Celebration of Life For Eagle Residents Seth Bossung, Andy Jessen, and Adam Palmer to Live Stream Sunday, February 28
In celebration of the lives of Eagle, Colorado residents Seth Bossung, Andy Jessen, and Adam Palmer, friends and family and the Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC) present a livestream musical tribute this Sunday, February 28 featuring Custom 20, the Olora Brothers, Hardscrabble, and several other local musicians.
EAGLE, CO— In celebration of the lives of Eagle, Colorado residents Seth Bossung, Andy Jessen, and Adam Palmer, friends and family and the Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC) present a livestream musical tribute this Sunday, February 28 featuring Custom 20, the Olora Brothers, Hardscrabble, and several other local musicians.
The loss of Bossung, Jessen, and Palmer is felt deeply in their families and the Eagle community. All were husbands, sons, and stewards of the environment. Bossung worked in the Eagle County Sustainable Communities Department, was an Energy Smart Colorado home auditor, architect and LEAD specialist, a fiddle player, and the father of two. Palmer served as Director of the Eagle County Sustainable Communities Department, a founding member Hardscrabble, Olora Bros, Six Penny, and Custom 20, a town council member, a Holy Cross Energy Board member, long time volunteer for the Hardscrabble Trails Coalition, and the father of two as well. Jessen, who co-owned Bonfire Brewing and managed the Bonfire Block Party with his wife Amanda, served as Eagle mayor pro tem, a sponsor of the Eagle River Park project, a bowling and softball enthusiast, a Subaru (Brat) zealot, and a proud dog dad.
Fifteen local musicians will perform at this benefit concert, for which donations will benefit Vail Mountain Rescue Group, San Juan County Search & Rescue, and the Bossung, Jessen, and Palmer families. Elli Varas, Custom 20, the Olora Brothers, and Hardscrabble will perform throughout the evening. This event will be live streamed for free on the Vilar Performing Arts Center’s YouTube channel on Sunday beginning at 5pm, and all viewers are encouraged to donate through MobileCause. Both the streaming and donation link can be accessed at vilarpac.org.
“We believe that music and the arts can help us cope, celebrate and express just a glimmer of our deep gratitude and admiration for these men,” says Owen Hutchinson, the Executive Director at VPAC. “Each of them made such a lasting and positive impact in our community, and we hope this live streamed event will offer those who knew them an evening to reflect, remember and rejoice all they brought to our lives.”
No in-person tickets are available to the public for this event. We hope everyone will join us from the comfort of their homes as we live stream the event from the VPAC stage.
On Monday, March 1 a local restaurant effort to raise funds for these families through Bonfire Brewing beer, Gather ‘Round Week, will launch at more than 20 venues across the county.
VPAC Celebration of Life Event Page
Press Contact: Emily Hutto, coop@radcraftbeer.com
About VPAC
Located in the heart of Colorado's Beaver Creek Resort, the Vilar Performing Arts Center is a 535-seat theatre, operated by the Vail Valley Foundation, which presents a variety of year-round performances including Broadway musicals, concerts, family entertainment, comedy, dance, classical music and more. Visit vilarpac.org for more.
Bonfire Brewing Statement: February 18, 2021
The Bonfire Brewing team is humbled by the Eagle and Colorado beer communities that have offered support after the loss of Co-Owner Andy Jessen in an avalanche in Silverton.
EAGLE, CO— The Bonfire Brewing team is humbled by the Eagle and Colorado beer communities that have offered support after the loss of Co-Owner Andy Jessen in an avalanche in Silverton. These volunteer and fundraising efforts have helped the brewery maintain operations to continue serving its community during this time of shock and grief.
In response to an outpouring of local support and to supplement unexpected expenses, Bonfire launched this GoFundMe campaign.
In addition to contributing to this GoFundMe campaign, fans and friends of Colorado beer can support the brewery during this time by purchasing Bonfire beer at the tasting room in Eagle, at restaurants, or in liquor stores across Bonfire’s distribution footprint along the I-70 Corridor and across Colorado’s Front Range. They can also purchase merchandise at the brewery or through the online store and send cards to PO Box 5276.
Last week, residents of the town of Eagle honored Andy and fellow adventurers Adam Palmer and Seth Bossung with a gathering at Eagle’s River Park that Bonfire co-sponsored. The Town of Eagle also resurrected the now notorious Christmas penis monument that Andy adamantly crusaded to keep erect in effort to “Keep Eagle Weird” last year.
Bonfire Brewing expresses deep gratitude for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), San Juan County Search and Rescue, and both the towns of Silverton and Eagle.
“There aren’t enough words to say thank you to Eagle, the Colorado beer community, and beyond,” Amanda Jessen says. “We’re managing this crisis and our grief as best we know how, and deeply appreciate the grace, space, and support.”
Bonfire Brewing is working with the Town of Eagle to livestream a charitable concert and memorial service for Andy, Adam, and Seth on February 28. More details will be announced later this week.
The Bonfire Brewing team and Jessen family do not have additional comments at this time. Please direct all media inquiries to Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT BONFIRE BREWING
Craft enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers gather around Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado, where the beers are driven by quality, curiosity, and community. Founded in 2010, Bonfire continues on their path of sustainable growth with cans of their year-round beers available in liquor stores and restaurants across Colorado. Gather ‘round Bonfire online at bonfirebrewing.com.
Bonfire Brewing Celebrates 10th Anniversary with a Week of Throwback Beers and Live Music
Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado Celebrates 10 Years
EAGLE, CO— It’s time to “Gather ‘round” to celebrate a decade of Bonfire Brewing beers. From November 8-14th, the downtown Eagle brewery will release throwback beers and specialty slushies, host live music, and unveil the limited edition 10th anniversary Demshitz Quadruple Brown Ale. Events have been deliberately scheduled throughout the week to avoid crowding and to permit ample space for social distancing measures.
In its ten years, Bonfire has become an Eagle institution committed to limiting their environmental impact, and well known for their deep involvement in the community. They are home to some of the Vail Valley’s best live music offerings, most notably at the annual Bonfire Block Party.
In anticipation of this occasion, Bonfire procured Bourbon barrels from Laws Whiskey House, in which they’ve been aging the Quadruple Brown Ale. This 10th anniversary ale pays high gravity homage to Bonfire’s first recipe on the original opening beer board, Demshitz Brown Ale.
Join the BonFamily in November for their 10th anniversary week!
Sunday, November 8th - Limited Edition Anniversary Glass release, Anniversary Chalkboard Reveal
Monday, 9th - Throwback beer release #1
Tuesday, 10th - Throwback beer release #2, Guess Your Flight Night -- Guess your flight and it’s free!
Wednesday, 11th - Specialty Slush release #1
Thursday, 12th - Throwback beer release #3, Brew Tours at Bonfire production facility, and live music from Lance Boyle and the Red Bottom Boys 6-9pm
Friday, 13th - Specialty Slush release #2, Throwback beer release #4, and live music from The Evolution 6-9pm
Saturday, 14th - Annual Mug Club Auction, live music from Hardscrabble 6-9pm, 10th Anniversary Bottle Release + Quad Brown release on draft with collectors glass, and prize drawing for a YETI 45L Hard Cooler filled with Bonfire goodies
Husband and wife team Andy and Amanda Jessen have owned and operated Bonfire from day one. “Ten years has certainly flown by,” notes Andy, “and it feels good to hit the milestone, especially with the challenges we’re all currently facing.”
“We’re more invested in, and thankful for, our community than ever,” Amanda adds. “Ten years of beer has led to a lot of great conversations, friendships, and lessons. We can’t wait to see what the next ten bring.”
For more information about Bonfire Brewing’s decade in business or upcoming anniversary celebration, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT BONFIRE BREWING
Craft enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers gather around Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado, where the beers are driven by quality, curiosity, and community. Founded in 2010, Bonfire continues on their path of sustainable growth with cans of their year-round beers available in liquor stores and restaurants across Colorado. Gather ‘round Bonfire online at bonfirebrewing.com.
Bonfire Brewing Continues Patio Expansion Project
Bonfire Brewing’s continued patio expansion to increase seating and entertainment space for customers this summer in anticipation of social distancing requirements.
EAGLE, CO— Bonfire Brewing broke even more ground on its continued patio expansion last week to increase seating and entertainment space for customers this summer. Bonfire is working closely with local partners to execute this project during uncertain times.
The new additions to Bonfire’s award-winning patio include fresh concrete complete with sleeves for removable fence posts, adding an additional 500 square feet of safe, level, and licensed outdoor space for customers to enjoy Bonfire beers. Not to mention this upgrade means there will always be a shady spot for refuge from the Colorado sun, no matter the time of day.
Bonfire has always been deeply ingrained in the Eagle community, and this expansion is no exception. The brewery’s landlord manned a Skid-Steer that he owns to help haul concrete and level dirt, and a local contractor offered Bonfire an exceptional price on concrete so they could execute the project as inexpensively as possible. The Town of Eagle might be on a spending freeze in response to COVID-19, however they waived the permit and review fees, and provided technical support to help facilitate the project.
“One of the primary motivations for launching this project is to open up more outdoor customer areas in anticipation of continued distancing requirements, if and when we are permitted to reopen for on-premise service,” says Bonfire Co-Owner Andy Jessen. “It was always part of the original vision for the patio expansion, and now seemed like the perfect time to go for it.”
Without bar hours to staff, Bonfire team members have been working on an array of projects to update the tasting room, this patio work included. While starting the demo work, the team uncovered a small piece of Eagle history— a portion of the original Town of Eagle sidewalk in pristine condition. It sits below the grade of the building pad, likely covered up in the 1960’s or 70’s.
The Bonfire crew also saved the hops in the planter boxes that have been growing on Second Street since the brewery’s first summer of business in 2011, and will replant them in an expanded urban hop farm at the tap room this growing season. They are also rebuilding the planter box for the signature pine tree growing in front of the brewery in downtown Eagle. The Bonfire team also has exciting plans for expanded bike parking, and fun ideas for the first round of furnishings in the new space— stay tuned on their social media channels for updates as the project continues.
For more information about Bonfire Brewing or its destination patio, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT BONFIRE BREWING
Craft enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers gather around Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado, where the beers are driven by quality, curiosity, and community. Founded in 2010, Bonfire continues on their path of sustainable growth with cans of their year-round beers available in liquor stores and restaurants across Colorado. Gather ‘round Bonfire online at bonfirebrewing.com.
Bonfire Block Party Postponed to August
The brewery and its event partner Optimum Events are working to keep the original band lineup and all intended weekend plans intact.
EAGLE, CO– Due to worldwide uncertainty from the COVID-19 pandemic, and to ensure the safety of guests, artists, vendors, and the Eagle County community, Bonfire Brewing and Optimum Events announced today that the 2020 Bonfire Block Party will be postponed to the last weekend in August.
2020 marks the eighth annual Bonfire Block Party, three-time winner of the Best of Vail's Best Summer Festival title. Originally slated for June 12-14 with its most ambitious lineup yet, the new dates for this community event are August 28-30. Eagle, Colorado’s annual Outside Fest that takes place in tandem with Block Party is also postponed to these dates.
A refund process will be available via the Bonfire Block Party website within the next week, for current ticket holders unable to attend the August dates. Tickets purchased for the original June dates will be applied to the new August dates with no further action needed.
The brewery and its event partner Optimum Events are working to keep the original band lineup and all intended weekend plans intact. They will make announcements accordingly at a later time, and continue to prioritize public health over good times as challenging as this reality may be.
“With circumstances far out of our control, we're more grateful to the Town of Eagle, our ticket buyers, the bands, and our partners than ever before,” says Bonfire co-owner Amanda Jessen. “Over the last few weeks, keeping the Bonfire family safe and together has been our top priority, and we’re relieved that that has been possible so far,” Jessen continued. “With the announcement of the postponed dates, we’re excited to all have something to look forward to, and ready to bring our community the best Bonfire Block Party yet, circumstances permitting. Beer in the street may never taste so good,” she concludes.
Live music tours, events, and festivals all over the world have been cancelled or postponed due to the continuing safety concerns as a result of the pandemic. “The music industry, and every business type associated with it, has been absolutely decimated by this crisis,” notes Optimum Events owner Ted Wenninger. “We’re driven to keep the Bonfire Block Party going not only for the community here in Eagle, but also for all the artists, vendors, and staff that have seen their livelihoods disappear.”
A portion of all Bonfire Block Party proceeds benefit Eagle County nonprofit partner, The Cycle Effect. For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.bonfireblockparty.com.
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with all media inquiries about Bonfire Brewing and Bonfire Block Party.
IF YOU GO:
What: 2020 Bonfire Block Party
When: Friday, August 28 - Sunday, August 30
Where: Downtown Eagle, CO
Cost: $40 - $140
More Information: visit www.bonfireblockparty.com
The Mammoths, Mo Lowda & the Humble Added to Bonfire Block Party Lineup
The Mammoths and Mo Lowda & the Humble join the 2020 Bonfire Block Party musical lineup. The eighth-annual street festival takes place June 12-14, 2020 in downtown Eagle, Colorado.
Photo courtesy The Mammoths and Mo Lowda & the Humble
EAGLE, CO – Bonfire Brewing and Optimum Events announced two more main stage acts to play the 2020 Bonfire Block Party taking place Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14. The Mammoths and Mo Lowda & the Humble will join other groups, yet-to-be-announced, as part of the multi-day street festival held in downtown Eagle, CO. Early Bird GA and regularly priced VIP Experience tickets are on sale now.
The Mammoths are an up-and-coming Austin band fueled by their fiery and unapologetic stage presence reminiscent of a young Led Zeppelin. Over the past few years, they have evolved from garage band rock to sophisticated blues funk and their live shows are not to be missed.
Philadelphia-based indie rockers, Mo Lowda & the Humble are known as a tireless touring band with more than 100 live shows each year, gracing the stages of Firefly Music Festival, The Peach Music Festival and Mountain Jam, to name a few. Their latest album “Creatures” (2018) received rave reviews and their upcoming full-length recording “Ready Coat” drops on March 6.
The two bands join previously announced Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass as part of the eighth annual Bonfire Block Party musical line up. The full festival lineup will be announced on Friday, Feb. 21. Tickets for the 2020 Block Party are on sale now and include limited Early Bird Two-Day General Admission tickets, regularly priced Two-Day VIP Experience tickets and Bloodies & Bluegrass brunch tickets, which include bottomless Bloody Marys and mimosas.
The Block Party features nationally renowned bands performing on three stages, bar service including Bonfire Brewing craft beer and local food vendors in the streets of downtown Eagle. Kids 12 and under are free for General Admission, and two and under are free for the VIP Experience and Sunday’s Bloodies & Bluegrass event.
A portion of all Bonfire Block Party proceeds benefit Eagle County nonprofit partner, The Cycle Effect. For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.bonfireblockparty.com.
IF YOU GO:
What: 2020 Bonfire Block Party
When: Friday, June 12 - Sunday, June 14
Where: Downtown Eagle, CO
Cost: $30 - $140
More Information: visit www.bonfireblockparty.com
Bonfire Brewing Breaks Ground On Patio Expansion
This major expansion of Bonfire’s tasting room patio follows an amendment to the Town of Eagle’s land use regulations pasted September 11, 2018.
breaking ground at Bonfire Brewing on September 17, 2018
EAGLE, CO— Bonfire Brewing broke ground today on a major expansion of their tasting room patio following an amendment to the Town of Eagle’s land use regulations passed Tuesday, September 11. The patio is slated for completion in December.
In order for Bonfire Brewing to begin this greatly anticipated project, Eagle’s Mayor and Town Board of Trustees had to approve Ordinance 30-2018 amending Chapter 9.28 of the Eagle Municipal Code Concerning Encroachments. This amendment allows Bonfire, a private entity, to “encroach” into small portions of Eagle’s public right of way, making the new patio the first thing that visitors see when they head into town on Highway 6.
Voted by Vail Daily readers as the Valley’s Best Patio in 2017, Bonfire’s expansion will include additional seating, more room for live music, and the installation of garage doors that open onto the patio from the brewery’s west side. When complete, customers will experience wrap-around outdoor space for enjoying Bonfire beers outdoors.
The Bonfire Brewing patio expansion plan will increase tasting room customer space by more than 700 square feet. The projects is estimated to be complete by December of 2019.
For more information about Bonfire Brewing or their tasting room expansion, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
Front entrance mockup
west wall mockup
ABOUT BONFIRE BREWING
Craft enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers gather around Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado, where the beers are driven by quality, curiosity, and community. Founded in 2010, Bonfire continues on their path of sustainable growth with cans of their year-round beers available in liquor stores and restaurants across Colorado. Gather ‘round Bonfire online at bonfirebrewing.com.