You can celebrate a 50th birthday by blowing out candles on a cake, or you can ask your friends to make a beer in your honor.
Klockow Brewing of Grand Rapids, Jack Pine Brewery of Baxter and Bemidji Brewing collaborated on a pilsner beer to celebrate the community behind people-powered KAXE. The idea was sparked by new KAXE board member McKeon Hugh Roberts.
Chris Marty, brewer from Bemidji Brewing, had the idea to try a variety of hops that none of the brewers had worked with before. Grain was donated by RahrBSG Hops.
Jack Pine Brewery owner Patrick Sundberg said on the KAXE Morning Show, "They kind of have the German style, but they are American bred hops. It was a really fun idea to play with."
Along with brewer Andy Klockow, the brewers each created the new beverage from their respective breweries.
"At the heart of it, it's a beer united by the same purpose, but it's going to taste a little bit different and have a little bit of heart and soul of each brewer in each," Roberts said.
People Powered Pilsner artwork was created in collaboration with local artist Emily Bujold.
The People Powered Pilsner Parties are 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 6, at Klockow Brewing in Grand Rapids, and 4-7 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Bemidji Brewing.
KAXE DJs Kari Hedlund and Malachy Koons along with volunteer On The River hosts Allie Aufderheide and Isaac Mathison-Bowie will spin records in Grand Rapids. KBXE's Dan Gannon, Heather Johnson and Andrew Dziengel will DJ at Bemidji Brewing.
The community has the opportunity to enjoy beer and music while helping KAXE, the first rural community radio station in the nation, kick off a 50th Birthday Celebration. As a brewery-based bonus, a portion of all pilsner sales supports KAXE.
Klockow Brewing is also canning People Powered Pilsner to be sold in area liquor stores.
All are welcome to attend and say, "Cheers to 50 years and many more!"
Listen to our full KAXE Morning Show conversation above.
