The Brew-Haha comedy series runs every Thursday until November 20, 2014. Pictured: Tyson Faifer at Lakewood Brewing Co. (Kamilah Todd)
By Kamilah Todd
Brew-Haha, an event that uniquely combines a love for breweries and comedy, made its fifth stop in a 10-week series at Lakewood Brewing Co. in Garland on October 16. The tour hits a new brewery every Thursday through November 20. (See schedule below.)
Tyson Faifer, from NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, directs the event, the first of its kind and one that definitely has people talking.
According to Faifer, finding a venue for a one-night comedy show in various cities is extremely difficult. So, Faifer, from El Paso, knew “Texans drink a lot of beer,” and that maybe he could tap into that fan base.
“I came for the beer,” said Gus Payne, second timer to the Brew-Haha comedy series. “I’m a Temptress lover.”
After purchasing tickets at the door, customers received three drink tickets, a sticker, and a glass to keep. Directly to the right stood the main bar with five on tap brews: Lakewood Lager, Rock Ryder, Hop Trapp, Punkel, and the Temptress.
“I love the diverse array of beers,” said another Brew-Haha event attendee, Ken Cole.
Dropping their first drink ticket into the bucket, patrons then journeyed to the two food trucks located outside. Just half an hour after the doors opened, lines were packed. Some socialized and waited for their dinner, while another young couple played a game of cornhole.
After eating, the Lakewood staff moved the crowd back into the warehouse where the brewing process takes place. A mixed aged group took their seats, anxious for the real show to begin. A man named William with a thick beard, much like the rest of the staff, took the stage.
An audience member asked, “Are you required to have a beard to work here?” That was just the beginning of the laughs to take place throughout the night.
William led the brewery tour, or as he said, “the journey from grain to glass,” describing the function of the massive metal tanks behind him. After his quick 20-minute verbal tour, he called upon the crowd to raise their glasses for a cheers in the Belgium tradition. The sound of glasses clinging together consumed the room, while the crowd shouted, “Schol!”
Homebrewer Aaron Purcer admired the “down to earth way the brewers explained the scientific process,” which he claimed was “a great experience, being able to relate to them in that way.”
Each event on this 10-week comedy tour showcases a different lineup of comedians. Lakewood’s lineup featured Tyson Faifer, Angi Michelle, Ryan Perrio, and Jason James. The jokes were original and the comedians were able to interact with the crowd in a way that made them feel, at times, uncomfortable, but for the most part, like it was silly banter between pals.
“Comedy doesn’t travel well so it’s best kept small,” Faifer says. “There has to be that cool VIP feel that makes you feel you’re a part of something.”
The show came to an end and the crowd gave a large applause. Just to emphasize that friendly, small town quality, Faifer asked everyone to sign the stool at the front of the stage that travels with them from show to show. Based on the show at Lakewood, Faifer is accomplishing what he set out to do — marry beer and laughter.
Check out WFAA’s piece on Good Morning Texas for more information on the Brew-Haha comedy series. Or check it out for yourself at one of the following events. Doors open at 7 p.m., the brewery tour starts at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.
– October 23 at Panther Island Brewing, Fort Worth
– October 30 at Peticolas Brewing Co., Dallas
– November 6 at Rahr & Sons Brewing Co., Fort Worth
– November 13 at Deep Ellum Brewing Co., Dallas
– November 20 at FireWheel Brewing Co., Rowlett
Kamilah Todd is a senior at Southern Methodist University, majoring in journalism with minors in Spanish and women’s & gender studies. She is also a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Follow her on Twitter @kamilahbrett.