SATURDAY, JUNE 11 2016: South Sound events + craft beer …
DJs + Coconut Porter = Fresh
Boxing + Rockridge Orchards = knockouts
DJ DANCE PARTY
Inspired by the lack of variety in dance music in Tacoma, Calvin Murphy and Omar Stokes founded Ocean Grooves Entertainment in January 1999. They started off strong that February with Monday night shows at the 6th & Proctor Bar & Grill (later became Hell’s Kitchen) and dedicated it to underground dance music showcasing various DJs from Seattle plus Tacoma favorites such as Donald Glaude and DJ dAb. Seventeen years later, Murphy and Omarvelous are still throwing DJ parties, including at 9 p.m. dance party with DJ Swamp from Los Angeles, plus local DJs Freshwell, Minus and Omavelous at Jazzbones.
PREFUNK: The P-51 Porter was Wingman Brewers’ first real beer recipe. “It goes back to 2008 when Derrick Moyer and I were home brewing,” explains Ken Thoburn, Wingman co-founder and head brewer. “At the time, Lazy Boy Porter from Everett was my favorite beer around, so we tried to emulate that. The beer was initially made for a friends birthday and called ‘Nalty’s Tall Order Porter’ since he’s a tall dude and asked us to make a Porter for his birthday party. The beer went over so well with our friends that it remains the only recipe we’ve never changed since Wingman started.” From 2-11 p.m., Wingman Brewers will celebrate the release of its Coconut Porter with a summer party at its Tacoma taproom. Also on tap will be its We Cran Do it Cranberry Sour, Blueberry Weisse, Razma Attack Raspberry Sour, Hull Melon IPA and Lime Gose. Stacks Burgers will be on site from 3-8 p.m.
BATTLE AT THE BOAT
Sure, boxing is an archaic practice akin to bygone pursuits like dueling, but it is fun to watch. It’s no surprise that our area has produced an impressive array of pugilists in the “sweet science.” It’s the one science that nobody protests. The Northwest has been feeding its boxing desire through Emerald Queen Casino’s Battle at the Boat boxing series, of which the 106th version happens at 7 p.m. The main event pits Portland’s Virgil Green (11-4-0, 4 KOs) against San Francisco’s Jonathan Chicas (14-2-0, 7 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight contest. Presented by Brian Halquist Productions, the six-bout card will also showcase undefeated Isaac Tadeo and fellow rising-star Jeremy McCleary. Additional bouts include Tacoma’s Will Hughes facing Antonio Neal, Damian Savino squaring off against Will Marshall and Andres Reyes taking on Marco Cardenas. During intermission, there will be a special dedication to long time Tacoma promoter Stan Naccarato who passed away late last month.
PREFUNK: In 1990, Wade Bennett planted Asian pears at his farm, Rockridge Orchards in Enumclaw. Today, Rockridge is one of the biggest farm stores in western Washington, specializing in obscure produce. Rockridge’s apple cider production has expanded into hard ciders, vinegars, and an aged balsamic with a cult following. Rockridge Orchards & Cidery also houses a taproom with an enormous amount of taps, pouring craft beer and cider. The taproom turns 3 today. Drop by from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for knockout lineup of beers and ciders.
