Sunday Sip🍺

Celebrating community and craft with my Michigan beer family: I love you guys!

Welcome to the Sunday Sip! I want to share with you my twitterpation for my Michigan craft beer family. After all, July is Michigan craft beer month. So here is a love letter and a bit of the events that inspired it.

Celebrating community and craft with my Michigan beer family: I love you guys!

I’ve been scratching my head and smiling as I say to myself, “Man, you are one gifted son of a bitch!”. Now, before you go thinking, “Ah jeez, Chuck’s going to ramble on about how cool he is…we get it, dude…give it a rest.” No, no friends, this isn’t about me. Well, sort of, as every story is really about yourself, right? What I mean by gifted is that I’m the receiver of a gifted life. A life full of outstanding experiences and wonderful people. If you have a minute or two? As I can ramble…did you just hear Robert Plant? Me too…see what I mean! Anyway, if I haven’t lost you yet, let me share a love story.

I love beer. Not the same way I love Brenda, my family and friends, but I’m sure you understand the expression. I have a passion for beer. In particular, Michigan craft beer. The key word here is craft. The brewers in Michigan are the definition of craft. In case you are curious is:

Noun: An occupation, trade, or activity requiring manual dexterity or artistic skill

Verb: To make or produce with care, skill, or ingenuity

My deep affection for beer is more than the physical substance. While I love the taste, smell, feel, and even the way beer looks in a glass, what I love most is the community that beer engenders. Sure, there are times when you drink alone. (Don’t cue George Thorogood…that tune is not for me.) However, beer is typically a communal beverage. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, such as wine, cider, and coffee, can offer a communal aspect, but there is something special to me about beer. 

When I’m sharing beers with others, it is a chance to talk not only about the beers we are enjoying but also about the experiences we’ve each had with beer. From travels to various breweries to the memories of our first beers to the moment of discovery of this magical craft elixir, beer opens up conversations. Those conversations then expand into all facets of our lives while building relationships with those we are sharing with.

The spark of my desire to share with you my beer love story (beeromance?) was our recent trip up to the Upper Peninsula (U.P. for us Michiganders) to brew beer with our friends at Barrel + Beam and Kognisjon Bryggeri. Being in the company of friends who are not only world-class artists, but have a genuine love for you and your creative pursuits is invigorating. There were many occasions during our short romp in Marquette when I felt overwhelmed with gratitude and astonished by my great fortune to have these people in my life. 

We started our short U.P. trip by sharing a couple of beers with Kevin McKinney. We met Kevin years ago when he was writing for his online publication, Michigan Brewery Review. He is now the sales manager for Barrel + Beam in Marquette, where he is spreading the gospel of farmhouse beers far and wide. His love of beer reflects his love for life. With a winning smile, you can’t help but feel awesome around Kevin. 

The next day, we met up with master crafter and brewing wizard Kris Thompson at Kognisjon Bryggeri in Marquette. Our friendship and love for the people that make the Kog the Cog goes back to when they were in Ishpeming under the name Cognition. We met owner Jay Clancy, at the time, head brewer Brian Richards, and assistant brewer Kris Thompson. It was a match made in heaven. Do you know that feeling when you meet someone, and it feels like you’ve known them forever? Well, it was like that with the Kog team. Brian has since moved over to brew at North Peak, leaving Kris to take the helm at the Kog. Have no fear; Brian is still very much a presence at the Kog.

Last year, we added more members to our beer family, meeting Kog’s general manager, Janelle, and assistant brewer and man about town, Boldie. Janelle recently moved on to be the keeper of peace and pie at Peace Pie Company, but she will always be my beer sister. (Hell, she’s young enough; my beer daughter is probably more appropriate!) When mentioning our trip to Marquette to Kris, he said something to the effect of “We should do a collab.” I’m thinking, “Holy shit! Not one, but two Life In Michigan brews. How fucking cool is that!”  Our brew day with Kris at the Kog is a whole other story, but I can tell you that it was both very educational and a ton of fun. We made a Czech Pilsner using Michigan Saaz hops from Hop Alliance called Thermocline. Our beer will feature the stellar artwork of Craig Horky that he did for GIG - The Art of Michigan Music 2024!!!

Thanks to Kevin McKinney (Barrel + Beam sales manager extraordinaire), we met Nick and Joe, who are the brewers at Barrel + Beam. Nick happens to also co-own Barrel + Beam with his wife Marina. Nick and Joe are two of the nicest people you will ever meet. Once again, there was this instant feeling of kinship with Nick and Joe. They are both phenomenal brewers, with Nick having a talent for being able to explain all the technical details of brewing in a way that makes sense to someone like me who knows just enough about biology and chemistry to be dangerous.

As with the Kog, I won’t go into our brewday experience with Nick and Joe, as that is a whole story in and of itself. Both breweries are similar but different. The common denominator is brewers who are exceedingly talented, passionate, and friendly. Our beer, being born in a fermenter at Barrel + Beam is a Farmhouse Amber Ale made entirely with Michigan ingredients. It will be called Life In Michigan and features a few words about our collaboration as well as our logo. On top of that, the beer will be available in cans across the state! Holy Shit! 

I mentioned earlier that our friend Janelle, who had worked as the GM at the Kog, has moved over to keeper of the peace at Peace Pie Company. Before we headed out of town, we had a chance to stop at the shop. Not to be a broken record, but we’ll have a story soon on Peach Pie Company. What I do want to share is what a wonderful friend Janelle has become. A remarkable hard worker filled with joy and kindness, Janelle is keen to listen to your stories as well as celebrate and share your victories. Meeting her has not only added to the wealth of stories we’ve learned about life in Michigan, it has blessed us with someone who is one of our best cheerleaders as well as a great friend.

I started this ramble with you scratching my head and smiling upon the reflections of so many people who’ve shown us kindness and offered friendship. I think of the community of people I’ve met through the wonders of suds as my Beer Family. We often don’t tell those important to us how we feel about them, so I’d like to tell them all that I love you. Thank you for being a part of my life.

There are so many stories to share about my beer journey, but I don’t want to keep you for days on end. Perhaps if you found this story interesting, I’ll add more, such as the time when I discovered craft beer in a bottle of Seattle’s Red Hook ESB. Or how we became ensconced with the Michigan Brewers Guild. Let me know if that sounds interesting. Hell, I may tell those stories just because I can’t think of anything else to ramble on about.

GIG - The Art of Michigan Music - Artist

Not much new on the GIG–The Art of Michigan Music front, but plenty of action behind the scenes. I’m sort of floored by the amount of work that goes into putting on an event. This experience has definitely given me a new appreciation for all the moving parts. If you are going to the Ann Arbor Art Fair on July 18-20, head down to Liberty St between 5th and Division to check out the Manchester Underground Music and Art booth, where we’ll have some GIG postcards to share with you.

RED ALERT - SPONSORS NEEDED!!!

We are in the red. If you can help us out, hit the Be A Part of Gig page and get in touch with me via email (chuck@lifeinmichigan.com). Join the ranks of these kick-ass sponsors:  Dawn Corporate Giving, Experience Jackson, Ogma Brewing, Manchester Underground Music and Art, Michigan Music Alliance, ART 634, Life In Michigan, and Lucky Monkey Tattoo.

Upcoming Events You Won't Want to Miss

There is so much to share every week. If you have events that we missed, please be sure to post a note on Substack. 

Imminent Sonic Destruction at Chelsea Sounds & Sights on July 11th - The best summer concert series, Chelsea Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights, gets heavy and progressive with super metal band Imminent Sonic Destruction.

42nd Blissfest in Harbor Springs on July 12-14 - The Annual Blissfest Music Festival is a celebration of music, culture, art, and community featuring a world of diverse and innovative folk, world, and roots music, and dance at the Festival Farm in picturesque rural northern Michigan.

Kolsching Hour at Royal Oak Brewery on July 13 - Join us again on Saturday, July 13th, as we celebrate one of the Royal Oak Brewery's greatest traditions - Kolsching Hour!. We will be serving our delicious Kolsch beer in the traditional glasses on the Biergarten Patio (weather permitting) and offering up some delicious food specials. Once again, it's time to KOLSCH IT UP!

Detroit Oddities & Curiosities Expo 2024 in Novi on July 13-14 - The Oddities & Curiosities Expo showcases hand-selected vendors, dealers, artists, and small businesses with all things weird. You'll find items such as taxidermy, preserved specimens, original artwork, horror/Halloween inspired pieces, antiques, handcrafted oddities, quack medical devices, creepy clothing, odd jewelry, skulls/bones, funeral collectibles & much more.

Rip VanRipper + Drink Their Blood + Nethergate + Phantom in Grand Rapids on July 13 - Metal takes over the Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids with a stacked deck of heavy bands.

Mazinga / Scissor Now / Carbon Decoy / Caveman, Bam Bam & Alroy in Ypsilanti on July 13 - Get over to the fantastic Regal Beagle for a night of eclectic rock.

Solofest in Detroit on July 13 - At the Corktown Tavern, you can check out a festival dedicated to one-person bands.

Ann Arbor Record and CD Show in Ann Arbor on July 14 - Pick up vinyl treasure at this record show held at Weber’s Inn in Ann Arbor.

You've Been Here Before: Photography by Christopher Jarvis in Ferndale on July 14th - The Ferndale District Library will hold the opening reception for a photography exhibit by Christopher Jarvis. Christopher is an award-winning filmmaker, photographer, and musician based in Detroit. In July, he’ll have his first-ever exhibition of his breathtaking photographs on display at the Ferndale Library, each capturing dreamlike, surrealistic images of rural landscapes, desolate suburbs, and cityscapes, each echoing with the hints of a human presence or the subtle beauty of everyday life. This exhibit will run until August 11, 2024

Warhorses at Chelsea Sounds  & Sights on July 18th - Chelsea Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights charges with the psych rock of Warhorses as well as a bevy of other sounds and sights in Chelsea.

Save the Speakeasy Live Music Benefit at the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair - The Original on July 18-20 - The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair 2024 has generously partnered with Save the Speakeasy to bring our musical artists to the fair's Fountain Stage for a "stage takeover" each evening of the fair. The goal is to raise awareness and money for the campaign to help Ann Arbor's Johnny Williams rebuild his home (after a devastating 2022 fire) and restore the beloved, historic Johnny's Speakeasy.

Jackson Hot Air Jubilee on July 19-20 - The Jackson Hot Air Jubilee returns for the 41st year on July 19-21, 2024. Enjoy a variety of festivities, including car shows, vendors, family activities, and, of course, the beauty of multiple hot air balloons as they take to the skies over Jackson County, Michigan. For the second year, the Hot Air Jubilee acts as a finale event to the US Women's National Balloon Championship the week leading up to the event.

DIRK KROLL BAND live! @ EDO RAMEN HOUSE in Royal Oak on July 19 - The DIRK KROLL BAND drops back into Edo for the Rock 'N' Sushi showcase featuring horns, keys, and blended vocal harmonies: full band! Reservations advised. NO COVER CHARGE

Solar Drip / Carbon Decoy / Torch the Hive / Fellow Kinsman at The Old Miami in Detroit on July 19 - Rock out in Detroit!!

Fangs and Twang - FREE show at Mash Ypsilanti on July 19 - Howling good time!

Chirp wsg Sqwerv and Toed at The Blind Pig in Ann Arbor on July 20th - Get funky with Chirp and friends.

Ladyship Warship + Theandric + Lily Bones + Izak at Reware Vintage Berkley on July 20th - Get wild and crazy at Reware Vintage in Berkley.

7th Annual Detroit Festival of Books in Detroit on July 21 - Books, maps, comics, vinyl, and more fill Shed 5 in Eastern Market in Detroit. Check out our post from the very first festival :)

In Other News

I’m very intrigued at the prospect of off-road and snowmobiles going electric. UpWord had an interesting article on a charging network setup in Ontonagon County, which is the first of its kind in the states. Not technically news, but the latest season of the Bad Idea Social Club podcast has been excellent. Check out Aaron’s season finale episode with James Victore. This one was very inspiring, with the key idea being that your “work” is a gift. 

At Life In Michigan, we’ve got a recap of Sound & Sights on Thursday nights in Chelsea with our friends in Ladyship Warship, along with Cadillac Cowboys, The Devil Elvis Show, and the Ann Arbor School of Rock.

Substack Restack Attack

Substack is where it’s at. Check out these other superb publications:

Kalowski's Substack - The B-52’s by Kal Hodgson - I never was a huge fan of the B-52’s, but I very much enjoyed Kal’s energetic description of the band’s debut album. I especially love that Kal calls out the impact of the album cover and the artist behind the imagery.

Words and Pictures - Photo Essay: The Bounty of Early June by Pamela Levy - Wonderful photography featuring flowers from Pamela’s garden.

FLOW : Letters from the moss - Whispers in the gallery. What does your art & photography say about you? By Michela Griffith - I love this article on the concept of photography as a window and as a mirror reflecting the artist.

Playing in the Detroit Area Tonight—A newsletter of coming gigs to the Detroit area curated by the talented Jennifer Westwood. Pair this with the Sunday Sip and you’ve got a lot of events to keep you busy!

Adventures Yet To Print

Still waiting on our story about the Red Horse Center for Collaborative Leadership to come out on Rural Innovation Exchange. We are busy working on our outstanding stories, such as 24 hours in Allegan, a recap of Michigan Cider happenings, the brew days I mentioned earlier, as well as Peace Pie in Marquette. Plus, I’m going to work on a story about pickleball, beer, and the fantastic Wolverine Pickleball in Ann Arbor…stay tuned!!!

What Are You Reading?

For our neighborhood book club, I recently finished Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard. It started out a bit slow, and the narration (I listen to most books) was a bit flat and uninspiring. However, once you get past the first bit and crank up the play speed to 1.5x, the book moves along and is fascinating. I learned much about President Garfield, the dismal state of medicine in the U.S. in 1881, and the odd connection between Garfield and Alexander Graham Bell. The book also affirms that corruption and greed are pillars of the American government. As corrupt and insane as the current political debacle in this country is today, nothing has fundamentally changed. Greedy, rich white men controlled the country then, and they control it today. Crazy white religious zealots were part of the fabric of society in the United States then, and they are still here today spreading hate despite the fact that the person they claim to believe had a completely different mindset of love and acceptance. The silver lining is that there were rays of sanity, kindness, selflessness, and compassion then and now. I think we have to keep championing those qualities over the madness.

What Are You Spinning?

There was a talent contest in middle school one year, and this guy named Chuck Knight played “More Than A Feeling” by Boston. I remember thinking that he did a nice job cranking out the riffs in that ballad-ish rocker. Boston's debut stands the test of time. The playing on this album is great, with plenty of hard rocking riffs and killer tunes such as “Foreplay/Long Time” and “Smokin.” The band had a sound uniquely their own, in particular, the guitars of Tom Scholz and Brad Delp’s incredible voice. Just thinking about it as I write has me reaching over to give it another spin.

That’s A Wrap

That’s all I’ve got this week. Here is a picture of a cute bunny to send you off on your day. Thanks for reading!