I drove down to Los Angeles to see the live show for the new documentary film, Beer Wars, by Anat Baron, because I thought it would be fun to see it live, which it was. I got to hang out in the green room before the show and then later saw the satellite truck where the show beamed out across the country. It was definitely worth the long drive.

It was held at Royce Hall on the campus of UCLA.

After a screening of the film, a panel of personalities featured in the film held a live panel discussion, hosted by Ben Stein.

Ben Stein, with Charlie Papazian and Greg Koch.

Sam Calagione shaking his head, with Rhonda Kallman seated next to him.

The set for the live show was pretty cool, especially this video monitor built to look like a fermenter with video of beer bubbles when it wasn’t showing the interstitials.

Greg Koch talking with his hands.

Afterwards, watching the satellite feed go out live in real time to the west coast theaters, where it was shown on a tape delay.

This is the same view, but with flash.

When the live show was over, a reception was held at Royce Hall featuring beer from the breweries featured in the film.

The whole brewing gang from Stone drove up for the premiere.

Later, we enjoyed some tasty brews at the Blue Palm Brewhouse, a great beer bar in Hollywood.

Todd Alstrom and Rhonda Kallman at the Blue Palm.