Ninth annual Art of Beer at NACC

Tired of winter? How about some brews, food, music and art for a good cause? The Art of Beer - the annual fundraiser for the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center - returns from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27.

Now in its ninth year, craft beer lovers, supporters of neighborhood revitalization, and those who appreciate great food and music will transform the former Niagara Falls High School into a beer lover's paradise, reports the NAAC's Kelly Lang Buckley. More than 20 beer and food vendors will line the halls of the landmark building that evening.

"(We expect) a dozen different culinary selections and over 50 varieties of beer, including some of WNY's newest microbrews," Buckley said.

And that's not all. "The entertainment this year will rock!" she said. 

Look for some blues and classic rock compliments of Electric Rodeo, while stunning fashion and wearable art creations come strutting down the stairs.

"The Wearable Art AOB collection will feature 'brew night'-inspired clothing and accessories," Buckley said. "This new addition to the annual Art of Beer, sponsored by Hip Gypsy and Mary Grace Design Studio, is the perfect complement to the returning collection of brewing art and memorabilia on display courtesy of the Simon Pure Collection."

Beer-making demonstrations by Niagara Tradition Home Brew will be back by popular demand. Meet local brew masters and learn how to make your own beer at home. One patron will take home a brew kit.

Tickets for this event are priced at $30 advance or $35 at the door. Visitors must be 21 or over to attend. The admission ticket includes a collectable tasting glass, beer tastings, food tastings, entertainment, and brew-making demonstrations throughout the evening.

This year's Art of Beer participants include: Alternative Brews, Barker Brewing, Big Ditch Brewing Co., Tim Hortons (Niagara Falls locations), Buffalo Wild Wings, CB Craft Brewers, Chateau Buffalo, Community Beer Works, Certo Brothers Distributing, Consumers Beverages, Flying Bison Brewery, Old First Ward Brewing, Pan American Grill & Brewery, Pearl Street Grill & Brewery, Woodcock Brothers, Resurgence Brewing, Try-It Distributing, Brickyard B.B.Q. & Pub, Chipotle Mexican Grill, the Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls, Niagara's Honeymoon Sweets, the NACC Artisan Café, Red Coach Inn, Hard Rock Café, Great Lakes Brewing News, Simon Pure Collectors and Niagara Tradition Home Brewing.

Free parking for the event will be available across the street from the NACC at the corner of Walnut Avenue and Portage Road.

And for those who want to really make a night of it, Buckley said the NACC has it covered: overnight packages available from the Red Coach Inn.

"This year, the Red Coach has partnered with the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center to offer an exclusive Art of Beer experience," Buckley said. "This package includes deluxe hotel accommodations, tickets to the Art of Beer, transportation to and from the event, as well as breakfast prepared by the Red Coach Inn house chef."

Tickets for the Art of Beer can be purchased at the NACC, 1201 Pine Ave.; Niagara Tradition Home Brewing Supplies, 1296 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda; Marketside Restaurant, 712 E. Market St., Niagara Falls; or online at www.thenacc.org via PayPal.

For more information, call the NACC at 716-282-7530 or Niagara Tradition at 716-877-8767.