Elfreth's Alley Museum Brew Fest 2011

 Originally posted on the Elfreth's Alley Museum Blog

The mercury has lowered and the leaves are changing, it's October and that means that something wicked this way comes. And by wicked, I mean wicked awesome. In less than a week, the Elfreth's Alley Museum will present Brew Fest 2011, a celebration of our city's sudsy past, present, and future.

During a tour of the museum at Elfreth's Alley, many are surprised to learn that beer was the beverage of choice for Philadelphians of all ages back in colonial times. This little tidbit is much less shocking than the reasons why! Philadelphia has always been a beer haven, from it's first European settlers in caves along the Delaware River right through Prohibition and into the modern trends of micro-brewing and home-brewing.

CHATS
Attendees of Brew Fest will get all the juicy details regarding Philadelphia's rise to prominence in the brewing world. America's best tour guide and noted historian Edward Mauger will discuss Philly's role as the beer capital of the colonies. Also on hand for a chat will be Mixed Pickles director/president of the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides, Bob Skiba, discussing the Prohibition Era of bathtub booze and speakeasies. With all of that history, we will also get into current events with a talk on pairing beer with delicious food from the experts at Triumph Brewing Company as well as a quick lesson on how to start home brewing from Saint Benjamin's Brewery.

BREWS
Once your thirst for knowledge is quenched, it will be time for the beer. Leading the charge of participating breweries is our proud sponsor Triumph Brewing Company. With several locations throughout the Delaware Valley, including right around the corner on the 100 block of Chestnut Street, Triumph is a great spot to try some of America's freshest micro-brews while enjoying some particularly delicious eats. Neighborhood restaurant Race Street Cafe will also kindly be donating a couple of kegs to our cause. Joining Triumph and Race Street will be the pirate-friendly brewers of Heavy Seas out of Baltimore and up-and-coming local favorite Saint Benjamin's Brewery. With such a wide selection of beer, you are sure to be satisfied!

GRUB
With the Autumnal Equinox behind us, it would be remiss not to pay homage to the great German tradition of Oktoberfest, albeit a few weeks late. Therefore, to accompany the stellar brews being served there will plenty of snacks to please your palate. Chef Walter Staib of City Tavern and A Taste of History fame is generously donating his delicious German sausages to be grilled on site. If tubular meets are not your thing, feel free to chow down on some soft pretzels, a Philly tradition brought over by early German settlers.

TUNES
Beer, food, and a little bit of learning would be enough for most people, but the Elfreth's Alley Museum wants to give you more. So in addition to all of the above, troubadour Joe Becton will be on hand to entertain you with tavern tunes both past and present as a group of Philadelphians compete to determine who has the best home brew. The winner will be determined by a panel of judges including Elfreth's Alley Association board member Danniel Gaidula, GEDO Project co-founder Adam Piazza, Elfreth's Alley Museum docent Karisa Blake, Saint Benjamin's Brewery founder Timothy Patton, Port Richmond Pour House owner John Boswell, former bartender/current teacher Alyssa McIntyre, and Brian Krisch, who has worked at too many Philadelphia cultural institutions to name.

SWAG
Finally, we have one more thing for you to look forward to for this year's Brew Fest. Each person who purchases a ticket to the event will automatically be given a raffle ticket. Prizes to be raffled off include cases of beer, books autographed by the authors, souvenirs from the Museum Shop at Elfreth's Alley, gift cards to local businesses, tickets to events, and more. There is also the soon-to-be-legendary Swag Wagon. The Swag Wagon is a wagon chock full of all of the aforementioned prizes. One lucky winner will walk home with that wagon. To increase your chances of winning, you can purchase more raffle tickets throughout the evening!

We here at the Elfreth's Alley Museum are eagerly anticipating this huge event and hope to see you there. We also encourage you to visit the links in this article as we would not be able to host this event without the help of all of these wonderful organizations.

SCHEDULE:
6:00 - Doors open
6:15 - Welcome/Food Pairings
6:45 - Home Brew How To
7:15 - Philadelphia: The Colonial Beer Capital
7:45 - Prohibition Preview/2012 Plans
8:00 - Raffle Prizes and Home Brew Competition Winner

Get your TICKETS here!

Pickelodeon: PYT

Welcome to Pickelodeon, a little feature where we review all that is reviewable in the world. Pickelodeon is your one stop shop for the inside scoop on the best restaurants, bars, movies, music, events, and anything else you want to hear someone else's opinion on before you try it. Drop us a line in the comment box for any suggestions on what we should review next!

PYT

After reading several reviews of Northern Liberites' most banging burger joint, PYT, it occurred to me that I had yet to review it myself (save for this blip here), which is inexcusable. For an entire year, as I lived in South Carolina, I heard friends raving about this new place at some Piazza that opened up weeks after I left Philadelphia. For one whole year, I heard hype upon hype upon hype about how amazing PYT was, from the menu to the atmosphere to the staff. A twelve month stream of Facebook messages, texts, calls, and more all  hailing this bar as the greatest thing since beer. Yet somehow, despite the mountainous heap of praise I heard, once I experienced PYT for myself, it managed to surpass any hype I had heard. Let me break it down for you.

Mixtape Madness #3: MMP vs. BBG vs. JRK

According to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never finished. You never know when you will come across a song that changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the writer does not claim to be an expert.

MMP vs. BBG vs. JRK Mix

 

Over the past year I have been invited to and attended a few MMP or MMP vs. BBG parties. I have to admit, they're a lot of fun. MMP of course is Madonna, Michael, and Prince whereas BBG typically refers to Beyonce, Britney, and Gaga. Often, these parties are touted as "guilty pleasures." But I say, why feel guilty about pleasure? And why limit yourself to just six artists? So, were I a DJ, I'd expand this party to include JRK (Jay-Z, RIhanna, Kanye) and add Matt & Kim and Passion Pit to the MMP, and finally, replace Britney with Biggie. 

Now, I will stray a bit from our typical Mixtape Madness format for this mix. For one, I did not limit myself to the length of a tape or CD. This is a party mix that deserves a little more time. Plus, I am now the proud owner of a sweet iPod stereo system so look for longer mixes in the future as well. Secondly, seeing as this mix is quite long, I won't be explaining each song and its position, just a few here and there. With that being said, get ready to shake it to the What's MMP vs. BBG vs. JRK mix!

1. "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
2. "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson - To this day, one of my all-time favorite songs. 
3. "Ray of Light" by Madonna
4. "Hypnotize" by the Notorious B.I.G.
5. "Beware of the Boys" by Jay-Z and Panjabi MC
6. "Gold Digger" by Kanye West and Jamie Foxx
7. "Sleepyhead" by Passion Pit - If you ever have the chance to see these guys live, do it. It's an amazing concert experience.
8. "Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare" by Matt & Kim - See #7.
9. "Single Ladies" by Beyonce
10. "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson 
11. "Hung Up" by Madonna - Thanks to Abba, Madonna's only decent song in years.
12. "Little Secrets" by Passion Pit
13. "Daylight" by Matt & Kim
14. "99 Problems" by Jay-Z
15. "Number One" by John Legend & Kanye West - Kanye's verse on this song is hysterical.
16. "Vogue" by Madonna
17. "Naughty Girl" by Beyonce
18. "Run This Town" by Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West - Had to include this one with the entire JRK represented.
19. "Please Don't Stop the Music" by Rihanna - I love the nod to MJ in this track.
20. "Shake Your Body" by the Jacksons - There are few songs I'd rather hear at a party than this one.
21. "Let's Go Crazy" by Prince
22. "La Isla Bonita" by Madonna
23. "American Boy" by Estelle and Kanye West
24. "Lessons Learned" by Matt & Kim
25. "On To The Next One" by Jay-Z

Weekly Top Five - 17.Dec.10

In  High Fidelity, the characters compare their top fives in a variety of categories. Being big fans of both the film and novel, we here at the What bring you our Weekly Top Five, a feature focused on five fantastic things that you should become familiar with.

Staff Holiday Party Don'ts

 

With the holiday season in full-swing, it's about the time during which companies host their annual holiday parties. Often one will here tales of some outrageous behavior from these parties and my be inclined to participate in said behavior. What you need to remember is that while you may not be working, you will be surrounded by coworkers, supervisors, and executives and your behavior should be appropriate for this crowd. With that in mind, here are five things to avoid at your holiday party.

5. Talk the taboos: Shop, Sex, Politics, Religion - This rule can be limiting, but it has to be done. The office party is no place to discuss your views on sex, politics, or religion. Furthermore, avoid "talking shop" at all costs. Yes, you are with coworkers. But this is not work. You are all there to have a good time, not to talk about what you do at work all day. Everyone already knows what you do, find something that is interesting without being controversial to chat about and you will be set.

4. Stick to one group - Although this is somewhat contrary to the above rule, this is still an office function that can lead to some great networking opportunities. Don't limit yourself to your work friends, you'll talk to them Monday morning. Mingle! Socialize! Introduce yourself to people, strike up conversation. I'm not saying you should go up to the boss and casually slip in mention of a promotion, but a little chat could go a long way. Keep the conversation polite, intelligent, and light, and most importantly, be the one to initiate it and end it. It will look good on your part that the people you work with and for see you as someone who can interact with everyone in the organization.

3. Dress like a fool - "Dress festive." Two very simple words that are often misinterpreted. Imagine this: It's March and your up for your promotion. Do you want your boss to remember you as the guy from the holiday party with the musical tie or the girl with the reindeer antlers or as the young professional who was dressed to the nines? Gents, keep it simple with a shirt and tie, perhaps even a vest to spruce things up a bit. Ladies, a nice cocktail dress (err on the conservative side for this event) will do just fine. Red is a good color for anyone to wear to a holiday party. Oh, and no sweaters.

2. Hook up - Holiday parties can be full of temptations. Avoid them. I don't care how hot any of your coworkers are, now is not the time or the place to set such escapades in motion. If someone attractive catches your eye during the office shindig, leave it at a nice compliment about how they look that evening (keep it PG) and maybe save the rest for a few weeks into the new year when you ask if they'd like to get a drink after work some time.

1. Get drunk - I get it, open bars are tempting. You've been spending all of your hard-earned money on gifts for friends and family and, quite frankly, you deserve free booze! As much as it pains me to say it, it's best to avoid the bar at your party. Maybe have a drink or two to serve as a sort of "pre-game" for an after party at a local bar, a neutral territory where you can let loose a bit more.

A staff holiday party can be a lot of fun. It gives you the chance to show off a side that may not be well known to your coworkers. It also provides an opportunity to subtly impress the decision-makers where you work. Just remember to keep it simple and respectable, and you should be alright. Have fun!

Mixtape Madness #2: The Dinner Party Mix

According to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never finished. You never know when you will come across a song that changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the writer does not claim to be an expert.

The Dinner Party Mix

There are few things more enjoyable in life than good company, a delicious meal, and the right selection of music to accompany it. While almost any Steely Dan album or the soundtrack from An Education usually fit the bill just fine, sometimes it's nice to liven things up with a little variety. In this particular mix, we try to mix together some of the classics with a few more modern tunes to deliver a classy and eclectic mix to accompany your dinner party.

1- “Scenic World" by Beirut

"Scenic World" opens with such a deep, rich sound it immediately strikes the listener as unique while still conveying a certain feeling of comfort and relaxation. This is one of the more modern songs on the mix, but it still manages to hold its own with some of the standards we'll hear later on.

2- “Red Rabbits" by the Shins

After the Shins exploded with the release of the Garden State soundtrack, I really enjoyed listening to them. For whatever reason, I did not come across this song until a couple of years later. The depth and vibrancy of "Red Rabbits" picks up right where "Scenic World" left off, and should fit in well as you and your guests finish off your appetizers.

3- “Sweet Nothins" by Brenda Lee

Just as your clearing the appetizers and making way for the main course, this fun little song pops up. I rediscovered this song after seeing An Education, and it fits well with the rest of the mix. It's a bit more upbeat than the first two songs, and it will certainly lighten the mood and pep  up the conversation at the dinner table.

4- “The Only Living Boy In New York" by Simon & Garfunkel

Although we just brought the tempo up on the last song, we tone it back down a notch with this mellow tune from Simon & Garfunkel. This will help lower the noise level as you serve the main course while providing a little background music as you and your guests put the conversation on hold to sample the meal.

5- “Coming Home" by Mel Tormé

Listen to this song and try and tell me there is a hipper, more swinging tune than this one. This song brings the tempo up without really raising the volume, and will most likely be a hit amongst your friends who are jumping into the 1960's craze caused by Mad Men.

6- “Volare" by Dean Martin

It would not be a dinner party without Dean Martin, and this is Dean Martin at his best. Your guests will be tapping their toes to this crooner's smooth melodies as they chomp down on the meal you prepared. This is especially good if you cooked an Italian meal.

7- “Backyard" by Guster

After a couple of classics, we're going to bring it back to a more modern feel with this song from Guster. Again, we bring the tempo up a bit, this time with a slight increase in volume. This song will flow nicely with the progression of the meal, the conversation, and the party as a whole.

8- “For Once In My Life" by Harry Connick, Jr.

"For Once In My Life" is such a happy, fun, and lovely little tune. It has that classic big band and crooner sound, yet is still technically modern as it was released in 2004. Fun Fact: Harry is halfway to his EGOT with three Grammy awards and one Emmy.

9- “I've Got You Under My Skin" by Frank Sinatra & Bono

Here's another song that bridges the gap between today's music and the classics. Bono's voice compliments the Chairman's surprisingly well, and this song is probably one of the best from Sinatra's many duets.

10- “Fall To Pieces" by Patsy Cline

Out of everything on this mix, this is one of maybe two songs that doesn't quite fit with the rest. I felt the need to include it because Patsy Cline has a fantastic voice, and this particular song provides a good example. It's also closer to a ballad, having a little less twang than a lot of her other songs, making it a good fit for your dinner party and adding to the eclectic nature of your music selection.

11- “Both Hands" by Ani DiFranco

This mix truly has a little bit of everything on it. "Both Hands" is a simple, yet amazingly beautiful, song that should come up right as dinner is ending. As you retire to the living room or bring out dessert, your guests will be sure to ask you about this acoustic performance so they can download it as soon as they get home.

12- “Everlong" by the Foo Fighters (Skin & Bones acoustic version)

"Everlong" is one of the greatest songs ever written. If you don't agree, it doesn't matter. Bob Dylan does. Dylan asked Dave Grohl to show him how to play "Everlong" so that Dylan could play it on tour. All of that aside, it truly is a beautiful song, and this acoustic version will fit right in with the rest of the tunes on your Dinner Party mix.

13- “C'est Si Bon" by Eartha Kitt

What better to accompany dessert than the sultry purr of Eartha Kitt (in French no less)? Well, I couldn't think of anything either, and hence this fun little classic makes its way onto the mix. Fun Fact: Eartha Kitt provided the voice for the villain Yzma in one of the best Disney movies, The Emperor's New Groove.

14- “Beyond the Sea" by Bobby Darin

Whether they know it or not, everyone loves this song. It serves as the perfect bridge between the last and next songs, creating the ideal atmosphere for coffee and conversation after dinner.

15- “The Bare Necessities" by Harry Connick, Jr.

Many of the Disney movies of the 1960's and 70's had a jazzy feel to them and were crying out for a big band cover. Leave it to Mr. Connick to give us just that. This is how "The Bare Necessities" was meant to be performed.

16- “Feeling Good" by Nina Simone

How will your guests feel after a marvelous meal and delicious dessert? They'll be feeling good. So when Nina Simone belts out these awesome lyrics, you're guests will know exactly how she feels.

17- “Wouldn't It Be Nice" by the Beach Boys

Like "Fall To Pieces," this doesn't exactly sound like the rest of the music on this mix, but like "Beyond the Sea," everyone likes this song whether they realize it or not. Everyone can empathize with this song on some level, and it's sure to leave smiles on your guests' faces.

18- “Sunday Kind of Love" by Etta James

With so many amazing singers represented, it would be remiss to forget Etta James. As much as I love "At Last," I feel like "Sunday Kind Of Love" fits the bill much better here while still displaying Etta's impressive pipes.

19- “Volare" by Ximena Sariñana

This song is optional, but let me explain while I include it. First of all, "Volare" is a fantastic song when sung well, as it is here. Secondly, almost everyone who has listened to it with me instantly imitates Ximena's voice, leading to a comedic note to end the mix on.

Once this mix ends, if the party continues, pop in some Benny Goodman or Glen Miller. You could also opt for one of the albums mentioned at the beginning of the article. Either way, enjoy your meal and enjoy the Dinner Party mix!

Check out our other Mixtape Madness mixes here!

Mixtape Madness #1: The What's 2010 Summer Party Mix

According to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never finished. You never know when you will come across a song that changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the writer does not claim to be an expert.

2010 Soundtrack of Summer

Each year toward the end of April/beginning of May I find myself yearning for summer weather and its associated activities. It is at about that time that I begin work on the 120 minutes of music that will define the season. Following is the track list for this year’s soundtrack of summer, an ideal mix to play at your summer kick-off bash.

1- “Rastaman Chant” by Bob Marley and the Wailers

This song is the opening track off of a live Wailers CD I picked up at a Starbucks. A British gent introduces the band, and after some applause, the drums bring you into a perfectly chill groove. This song is ideal for summer activities such as drinking a rum-based drink near a body of water or driving nice and slow down the street hoping to catch the eye of the cute guy or gal sitting on their front stoop.

2- “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” by Crosby, Stills and Nash

I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that after years of enjoying CSN (even seeing them live once) that I never noticed the final part of this suite was in Spanish. For those who are not aware, a suite is a piece of music broken into several smaller parts. This four part song details the break up of Stephen Stills and his girlfriend at the time. The acoustic guitar and classic CSN harmonies make this a great song to play at a BBQ, especially when followed by this next song.

3- “Armada Latina” by Cypress Hill featuring Marc Anthony, Pitbull, and Stephen Stills

After the previous song builds towards its Spanish finale for six and a half minutes, this song continues where it left off. With Stephen Stills playing guitar and providing backing vocals, Marc Anthony singing the chorus, and Pitbull adding a verse, Cypress Hill may have created the perfect summer song. The percussion really adds to the summertime feel of the tune and Anthony is doing what he does best, singing in Spanish. If you can picture yourself poolside downing Coronas and/or tequila when this song comes on, you must be a winter person.

4- “Stunned Out” by Paula DeAnda featuring Young Joc

While I am not a big fan of people trying to bring back the eighties, I do really enjoy this song, which practically samples the entire decade. This is the type of summer jam that conjures images of a bunch of people dancing on a deck somewhere. It’s a fantastic party song that is sure to be enjoyed openly by the ladies at your fete, and secretly by the lads.

5- “Bedrock” by Lil Wayne and Young Money

Guys, before you pass judgment on this song you need to realize it combines two things you probably love: sex and video games. The lyrics are all about promising the lady in your life an evening she’ll never forget. Now, listen to the beat and tell me it wasn’t made with Mario Paint! This song was made to play toward the end of a party so you can remind your significant other what they’re in for once the party’s over.

6- “I Want You” by Savage Garden

I promise you that if you play this mix at your party this summer, the party will be remembered as epic and a lot of the reason for that is this song. This mix has been constantly spinning in my car for over a month now and every passenger falls in love with this song. The song delivers a simple message in a complex way, which is to say the singer pretty much rattles off a bunch of nonsense, including something about Cherry Cola, all to say that he wants you. This is a fantastic tune for any summer dance party.

7- “Little Secrets” by Passion Pit

This song has a fantastic beat and high-pitched singing, what else could you need? Besides being a great dance song, this song will help bring your party together. Your party-hardy friends are already on the floor at this point, and this song will keep them there as your hipster friends join in. This is the song that throws your party into full swing.

8- “Ambling Alp” by Yeasayer

The bubbly noises that kick this song off will remind everyone to rehydrate, and then thirty seconds later the synths and drums show up and reinvigorate the dance floor. Aside from keeping your party going, this song has a good message about looking out for number one and is the perfect catalyst to shedding those cold-weather blues away.

9- “Audience” by Cold War Kids

I must admit that the dance party will wane a bit when this song comes on, but don’t worry, it’ll pick up again in about three minutes. In the meantime, this awesome song will allow for some conversation, giving people a chance to get to know each other a bit more. So while this doesn’t necessarily fit the mold of a summer dance party, it’s a catchy song that will have people trying to sing along by the time it fades to the end.

10- “The Opposite of Adults” by Chiddy Bang

With a sample of MGMT’s “Kids,” this tune is going to send your party into the next gear. Pay careful attention to the lyrics when these two Philly boys slam suburban schlub Asher Roth and his terrible song about college. The kicking beat and fantastic rhymes in this song will make it a winner amongst your friends, who will all be amazed by your ability to find the best songs ever. For the record, this is another great song to rock out to while driving slowly and showing off your indie cred.

11- “Bullet Proof” by La Roux

Once this song plays, you will have a full-fledged dancing party that will not end. This is a fantastic dance groove guaranteed to get your guests singing and dancing their butts off, and really, isn’t that the goal of this party?

12- “California Girls” by Katy Perry and Snoop Dogg

Like “Bullet Proof,” this is a hot club song right now that will serve as the musical fuel to power the fire that is your party. Seriously, take a listen and close your eyes, I know you can picture people in swimsuits dancing and singing along to this. Unless of course you are the aforementioned winter person, and should that be the case, I’ll have plenty of those mixes for you in about six months.

13- “Giving Up the Gun” by Vampire Weekend

I realize that not everyone is into the type of music in the last two songs, so this should appease them. It’s another great tune that will bridge the gap between your guests’ varied tastes in music. The echoey vocals conjure up visions of summers past, and in the future when this song comes on, your guests will think of you and your awesome party.

14- “Lollipop” by Mika

Flamboyant vocalist? Check. References to candy? Check. Thinly veiled sexual innuendo? Check. Sing-along chorus and a booty-shaking beat? Check. I really don’t know what else needs to be said about this song.

15- “Kiss, Boy” by Kate Nash

Every dance party needs a song with a decent brass section, and here’s yours. At this point, you’re an hour into the party and people are having so much fun, that you just may get the kiss that Kate sings about wanting.

16- “Lay Me Down” by the Dirty Heads featuring Rome

Normally, this song wouldn’t really be one for dancing. But at this point in your fiesta, it will do the trick. Besides, no summer mix is complete without Sublime, or in this case, a Sublimesque song featuring their new singer. Also, if you’re talented like that, this wouldn’t be a bad song to play on the boardwalk with an acoustic guitar and your stoner friend playing his djembe.

17- “Sweet Dogs” by Trolle//Siebenhaar

This sweet, relaxing song is a carried by a simple, yet kicking drum beat. Likewise, it’ll carry your party along nicely, allowing your guests to slow down and dance a little closer without a vibe-killing slow jam being brought into the mix. Plus, it will add another point to your indie cred scoreboard, if that’s your thing.

18- “Story of My Life” by Social Distortion

I heard recently that people either love or hate Social D with little middle ground. Despite that, the guitar riffs in this song have the summery vibe necessary to carry this mix onto its coda.

19- “Only the Good Die Young” by Billy Joel

This could be a regional thing, but I’m pretty sure everyone loves Billy Joel. This tune is all about a guy convincing a girl to get frisky with him, and let’s face it, half of your guests are doing the same thing. Impure intentions aside, this song is a fun way to cap off the summer mix.

Now that the mix is over, pop on any local radio station that broadcasts a DJ set from a club, and that will carry your party well into the night. Feel free to leave suggestions for other themed mixes in the comment box. Until next time, that’s your Mixtape Madness.