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.
The Lil Smokies to Play Sunday Sayonara Closing Concert and Brunch at the 2019 Bonfire Block Party in Eagle on Sunday, June 2 – Special Discount Offered Today Only
Sunday Sayonara closing concert and brunch will feature bluegrass phenoms, The Lil Smokies.
The Lil Smokies will be featured at the 2019 Bonfire Block Party’s Sunday Sayonara closing concert and brunch on Sunday, June 2 in Downtown Eagle - tickets are on sale now. Photo by Lisa Siciliano.
EAGLE CO— Optimum Events and Bonfire Brewing announced today that the special event, Sunday Sayonara closing concert and brunch will feature bluegrass phenoms, The Lil Smokies. After two days of live music with 11 bands on three stages during the Bonfire Block Party, the Sunday Sayonara add-on event takes place in the tent on Second Street and Broadway in Downtown Eagle from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 2. The $40 ticket price includes The Lil Smokies concert and a breakfast buffet. A cash bar will also be available onsite. For one day only on Tuesday, April 2, Block Party organizers are offering 10% off Sunday Sayonara tickets using the online code sundaysmokies.
Originally hailing from Montana and well-known to festival crowds around the country, The Lil Smokies is a progressive bluegrass band that presents original songwriting with bluegrass roots and the sheer raw energy of a rock band. The band will also be featured during the two-day Bonfire Block Party festival which takes place Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1.
Tickets to Sunday Sayonara featuring The Lil Smokies and the Bonfire Block Party are on sale now. A portion of all Block Party proceeds will benefit the Eagle County nonprofit organization, The Cycle Effect. For more information and to purchase tickets online, visitwww.bonfireblockparty.com.
If You Go:
What: Bonfire Block Party’s Sunday Sayonara featuring The Lil Smokies
Where: Downtown Eagle, CO
When: Sunday, June 2 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $40 (kids 2 and under are FREE)
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Railroad Earth and Amasa Hines Added to 2019 Bonfire Block Party Lineup – More To Be Announced
Bonfire Brewing and Optimum Events announced more bands added to their 2019 festival lineup
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Railroad Earth and Amasa Hines will join the lineup, bringing the total number of musical acts announced to 10.
EAGLE, CO— Bonfire Brewing and Optimum Events announced that five more bands have been added to their 2019 festival lineup, bringing the total amount to 10 bands announced so far. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Railroad Earth and Amasa Hines will all play on one of two main stages on Broadway, while Vail Valley favorites, The Evolution and The Sessh will play the Bonfire Stage located on Second Street. Tickets are now on sale for the 5th annual Bonfire Block Party, taking place May 31 through June 2, 2019 in Downtown Eagle, CO. Three more bands will be announced in the weeks leading up to the Block Party.
Previously announced bands include the North Mississippi Allstars, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Ripe and The Lil Smokies – all groups are festival veterans around the country, but each are making their first-time appearance at the Bonfire Block Party.
“We’re really proud of how the lineup has shaped up this year,” says Ted Wenninger of Optimum Events, co-producers of the Bonfire Block Party. “We go into the booking season with a pretty heavy wish-list, not knowing what we’ll get on the other side, but this year’s bookings have come together exceptionally well. We really think there’s something for everyone over these two days of live music, Bonfire beer, food vendors and everything else Eagle has to offer.”
Tickets to the 2019 Bonfire Block Party are on sale now and include two-day general admission, two-day Sili packages, a VIP experience and a special add-on event, the Sunday Sayonara closing concert and brunch. Kids 12 and under are free for general admission and 2 and under are free for the VIP experience and Sunday Sayonara event. A portion of all Bonfire Block Party proceeds will benefit Eagle County nonprofit organization, The Cycle Effect.
For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.bonfireblockparty.com.
If You Go:
What: 2019 Bonfire Block Party
Where: Downtown Eagle, CO
When: Friday, May 31 - Sunday, June 2, 2019
Cost: $40 - $140
Bonfire Block Party Festival in Eagle Hosts 2019 Lineup Release Shindig on Tuesday, March 19
The music lineup for the 2019 Bonfire Block Party in Eagle will be released on Tuesday, March 19.
The Runaway Grooms will perform live music at Bonfire Brewing in Eagle on Tuesday, March 19 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. as part of the Bonfire Block Party’s 2019 Lineup Release Shindig.
EAGLE, CO— The music lineup for the 2019 Bonfire Block Party in Eagle will be released on Tuesday, March 19. 11 bands on three stages will be featured at the 5th annual music and beer street party Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2, 2019. General admission, VIP experience and Sunday Sayonara closing concert and brunch tickets are on sale now. The Runaway Grooms will perform live music at the Release Shindig on Tuesday, March 19 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Bonfire Brewing in Eagle. Entry to the Shindig is free.
The Bonfire Block Party previously announced that North Mississippi Allstars, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Ripe and The Lil Smokies will perform during the two-day street festival. Other music acts will be announced on Tuesday, March 19, followed by the Shindig that same day. Attendees purchasing Block Party tickets of any level at the Release Shindig will have no ticket fees and will receive one free beer from Bonfire Brewing.
The Runaway Grooms is a Vail Valley-based trio that covers a variety of musical styles from classic rock to Americana folk, from country to psychedelic rock. The Grooms provide a refreshing take on classic hits from the 60s on.
A portion of all Bonfire Block Party proceeds will benefit Eagle County nonprofit organization, The Cycle Effect. For more information and to purchase Bonfire Block Party tickets online, visitwww.bonfireblockparty.com.
If You Go:
What: 2019 Bonfire Block Party Lineup Release Shindig
Where: Bonfire Brewing, Eagle
When: Tuesday, March 19 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
More: www.bonfireblockparty.com
J. Roddy Walston and Ripe Join Music Lineup for 2019 Bonfire Block Party Festival in Eagle
J. Roddy Walston & The Business and Ripe join the music lineup for the annual street party.
J. Roddy Walston & The Business and Ripe have been added to the 2019 Bonfire Block Party lineup. General Admission and VIP Experience tickets are on sale now for the event taking place May 31 – June 2, 2019 in Eagle.
Eagle, CO— Bonfire Brewing and Optimum Events have added two additional bands to the music lineup for the annual street party slated for Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2, 2019. J. Roddy Walston & The Business and Ripe join The Lil Smokies, North Mississippi Allstars and Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, all previously announced as festival talent. Six more bands will be announced by March 19 and Two-Day Early Bird GA and VIP Experience tickets are now on sale.
Roots and southern rockers, J. Roddy Walston & The Business have been road warriors since their formation in 2002 in Richmond, Virginia. Regulars on big festival stages like Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits, J. Roddy and the band have experienced explosive growth in their fan base thanks to their incredible live shows and studio recordings.
Bringing an edge to the party, Ripe’s high-energy, feel-good music has garnered them live and streaming fans alike. Their breakout album Hey Hello (2015) put them on the charts and their tracks “Pretty Dirty (In the Fading Light)” and “Goon Squad” have each clocked around 2 million Spotify streams, and regular appearances at Levitate and Summer Camp Music Festivals have solidified Ripe’s spot on the music scene.
Tickets for the 2019 Bonfire Block Party are on sale now and include limited Early Bird Two-Day General Admission tickets, Two-Day VIP Experience tickets and Sunday Sayonara closing concert tickets. VIP and Sunday Sayonara tickets are expected to sell out. The Block Party includes 11 bands performing on three stages, Bonfire Brewing craft beer and local food vendors, all in the streets of Downtown Eagle, CO. Kids 12 and under are free for General Admission and 2 and under are free for the VIP Experience.
A portion of all Bonfire Block Party proceeds will benefit nonprofit partner, The Cycle Effect. For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.bonfireblockparty.com.
If You Go:
What: 2019 Bonfire Block Party
Where: Broadway and Second Streets, Eagle
When: Friday, May 31 - Sunday, June 2, 2019
Cost: $30 - $140
Bonfire Brewing Steps Up For The Eagle River Park Project
Bonfire’s contribution secures the naming rights for the Eastern Firepit that serves as a central hub for the park.
EAGLE, CO— Bonfire Brewing is proud to announce a Class IV sponsorship and the largest donation yet to Eagle, Colorado’s River Park Project, launched to build four world-class whitewater features and an adjacent park area on the north side of the Eagle River. Bonfire’s contribution supports ongoing work to construct additional amenities, and secures the naming rights for the Eastern Firepit that serves as a central hub for the park.
The Eagle River Park project is nestled along the Eagle River near the Eagle County Fair and Rodeo Grounds, and Chambers Park, where once a dirt lot, fencing, and semi-trucks served as the gateway to the community. The Park is a central part of the Eagle River Corridor Plan established in 2015. Following adoption of the plan in April of 2016, town of Eagle voters approved a 0.5% sales tax to fund a variety of park and trail improvements including this project.
Most recently, a group of local residents formed a fundraising committee to help finance various elements of the park that were not funded by the town's initial bond budget. “Without hesitation, Bonfire Brewing reached out to be the first major donor of the Park,” says Town of Eagle Trustee Matt Solomon. “The Eagle River Park has been on the wishlist of boaters and residents for decades. This amenity will truly connect the Soul of the River to the Heart of our Valley. This partnership with Bonfire Brewing is an eternal representation of this balance of nature and spirit.”
The project was one of the first initiatives that Bonfire Brewing Owner & Co-Founder Andy Jessen worked on as a member of Eagle’s Board of Trustees when he was elected in 2014. Now serving a second term, Jessen reflects that “Watching this park come to fruition as a trustee, citizen, and business owner in Eagle has been perhaps the most gratifying experience I can recall during my ten years here. Given Bonfire’s long-standing commitment to community, there was never a question of if we would directly support making it a reality— just when, and how. Naming the firepit at the center of what will serve as a gathering spot for Eagle for decades to come was a no-brainer.”
For more information about The Eagle River Park project, visit eagleoutside.com/riverpark. If you would like more information about Bonfire Brewing’s local involvement, contact 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.