Westmoreland Cultural Trust hosts Blues, Brews & BBQ

The Westmoreland Cultural Trust will host “Blues, Brews & BBQ,” a new event pairing smoky flavors and soulful tunes, all washed down with some cool brews.

The 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 20 event will be held in the Trust’s Art in the Alley and the Helman-Ghrist parking lot in downtown Greensburg, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the Alley’s public art while they nosh, sip and dance.

VIP guests will receive early access at 5:30 p.m.

“We are excited to host the upcoming Blues, Brews & BBQ event. Working with our Westmoreland County cultural partners, we aim to continue making Westmoreland County a destination for cultural enrichment and just plain fun. Please join us and enjoy the art, entertainment and food that is unique to Westmoreland County,” Trust board chair Terry Reese says in a release.

The event launches the nine-day Greensburg Craft Beer Week, showcasing the region’s breweries, restaurants and local businesses.

“We were talking about creating an event that’s a new fundraiser for the Trust,” says Kelli Brisbane, director of corporate engagement and events.

“Jessica (Hickey) from the Downtown Greensburg Project has asked us for years to do something to participate with Craft Beer Week. … It’s a way for us to support local blues, brews and barbecue. It’s very casual and gives people different price point options,” she adds.

Tickets are $10 and include one 16-ounce craft beer, live entertainment, cash bar and barbecue for purchase.

A $50 VIP ticket includes the early access, VIP tent/seating, a commemorative cup, unlimited craft beer sampling from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., light bites and barbecue samples.

A $5 designated driver ticket is also available.

The Aris Paul Band will provide the evening’s blues.

According to the Trust, Paul is the 2016 winner of the WYEP Dos Equis Singer-Songwriter of the Year competition for his blues composition, “Rambler’s Creed.”

Quenching patrons’ thirsts will be Four Seasons Brewing Co., Quinn Brewing Co., Sobel’s Obscure Brewery and Whitehorse Brewing Co., available for purchase from the Draft Streets Beer Wagon. A variety of wines from Bella Terra Vineyards also will be available.

The Draft Streets Beer Wagon is a refrigerated cooling system capable of tapping up to eight different beers, and is owned by partners Jim Streets and Scott Kurdilla.

Grateful Smoke BBQ and Elegant Catering will tempt event-goers with the aromas of brisket, pulled pork, cornbread and other barbecue menu favorites.

Details: 724-836-8000, westmorelandculturaltrust.org and The Palace Theatre box office, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg.