The Celebrator Beer News held it’s 18th Anniversary Party Sunday evening at Trumer Brauerei in Berkeley, California. In addition to being a fun event, it was also for a worthy cause this year. A portion of the proceeds will reportedly be donated to Louisiana breweries through Abita and the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation. The entire evening featured mardi gras touches from the green and purple decor to the ubiquitous beads to the evening’s opening act, a local cajun band. The second band was the Hysters, the crowd-pleasing big band of Anchor Brewery workers, and the final act was the Rolling Boil Blues Band. There were 50 beers from 15 breweries and food was prepared on site by Jeremy Sowers’ Emergency BBQ. Jeremy is also a local brewer, with gigs at Jack’s in Fremont along with Devil’s Canyon. Many of the Bay Area’s beer cognoscenti was on hand to enjoy the revelry, and we had a number of surprise guests from out of town, too. The Trumer folks were gracious hosts, providing a shuttle to and from the Shattuck BART station, along with much else. This was the second year this event was held at Trumer and it’s felling like home already for future anniversary parties.
Host for the evening Tom Dalldorf, publisher of the Celebrator.
Tim Blasquez and the gang from Sierra Nevada Brewing.
Bob Brewer from Anchor Brewery serves up the new Anchor Bock to Portland beer sage Fred Eckhardt.
Ed Chainey from Anderson Valley Brewing.
Kenny Gross with Ommegang.
Natalie Cilurzo from Russian River Brewing.
Jeremy Sowers from Emergency BBQ, who prepared the food for the event.
Kendra belts out a tune with the Hyster’s, the band made up of Anchor Brewery employees.
Some party-goers sat and enjoyed the beers.
While others danced to the music.
While still others talked with old friends. Vinnie Cilurzo from Russian River Brewing with Chris Black, co-owner of the Falling Rock in Denver. Plus, it was Chris’ birthday.
Melissa Myers and Rodger Davis from Drake’s Brewing sandwich Cynthia Kralj, co-owner of the Bistro.
Jamie Jurado, Director of Brewing Operations for Gambrinus (and who own Trumer Brauerei) and Lars Larson, brewmaster of Trumer Brauerei.
Judy Ashworth, Fred Eckhardt and Lori Ashworth.
Beer chef Bruce Paton from Cathedral Hill Hotel and Pat Mace, from Lagunitas Brewing.
Roger Lind, the original Jolly Roger from Lind’s Brewing which is now Drake’s and Steve Altimari, brewmaster from Valley Brewing in Stockton.
Jen Garris, from Magnolia, and Matt Salie, from Big Sky Brewing.
L.A. Celebrator correspondent Don Erickson finds a quiet place to enjoy his barbecue and pulled pork.
The Rolling Boil Blues Band.
Boil front man Tom Dalldorf.
In true Mardi Gras fashion, the band throw beads to the audience.
Who shout for attention and for beads to thrown in their direction.
At the end of the evening, from left: Shaun O’Sullivan, from 21st Amendment, Fred Eckhardt, a woman who wanted this picture taken, me, Tom Dalldorf and a brewer from Brewmasters, whose name is now sadly lost to me.