Editor,
Just wanted to let your readers know that the District Brewfest with Lou Gramm, the lead singer of Foreigner, was a BLAST! This event took place on Aug. 20, and it was located near the Old Firehouse and the Warehouse on First Street in Carmel. Part of the proceeds went to Chaucie’s Place.
For a $55 ticket, a patron could sample multiple microbrewery offerings. There were at least 10 microbreweries offering samples. My favorites were samples from the Taxman Brewing Company, the Wooden Bear Brewing Company, Growl at the Moon (brewery) and Metazoa Brewing Company. The brewers at each stand happily explained the brewing process and the flavors they were trying to achieve in their beer offerings.
For those of us needing sustenance, a food stand was available that offered smoked ribs, chicken, pulled pork and beef brisket. All from a smoker right next to the stand. Fantastic. Best pulled pork I’ve ever eaten.
Finally, at 2:30 p.m., Lou Gramm’s band appeared onstage. They were high-energy and began throwing their guitar picks at the audience. Just like the old rock concerts! Lead guitarist, bass guitarist, saxophone player, drummer and keyboardist. Super-talented band members. Lou Gramm came onstage and he began to sing all the old classics: “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Juke Box Hero,” “Urgent,” “Feels Like the First Time,” and the true rock classic “I’m Hot-Blooded.” The band was smokin’ hot! My ears are still ringing.
The audience members were devoted fans of Lou Gramm’s. I talked to several people who had driven from Toledo, Ohio, to see him, as well as a devotee who had T-shirts listing all of his concerts. Another man had a notebook of fliers of all of the venues Lou had played in. He was a true fan. Lou Gramm has a way of connecting with his audience that felt like he wanted you as an audience member to have a great time with he and his band while he sang his hits.
Please keep in mind that Lou Gramm is the real deal. When Foreigner was most popular in the late ’70s and early ’80s, the band could fill football stadiums. At a time when Led Zeppelin and the Stones were at their height also. Lou Gramm has been inducted into the songwriter’s hall of fame, and has received many other honors.
It began to rain in earnest just as the band was finishing up with Hot-Blooded. When the concert ended, the drummer threw his drumsticks at the audience. I saw a woman excitedly holding up a drumstick that she had caught.
Thank you to the Warehouse for putting together such a great event.
Diane Breier, Carmel