Small Venues Thrive with Local Musicians and Beer

by MARY WILLSON
Equinox Brewing Has 18 Taps and Just as Much Music 
Out on the town on a weekend night, one small but mighty brewery may catch your eye as you look into its large front windows into a cozy scene full of drinkers sipping on golden brews and dancing to upbeat melodies.
This is Equinox Brewing. “We’ve heard it called ‘the biggest small venue in town,’” said co-manager Justin Reynier over a half pint of an original brew. “That’s something we have been thanked for. We have a built in crowd, and it has turned into a launch place for new bands.” Reynier manages with Laura Petrick, and the brewery opened its doors three years ago in 2010.
The beer comes first with 18 taps that rotate continuously. The brewery is unique with its small brewing system that allows total flexibility and continual change.
“We revisit styles, although we have total flexibility with the small brewing system,” Reynier said. The beer is brewed 8 1/2 BBL (unit measurement of brewing) system in the back of the building.
The brewer, Colin Wescott takes pride and passion in his brewing. Reynier explains that he is an English scholar, and his brewing “really shows his creative spirit.”
With seasonal beers on tap, cheeses, crackers, pretzels and other snacks on hand and music two nights a week, this brewery is more like a home-away from home.
Every Friday and Saturday there is live music, playing on a stage at the back of the room during the winter and outside on a large patio in the summer.
“Its been a pretty organic progression,” Reynier said. “We book a variety of music — that’s the beauty of it.”
Some local favorites come through the doors on a regular basis, including Wasteland Hop (hip-hop), Blue Grama (bluegrass), Hand Picked Band (Alt. Country Bluegrass), abd 12 Cents to Marvin (Ska). Old bands become favorites for the crowds, and new bands are able to connect to new audiences at Equinox. The variety of bands always keeps the atmosphere and beer choice fresh.
Reynier does the booking, and generally bands contact him. He listens to the music and has them stop by the brewery, then he goes from there. Sometimes he will ask bands to come in and play as well. There are always opportunities for bands to enjoy the built in, fun and engaging crowd that Equinox brings.
As the fall weather is setting in, Equinox currently has “Autumnal Marzan” beer on tap. It is a classic German Oktoberfest sure to please all fall-enthusiasts.
 
Equinox is located on 133 Remington St. It’s open daily at noon, and live music starts every Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m. 
 
Highlights for November: 
Blue Grama (bluegrass) – Nov 1 
Tyler T (Singer/Songwriter) – Nov 8 
Hand Picked Band (Alt. Country Bluegrass) – Nov 9 
Butternut Squashed Band (Jazz Fusion)- Nov 29 
 

Road 34 Pairs Variety of Beer with Variety of Audience 

Road 34 may not be a name that the typical resident is accustomed to—although it is a vital piece of the Colorado State University patchwork. Located in the Campus West area on Elizabeth Street, it is directly across from campus and in the middle of student stomping grounds. In addition, the venue and bar triples as a bike shop, creating the perfect trifecta of Northern Colorado lifestyle.
With a fresh crowd of students, bands are able to reach new audiences that aren’t always in the music scene downtown.
“We try to put local music in the forefront,” Greta Cornett said, the talent buyer of Road 34 and a local musician. “Road” as it is commonly known as to college students has live music every Friday and Saturday night at 9 p.m.
With 34 taps, there is always something new, seasonal, and fun to try. For an autumn feel, the “Woodchuck Granny Smith” is a cider from Vermont Cider Co. and is something to warm up after a brisk bike ride.
Some local favorites are regulars at Road 34, including Fierce Bad Rabbit, Wire Faces, and In the Whale. Roger Klien and the “three amigos” do an annual show at Road, which often sells out.
“It’s a really fun venue,” Cornett said. “We are a medium sized venue, so you can really be inches away from the band.” That is a unique aspect of the fun and upbeat bar, bike and band shop. Away from the old town chaos, Road 34 is a little slice of uniqueness.
On top of the ever-changing 34 taps, Road has delicious nachos, sandwiches and  food to enjoy out on the large patio, or on the wood tables inside.
With bikes hanging from the ceiling, and old van serving as décor, the inside feels much like what a favorite campus bar should feel like—only with much more excitement.
Lots of unique beer choices, local and national acts, and a bike shop—what else could a Fort Collins resident need?
 
All booking inquiries can be emailed to [email protected]
 
 The bar is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and the bike shop hours are 1 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. 5 p.m. on Sunday. 
 
Some upcoming highlights:
Ambassador Wolf (rock/folk) – Nov 1
Winchester Holiday (rock) – Nov 8
In the Whale CD Release Party – Nov 16