When the stars are kept outside
Beer, Tex-Mex and a healthy dose of quirky — welcome to the Art Car Kickoff
- Zebra carPhoto by Michelle Rexroat
- Texas Blues BrothersPhoto by Allen Roberson
- Susan WingfieldPhoto by Allen Roberson
- Isaac CohenPhoto by Allen Roberson
- "The Gypsy Merchant" from Vancouver, CanadaPhoto by Allen Roberson
- Terry Brooks
- Paul McRaePhoto by Allen Roberson
- Allen Roberson
- Mark BradfordPhoto by Allen Roberson
Saint Arnold Brewery took on a different feel when it opened up its doors for a free shindig in preparation for the Art Car Parade on May 8.
With artists on hand to pick up their information packets, a dozen or so art cars held court in the parking lot — this reporter was drawn to a convertible vibrantly painted in the style of the late Keith Haring, a car bedecked in scaly metal dragons (it reminded me of Antoni Gaudi's tribute to St. George slaying the dragon in the form of Barcelona's Casa Batllo), and one unassuming car simply but breathtakingly covered in shards of thick mirrored glass.
Inside Saint Arnold, the eclectic crowd — artists, cultural socials, beer fans, and more — were taking advantage of the free Saint Arnold's beer and catering from Molina's Cantina. In addition to the expected Jose's queso dip and tamales, it turns out Molina's catering also makes a mean meatball, served in a salsa verde, and a tasty (and super-spicy) chicken wing.
Americana rock band Sideshow Tramps entertained the audience from the front stage area, but the enthusiasm peaked when the band went mobile, with the foursome traveling between the aisles, giving everyone in the crowd a front row seat in turn.
But while the fun was inside, the real stars were outside. This was one kickoff party that did exactly what it ought — get people excited about the main event.