In an extraordinary live event from Boom Concepts in Pittsburgh, the Drinking Partners are joined by Brian Burley – author of the newly released YNGBLKPGH, a book featuring black professionals from the community – and Thomas Agnew, owner and co-founder of Boom Concepts and Jenisis Magazine. The event celebrated the conclusion of a gallery showing with a brunch provided by Sweet Little Eats and Wine & Words Pittsburgh before the Drinking Partners chatted with Mr. Burley and Mr. Agnew. What follows is a comprehensive conversation centered on community and success, and how interwoven the two must be, which is an integral element in YNGBLKPGH. A question and answer session is highlighted toward the latter half, with an active and engaged examination ensuing. In the closing minutes, an impassioned discussion allows listeners to laugh and consider, from the importance of networking and supporting new concepts and ventures to the salmon shade of Day’s pants. To learn more about YNGBLKPGH and Brian Burley, visit www.yngblkpgh.com and Boom Concepts at www.boomconcepts.com.
One of Pittsburgh’s up and coming rappers, PK Delay, and Jacob Finch, freelance creator and manager, join Ed for a music-centric conversation in the latest Drinking Partners release. In the opening minutes, an introspective discussion centers around the evolving approach of rap artists, with a focus on how new, young rappers are redefining the game and making their own rules. From forming a closer connection to their fans to developing their own images, PK Delay explains how he and other young rappers are exploring new roads and paving their own ways to success. A deeply held belief in bringing a positive aspect to his music and to his fans motivates PK and drives the interview, which is highlighted by an in-depth back and forth between Ed and PK that examines every aspect of the Pittsburgh rap scene. To hear more from PK Delay, visit https://soundcloud.com/pk-delay.
With the studio to himself, Ed reflects on his headlining experience at the Pittsburgh Improv before welcoming North Country Brewing owner Bob McCafferty and marketing head JD Longo. Open since 2005, North Country serves as a veteran voice for listeners, home brewers, and entrepreneurs. With a focus on farm to table and beer-inclusive dining, Mr. McCafferty explains the business model in detail, which makes for an interesting and enlightening podcast. Of course, Ed pops in with amusing asides and funny anecdotes as the men talk shop; and his Make-a-Wish analysis is both hilarious and very Drinking Partners-like, as is his description of his first pedicure. Sipping on the Stinky Hippie, a Pale Ale with 5.5% ABV, the men jump back and forth between personal admissions and professional brewing, with a relaxed and enjoyable vibe. Also of note is the Stationhouse 33 Firehouse Red, a malty ale brewed for the Slippery Rock Fire Department; a percentage of sales is donated back to the department. For information about North Country Brewing Company, visit http://www.northcountrybrewpub.com/. To see the Drinking Partners live at Bricolage on Saturday, June 17 at 8:00 PM, buy tickets at www.purplepass.com/byob.
Small batch masters Ryan Slicker and Tom Jenkins of the newly opened Fury Brewing stop by the studio and join the Drinking Partners for a lesson in beer making, which was broadcasted live on Facebook. The men sip on the caramel flavored Nuts of Fury brown ale to open the podcast as Ryan and Tom speak on what goes into opening a brewery. With beers created for “taste, smoothness, and quality,” Fury Brewing enjoys brewing a variety of offerings and plans to continue to expand. Listeners will enjoy learning how much goes into all sides of brewing, from crafting beer to developing a business model. To close the podcast, the men sample Sid’s 1K IPA, a centennial hop based beer named in honor of Sydney Crosby’s 1000th point. To learn more about Fury Brewing, visit furybrewingcompany.com. To catch the Drinking Partners live at Bricolage Theater (downtown Pittsburgh), buy tickets now: www.purplepass/byob.