The Lion's Roar/Larshell Green
Aaron Gendron of Abita Beer poors a glass of their brew for an attendee. This was the
third time Abita Beer attended the festival. According to Gendron, they returned due to
the diverse group of people they get to serve. Abita Beer was one of multiple brewery’s
present.
 

The clinking of glasses, fire breathing machinery and a lively jazz band signaled the return of the Hammond Regional Art Center’s annual Brews Arts Festival.

The 6th annual Brews Art Festival took place Friday September 25 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the alley behind the art center.

Tickets were $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

“Brews Arts is a signature fundraising event for the arts center, and we also want to provide a venue for Hammond citizens to explore as well as celebrate the local brews our state has to offer,” said Tara Bennett, the media coordinator of the arts center. “It’s also a venue for our guests to get to know the people who are making their local fermented libations.” 

Bennett wants people who visit to enjoy an afternoon of beer, music and fun in the downtown area of Hammond.

Over 40 beers were available, including Miller Lite, which was distributed by Jim Carey Distributing Company and Abita Brewing Company, distributed by Crescent Crown.

“I see brewing as an art form,” says Aaron Gendron of Abita Beer. “A minor change in water or hops [an ingredient in beer], can drastically change the taste profile of any beer.” 

Gendron expects to return next year as a vendor. He believes the festival is a diverse event that raises money for a great cause.

For those not a fan of beer a performance was made by “The Fifth Wheel.”

“It was a pleasure to play here tonight,” said “The Fifth Wheel” drummer Bobby Kronlage. “We play a little bit of country, blues and rock.” 

Kronlage has been attending the festival for many years as a patron. 

“Miller Lite is my favorite, but if you want to taste beer, you’re in the right place at the right time,” said Kronlage.

Food was prepared and served by Kevin Cote, which was selling quickly and included dirty rice and boiled peanuts.

Festival favorite John Perilloux, Louisiana metal artist, returned for his third time. As the sun set, the crowd roared with excitement as he began his show of steel burning and crafting. 

Along with his eye-catching visuals, he created a functional piece for the night: bottle openers.

Perilloux plans to return to continue to support the art center.

 “The arts give voices to our children and allows them to express themselves in a positive, productive way,” said HRAC board member Denise Tullier-Holly.

Tullier-Holly sees the festival as an expression of Hammond’s culture and the beautiful things that can be made with one’s hands.

Every year, she returns to enjoy the music, art and time spent with people who support the arts in Hammond.

In addition to enjoying the different kinds of beers that were offered, some saw the festival as a good investment.

“I did the math,” said attendee Rodney Taylor. “I bought a 25 dollar ticket and realized that I could sample about 80 products. It was better than buying a six pack.” 

The festival is expected to continue around the same time next year.

For more information on upcoming events at the HRAC, visit www.hammondarts.org, call 985-542-7113 or email [email protected].