Discover 'The Art of Beer' at the NACC

Submitted by Kelly Lang Buckley
Director of Development & Marketing
Niagara Arts and Cultural Center

Every year on the first Friday in March, the local community comes together to support the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center – and to raise a glass in the old high school, both to remember the past, and to help build the future of the historic building.

Hundreds of kind and generous business owners, artists, musicians and volunteers donate food and beverages, along with their time and talents, to create an evening of good cheer for a great cause that is not to be missed.

This annual "The Art of Beer" event started 18 years ago, and has been going strong ever since. It was even voted Best Longstanding Fundraiser by Buffalo Spree Magazine (and this year is on track to be even better)!

On Friday, March 1, while at the NACC, guests will be treated to a unique experience as each ticket gives access to over 100 tasting options from 32 different breweries, wineries and restaurants. Patrons also have access to NACC art galleries, several artist studios, and live music on multiple stages. There is even a karaoke lounge.

Some of the highlights of the event will be a new beer created just for the event by Brickyard Brewing Company, and a culinary tasting menu donated by Sēvā restaurant.

According to Sēvā Kitchen & Bar’s executive chef, Candice Creamer, “The Art of Beer” tasting menu of crab and asparagus risotto, butter chicken, and pastelillos, reflect the new international flavors being launched at Sēvā this spring.

Also, thanks to the Discover Niagara Shuttle, patrons to “The Art of Beer” will now have plenty of free parking, and guests will arrive in style! Guests may park for free and can then take a complimentary Park and Ride Shuttle, wrapped in the artwork of Niagara Falls painter Polly King, directly to the front door of the NACC.

The Discover Niagara Shuttle service will run 5:30-9:30 p.m. It will have four stops: The Amtrak Station on Portage Road, Haeberle Plaza near Oakwood, The Niagara Arts and Cultural Center red door, and the entrance to voco The Cadence Hotel at 200 Rainbow Blvd.

“The Art of Beer” … beer guys: Front row, from left: William Veltri (owner, Cheap Thrills Entertainment (karaoke) and Kevin Leary (Niagara Arts and Cultural Center executive director); and back row, from left: Chris Budde (Owner, Brewed and Bottled Craft Beer Shop), John Meteer (owner, Hammer and Crown Brewery) and Tom Smith (musician, The DC Suits).

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Tickets are available for sale at the following local partner locations: The Craft Kitchen & Bar, Power City Eatery, voco The Cadence Hotel, The Gold Bar, Judas Tree, The Red Coach Inn, Brewed and Bottled Beer Craft Beer Shop, Niagara Tradition Home Brew and the NACC. You may also purchase online at www.thenacc.org/events.

The event is expected to sell out.

Below is a list of participating partners:

•Beer, Brews, Wine & Cider: 12 Gates Brewing Co., 1911 Established Distillery, 42 North Brewing, Big Ditch Brewing, Black Willow Winery, Blackbird Cider, Blake Cider, Brickyard Brewing Company, Clarksburg Cider, Community Beer Works, Ellicottville Brewing, Flying Bison, Founders Brewing, Great Lakes­, Hamburg Brewing, Hammer & Crown, Heron Hill Wine, One-Eyed Cat, Resurgence Brewing, Rusty Nickel, Southern Tier Brewing, Victorianbourg Wine Estate, Woodcock Brothers, Spot Coffee and Tim Hortons Café (Niagara Falls).

•Culinary Pairings: Sēvā @ voco The Cadence, 773 North, Gold Bar, The Archives Pub, Brickyard Pub & BBQ, Fortuna’s Restaurant, Frankie’s Donuts, Hard Rock Café, Honeybees Cakery, Judas Tree, Niagara’s Honeymoon Sweets, Platters Chocolates, Power City Eatery, Red Coach Inn, The Craft Kitchen and Bar.

•Live Music – 4 Stages: Captain Tom & the Hooligans, Market Research, The DC Suits , Moxy Cabaret, The Snobknockers, TnT Band, & Cheap Thrills Entertainment – Karaoke

•Open Studios, Galleries & Displays: Culver Ceramics, The Thursday Painters, Brave Spirit Arts, Conte Art Studio, BfloGALS Jewelry, Artists of Color Art Exhibition, Greater Niagara Ballet Company, Western Door Theater, Pathways Writers Group, Lion’s Club, Niagara Brewery Collectibles Club, Simon Pure Collectors, Kissed by the Sun Spices, Rough Cuts by Joe, Discover Niagara Shuttle, Discovery Map of Niagara Falls, Niagara Tradition Home Brew Supplies.

•Hotel Packages: “The Art of Beer” package: two “AOB” tickets, accommodations at the voco The Cadence, free parking with validation from voco The Cadence, free shuttle service to “AOB” afterparty at Sēvā, and an invitation to its “Saturday morning boozy brunch.” Your hotel reservation will automatically reserve your Discover Niagara Shuttle seats.

•Hotel Discount: Already have tickets? No sweat. This hotel package has “AOB” guest rates that include accommodations at the voco The Cadence, free parking with validation from voco The Cadence, free shuttle service to “AOB,” free shuttle service to the “AOB” afterparty at Sēvā, and an invitation to its “Saturday morning boozy brunch.” Your hotel reservation will automatically reserve your Discover Niagara Shuttle seats.

The NACC is located at 1201 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls; online at www.thenacc.org; and via social media: www.facebook.com/TheNACC // @Niagara_Cultural // Youtube.com/NACCNews.