Dark, rich beer and ‘high-octane’ music will be flowing this weekend at a local brewery’s annual event.
The Livery in Benton Harbor is set to host December Darkness, its annual celebration of dark and Barrel-aged beer, this Friday and Saturday.
December Darkness will feature a selection of special reserve beers, as well as a firkin tapping of the “This is Nuts” Porter on Friday and bottle release of a 2021 BBA Trippel Weizenbock on Saturday. The tap list for the weekend includes:
- Blacksmith – American Stout
- Batch 900 – Honey Rye Barleywine (2019)
- Bourbon Barrel Aged Wee Heavy – (2020)
- Bourbon Barrel Aged Trippel Weizenbock (2018)
- Bourbon Barrel Aged Love Pump
Livery booking manager Brandon DeJaynes says they’ve also booked some musical acts that match the theme of the event. On Friday, reggae-rock-rap fusion band The Quasi Kings will head up from Ohio to bring unique sound.
“These guys are definitely a party band,” DeJaynes said. “They’re going to be a high-energy show and a lot of fun.”
On Saturday, Jazz Fusion band Kick The Cat – which features Umphrey’s McGee drummer Kris Meyers – will take the stage.
“That’s going to be another high-octane show,” DeJaynes said. “These guys play a style similar to like a Weather Report or Return to Forever. They really go at breakneck speed … That’s going to be a hell of a show.”
The December Darkness party begins when the brewery opens at Noon both Friday and Saturday. Music begins at 8 p.m. both nights. The Quasi Kings show is an honor cover of $10, while tickets for Kick The Cat are $17 in advance or $20 at the door.
By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com
