Kleinhans Rhythm & Brews Fundraiser Returns May 8
Kleinhans Music Hall’s annual fundraiser, Rhythm and Brews, returns on Friday, May 8 (6 pm). Proceeds from the event will benefit Kleinhans programming, including the Global Grooves music series, as well as building upkeep. The event will feature tastings from local breweries and cideries, food from Schutte Hospitality Group eateries such as Oliver’s, Britesmith, Creekview Restaurant and Marcato by Oliver’s and live music from Dominic Missana & Friends. Tickets include music, all beer and cider tastings, food, a commemorative glass and a donation to Kleinhans. General admission tickets ($65) are available online, at the Kleinhans box office, or by calling 715-885-5000.
Steelbound Brewery in Ellicottville Closed Through May 21
Steelbound has announced that its flagship taproom in Ellicottville will be closed through May 21 for a deep clean of the space and upgrades to the restaurant. “We’re making some exciting improvements at Steelbound Brewery & Distillery Ellicottville,” the brewery said. “But don’t worry, we’ll be back on May 21st and ready to serve you even better.” In the meantime, Steelbound also has locations in Springville, Dunkirk and Williamsville. They will also open a new space in Niagara Falls on May 12. The new space will be located at the Sheraton Niagara Falls on Old Falls Street.
The Blue Monk Is Coming Back This Summer
The Terrace at Delaware Park is once again bringing back iconic Elmwood Avenue watering hole The Blue Monk, Buffalo’s long-beloved Belgian beer bar, on June 6 (6 pm). Tickets for the Blue Monk Revival are $50 and include samplings of a selection of Blue Monk’s favorite cuisine and a complimentary glass, as well as curated beer selections. There will also be live music and appearances by guest bartenders from the Blue Monk. Tickets are limited and can be purchased here. The Blue Monk closed their doors in 2016.
BriarBrothers Brewing Bangs The Drum With Warpath Lager
With the Buffalo Sabres winning their first playoff series in nearly two decades, Briarbrothers Brewing is looking to fill our fridges full for the next round with the release of Warpath Lager, a balanced and light bodied 5% American lager with subtle hops and a crackery malt backbone. “Warpath was brewed to mirror the kind of midseason surge that Buffalo hockey fans know so well,” Briarbrothers’ Joel Betti said. “This beer is a nod to that push forward, to resilience, and to the belief that if you keep showing up and putting in the effort, good things are ahead.” Warpath is available at the Briarbrothers taproom on draft and in cans to go.
Return of the (Local) Bock in Western New York
It’s that time of year – it’s Maibock season! And local breweries are heeding the call. Literally translated to May Bock, the German lager is a counterpart to heavier bocks typically released in the fall and winter. Wayland Brewing has released Vogel, a 6.5% light Amber lager with aromas of figs, light esters and toasted bread, notes of noble hop bitterness and caramel malt character. It’s available on draft and in cans. Buffalo Brewing Company has two new releases – Schreiber Bock Beer, a 6% Maibock, and Simon Bock. Both are available in cans and Schreiber Bock is also on Lukr faucet at the taproom. Hofbrauhaus’ Maibock features wildflower honey and sweet malt aromas with strong malt notes, a smooth finish and a touch of hop acidity. The best food pairings for Maibocks are grilled sausages and bratwursts, roast chicken and pork and sharp cheeses.
Brian Campbell is co-founder and Brand Manager of the Buffalo Beer League, and writes the weekly Buffalo Beer Buzz column. If you have beer news that should be included in the Beer Buzz, Brian can be reached at brian@buffalobeerleague.com, on X (@buffbeerleague), Instagram, Threads and Untappd (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).
