Gas up the iPad, order delivery, pick up your favorite Massachusetts made beer and join us for “Mixed Bag,” the Mass Brewers Guild’s (MBG) first ever virtual variety show. Set to broadcast on Thursday, June 18 from 8 to 9 p.m. through the MBG’s Facebook page, the event will raise funds for the state’s trade association that exists to protect and promote the interests of craft brewers across the Commonwealth.
Breweries will join together — while social distancing — to offer behind the scenes tours, tastings, sneak peeks and to bring a taste of the craft beer culture right to your living room. Beer trivia, an Instagram scavenger hunt, giveaways and special guest musicians will also join the jam packed hour that you won’t want to miss. BMI artists and performers include Treehouse Brewing Co.’s Alex Rohan, Sandwich native Carly Tefft and Worcester resident Sam James.
The online event will raise funds telethon style, asking viewers to donate what they can throughout the program on the MBG’s website.
“With so many people experiencing financial difficulties right now we wanted to make the show accessible to everyone,” said Katie Stinchon, executive director of the MBG. “For our craft beer fans who could use a laugh, want to learn something new and interesting or simply want to feel connected to others, we hope that they’ll tune in, open a local beer and maybe their wallet too.”
Craft beer fans can also support the MBG by purchasing the limited-edition Mixed Bag men’s T-shirt or women’s tank, available in sizes XS to 4XL for $30 to $34, with free shipping. Presale orders are being accepted now through June 14.
Mixed Bag is presented by Plymouth based visual and marketing company, Hawk Visuals. The team has donated their time and talent to produce the show to help replace the critical fundraising dollars needed to help the MBG continue to help the MA beer industry. The association’s beer festivals, Power Beer Fest and The Great Mass Collab typically raise half of the organization’s operating revenue.
“We have been huge fans of MBG for a long time now and the breweries they support,” said Matt Mulligan, owner of Hawk Visuals. “With the uncertain times we are currently experiencing, we wanted to produce a fun virtual festival that would not only help get the critical funds the MBG needs, but also highlight how supportive and amazing the Massachusetts craft beer community is.”
Participating breweries in Mixed Bag include: Amherst Brewing Co., Castle Island Brewing Co., Cambridge Brewing Co., Barrel House Z, Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Co., Four Star Farms, Harpoon Brewery, Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers, Medusa Brewing Co., Mighty Squirrel, Night Shift, Redemption Rock, River Styx, Samuel Adams, Spencer Brewery, Springdale Barrel Room, Timberyard, Tree House, and Wormtown. More are joining everyday!
The MBG serves as the unified voice for its members on Beacon Hill, advocating for breweries at the legislative level. As social distancing protocols change the way breweries can operate, the MBG works to keep them open as essential businesses and seeks other avenues within the law for them to generate revenue. The MBG serves as central command for questions and advice, to keep the brewing community connected and informed in this ever-changing landscape.
To learn more about the Mass Brewers Guild or to make a donation, visit MassBrewersGuild.org. Don’t forget to tune in – save the date and add Mixed Bag to your calendar. Like the artwork? The Mixed Bag flyer and shirt design was produced by Human For Now Art and Design Studio.
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