or renaissance era dress pay half price. Weapons must remain sheathed and peace-tied. Costumes can be bought at Art & Soul.

Visitors interested in searching for the fabled “Holy Grail” in the shops of the shire can enter a drawing to win the treasured artifact along with $100 Alma Dollars. The drawing will be held at the Castle at 4:15pm. Participating businesses include the Burlington Quilt Shop,  Pier 4 Cafe, Fire & Ice, Art & Soul, Alfresco Pizzeria, Red Ram Saloon, Alma Leather, bluebird, Wings Over Alma, Water Lily Gifts, Bill’s Talk of the Town, Alma Blooms, Alma General Store, Spasha Salon / Two Old Crows, Stump Town Gallery, Whole Heart, Junk Market, Napa / River City Parts, Garden Gate, and the Alma Area Museum.

There will be plenty of merry making with the Lasa Anahata Tribal Belly Dancers, FairyLight Muse, and Midwest Renaissance Actors Guild traveling between the various shops on Main Street.

Activities at the City Lot, across from the Lock and Dam, will include archery for kids at 11:00am, additional performances by Kazimir the Hungry at 12:30 and 2:30pm, and the Uptown-on-the Lakes Morris Dancers at 1:30 and 3:30pm.

The Brothers Dymm will show off their comedy swordplay at the Big River Theater at 12:00 and 2pm. Constant State of Confusion will be juggling at the Hotel de Ville Patio at 1:00 and 3:00pm. There will also be face painting at Wings Over Alma from 1:00-4:00pm, a Renaissance Portrait Gallery at the blue Bird, and a medieval healer at the Stump Town Gallery.

There will be plenty of food with a Shire Shoes sandwich at Pier 4 Cafe, Dragon’s Breath Pizza and mead at the Alfresco Pizzeria, a King’s Platter at the Alma Hotel, Renaissance Ram Burgers at the Red Ram Saloon, and a Beef Sundae at Bill’s Talk of the Town. Fire and Ice will have Maid Marian Muffins, a Robin Hood Roast, and a free ice cream for children in costume.

The musical group Bardmageddon will play at the Fire & Ice Gardens at 11:30am and the Hotel de Ville Patio at 4pm. Patina will perform at the Alma Hotel at 1:30pm. The festivities will wrap up with a Masquerade Ball at the Empire Room from 5:00-7:00pm featuring Bardmageddon.

The event is cosponsored by the Hotel de Ville. Check out the museum’s Facebook page or www.fireintheshire.com for a complete list of the day’s activities. For event questions, contact the museum at 608-685-4231.

Free Fun Weekend in Wisconsin

Get outside, get active, and enjoy Wisconsin’s natural resources…for free!

The first full weekend of June is the perfect weekend to try a new outdoors activity or return to one you haven’t tried in a long time.

Free Fishing Weekend
Wisconsin residents and visitors can fish anywhere for free in Wisconsin. No license is needed — this includes inland trout and Great Lakes trout and salmon fishing.

Free fishing clinics hosted around the state.

Free fishing equipment for loan at 50 state parks, DNR offices, and partner organizations.

Fishing rules such as limits, size and species of fish that you can keep do apply during free fishing weekend.

State Parks Free Fun Weekend
All state park vehicle admission fees on all DNR-owned properties are waived. All state trail pass fees on all DNR-owned properties are waived. Cooperatively-run state trails also may waive fees on this day.

Free Trails Weekend
All state trail pass fees on all DNR-owned properties are waived.
Cooperatively-run state trails also may waive fees.

Ride free ATV/UTV weekend
ATV/UTV owners can ride free; you do not need to have your machine registered in Wisconsin. Nonresident ATV/UTV owners do not need to have a trail pass on these days. Enjoy the free ride!

All other rules apply — safety education certification is required for all UTV and ATV operators who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1988.

Use Explore Outdoors to select the activities you want to do and where you want to go. Or find a park, forest, recreation area or trail and then explore your options for activities. More info can be found on the Wisconsin DNR’s website.

La Crosse to Host Inaugural MLF Redcrest Championship

La Crosse, Wisconsin, announced as site for Inaugural Redcrest Championship

TULSA, Okla. (April 5, 2019) – Every major league sport has one season-ending event that stands for its very highest level of achievement.

Major League Fishing’s® Bass Pro Tour has been rocking the Major League Fishing professional bass fishing world since its January debut, and the league announced today that the season-ending championship for the tour will be titled “Redcrest”.

La Crosse, Wisconsin, will serve as host to the first Redcrest event, which will be held August 19-25, 2019.

The competition will take place in the bass-rich waters of the Upper Mississippi River and feature the top 30 anglers who have accumulated the most qualifying points over the course of the 2019 Bass Pro Tour’s eight-event season.

“Explore La Crosse is ecstatic to host the inaugural MLF Bass Pro Tour Championship, the Redcrest!,” said A.J. Frels, Executive Director for Explore La Crosse. “The scenic Upper Mississippi is one of the best river bass fisheries in the country for largemouth and smallmouth. Expect huge numbers of fish, possibly even some MLF record-breaking numbers, to be caught.”

Along with the competition days, Redcrest will also feature a community expo with Bass Pro Tour sponsors, Friday to Sunday, August 23-25. All activities, including interaction with the pros, are free and open to the public.

“We are excited about the upcoming event in La Crosse,” said MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager, Don Rucks. “This will be our first big event where we will push fan engagement to the highest point. I encourage you to keep an eye out for what’s coming.”

Rucks also provided origin of the Redcrest name, explaining that the prominent red MLF logo itself is symbolic – a crest – representing MLF’s family-like atmosphere among the league’s anglers, sponsors, fans and host communities.

“A crest is also the highest point of a mountain, therefore Redcrest is our pinnacle of achievement – the peak of proficiency. Every MLF angler wants to be the best of the best, and all want the right to prove it by first earning an entry into Redcrest, and then winning the event,” Rucks added.

The La Crosse County venue knows about family, too, as the area has something for everyone who puts Redcrest on their family calendars for a summer visit.

“We have world-class fine dining, incredible arts, outdoor recreation in hiking, biking, and paddling, a variety of attractions and so much more for the entire family to enjoy. Join us for Redcrest so we can show you an unforgettable experience,” said Frels.

La Crosse, Wis., and the scenic Upper Mississippi River region will serve as host to MLF’s first tour season championship, the Redcrest. It is scheduled for Aug. 19-25 and will host 30 anglers who qualified by points from the Bass Pro Tour.

“La Crosse may be on the western border of Wisconsin, but it is in the heart of an outdoorsman’s paradise,” said Michael Mulone, Senior Director of Events and Partnerships for MLF. “The region is packed with adventure opportunities and it will be our pleasure to highlight this beautiful destination to a national audience.”

It was late last year when Major League Fishing first announced plans of expansion that included the 2019 Bass Pro Tour. The first competition was held in late January, and the series will hit the mid-season mark next week when MLF Stage Four takes place at Dayton, Tennessee, and Lake Chickamauga, April 9-14.

For more information on Redcrest and all MLF news, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

5 Things to Know: Riverfest

By: Anastasia Penchi

If you spend the Fourth of July in the La Crosse area, it’s important to schedule a visit to Riverfest.

The annual festival, known for its food, fireworks and family entertainment, is based at Riverside Park in downtown La Crosse, and is held along the banks where the Mississippi, Black, and La Crosse Rivers converge.

This year, festivities begin on July 3rd and conclude on July 6th.

Here are some tips to keep in mind if you go:

Buy your buttons early

Admission buttons are $7 if you pick them up before the festival starts. Otherwise, they are $10 if you buy them during the event (children 12 and under attend for free). If you need four buttons and buy them ahead of time, that’s a savings of $12. That’s got to be enough for an order of cheese curds, right? Besides, buttons are necessary for the food tent, the beer tent and all the music and entertainment offered north of State Street, so you really should get one. If money is too tight, stick with the food options and entertainment south of State Street, where a button is not required. Buttons can be easily purchased ahead of time at any area Kwik Trip or Festival Foods as well as Explore La Crosse, and Altra Federal Credit Union. If that’s not convenient enough, buy a button online and pick it up at the main gate when you get there.

Eat all of the food

One of the perks of working at a downtown business during Riverfest is spending your lunch hour there and eating all the scrumptious food. Nowadays, there is even a “food finder” on the event website so you can decide what you want to eat ahead of time. Like any festival, some things change from year-to-year and other things stay the same. Rocky’s famous cheese curds are always a must. Timmers Meat offers bacon on a stick and isn’t everything better with bacon? Still not what you are looking for? How about batter fried mac and cheese from Stumpy’s? That’s right, we said it.

You are getting very sleepy  

Riverfest wants to be a family festival, and the amount of kid-friendly acts they schedule is proof of that. Go watch people get hypnotized. Or go to a magic show. Go see the dancers, the strongmen and the jump-ropers. There is music and inflatables. And it wouldn’t be Riverfest without local clown, Kenny Ahearn, who got his start more than 25 years ago when a college professor told him he should audition for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus and write a research paper about the experience. Ahearn has been entertaining people across the globe ever since. It’s family entertainment at its finest.

Set up your blankets for the fireworks show early

Festival organizers will allow attendants to set up their blankets and tarps during the day of the Fourth to stake a claim for the fireworks show, which starts at 10 p.m. Just don’t try to set up a spot any earlier as they don’t want people causing long-term damage to the grass in this city park. Your best bet is to have a group of people sitting together so you can all take turns hanging out there throughout the day to protect your territory. Yes, it’s a fabulous show that can be seen from many other places including the sidewalk of the Cass Street Bridge or in a boat on the Mississippi River, but I’d argue it is best enjoyed lying on your back on the grass in the center of Riverside Park. And don’t forget you need a button to access that premier grass north of State Street. Bug spray is also nice to have. Then get ready for the big boomers.

It’s all about that bass

For some, Riverfest is all about the music. They have big name acts, local acts – you name it. This year’s big attraction is popular country artist Morgan Wallen, There is a lot of other music to choose from if country isn’t your thing. Come listen to the combination of rock and blues that the Tragic Americans produce. Piano man Ryan Howe is a singer-song writer who offers a diverse repertoire. Slow No Wake has become a new local favorite as they rock out classic tunes of 70’s AM gold and 80’s backseat listening. Bring chairs and blankets if you like. You’re bound to find something of interest. Besides, live music is awesome no matter the genre.

If you would like to create a detailed plan of all the food you want to eat during Riverfest, or want to see an entertainment schedule, visit the Riverfest Web site at www.riverfestlacrosse.com or the Riverfest La Crosse facebook page.

Disclaimer: This is just my perspective on La Crosse County events, businesses and activities. I’m only one local opinion. Explore the rest of the site to learn more on those that I’ve missed.

Anastasia Penchi is graduate of UW-La Crosse and a long-time Coulee Region writer who has written for area newspapers and magazines (www.loislaneforhire.com).

Driftless Music Festival Announces 2019 Line-up

Viroqua will again be alive with the sound of great music when the Driftless Music Festival (DMF) celebrates its 8th anniversary on Saturday, July 13. Join us at noon for lunch provided by our amazing selection of food vendors then stay for the music starting at 1pm in Eckhart Park adjacent to the Vernon County Courthouse on Decker Street.

Dedicated to the proposition that great cities have great music festivals, the DMF will, as usual, feature a diverse array of musical genres, all by some of the finest talent across the Midwest region and beyond and it’s FREE.

The music starts at 1pm with The Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers bringing a brand-new take on old-time country. Their music recalls classic hillbilly music, while bringing a distinctly modern and lively touch to the Americana genre.

At approximately 2:30 Honky-Tonk Jump takes the stage playing swingin’ Texas dance hall music in the tradition of Bob Wills, Milton Brown, Ernest Tubb and Spade Cooley with a sprinkling of Hank Williams and other early honky-tonk legends.

Following Honky-Tonk Jump, Orquesta MAS fills the stage with 12 musicians that know what they’re doing when it comes to Latin Rhythms. It will definitely be time to put your dancing shoes on.

Our featured band this years comes from Lincoln, Nebraska. R&B experts say this about Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal: “If James Brown and Otis Redding had a love child, it would be Josh Hoyer. The Lincoln, Nebraska, soul shouter, and his band of merry soulsters, Soul Colossal, deliver a sound so big, so funky, so wring-the-sweat-out-of-you energetic that it reaches through the speakers and shakes you until you start moving to its groove.”

As the sun goes down and the lights come on, we close the festival with gospel group The Brotherhood Singers, a jubilee-style, a cappella, sacred gospel quartet from Kentucky. This will be an incredible end to a thrilling day.

More than 100 sponsors and donors underwrite the cost of the Driftless Music Festival so that these musical offerings can be heard for free. More information about the Festival, or about becoming a donor to support the event, is available at driftlessmusicfestival.com or by email to driftlessmusicfestival@gmail.com. You can donate by sending a check to DMF at 314 Minshall Ave. VIroqua, WI 54665 or, if you wish, click the Paypal donate button at the bottom of this email.

5 Things to Know: Restaurant Week

 Restaurant Week La Crosse | April 22-28, 2019

Restaurant Week La Crosse is a week-long food festival, celebrating local restaurants and eateries in La Crosse County, Wisconsin. During Restaurant Week visitors and locals may enjoy three-course meals along with wine, whiskey, and beer pairings, and chef demos.

Special menus

During Restaurant Week visitors and locals may enjoy three-course meals along with wine, whiskey, and beer pairings, food-related tours, chef demos, speakers, and cooking classes. Restaurants may also choose to offer several package meals with different prix fixe menus.

All day food options

Hungry for breakfast this morning? Looking for lunch for a particular work client later in the week? Or maybe it’s time to take that special someone out for a fancy dinner? The nice thing about a week long festival that centers on eating is that if you don’t want to go out to eat today, there are still several days left to do it.

Ignore those New Year’s resolutions

Do you really care if you haven’t been perfect in the resolution department? Who is? Or, maybe you are one of those “good-on-your-resolution” people? If so, stay in a downtown hotel and pair the festival with a commitment to explore some of the great outdoor activities La Crosse County has to offer. Hit the state trails for a stroll or Hixon Forest for a great hike. Bring your bikes and enjoy the La Crosse River Marsh Trails, the possibilities are endless and you won’t feel so bad about that big 3 course meal you’ve had or are planning to have.

End the Week with a Bang

BEER WINE CHEESE, ENOUGH SAID 

Pearl Street Brewery Celebrates 20 Years

Pearl Street Brewery Celebrates 20 Years of Brewing Craft Beer in La Crosse, WI.

Pearl Street Brewery prepares a very special release of a Kentucky Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout in celebration of twenty years of brewing beer in La Crosse, WI.

Deux Decadence was brewed one time only to celebrate deux decades of brewing beer in Pearl Street Brewery’s beloved city of La Crosse, Wisconsin. After spending so much time brewing tens of thousands of barrels of beer and creating countless variants of so many beer styles, from the comfortable to the absurd, they decided this beer was worthy of such a milestone. It’s been a great ride and they are looking forward to the next 20 years.

This big ‘ol Imperial Stout features rich, decadent notes of chocolate, caramel and coffee, Aged for six months in fresh, Kentucky bourbon barrels* 12% ABV Pale Malt 50% Caramel 60L 13% Carapils Copper 30L 4% Blackprinz 11% Lactose 9% Maltodextrine 9% Bittered with Centennial to 73 IBU Suitable for indefinite cellaring.

*They just put their 25th Anniversary beer into bourbon barrels for a 5-year rest.

Deux Decadence will be previewed at their private 20 year celebration Friday, February 8 and for public sale at the 20th Annual Winter Ball Saturday, February 9th at Pearl Street Brewery. 22 ounce bombers will hit shelves Monday February 11th at retailers in WI.

Pearl Street Brewery’s original brewhaus was opened in the basement of the Bodega on the corner of 4th and Pearl Street in 1999 by Brewmaster and Founder Joe Katchever and his dad Tony Katchever. The inaugural tapping of their first keg was tapped by then Mayor John Medinger.

In 2004, Joe Katchever moved the brewery to a distribution center on front street while he searched for the perfect new home for his growing brewery. In 2005, Katchever, along with business partner Tami Plourde, started construction on their second location at 1401 Saint Andrew Street in the Historic La Crosse Footwear Building. In 2006, they opened their taproom to the public with an expanded brewery housing a 20 BBL system. In 2007, they bought a bottling line and began distributing their beers. In their home market, they were excited to partner with fantastic retailers such as Festival Foods, Woodman’s, People’s Food Co-op and Kwik Trip.

By end of 2018, Pearl Street Brewery was widely distributed through most counties in Wisconsin, Southeast Minnesota and Northern Iowa and growing.

As they look to the future, they want to take time to celebrate this milestone in true Pearl Street Brewery fashion. Beers, bands and more beer!

They will host a private 20 year anniversary celebration Friday February 8, 2019 which features beer and special food pairings from Chef Jorge Guzman from La Crosse Distilling Co., Chef Chris Roderique from Piggy’s, Chef Carmen Borsdorf from Pogreba, Chef Nicole Elliot from The Damn Tasty and Chef Brian Plum from The Waterfront Restaurant. They will pair with special sneak previews of the Winter Ball beers brewed just for this celebration.

Don’t miss Pearl Street Brewery’s 20th Annual Winter Ball celebrating 20 years of brewing in La Crosse.

When: Saturday, February 9, 2019 from 2p-10p

Where: Pearl Street Brewery 1401 Saint Andrew Street La Crosse, WI 54603

What: 5 Special Beer Releases: Roarin’ Red Lager Al Caporter DreamSIPA Funktorious Deux Decadence; 4 Live Bands:Gentlemen’s Anti-Temperance League Pat Ferguson & The Sundown Sound Greg Balfany’s Little Big Band Kinfolk Soul Music How Much:

Tickets are available on Pearl Street Brewery App or at Pearl Street Brewery – $40 General Admission – Souvenir Glass, 5 beers, 4 band $60 VIP – Early Admission, Souvenir Glass, 5 beers, 4 bands, FREE Growler Coupon, Free food while it lasts.

James Beard Nominated Chefs Cook a Feast for Mid West Music Fest

On Tuesday, February 26, La Crosse Distilling Co. will host the Fieldnotes Dinner Series to benefit the Mid West Music Fest, a non-profit, multi-venue, multi-genre music festival held in downtown La Crosse, Wis. and Winona, Minn. since 2010. The event will feature a one-of-a-kind, six-course meal prepared by chefs from the three renowned restaurants, La Crosse Distilling Co., Viroqua’s Driftless Café, and Milwaukee’s DanDan, and paired with craft beer and La Crosse Distilling Co. spirits.

The cost is $150/person and includes a six-course meal, drinks, music, a two-day pass to Mid West Music Fest (value $50) and all gratuity. Tickets are now on sale for the formal dinner fundraiser, and seating is limited to 40 guests. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. with seating promptly at 6:15 pm with dinner beginning at 6:30 pm. There will be pre and post dinner music by Milwaukee Americana band Buffalo Gospel.

Fieldnotes Dinner Series brings together some of the best in the industry, including the distillery’s Executive Chef Jorge Guzmán, who specializes in Mexican cuisine made from the freshest locally sourced ingredients. In addition to being a James Beard Best Chef Midwest finalist in 2017, Guzman has been featured on The Food Network and in Travel & Leisure, Time Magazine and Food & Wine.

Guzmán will be joined by chefs Dan Van Rite and Dan Jacobs from Milwaukee’s award-winning restaurant DanDan, which specializes in Chinese cuisine and Luke Zahm of Viroqua’s farm-to-table Driftless Cafe. These three chefs have been recognized as semifinalists in the Best Chef: Midwest category of the James Beard Foundation.

Tickets are available at www.midwestmusicfest.org or eventbrite.com.

The chefs are donating their time and talents to cook up this delicious event menu.

1st Course – Jorge Guzmán
Albacore Agua Chile
ember-roasted cucumbers | yogurt | lime | mint

2nd Course – Jorge Guzmán
Charred Radicchio
pine nut mole | dill | smoked onions| black garlic

3rd Course – Luke Zahm 
Beet Cured Salmon
masa | white pine broth | serrano & ground cherry salsa | achiote
4th Course – Luke Zahm
Duck
squash & goat cheese gnudi | kale | guajillo demi

5th Course – Dan Van Rite & Dan Jacobs
Koji Pork Collar
celery root | pipianroja | pumpkin seeds

6th Course – Dan Van Rite & Dan Jacobs
Milk Chocolate 
white sesame crunch | tahini ganache | pocky

About Mid West Music Festival 
Mid West Music Fest was born in 2009 when AmeriCorps volunteer Sam Brown was stationed in the historic city of Winona, beautifully nestled between the bluffs and the Mississippi River. Now entering its 10th year, Mid West Music Fest is a 4-day, two-weekend event with more than 100 acts and a dozen stages between the two historic cities–including many special events and collaborations throughout the year. The mission of the MWMF is to promote music and art in the region, creating opportunities for artists, stimulating downtown economic development, and providing diverse educational resources for artists, community members, and children. Learn More at www.midwestmusicfest.org or on Facebook.

About La Crosse Distilling Co.
Opened in August 2018, La Crosse Distilling Co. (129 Vine St.) is La Crosse’s first distillery. The 10,000 sq. ft. distillery offers handcrafted, organic spirits, tours and a tasting room serving specialty cocktails, lunch and dinner. Learn more at www.lacrossedistilling.co or on Facebook orInstagram.

Contact info:
Parker Forsell
MWMF Executive Director
608-498-0268
parker.f@midwestmusicfest.org