9 replies to this topic

[robert@lockdown]

Hey all,

 

Who had a chance to make it to the Folsom Rhythm & Brews fest this weekend?

 

As Lockdown was a sponsor and helped put together the beer side, we are gathering info and taking it back to the producer.

 

What did you think?  Thoughts?  Recommendations?

 

I realize I may be opening a can of worms here, so be easy, it went very well for a first year event.

 

Mary of Carrera Productions is committed to taking all input and making next years event even better.

 

Cheers!

 

Robert

[Dave Burrell]

Hi Robert,

I was there - sporting my Lockdown shirt

 

I thought it was a very good event and it seemed well planned out. My favorite part was that there were a lot of really good brewers there with excellent beers. I thought the prices for tastings were fair and I was happy that there was a lot of good choices. The food was good (Chicago Fire, Whole Foods, and more).  The music was excellent, there were some pretty good bands playing all day. (stages were setup at both ends of the event)

 

I saw Tony G and a few other friends there, it looked like it was a very good turn out for the day, the event got fairly packed as the day went on, but it didn't get out of hand.  The crowd was all mixed ages and everyone seemed to be having a good time.

 

I hope Carrera Productions plans to make this an annual event!

[4thgenFolsomite]

How did it compare to Folsom Live?

[Steve Heard]

Hey all,

 

Who had a chance to make it to the Folsom Rhythm & Brews fest this weekend?

 

As Lockdown was a sponsor and helped put together the beer side, we are gathering info and taking it back to the producer.

 

What did you think?  Thoughts?  Recommendations?

 

I realize I may be opening a can of worms here, so be easy, it went very well for a first year event.

 

Mary of Carrera Productions is committed to taking all input and making next years event even better.

 

Cheers!

 

Robert

 

I worked the morning, but made it down for about an hour, to see Chris Cain.

 

Overall, I was impressed with the event. There was a large crowd, lots of smiles and laughter, and great music. I don't do beer very much any more, so I didn't drink.

 

I ran into Cvanderveen and his lovely wife.

 

My only suggestion would be to get some seating in there.

 

I do hope this is an annual thing.  

 

How did it compare to Folsom Live?

 

Totally different thing/vibe. 

 

Beer lovers vs. party lovers. Day event vs. night event. Much smaller scale, a lot more vendors. A lot of kids, which doesn't usually happen at Folsom Live. Seemed to be 2 different factions; beer fans and blues fans. I go to quite a few blues events and as is usually the case, the crowds around the stages seemed older than those in the beer areas.  

[4thgenFolsomite]

Sounds like a great event!  Wish it was on Sutter Street, actually instead of the rock and roll party-hardy event.

[The Average Joe]

I went early and caught the last of the first blues act, Chris Cain and Curtis Salgado.

 

Here are my observations. First, let me say I hope they continue this event as it has great potential. The music was fantastic, the beer selection was outstanding, and the food was better than average fare for that type of event. The crowds were well behaved, and it was a pretty good turnout, especially for a first time event. Overall, I had a really good time.

 

Now the bad. My day started off poorly when I waited half an hour in a very long line to get a wristband, only to be told once I got towards the front that it was a "cash only" line and I would have to move to the (also very long) credit/debit line. After waiting through that line, I was almost at the register, and they started shuffling people from the cash line directly to the register in front of me if they only had debit/credit. I was not pleased. I spent 45 minutes in the very hot sun waiting to get my wristband. Several people in line in front of me got so disgusted/hot that they left the line and sought their beer fortunes elsewhere.

 

I also thought 25.00 for less than 2 pints total was a bit on the steep side, but I guess they have to use the tickets to keep the knuckleheads from going crazy with all you can drink "free beer." I bought an extra 9 tickets so I could have 4 pints during the day...still 9.00 per pint. Pretty typical for "event" pricing, but I guess I was more used to something like the EDH Wine and Art walk where it's just a flat fee for a wristband (that takes 5 minutes to get) for all the tasting you want... no tickets required.

 

I will say that the 4 oz samples were often generously poured, and some venues really weren't paying much attention to tickets. Twice I had to remind them to take my tickets. Lockdown had a good IPA, but sadly, their Scottish Ale was absent.

 

The only other letdown was that the event ran completely out of beer sometime after 4. One person we met up with had a dozen tickets or so, and could not find a place with any beer left. I don't remember the exact time, but I want to say 4:15- 4:30 ish. He was a bit bummed. Our understanding was that they would stop serving at 5:00.

 

The first few hours were pretty hot, but once the sun lowered enough to have the buildings provide shade, it was pleasant.

 

Highlights for me were talking to a bunch of new people, Cain's Barefootin/Spill The Wine fusion(?) and Salgado's 12 minute or so Too Loose jam/freestyle.

 

Suggestion: Have at least triple the beer ticket sales booths, make sure the vendors have enough beer, keep the great music, and this will be a winning yearly event.

[Steve Heard]

Highlights for me were talking to a bunch of new people, Cain's Barefootin/Spill The Wine fusion(?) and Salgado's 12 minute or so Too Loose jam/freestyle.

 

 

 

Say whattt??? I figured 'Barefootin' was the closing number and I left before it was over. I barefooted my way to the car and took off. I should have stuck around.

 

I missed Curtis Salgado. Had a date with my daughter.

[dimeracer]

I thought the event overall was great as well, and I look forward to next year. Yes, the wristband line needs to be improved, and the beer ran out early. I think there should have been a few more food choices. We ate at Free birds for the lack of much being served outside. It was hot, with not much shade to be found. I think that with the really nice lighting at the Palladio, it would be a great venue for this event at night, say from 5-10 pm.

[tessieca]

We came a little late, so unfortunately some of the breweries were already out of beer.  Good to have a not to high temperature.  Worth trying another year.

[tgianco]

Had a blast. Great hanging with you again, Dave.

 

Beer choices were great. Music choices were great.

 

Like the others said, the only negatives were the initial line to get your pint, wristband and drink tickets. Also, there was absolutely NO advantage for my advance purchase. In fact, you were actually penalized in that you had to pay a $1 convenience fee. Maybe next year, there should be the option to actually print your drink tickets from your online purchase, too... just something to make it even somewhat advantageous. Barring that, maybe set up the tents to puchase tickets like they do for the EDH Art and Wine, which I know she runs, too.

 

Great event, though... lots of fun, great music, great beer and very friendly, diverse crowd. I didn't sense ANY attitude from anyone. The day time event probably keeps people on a more even keel in that regard.