Beer party will celebrate the virtues of American suds

By Derek Paiva
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

"American Brews, Blues & BBQs" celebrates American Beer Month, which, in turn, celebrates the joys of imbibing domestic beer. The Nu'uanu Avenue block party/benefit for Hawai'i Public Radio will also keep revelers sated with live blues and food. Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser

Burp. Excuse us.

But perhaps the best expression of mankind's affection for the sudsy recipe of water, barley, hops and yeast comes from a legendary beer lover, who is, oddly enough, pilsner-colored himself.

"I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer," exclaimed Homer Simpson, jonesing for an umpteenth mug of his beloved Duff.

Burp! 'Scuse us again.

You have to give props to the Association of Brewers — a collective of domestic beer producers, big and small — for having the foresight four years ago to dream up American Beer Month. Celebrated with events in cities nationwide each July, this ingenious campaign urges American citizens to extend our gut-busting patriots' pride to the realm of the pale ale.

Go ahead, say ABM organizers: Enjoy that beer! Have some food with it! But for the love of Samuel Adams, put down that Guinness or Tsingtao and quaff some good 'ol American brew! And, by the way, when was the last time you stopped by your local brewpub or microbrewery? Better yet, have you ever given serious thought to brewing your own?

Burp! Sheesh, this is getting embarrassing. Server! Ice waters all around, please, and more Cornish game hens marinated in liliko'i wheat ale!

An official ABM party finally twists off in our home town tomorrow with "American Brews, Blues & BBQs," a Nu'uanu Avenue block party/benefit sponsored by Indigo Eurasian Cuisine and the Nu'uanu Merchants' Association.

Of course there'll be beer — ales, porters, stouts, bocks, pilsner, pale ales and barley brews from more than 20 local and Mainland breweries. Hanks Café, Indigo, Kevin Two Boots, Murphy's Bar & Grill, Paul and Terry's Place, and Tea at 1024 (we can't wait to see their recipe) will provide the eats with a Beer & BBQ Cook Off.

Hawai'i Public Radio's second Battle of the Blues Bands competition is also on the program, featuring Rocket Science, David Lamar Project, Biker's Blues Band and Honolulu Blue Devils for a live hit of the time-tested soundtrack to drowning one's sorrows.

And as an added excuse to pat yourself on your brew-loving back, the entire shindig is a benefit for Hawai'i Public Radio.

'American Brews, Blues & BBQs'

5-10 p.m. Saturday

Nu'uanu Avenue, from Pauahi Street to King Street

Free admission; $3 donation for ID bracelet to purchase beer and other alcoholic drinks. Food charged separately.

More information at www.indigo-hawaii.com.

Also:

• Got a tasty home brew of your own? Enter the Homebrew Contest. Call 486-3057 for information. Entry is $5. Judging is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Prizes will be awarded.
• Get the down low on better home brewing from true-blue home-brew master Jim Bailey from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at The ARTS at Marks Garage, 1159 Nu'uanu Ave. Entry is free.