EVENT
Zoo Brew
ZOO BREW
Memorial Day Weekend Kick-Off
T
AU G U S T 2 013
Pam Moulton and Mark Molin
Jamie Roberts and Melissa Schweitzer
RSVP
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he typical scene at the Memphis Zoo during sunset is one of animals retiring to their indoor lairs for the night and the slow dissipation of the throngs of families heading home for dinner. Yet, on this Memorial Day weekend night the zoo kept its doors open late for a special crowd, a crowd looking for a different kind of exotic creature: fine craft beer. One of the Memphis Zoo’s popular fundraisers, Zoo Brew had an especially large turnout this time, as more and more people look forward to the two nights a year opportunity to taste beers from around the globe within the wild settings of the Memphis Zoo. Supplied with a tasting cup and a beer guide map, attendees set out on a course of more than 34 beer vendors offering 100plus different types of beer ranging from beer brewed right here in Memphis to beer from Thailand. Our city’s very own Ghost River Brewing was there pouring up its Golden Ale, Copperhead Red and Glacial Pale Ale. Yazoo Brewing Company, another Tennessee star brewery out of Nashville, served its smoky malted beer, Sue, alongside Dos Perros, Hefeweizen, Hop Project and Pale Ale. Some of the most unique drinks available were Crispin Hard Cider Company’s all-natural cider, The Saint, and Wells & Young’s Brewery’s Banana Bread beer. Memphis restaurant and brewery Boscos Squared was also there presenting its delicious handcrafted brews. Adam Hargrove, Boscos’ head brewer, skillfully walked tasters through one of the outfit’s award-winning brews, Isle of Sky Scottish Ale, pointing out the beer’s hints of roasted chocolate, vanilla sweetness and malt to hops ratio. Although beer was the choice of the night, the wine lover was not left out, as several wine stations dotted the circuit offering samples of Twisted Wines’ merlot or pinot grigio for $7. With all the libations, people were ready to dance, and Party Planet was there to fulfill that need with its soulful music that had everyone singing and dancing in line. Singer-songwriter Marcela Pinilla and her band blew everyone away in the Pavilion with their Latin and jazz-infused sound. Event sponsors included Budweiser of Memphis, EWR IT Solutions, Mahaffey Tent & Party Rentals and Southland Park Gaming and Racing. More than $100,000 was raised, and 3,000 people attended, clearly showing the event’s growing popularity. Look out for the Labor Day weekend installment of Zoo Brew on August 30, as it is sure to be another wild time.
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Greg and Meredith Martin
Story by Rachel Warren Photos by Baxter Buck
Lindsey Abbott and Carolyn Dote
Michael Dearfield and Christen Marzula
Stephanie Hupp and Mike Rosier
Sarah Delucia and Jonathon Davis
Brandee Masterson, Rachel Mullen, Jessica Simmons and Christina Owen
Chris and Stacey Brown