'Art of Beer' returns to NACC on March 8

From 6-9 p.m. Friday, March 8, craft beer lovers and supporters of neighborhood revitalization, and those who appreciate great food and music, will pack the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center for the 13th annual “Art of Beer” fundraiser. More than 60 craft brewers and chefs will line the halls of the former Niagara Falls High School, 1201 Pine Ave., as it is transformed for a night into a beer lover's paradise.

The “Art of Beer” will feature a dozen different culinary selections and over 100 varieties of beer, including some of WNY's newest microbrews.

Tickets for this fundraiser are $39.95 in advance, or $45 at the door. Patrons must be 21 or over to attend. The admission ticket includes: a collectable tasting glass, beer tastings, food tastings, entertainment and brewmaking demonstrations throughout the evening. For those looking for a VIP experience, overnight packages, which include transportation, are available from the Red Coach Inn. For the full menu and list of breweries, restaurants and artists, visit www.thenacc.org.

“The entertainment for this 13th annual event is the best we have ever had!” said Kelly Buckley, development director and event organizer. “The music, dancing and art exhibits during this fundraising event help celebrate the extraordinary talents of the WNY region, and offer guests a sample of the amazing experiences that are offered here in at the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center everyday.”

Blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and cosmic soul music will flow from four stages located throughout the NACC, courtesy of local musicians Bobby Skrzypek and The Pedestrians, Rusty Nickel, Station Wagon, The Current, Tiger the Lion and Moxy Cleveland Cabaret.

In addition, just to “shake it up” a bit, the Townsend Gallery will host special performances by the Belly Dance Academy Dancers, and Fleuron Rouge, while the Garden Gallery will feature a “Silent Disco” by In Your Ears Events.

Traditional art will also play a large roll in the event, too.

“You can’t have the ‘Art of Beer’ without art,” Buckley said.

A unique exhibit of brewing art and memorabilia will be on display, courtesy of the Simon Pure Collection, and Glen Miller Guitars. Live portraits will be created by artist Geri Lee, while a collection of beer keg tables, metal art and paintings by Ken Newton and Brandon Farrell of Buffalo Brew Fab will be for sale.

One lucky person will even be able to win the 2019 “Art of Beer” “mascot,” the one-of-a-kind sculpture created for this event. The unique collectable highlights local brew culture, depicting various local brews and breweries on a five-foot metal buffalo signed by local brewmasters. The proceeds from the raffle ticket sales will be divided between the NACC and Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Tickets for the “Art of Beer” can be purchased at the NACC, at Niagara Tradition Home Brewing Supplies (1296 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda), Brewed and Bottled Craft Beer Shop (402 Center St, Lewiston), or online at thenacc.org. For more information, call the NACC at 716-282-7530 or Niagara Tradition at 716-877-8767.

“Art of Beer” discounts on accommodations are available by asking for this specific rate at the Quality Hotel & Suites At The Falls, and Wyndham Garden Hotel.

Grand Island’s 773 North will participate in this year’s “Art of Beer” event at the NACC. General Manager Katie Kielaszek and her team will be serving their 2019 WNY Soup Fest award-winning beef on weck soup. The restaurant is also known for its award-winning mulligatawny, which pairs apple, curry, chicken and rice. (Photo courtesy of Kelly Lang Buckley/the NACC)