In the mean time, there’s music. Lots and lots of good music. Thursday’s are a rotation of local bands that play the same numbered Thursday of every month, Rusty Hinges, Wild Hog in The Woods and Rough Jazz. Every once in a while we have a guest appearance by another local favorite for a little variety. Every Saturday is our music showcase where we are entertained by singer/songwriters, folk groups, rock bands, jazz ensembles and just about every other kind of musical entertainment you’ve heard of. Every other Friday, or so, is a special musical highlight night where I’ve booked someone very special, or else I’d already filled all my Saturdays and I just had to get this band in before next winter!

On Sundays, something very unique occurs at the ‘Pooia. Lots of places have a blues jam at their establishment, most often occurring on an off business day where local musicians can come jam together and the house doesn’t usually pay them. But what has been happening every Sunday at the ‘Pooia for the last 3 or 4 years is something notable indeed. The brains of the outfit is a fellow named Froggy, who’s been heading up this shindig since it’s inception not long after the opening of Calapooia Brewing. Joined in late 2007 by Dennis Monroe, the heart of the blues jam, a sort of alchemy began. With shredding guitarists, Derek Zane and Steven (who’s last name escapes me) as the core of the jam, a who’s who of Oregon (and now they’re coming from other states!) blues players make cameo appearances and bring fresh juice to an already dynamic compilation. This last Sunday, we enj0yed a phenomenon known as Diva Day, wherein spectacular female vocalists came and dazzled a packed pub. So if you’ve never been to a blues jam, you should come check it out. It never disappoints. They only occasionally take a Sunday off, so you might call the pub just to be sure.

On February 8th we hosted our first Science Pub, in which a chemist from the University of Oregon came and gave a presentation on nanotechnology. It was enlightening, fascinating and fun and we plan on making this a regular occurrence. Evidently, this Science Pub thing has been going on for some time in the United Kingdom and as our pub culture continues to evolve here in the states, I think we’ll see more of this. I am excited to bring this tradition here to Albany, Oregon and will post the date on our events calendar as soon as we’re set for the next one!

There are other things on the horizon for our big, little pub and we are excited for the year ahead. Check our music/events page for what’s happening this weekend and after and I’ll strive to bring you more information on what’s coming up. Have a great week and we look forward to seeing you here at the ‘Pooia!

Cheers!

Paulrus

A sanguinous beginning to be sure, and surprising it never found it’s way into Shakespeare’s work, fond as he was of tragic lovers. Whether or not there was something untoward going on between the cleric and the jailor’s daughter, it was certainly before priests were disallowed from the joys of love-making, so who’s business is it, really? Whatever the case, over time February 14th became the day of lovers, celebrated with flowers and candy and dinner reservations that someone better not have forgotten to make. So, lest we forget…

Beginning at 6pm on February 14th, we will dress ourselves up a little, maybe put some vases with pretty flowers on the table, perhaps even a candle or two. In addition to our regular menu, which of course is fabulous in it’s own publican right, we will be serving a four course dinner with your choice of two entrees; Oregon Natural Meats Prime Rib, or locally caught, Wild Steelhead. We will suggest a pairing of one of our beers or an Oregon wine for each course. Or you can order your favorite to go along with your meal.

At 7pm we welcome Eugene, Oregon singer-songwriter, John Shipe as he plays the strings of your heart in his own skillfull way. Check out this recent ode to an unfairly maligned breed of man’s best friend.

Reservations are available and going fast, so please call and make yours today. Reservation times start at 5:45pm, music and dinner end at 9pm. If you have a hard time getting through to the pub, you are welcome to make reservations on-line, just remember to leave your name and number so we can call you back and confirm.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you then!

Cheers!

Another year comes to a close and it is time to party like it’s some year before it becomes another year. To facilitate this need, the Calapooia Brewpub will be visited by sensational simulcrum of Canadian supergroup Rush, WHY WHY ZED! On the cusp of 2012 they play homage to the science fiction inspired 1976 album, 2112 and launch us into the far reaches of outer space and tomorrow. The album tells a cautionary tale of mankinds future in the stars, when music has long been outlawed. An ancient relic is discovered by an innocent who is able to use it to make strange and pleasing sounds. With guitar in hand, he begins to undermine the power of the music-fearing technocracy by shredding the space-ways with awesome (Alex Lifeson) licks.

WHY WHY ZED enjoyed their debut on the Calapooia stage and now they return to guide us into the future with a bow to the past. There will be other musical surprises as well, so don’t miss this opportunity to ring the new year in right!

Music starts at 9:30 and the cover is $5. There will be much great food, beer and wine to accompany the merriment. Please join us, This Saturday, New Year’s Eve!

Cheers and Happy New Year!

Paulrus

P.S. Visit our Facebook page and the Why Why Zed Facebook page!

They return, complete with cowbell, this Friday at 9 o’clock! So put your shoes and socks on, get on your feet and do the Funky Alphonso to SPACE NEIGHBORS, at the Calapooia Brewing Company!

Cheers!

Paulrus

Joining us for our first, real Halloween Celebration at the Calapooia are two really great musical acts. The Peculiar Pretzelmen from Los Angeles, and Metallicanoid, or something in Russian that I haven’t learned how to pronounce, that locally grown tribute to Metallica.

Starting out the evening, at 8:30pm, The Peculiar Pretzelmen are perfectly suited for such a celebration. Playing upon an array of instruments, vintage tools, kitchen utensils and a couple of megaphones, The Pretzelmen are two extraordinary fellows, Monsieur Incroyable and The Deacon, who play a ruckus to wake the dead and get them dancing. They sound like Tom Waits and Spike Jones met in a graveyard at midnight with a pickup truck full of random junk and started telling the stories of those interred. It is music that would have been just as salient a hundred years ago as it is today. A sardonic howl into the dark with a hip thrust and a kick. If you’re looking for labels, it’s steam-punk honkey-tonk. Or acid-ragtime.

Following that, I wouldn’t want to, but if I was one of the fellows that comprised the Metallica tribute band that you will see this Saturday, I’d feel okay about it. The same people who brought us Why Why Zed, that Rush Tribute phenomenon that also enjoyed their debut on the Calapooia stage, return with a vengeance. Sam and Paul Kincaid (those Willamette grown wunderkinds of everything musical), J.D. Monroe (one of the finest drummers in Oregon), and Tyler Nitzke of Portland (who besides doing great justice to Alex Lifeson’s licks also regularly tackles the music of Tool) are coming together to perform the music of two of Metallica’s best albums, Ride The Lightning and Master Of Puppets. It’s another debut of its kind for the Pooia, and knowing these guys, it will not disappoint.

Come in costume, for there will be the bestowing of gifts for those deemed worthy! And don’t forget those annoying ancestors, you never know when Uncle Fred will return from the grave to embarrass you in front of your new girlfriend who looks just like Linda Carter in her Wonder Woman costume. Hacha! Yeah, that dates me.

For those of you in Corvallis who have a fear of crossing moving water or driving for 20 minutes, there will be a schoolbus leaving Bombs Away Cafe at 8:30, arriving at the Pooia by 9, and returning you to Bombs Away Cafe after the show is over. It will simply cost you the $8 that it costs to see the show. That’s right! $8 for great music at a great place with amazing beer, food and fun, and a ride!

Also joining us will be our friends, Rolling Stone Pizza and their portable earth oven putting out some of the best pizza you’ll find this side of Napoli.

So come join us this Saturday, October 29th, and let’s make a Halloween weekend of it!

Cheers!

Paulrus

In other news… Mark Martin, our illustrious master brewer and publican, is celebrating his birthday on the 20th. Besides brewing a mean batch of Chilibeer and rIPArian, Mark also enjoys rock and roll music. One of his favorite bands…no, I think I can safely say, his favorite band is Pink Floyd. Followed closely by Tool.

On Friday, October 21st, from Portland comes PIGS ON THE WING!

If you like PINK FLOYD, and would like to hear PIGS ON THE WING, it will only cost you $6.

Here there be beer, wine, cider, burgers, sandwiches, fried goodies, and…pizza! Thanks to our good friends, Rolling Stone Pizza and their portable earth-oven! So come join us, and listen to the “ticking away” of the “moments that make up a dull day.”

Cheers!

Paulrus

5400 bottles, or 7 pallets, were filled yesterday. Here are some pictures and video of the action.

dc

1K Fun Run starts at 8:30AM, the 10K Run at 9:00AM, and the 5K Run and Walk just after at 9:10AM. Register now on the Home Life website!

Mark and Laura are planning to participate and we hope to see you there!

dc

Please excuse me, I channel Neil Diamond sometimes. And it is September, after all. As a culture, our relationship with September is a bittersweet one. It is the end of summer, but the beginning of another school year (a boon for parents!). The month of Labor Day, and the memorial of that fateful day that changed the world 10 years ago. It is also the month in which on one day, the 19th, many people throughout the world agree to talk like the popular idea of a pirate. Shiver me timbers and all that. Whatever September means to you, here at your friendly neighborhood brewery and public house it means fun and fellowship with good food and some of the best fermented beverages in the Willamette Valley, yea, even unto all of Oregon itself. It also means good music and we’re bringing you some great entertainment this week.

On Thursday, we are excited to welcome back WILD HOG IN THE WOODS as they return from their summer hiatus. This Old-Timey Folk trio often bring friends to play with them, making every one of their visits unique though they play at the Calapooia every 2nd and 4th, and sometimes 5th, Thursday of every month. They always bring warmth to the pub, which is a marvelous feature as we observe the inexorable waning of the sunshine. They are usually playing by 7:30 and play for at least 2 hours. There is no cost to you except for whatever you wish to eat or drink.

Friday, the 9th, at 8pm is the Calapooia debut of Salem’s MASSIVE MOTH. Playing original music, but with a sound reminiscent of Devo, Talking Heads and The Cars, they’ll take you back 2 or 3 decades. There is no cover.

And on Saturday the 10th, it’s that Corvallis rock and roll sensation, AMBUSH PARTY! Their name says it all. If you are ready to get your rock and or roll on this Saturday, The Calapooia Brewing Company is the place to be. Again with the no cover, what is it with us?

Don’t forget that every Sunday at 4pm we have the tastiest Blues Jam in the Valley, perhaps the State… Northwest? Come see why I would make such an assertion. This also is a feeless event.

Thinking ahead…As i mentioned earlier, September 19th is International Talk Like a Pirate Day and one of the fathers of this movement, Captain Slappy himself, will be aboard The USS Pooia. So put on your piratin’ garb and remember to forget to shave your face or your legs. We’ll have some food specials and of course, some of the best quaffage to fuel your high seas pillagin’. I’ll be remindin’ ye scalliwags again regardin’ this special day, so I’ll stow it fer now.

Until next time…

Cheers!

Paulrus

So it’s the last bit of August comin’ atcha. We finally got us some summer up here in the Valley. Let’s hope it’s of the “Indian” variety. To celebrate the end of this most full, and fun, month of the summer, Calapooia Brewing Company brings you some great music.

This Thursday, the 25th, special guests Jaw Knee Now and Le Marquis bring you their novel and clever interpretations of classic music both well known and obscure. If you like classic rock with a twist, you will enjoy this duo. The fun starts at 8pm and it’s free.

Friday the 26th brings us the return of The Vicki Stevens Band! If you need to shake off some excess booty, or just need a mood lifter, this is the show for you. Vicki and the boys have got the medicine for whatever ails ya. Showtime is 9pm and there is no cover!

And on Saturday, the 27th, it’s Vicki Stevens’ Eugene counterpart, The Broh-Taylor Band for more of that rockin’ blues action. If you didn’t get enough on Friday, or you just can’t get enough, come back on Saturday when The Broh-Taylor Band will give it to you starting at 9pm. And again, no cover. So come and enjoy some great music with great beer and food at The Calapooia Brewpub!

Still want more hot, sweaty blues action? Come down on Sunday at 4pm for our regular Calapooia Blues Jam run by the core members of The Vicki Stevens Band. It’s a better way to worship than the way some folks do it.

One final note while I’m talking about the last of August. Those of us that make the Calapooia breathe, her vital organs, her brains, heart, spleen, her staff, are throwing ourselves a party. We will be closed on Monday, August 29th, all day, so that we may get together and pat ourselves on the back for another successful year of good food, suds and service. We’ll reopen Tuesday at our usual time, 11:30.

Cheers, and Thank You for your time and patronage!

The Pooia Crew