Thursday, July 30, 2015

PUBlication: Brew Detective

Georgetown Brewing | Seattle WA
Georgetown is on the up and up. No, not that one, I'm talking about the south Seattle neighborhood. When I lived up there it wasn't as hip. Now it's bustling with brew pubs and artists. Georgetown Brewing is one of the establishments that has helped to reshape this district, both physically and socially. I recently had the chance to enjoy their Lucille IPA.

Georgetown has done one hell of a job blending Columbus, Centennial, Amarillo, Simcoe and Cascade hops into a well-crafted IPA. The initial fragrance is a mixture of leafy-earth and citrus, creating a vibrant nose. A refreshing detour from those that smell too piney. On draught it settles into a golden-orange. Bitterness prevails early, lingering a bit before almost disappearing. It has a slippery quality to it, perhaps due to lower carbonation, which I liked. Lucille can be appreciated by hop-heads or the curious. Enjoy this IPA when given the chance. 7% | 85 IBUs 

eightychoices.

Saturday, July 25, 2015

de Young

J.M.W. Turner: Painting Set Free | Herbst Exhibition Galleries

J.M.W. Turner
Almost hidden in Golden Gate Park is San Francisco's de  Young museum. Currently there are a couple of exhibitions worth noting.

Imagination and technique, Mr. Turner had his way with both. He is often regarded for his portrayal of light and celebrated as one of the greatest British painters of the nineteenth century. Painting Set Free focuses on his late career, an era punctuated by motifs of nature, history, and theology. Running through September 30th click here for tickets. Enjoy the fine arts museums of San Francisco.


                                                                                                                                                        
Shaping Abstraction | Gallery 11
B. Diller | Second Theme #272 | ca. 1934-36


Drawing from the early to mid 20th century, the American Abstractionists presented in this de Young exhibition, are the New York-based artists who helped to drive the explanations of abstraction. Shaping Abstraction offers some robust examples of the art that would spawn The AAA. American Abstract Artists (AAA) pushed for the acceptance of this art form in the U.S. Many of the works are gleaned from generous local collections. This event runs through August 30th.


eightychoices.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Far West Fest

Far West Fest | Point Reyes
West Marin has plenty of adventure to get caught up in. The Far West Fest is this weekend at Love Field in Point Reyes. Surely one of the better festivals in Marin, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the event, which has raised over $300,000 for local charities. Four stages of live music is always a welcomed destraction. Ozomatli and the Monophonics will probably draw the largest crowds. Local bands such as Aaron Harris & the Bad Farmers, El Radio Fantastique, and the Kyle Martin Band, will hopefully grab the attention of festival goers. 


Fresh oysters, cold Lagunitas and Iron Springs beer, delicious wine and camping, in case you're having too much fun, are available on site. The event begins at 10am and runs through 7pm. If you don't have any weekend plans consider attending the Far West Fest this Saturday, July 25th. Enjoy.

eightychoices.

Saturday, July 18, 2015

PUBlication: Hops of Wrath

Hops of Wrath | Dust Bowl Brewing Co.
Those at Dust Bowl Brewing know how to embrace legacy. Their flagship IPA, Hops of Wrath is a delicious staple found in our local market. Trust me, it tastes good. Besides, it's inspired by the families who moved west

When cracked open you get that distinct IPA nose, yet it's not too bold. Once poured, the clean golden hue produces a faint aroma from the malt character. The resulting head showcases the nice level of carbonation. It's mildly sweet on the palette and smooth on the back end. It's subtlety is its strong point—even with five varieties of hops. I mean come on, with a name like Hops of Wrath. As the good people at Dust Bowl like to say, Turn it wrong side up...responsibly6.6% | 50 IBUs

eightychoices.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Local Flavor

Cloverdale hosts The Stone Foxes this Friday. After attending the blistering performances by JP Harris & the Tough Choices, as well as, Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds, I plan on making each Friday Night Live that grabs my attention. The Stone Foxes are a no frills rock and roll band who hit hard and go fast. That sounds good doesn't it? There's no opener at this week's show, so be sure to get there on time (7pm). Below are a couple of tracks to tempt your appetite. Speaking of which, there's a food tent that serves up some of the best grass fed burgers I've had in Sonoma County. There's no shortage of munchie options. I also recommend walking down to the artisan end of the farmers market, which boasts an inspiring minimalistic potter and a handmade soap stand—our two favorite vendors. Enjoy live music and eat good food while supporting local farmers and artisans in Cloverdale. See you there.

The Stone Foxes | Psycho


The Stone Foxes | I'm A King Bee


eightychoices.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

The Lowest Pair

The Lowest Pair
 Olympia and Minneapolis, two places I know something about. They also happen to be the cities in which The Lowest Pair call home. Kendl Winter and Palmer T. Lee craft American songs as their harmonies drape over the twang of two banjos. His Midwestern croon meshes seamlessly with her penetrating vocals, an assemblage that is hauntingly beautiful. They have smithed two records; 36¢ and The Sacred Heart Sessions—the latter was recorded in Duluth, MN at an old church. Bending like the hanging limbs of a willow tree, their music sways along the lines of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, with lyrical honesty resembling Townes Van Zandt.

This well traveled duo is currently on tour. They play at the enchanting Viracocha Wednesday night (15th). I thoroughly suggest making this engagement if time permits. The setting and the sound will surely subdue. On Thursday (16th) they play at the Fifth Street Farms in Berkeley. After a quick run to British Columbia they return for the Redwood Ramble in Navarro, CA. Go see something new, go feel something with meaning, go support The Lowest Pair.

The Lowest Pair | Rosie


eightychoices.