GranPappy Marshall Pyle
"Everyone thinks this guy is a genius because he spent all of his billions of dollars shooting a sports car into space that nobody can afford to buy. It is stupid," expounds Marshall Pyle. Back again at Catawba Brewing, we are joined by the son of the great Artemis Pyle, the only surviving member of Lynyrd Skynyrd who walked away from the band's tragic plane crash. We talked to Marshall about the time their family spent living in Israel, various odd jobs we have all had, and Elon Musk. The rest of the cast included Facebook agitator Ben Wiggins of Catawba Brewing, and Kieth Laguna of Rumors fame and Tonic Market. Chris Power and Tommy Green adeptly host episode #0064 of Drink Local Now.
Ween & Spivey Found First Music Rehearsal Facility in Asheville
"It's very difficult for black music artists to play around, and try different genres and styles of art, because they are very regimented into one kind of close minded idea... especially for musicians. There is only a handful of black guys playing guitar that you can think of who are popular," states Ween's Claude Coleman, jr. in this incredible conversation featuring two local music legends, who are now business partners. Brett Spivey of Inspected by 13 and Claude are seeking funding and donations, opening the first music rehearsal facility ever in Asheville. Once the mission is complete, Brett plans to open Holy Spirits Brewing, converting an old church into a nano brewery. At the 38:53 mark, Ben Survant of Natural Born Leaders can be heard artfully singing and playing his acoustic, saving our listeners from complete and utterly boring chat. Alas, Rick Rice and Keith Laguna keep the conversation spirited, as Tommy Green stumbles his way through hosting the 63rd installment of Drink Local Now.
Rick Rice Breaks Seal Record
Rick Rice crossed the 100 minute mark, without breaking the seal, setting a new World record. A seasoned veteran of broadcasting UNCA basketball, and Asheville Tourists baseball, he often sits for hours without relieving himself. Rick lasted 104 minutes, 34 seconds, never leaving the podcast to whiz, pounding delicious craft beer from Catawba Brewing the entire time. Rick's dedication to performance and our show was truly admirable. Elk hunter Ben Wiggins graciously hosts the Drink Local Now team at the SoSlo tasting room, keeping the conversation lively and the craft beer flowing. Listen up to our longest, and dare say, most entertaining podcast to date.
French Broad River Brewery
The sign is hanging in French Broad River Brewery and dates back to before The Green Man buy out by Dennis. Green Man started in the back of Jack of Wood, but they weren't the only ones who started there. Born around the same time, French Broad River Brewery started there, as well. In episode #0060 of Drink Local Now we are honored to be drinking craft beer with head brewer Aaron Wilson of French Broad, and Ted Clevenger of Ashevile Brewers Supply. Chris and Tommy are humbled by the knowledge of these Asheville craft beer legends, whose brewing relationship dates back a decade. Lots to be learned by listening, as Tommy points out, "I need to learn to shut the f*ck up!"
Green Man Brews Elite Craft Beer!
"If I'm not running for a beer or a donut, or running from something, I am not running," proclaims disc golfer champ Jennifer McGibbon in episode #0057 of Drink Local Now.
There was no running at the Collider, just eating and drinking and laughing... Look Out Brewing master brewer, John Garcia, assured us, "Green Man's Trickster is an outstanding beer. John Stewart has been brewing great beer for years!" Tommy and Crowler are given a formal education on who really are the best craft brewers in Asheville, and who makes the very best craft beer in the World!
Image Courtesy Indulge Images
Big Beer Buys Big Weed!
The ginormous company that owns Corona, who also bought one time craft brewer Ballast Point for a billion dollars, recently purchased a stake in a humongous Canadian marijuana company for nearly $200 million. Corona has always branded themselves as a beach beer. It makes sense that they would be interested in another popular summer beach product: weed. What this means for our community is discussed by our local panel of experts in our 56th recording of Drink Local Now. Todd Stimson, Patty Peace Macomb, Meredith Bennett, and Tommy Green are high with laughter and such. This episode is brought you by the catnip dispensary Meowntain High.
Jordan Okrend Plays. We Drink Craft!
Community is Brewing is Facebook LIVE with Jordan Okrend, where Drink Local Now investigators reveal the hoppenings at The Bud owned Wicked Weed Brewing. Jordan Okrend entertains when the hosts bore, playing tunes off his new hit album, as well as some Pink Floyd. Jordan's dad, Phil (yes the famous pianist) does a cameo, and tells us how he got Jordan started on guitar at the age of seven.On Tap: Oskar Blues Hot Box Coffee IPA, French Broad Irish Stout.
Oscar Wong Mystic Vibrations
Tate MacQueen and Tommy Green are at Highland Brewing and have a chat with the guy who started it all, yes him! Oscar Wong! Mark Conti, one of Highland's top guys with a fancy title, tells us all about the beer. The theme of the day is Jamaica, where both Oscar Wong and Ric Williams are from. Yes! We also talked to Ric Williams of Itals fame, and now Mystic Vibrations. Oscar hails from Kingston and Ric from Westmoreland. Lots of laughing and good times were had at the Winter Edition of Island to Highland at Highland Brewing.
Kevin Kinney Christmas Day Jam
Jody Bender and Tommy Green went to Jack of the Wood for the Kevin Kinney Christmas Day Jam. Kevin talked to us, as well as Wild Adriatic's Front Man Travis Gray, and Josh Daniel from the aptly named Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick Project. Jason Brodsky of Acoustic Syndicate was working the board and kindly shared a couple candies with Tommy. Between the candy and the Founders Day Coffee Breakfast Stout Tommy was sipping, things got messy quickly. However, time seemed to be moving very slowly. Jody deftly ran the podcast, and all in all, it was a fantastically great experience. Jack of The Wood had its best day ever, raising over $4,000 for Habitat for Humanity.