19th Annual Beer Dinner and Tasting, Michael Jackson: The Man and His Legacy
Friday, March 14, 7:00 to 9:00pm and Saturday, March 15, 1:00, 3:30, and 6:00pm at Penn Museum
The 19th annual Beer Dinner and Beer Tastings at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology pay tribute to Michael Jackson, The Beer Hunter, who passed away in August 2007. Mr. Jackson, an internationally-renowned beer expert who is credited with fuelling the craft beer movement, presided over Penn Museums annual Beer Dinner and Tasting for almost 20 years. This year, Penn Museum honors Mr. Jacksons life and work with a Gala Tribute and Tasting Friday, March 14 from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. and the day-long Beer Tastings, Saturday, March 15th, 1:00, 3:30 and 6:00 p.m. at the University of Pennsylvania Museum.
Internationally recognized as the leading writer on beers of the world, Michael Jackson authored numerous books, including The Great Beer Guide, and the Pocket Guide to Beer, which were published in 15 languages. His television series, "The Beer Hunter," took him on a worldwide tour of historic breweries. He was a Director at Large of the North American Guild of Beer Writers, and was founding Chairman of the similar Guild in Britain. Mr. Jackson was regarded as one of the fathers of the renaissance of interest in beer worldwide, and especially of the North American micro-brewery movement, which he covered from its beginnings in the mid-1970s up until his untimely death this past September.
Fridays nights event, titled A Tribute to Michael Jackson, celebrates his legacy through reminiscences, a cocktail buffet featuring many of his favorite foods, and of course, lots of great beer. In what promises to be a special measure of his preeminence, Penn Museum has invited brewers and distributors to either brew a beer inspired by Michael Jacksons writing and encouragement, or to bring an existing product that bears the signs of his direct influence.
Tickets: $95 per person; $85 for Museum members. Tickets on sale at the Annenberg Center Box Office beginning February 1: 215/898-3900.
On Saturday the Museum's ever popular Tutored Beer Tastings takes on a new form from years past with the theme Michael Jackson: The Man and His Legacy. A panel of three experts, led by Philadelphias own Don Russell (beer columnist 'Joe Sixpack'), Tom Dalldorf, editor of Celebrator Beer News, and Charles Finkel, well known pioneer of the craft beer movement, taste a selection of beers brewed especially for this tribute weekend, reminisce about Michael Jacksons life and times, and reflect on his influence in the Philadelphia craft beer world. Each session begins with a tutored tasting hosted by our panel of experts, followed by a two-hour open tasting of dozens more beers in the Chinese Rotunda, accompanied by beer-friendly foods by Museum Catering Company.
Participants can sign up for one of three separate seatings at 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 6 p.m. Tickets, on sale at the Annenberg Center box office, are $45; $40 for Museum members. The number for reservations is 215/898-3900.
Advance reservations are required for both programs, and attendees must be at least 21 years old.
Penn Museum is located at 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays and holidays, admission donation is $8 adults; $5 senior citizens and students with ID; free to Museum members, children under 6, and University of Pennsylvania staff, students, and faculty with a PENNcard. For general information call (215) 898-4000, or visit the Museum's website at http://www.museum.upenn.edu.
Release Date: Wednesday, February 20th 2008
