Dogfish Head has been throwing down some of the craftiest, most creative, off-centered events in the world of beer and beyond for the past 30 years or so. A free, family-friendly festival that embodies just that returns this weekend. That’s right, the annual Analog-A-Go-Go is back! What Dogfish refers to as the “unofficial kickoff to summer” will be happening on Saturday, June 8th from 11 am to 5 pm at its Milton Brewery location. Like most happenings at Dogfish Head, this one has beer, music, collaboration, and community at its core, not to mention spirits and some special friends, as well.
We get by with a little help from our friends, so let’s start there. At Analog-A-Go-Go you will find a few good ones. First up, Morrison Hotel Gallery. Leaders of this fine art music photography space will be on-site peddling some of its world-renowned prints. If a cocktail would enhance your exploration of its space, you’re in luck. Dogfish Head and Morrison Hotel Gallery will be debuting Old Fashioned Rock ‘n’ Roll, a 27.5% ABV cocktail collaboration inspired by the timeless, you guessed it, Old Fashioned. The next friend you’ll get to meet is CREEM Magazine. CREEM, also known as “America’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll Magazine” will be at the fest talking shop and slinging merch, as well as copies of its magazine.
Of course, beer will be a festival focal point and CREEM couldn’t let Morrison Hotel Gallery have all the fun. With the help of Dogfish, they turned it up to eleven for this collaborative brew. Behold, Boy Howdy!- a crushable cream ale (very fitting) brewed with Michigan-grown hops and organic corn. If that isn’t enough to get you going, Dewey Beer Co., Angel City Brewery, Angry Orchard, Other Half Brewing, and The Veil Brewing will all be at the fest pouring their hearts out.
Testing 1, 2, 3. It’s time for a mic check. Kicking off the musical component will be a live set from Pawnshop Roses starting at noon. Nikki & The Barn Boys will be following up, providing groovy tunes around 2 pm. Multiple independent vendors will also be selling records, trinkets, knick-knacks, and other musical goodies. I know it’s only rock ‘n’ roll, but I like it.
Good friends, good spirits, good beer, and good music… I guess that this must be the place to be. In a press release, Dogfish Head Founder, Sam Calagione says “This is one of my favorite annual Dogfish events, and it’s incredible to see partners from far and wide, who share our passion for music and craft, joining us for this year’s festival and adding their unique flavors to the mix.” Analog-A-Go-Go is open to the public, no tickets are required. Saturday can’t come soon enough.
Zeke Ottemiller, Certified Cicerone, has been working in and around beer for the last decade. As a Certified Cicerone® (think Sommelier but for beer), he has covered all things craft from coast to coast, from sunny San Diego to the laid back Lower Slower. Zeke is the owner of Otter Craft Consulting, where he specializes in supporting craft breweries in their branding and marketing efforts.