Press release from New Belgium Brewing:
World-class acts, top notch beer, and philanthropic fun – get ready because New Belgium Brewing’s “Fat Tire presents the Tour de Fat” is kicking off the 2017 season and celebrating the brewery’s first year in Asheville on Saturday, May 20. This year’s tour is the biggest and boldest yet, traveling to 33 cities.
Leading up to the big day, some cities, including Asheville, will host a Battle of the Bands competition to play on the Tour de Fat stage. On Saturday, May 6 two local bands, Carolina Wrayand Ian Ridenhour, will compete against each other for this hometown honor.
“The Battle of the Bands is a new element we’re looking forward to,” said New Belgium Tour de Fat Brand Manager, Sam Sawyer. “In Asheville, we’ll have two bands represent a different non-profit, Asheville on Bikes and Mountain True. The crowd will then vote with their dollars for the non-profit that represents their favorite band. The one with the most money at the end gets to play at Tour de Fat!”
Another new element for the 2017 season is a top headline act in each city. In Asheville, Third Eye Blind will wow the crowd. The band is celebrating its 20th anniversary of their debut album this summer with its Summer Gods Tour. However, before that kicks off the alternative rock band will play at Tour de Fat in Asheville.
In addition to live music, Tour de Fat’s mayhem will include an ensemble cast of artists, performers, vaudeville acts, magicians and comedians. Tour de Fat revelers are encouraged to wear costumes and everyone 21 and older will be able to enjoy some of the American craft beer icon’s year-round line-up including New Belgium’s flagship beer, Fat Tire, Voodoo Ranger 8 Hoppale ale, bohemian style Pilsener and Citradelic tangerine IPA.
Since 2000, Tour de Fat has raised close to $5 million for non-profit partners and hopes to generate more than $600,000 in support of local causes this year. Proceeds from the Asheville stop will benefit Asheville on Bikes, an organization focused on cultivating the culture of urban and commuter cycling through advocacy and celebration.
“Asheville on Bikes is excited to partner with New Belgium Brewing for Tour de Fat,” said Mike Sule, Director of Asheville on Bikes. “I’ve attended a few Tour de Fats in other cities, and I can tell you this is an event not to be missed. New Belgium delivers on the music line up, the carnival antics, and the beer. AoB is ready to celebrate with New Belgium on Saturday, May 20th!”
Battle of the Bands Details
When:
Saturday, May 6, 2017
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
· First band performs at 4:15 pm
· Second band performs at 5:15 pm
**Coin toss that day will determine exact schedule **Location:
New Belgium Brewing
21 Craven Street, Asheville, NCHow Bands Win:
Collection buckets will be available for both Asheville on Bikes and Mountain True. If Mountain True gets the most donations Ian Ridenhour will play the Asheville Tour de Fat show. If Asheville on Bikes gets the most donations Carolina Wray will play Tour de Fat.Tour de Fat Asheville Details
When:
Saturday, May 20, 2017
4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.Location:
New Belgium Brewing
21 Craven Street, Asheville, NCMain Stage Entertainment:
· Third Eye Blind
· Battle of the Bands winner (TBD)
· Sputnik, featuring performers, vaudeville acts, magicians, comedians, and mind-blowing provocateurs
· Fire Leopard Sedan HalenBenefiting: Asheville on Bikes
The mission of Asheville on Bikes is to cultivate a culture of urban and commuter cycling through advocacy and celebration. It believes cycling has a direct impact on the health of the community.Price:
· Tickets: $25 +fees
· Tickets are first come first served and are available for purchase in advance online or at New Belgium Brewing
· Donations for non-profits will be accepted at the show
· Beer: $5 for a 12 oz. pourFor more information about the Tour de Fat Asheville stop, performers, or to purchase tickets, visit newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat/city/Asheville.
About New Belgium Brewing
New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire Belgian Style Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, is recognized as one of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work and one of the Wall Street Journal’s Best Small Businesses. The 100% employee-owned brewery is a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Business as designated by the League of American Bicyclists, and one of World Blu’s most democratic U.S. businesses, and a Certified B Corp. In addition to Fat Tire, New Belgium brews fourteen year-round beers; Citradelic Tangerine IPA, Citradelic Lime Ale, Voodoo Ranger IPA, Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA, Voodoo Ranger 8 Hop Pale Ale, Dayblazer Easygoing Ale, Tartastic Lemon Ginger Ale, Sunshine Wheat, 1554 Black Ale, Bohemian Pilsner, Abbey Belgian Ale, Trippel and a gluten-reduced line, Glutiny Pale Ale and Glutiny Golden Ale. Learn more at www.newbelgium.com.
You could have named the bands at least.