2012 Live@5 recap and a worthy cause.

When the incoming administration of Mayor Jeff Gahan conceived of the Live@5 concert series, NABC agreed to obtain the necessary state permits and to vend craft beer at these Friday afternoon events. Other vendors, including Irish Exit, Wick's and River City Winery, participated at various times, offering a diversity of potables and involving others within the community.

There are as many points of view as attendees, but overall, the idea was a good one, perhaps in need of tweaking ... as are most first-time events.

From the start, it was my intention to devote a percentage of our beer sale proceeds to a worthy local cause: The soup kitchen at St. Mark's United Church of Christ, which is located just across Spring Street from Bank Street Brewhouse.

Accordingly, I'm pleased to divulge that the total, rounded up, came to $400, which I delivered to Pastor Manzo earlier in the week. Perhaps this will suffice for a week or two; it's a big undertaking, indeed, and one meriting your attention. Thanks to all Live@5 organizers and attendees, and to the NABC staff.

We're giving away 100% of beer sales from the Live@5 finale this Friday.

As previewed earlier in the week, Live@5's last show of the season starts on Friday at 5:00 p.m. with the band Wax Factory. The venue is the 400 block of Bank Street, and there'll be NABC craft beer for purchase until 8:00 p.m.

NABC appreciates being included in Live@5. Since inception this year, we've said that a percentage of our summer's profits from beer sales at the event would be given to a worthy local cause. Consequently, I'm pleased to announce that 100% of sales this Friday night will go to the general fund of the soup kitchen at St. Mark's United Church of Christ, Bank Street Brewhouse's neighbor across Spring Street.

If sales on Friday night do not reach the pre-assigned season's percentage, or if bad weather comes through -- whatever -- then we'll just top off the total. But it would be the most fun of all if a big crowd comes down, enjoys Wax Factory, and contributes to the cause. You needn't overindulge. Just have a cup or two.

NABC will be pouring this weekend at the Horseshoe Casino, Live @ Five and Rock the Rocks.

It started in early May, and by most calculations, the event season should be winding down, but it doesn't feel like it.

On Friday night (September 28), there's an opportunity to pair local beer and local music at the Horseshoe Casino. It's a fine and progressive idea, and I'll be on hand Friday night to take in the scene. The four NABC beers on tap will be: Black & Blue Grass, Community Dark, Hoosier Daddy and Tafel Bier.

Also on Friday night:

Live@5's last show of the season starts on Friday at 5:00 p.m. with the band Wax Factory. The venue is the 400 block of Bank Street. NABC's Rosa L. Stumblebus will be on hand to dispense soul-enriching craft beer.

And then on Saturday, the 29th, the scene shifts to Clarksville:

Saturday, September 29, 2012, 6:00 to 10:00 pm

• Live music by Appalatin
• Mayan fare from Terri Lyn's Catering by Design
• Bourbon and tequila tastings by Jim Beam Brands
• Craft beer tastings by New Albanian Brewing Company
• Wine sampling by Horeshoe Bend Winery

Tickets are $75 each in advance, $100 day of event, $600 for a reserved table of 8
Proceeds to benefit the Crossroads Campaign for New Exhibits

Order Tickets Online Now

Free Parking Shuttle from Clarksville Aquatic Center to the Falls

Thanks to our sponsors - American Water Company, Duke Energy, The Estopinal Group, Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County, L&D Mail Masters, Louisville/So. IN Chapter of IUAA, MAC Construction, Raymond James: Morgan Keegan, Solid Light, Inc., Town of Clarksville, and Your Community Bank.

The park's website provides further details.

Live @ Five takes August off, to resume in September.

The city of New Albany is pausing its Live @ Five concert series, and according to this press release, the series will resume on Fridays in September at downtown New Albany locations yet to be determined.

When it does, NABC will be on hand with locally-brewed beer.

Live@5 Schedule Changes

Today, City Officials announced that the Live@5 Concert Series will wrap up in September, rather than the previously planned August. Both the weather and the return of the school year were cited as reasons for the break, along with wanting to host City Events come fall.

“We will not be holding Live@5 during the month of August, both to allow the extreme heat that we have been experiencing to subside, and to allow families some time to adjust to their new schedules with the return of the school year,” began Mike Hall, City Operations. “With the summer months winding down, we at the City also wanted to host some events in the fall for citizens to enjoy leading up to Harvest Homecoming.”

“Live@5 will resume in September to escape the August heat and to coincide with cooler outdoor temperatures in the run up to the Harvest Homecoming Festival,” stated Mayor Jeff M. Gahan.

Live@5 is scheduled to return on September 7th. The City of New Albany will a also be hosting its Labor Day Celebration on Saturday, September 1st at the scenic, New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater. To best keep informed on the new lineup for Live@5, along with all City of New Albany news, please “like” the City’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/NewAlbanyIN and visit the City’s website at CityOfNewAlbany.com.

Bomber Blonde comes to Bank Street Brewhouse and Live @ Five, this afternoon.

Previously, I explained about craft beer at the ballpark in 2012, with the Dubois County Bombers and NABC pairing for a second season to provide an alternative to mainstream lager at League Stadium in Huntingburg, Indiana.

Now the baseball campaign is winding down, the players will soon return to their college squads, and NABC still has a few kegs of Bomber Blonde in stock. It's time to see what New Albania thinks about this beer, our first-ever Blonde Ale (BJCP category 6B), and so we're putting it on tap today (Friday, July 27) at Bank Street Brewhouse.

Bomber Blonde also will be pouring at this afternoon's Live @ 5, which moves back to the 400 block of Bank Street, between the Carnegie Center and Bank Street Brewhouse. NABC, Wick's and River City Winery will be vending adult beverages, perhaps with Habana Blues, seeing as their mojitos went over quite well at last week's event.

Henceforth, Bomber Blonde always will be known as such when on tap at Dubois County Bombers games. Tony Beard used NABC's familiar 15-B Vargas Girl and dressed her in a slightly more family-friendly way for use as the mascot of Bomber Blonde (above). However, NABC might select a different name for in-house use. As always, you are advised to stay tuned as we flip coins and consult our Ouija boards.

June 29: The heat is on, and so Live @ Five is off.

This means Live @ Five takes two weeks off, returning on July 13.

PRESS RELEASE
June 27th, 2012
For Immediate Release
Contact: Michael Hall

Due to the extreme heat expected to hit the area this coming weekend, the City of New Albany has decided to postpone the Live@5 concert scheduled for this Friday, June 29th.

With temperatures expected to reach between 100-105 degrees on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Mayor Jeff M. Gahan is urging residents to stay cool, hydrated, and indoors during this heat wave. Given this fact, city officials thought it may be best try to reschedule at a later date for the safety of the attendees, event staff, and musical acts.

“With temperatures over the 100 degree mark, serious precautions need to be taken,” stated Mayor Gahan. “Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to remain hydrated, and do not forget to use your sunscreen if you have to go outside. In addition, please check on your neighbors throughout the weekend – especially the elderly.”

Mayor Gahan also stressed the importance of taking extra precautions while transporting infants and young children in vehicles during the summer heat.

Coming up on the City of New Albany’s Summer Entertainment Schedule is the annual Independence Celebration hosted at the scenic Riverfront Amphitheater. The event will take place on Tuesday, July 3rd, and will feature five musical acts and a large fireworks display. The event starts at 5pm, and is kicked off by Uncommon Sense, a Rock School band from Jimmy’s Music Center in New Albany. Fenderilla, another Rock School band from Jimmy’s will follow, with local band Violet Knives taking the stage after that. Olivia Henken will take the stage for an hour and twenty minute set, followed by The Louisville Crashers.

Live@5 will return regularly on Friday, July 13th. For more information, be sure to keep up-to-date with the City’s website and Facebook page.

The NABC beer and event weekend ahead.

Here is a collection of headlines hinting at the numerous places where you can drink NABC beers during the next few days while recreating in the great heated outdoors. Note also that the Dubois County Bombers host Springfield on Friday evening, June 22nd. We're there, too.

Live @ Five returns to the 400 block of Bank Street this Friday with Jimmy G and the Sidewinders.

"LIBA kicks off 'Independents Week' a little early with the Louisville Brewfest," coming June 22.

The Public Art Walk is this Saturday (June 23), with accompanying NABC beer garden and live music.

Black & Blue Grass at Iroquois for Counting Crows, June 25.

Live @ Five summertime Friday concert series shifts to the 400 block of Bank Street.

Friday, June 15 - Live @ Five
Friday, June 22 - Live @ Five
Saturday, June 23 - Bicentennial Public Art Walk Party

On the afternoons/evenings listed above, the 400 block of Bank Street will be closed to permit block parties sponsored by the city (on the 15th and 22nd) and the Bicentennial Public Art Project (on the 23rd). There will be musical entertainment and NABC beer at each of these events, so come out and enjoy them before, after and during your visit to Bank Street Brewhouse.

Obviously, these events will affect BSB's customary street parking, but the usual surface lots will be available for use via the two-way alley behind Bank Street Brewhouse (between Banks and Pearl Streets).

There are other available surface parking lots within a block’s walk of this spot, and throughout downtown New Albany. These events provide an excellent opportunity to park your car somewhere and stroll the re-emerging historic business core.

Read the city's press release here.

NABC to pour Progressive Pints at city's Live @ Five events (Fridays this summer).

(The poster has nothing whatever to do with Live @ Five, but it reminds us of Wisconsin's recall election today, and it will annoy elected Republicans, as well as this foodie stalker dude named Steve H)

Last Friday (June 1) saw the inaugural edition of New Albany's summertime Friday concert series opener, Live @ Five. It was an encouraging beginning.

This week on Friday, June 8, the series continues with Smokin' Joe, and at the same location: A temporary downtown venue formed by closing a section of Market Street (including the State Street intersection). The party runs from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and once again, the city encourages parking in the city's parking garage at the corner of State and Market, or at the foot of Pearl Street in the lot by the levee. Of course, street parking is nearby, as well.

The next two Fridays (June 15 and 22nd), Live @ Five will shift to a different location: The 400 block of Bank Street and adjacent parking lots behind the Carnegie Center will be combined to create the party space. Most readers know this area as comprising the street and territories directly adjacent to NABC's Bank Street Brewhouse at 415 Pearl.

Naturally, Bank Street Brewhouse will be open for business as usual, serving food and beer, during the two Friday evenings when Live @ Five is taking place next door. However, it won't be possible to combine the two licensed premises or take beers back and forth between them.

Fortunately, NABC's Rosa L. Stumblebus draft truck will be vending NABC beers at these Live @ Five events. To access NABC's approved parking lots during the time when Bank Street is shut off, just use the alley between Bank and Pearl (from Elm eastbound, and Spring westbound).

At this time, I believe NABC will have Rosa at hand for pouring beer at all of the Live @ Five gigs, which will run through August. It is likely that these will remain  primarily on Friday, but they might be rotated to other days of the week, and they will be moved from place to place downtown.

The city's Live @ Five press release and video are here, and following are two scenes from June 1.