Kennett Winterfest-Beer Drinking for the Hearty

I feel like I dedicate a large proportion of my blog posts to waxing poetic about the spirited small town of Kennett Square.  How can I NOT feature this charming little borough with its vibrant downtown, home to the much acclaimed Talula’s Table.  A town whose international claim to fame is being the mushroom capital of the world AND, drum roll please… hosts not one, but two Brewfests.  That is right, February 2013 marks the inaugural run of the winter brew festival a.k.a. The First Annual Kennett Winterfest February 23rd from 12:30-4PM.   Modeled after the highly successful fall Brewfest, this beer drinking extravaganza for only the most passionate beer lovers, will be a much more intimate and potentially colder experience.  This outdoor beer festival with over 25 brewers and just 800 available tickets, is sure to sell out.  In fact there are only about 200 tickets left, so get them while you can—click here for ticket information.  For a complete list of participating breweries and the beers they are bringing along check out the Brewfest Blog-with all the latest festival information. 

Along with the alcohol content of many of the Winterfest beers (make sure you have a designated driver lined up), the Winterfest organizers have come up with several ways to keep you warm and happy.   The ticket price includes a delicious hearty meal from the aforementioned much acclaimed Talula's Table.  You can also groove your way to warmth with the fun and recognizable tunes of the Shady Groove Trio. 

Band member Matt Kresge sent me this bio regarding his band:

The Shady Groove Trio came about in 2009 when 3 musicians, tired of hearing the same hackneyed rock tunes played nightly by mediocre bands in various bars, went on a mission to bring good quality music back to the local bar and club scene. Bassist/Vocalist Bernie Gillespie, Guitarist/Vocalist Matt Kresge, and Drummer/Vocalist Mark Swartley strive to play the classic tunes we've all grown to love, yet have unfortunately been left behind by the repetitiveness and predictability of today's radio. The likes of Chuck Berry, Paul Simon, The Who, The Police, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Hall & Oates, Johnny Cash, and even classic surf instrumentals are all fair game at a Shady Groove Trio show. In addition to their vast repertoire, it is the trio's musicianship that sets them apart from other local acts.

Drummer Mark Swartley has played professionally for years and continues to be sought out by some of Philadelphia's finest live acts, including an extensive touring resume with rockabilly favorites, The Razorbacks. Guitarist Matt Kresge continues to impress audiences with his diverse and energetic playing that won him 'Best Guitarist' at the 2005 Emergenza Festival held in Philadelphia. Backed with Gillespie's impressive vocal range and driving bass, The Shady Groove Trio is guaranteed to get your feet moving!

Although the lighting and the background noise leaves a bit to be desired, you can get a sense of Shady Groove's talent in this youtube video cover of "She's So Cold".

So there you have it-great beer, music, food and people--what better way to spend a winter afternoon. Best of all the festival is a fundraiser for Historic Kennett Square and its programs like the Kennett Farmers Market. Hope to see you at Winterfest.

Happy Valentines Day--my heart belongs to Kennett Square

On this Valentine Day’s, if I had to name the entity that most often fills my heart with a warm and fuzzy feeling of contentment and love, I would have to say it is the vibrant and eclectic Kennett Square. I am not sure if it is normal to have so much love for a borough, no matter, I could not be more thankful to call this community center my “home town.” For one thing, Kennett truly is a food lovers dream. From Talula’s Table cheese happy hours to the Mushroom Festival; the Brew Fest to the Farmers Market; the Fermentation Festival to La Michoacana Mexican Ice Cream-Kennett is full of experts, enthusiasts, sources and celebrations of good food and drink. It is after all the Mushroom capital of the world.Small towns often get a bad reputation for being closed minded, hostile to change, unwelcoming to outsiders, lacking diversity and ultimately boring. Kennett Square certainly does NOT fit this stereotype. It seems barely a month can pass by without some sort of festival, parade or arts event. Kennett is quite the cultural center with its own symphony, music venue, community theater company, book stores, galleries, an eco boutique, and more. From poetry readings to a town wide murder mystery theater, Kennett hosts it all. And what’s more, it does not shy away from integrating all these elements together. Good food, music, and merriment seem the hallmark for everything in my favorite small town. It is this creative community spirit that makes Kennett truly deserving of the fifth coolest town in the United States status.2011 marks a slightly bittersweet change for Inverbrook Farm. After ten marvelous years of participating in the Kennett Square Farmers Market, I no longer will be a vendor at this Friday afternoon institution. Instead I will be opening a member based Friday Farmstand at the Farm (see website for more information). Despite this change, my participation in Kennett Square activities will not lessen. Monday night Blues Jams at the Kennett Flash, the Wednesday evening free Summer Concert Series in Anson B. Nixon Park, and First Fridays with the diverse and always entertaining merchants-the town offers a reason for a visit almost every day of the week (not to mention my addiction to a Talula’s mocha and a scone-as shown in the first picture). So I encourage to check out the Historic Kennett Square’s website and browse the extensive listing of community events for yourself. I also wanted to share this Facebook album so you can see why my heart belongs to Kennett Square.