Suggest events here!

In the past, the events I've attended for this group have simply involved getting together at one of Chicago's many beer destinations--a beer bar or a brewpub--drinking some beers and talking to some people who are also very interested in beer.

This is a damn fine way to spend some time.

I have some ideas that might be a little more involved than that, if I can pull them off, such as some more organized tastings, brewery tours, homebrewing demonstrations, etc. But it's likely that the most common type of meetup will still be just 8-12 people sitting around a table, drinking and talking about beer.

I'd like to make this space available to you for suggesting events. Partly because I want everyone to get a voice in the type of things we do together and partly because I'm lazy and I don't want to come up with all the ideas myself. So tell me--what kind of events would you like to attend, and where?

Some recent events have been at:

• Rock Bottom on Grand Ave.
  
• Map Room
  
• Goose Island's Clybourn location
  

I don't necessarily want to repeat too much, but in regard to that Goose Island location: we should get back there if we can, since it will apparently be closing down due to lease issues.

That leaves us with a lot of ground to cover, and rather than make some obvious suggestions myself, I leave it to you. Is there any place at which you'd like to meet up?

I will be attending Ale Fest at the Arlington Race Track. It's July 12th. It was a blast last year.

Leslie, that sounds really interesting. Do you know if there's a web site with more information somewhere? Google is not turning up much.

826CHI Retro Prom - May 17, 2008 @ 8 p.m.
Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1419 W. Blackhawk

Hi, guys! Just wanted to let you know about a great fundraiser May 17. Rock Bottom has generously offered to donate our beer! Ticket price includes free beer/wine!

Join the fun on Saturday, May 17, 2008, 8 p.m.-midnight, for the (secondhand) formal event of the season. This adult event will include drinks (21+), a silent auction, and the musical stylings of The Power of Love and DJ Frier Tuck. The event benefits 826CHI's non-profit writing/tutoring center for chicago students.

The theme for the evening is a retro prom -- think thrift store-found 80's prom dresses. It's a fund-raiser, and as such, there will be raffles and silent auctions. But this prom-themed party is sure to be a FUN-raiser as well! Rewrite your own personal history by righting the wrongs of prom nights gone by! (Dates are welcome, but not required. Large cliques are encouraged.)

Tickets can be purchased for $38.26 (see the 8, the 2, the 6...) in advance by visiting 826CHI online (www.826chi.org) or at The Boring Store (1331 N. Milwaukee Avenue). Tickets can also be purchased for $50 at the door. The event will take place at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1419 W. Blackhawk St., just a few blocks from 826CHI.

- Linda

Leslie, that sounds really interesting. Do you know if there's a web site with more information somewhere? Google is not turning up much.

http://www.alefest.co...

Jim, this is the website. But, you can't access the Chicago fest yet to see the beers they are offering. I'm sure that will be up closer to the time. But, last year they had all the Chicago brewpubs and a great selection.

Just heard about this earlier and put a note on the calendar. It's a beer festival being held in a suburb of Milwaukee this coming Saturday. I happen to have nothing planned for Saturday and I'm considering it, though the chances of me following through are slim. But I thought I'd post it here and let you all know about it as well. Milwaukee isn't far away, and you can get there cheaply and quickly via Megabus or Amtrak.

http://www.beerbarons...

Hey!! I just started working at Risque Cafe in Wrigleyville. We have a great selection here of over 200 American craft beers. They are definitely willing to host an event here and will also provide you with some sort of discount!! Let me know what you think.

The address is 3419 N clark st.

website: www.risquechicago.com

One of our members just sent me information about a bunch of upcoming beer-related events in the area. I'm going to put them on the calendar and though I won't be able to attend all of them, if anyone wants to "host" a meetup at one, please let me know and I'll make it an official event.

Hey Jim! here's the info on the Chicago Ale Fest on July 12th.
http://www.alefest.co...