2 Crows Brewing Celebrates 7th Anniversary and Amplifies Live Music Involvement
WRITTEN BY: KATIE GORDON // THE BOOM AT NOON
2 Crows Brewing at 1932 Brunswick Street (Photo: Mitchell Jodrey)
January 2024 marks 2 Crows Brewing's 7th anniversary and on Saturday, January 27 they’re closing out the month-long celebration with an exciting lineup of live music at their Brunswick Street taproom. As the brewery continues to embrace its musical side, they’re looking to expand its roster of performers and provide a stage for local talent.
Eric Daponte, the Operations Manager at 2 Crows, anticipates an exciting weekend at the brewery. "The anniversary is usually like a big beer release day," says Eric. "It's an excuse to get people down here. We released a bunch of beers. We have a bunch of new stuff on tap but then we've also been pairing that with different bands. Drinking beer and seeing music kind of goes hand in hand,” he adds. Luke’s Small Goods will also be at the taproom that day with a pop-up menu starting at noon until they sell out.
The brewery’s sixth anniversary marked the first time they had bands at their annual bash. Since then, they started booking bands more regularly. "We noticed a lack of venues after COVID, whether they were closing down or people just not doing music as much anymore. We stepped into that realm and haven't looked back," says Eric. Tessa Frey, Social Media and Events Coordinator at the brewery emphasizes the importance of providing a new and accessible space for local talent. “There's such a hole here for venues, and there are so many incredible bands. If we can provide something that's a little bit more accessible that people can use as a stepping stone…that’s sick for us," says Tessa.
This past December, 2 Crows opened a second taproom in West End Halifax, on Oxford Street, a shared space with Yeah Yeahs Pizza. The new location doesn’t just offer a fresh spot to enjoy a beverage and a slice of pizza - it also allows them to book more music at their Brunswick Street location, ensuring those seeking a relaxed drink without live entertainment can stop by the Oxford Street taproom during events.
This year's anniversary musical lineup includes June Body, Pavel Stroke and Skunk Motel. "It’s three bands that we've been trying to get for a while," exclaims Eric. “Skunk Motel seems to have a big buzz. They are opening for acts like The Trews and have big things happening. Pavel Stroke has a huge buzz too. They're really good musicians, with super rowdy shows. We have a direct connection with June Body. Connor, the lead singer, used to work here, so we know him really well," he adds.
The brewery has also released seven new beers for its anniversary, and they will be available throughout the weekend - while supplies last. Staff favourites include “Squeezie II” - a smoothie beer that they say has been selling like hotcakes and will likely sell out before the weekend’s over. “Alright Alright Alright” - a collab with OK Sea Salt. Another favourite is an Italian pilsner called “Sal” - it was created as a tribute to Yeah Yeahs dough maker and will be the house beer at the Oxford Street location moving forward.
In addition to providing a new space for musicians to play, the brewery understands that live music is a great way to appeal to a new demographic. "It's beneficial for both of us. We want a full bar. We want new people in here trying our product who've maybe never had it before," says Eric. "I think this has opened us up to a whole different group of people who've never been here and haven’t tried our stuff."
In spring 2023, 2 Crows partnered with 2037 Gottingen for “Thrasher Thursdays” - a show series at the Seahorse Tavern that provides a stage for heavy music in Halifax. The brewery acted as a co-promoter alongside the venue. “The Local does a lot of our beer and they're the ultimate multi-venue in Halifax. So we kind of struck up a relationship with them,” says Eric adding that they’re currently on a bit of a hiatus while they’re reimaging the project.
2 Crows welcomes bands and performers of all genres and ensures they will be well taken care of. “They get a pretty good bar tab and we give them a flat to take home. I'd like to think all the bands are speaking good about us,” Eric assures. “We definitely have a lot of people reaching out to us,” he adds. Past performers include Alex Coley & Afterlove, Electric Spoonful, Eric Stephen Martin, Alexander Gallant, The Gilberts and Crossed Wires to name a few.
Both big music fans themselves, Tessa and Eric encourage interested performers to reach out either through the form on their website, by sending them an email (eric@2crowsbrewing.com and tessa@2crowsbrewing.com) or by sending 2 Crows Brewing a DM on Instagram.
Tessa Frey and Eric Daponte on the brewery floor at 2 Crows (Photo: Mitchell Jodrey)
As the brewery expands its musical offerings, their focus is on ensuring that everyone can enjoy the space. "Whether it's the shows or just in general, we're a very open and accessible space," says Eric. The brewery has a ramp at the front for accessibility, seated and standing options and ear protection and masks behind the bar for those who request them. They also have non-alcoholic options, including their signature “Hop Water” and other NA products, to cater to patrons who may not drink. "People aren't necessarily coming just for the brewery; there are a lot of people coming to the shows now who aren't drinking," adds Tessa.
To stay updated with all things 2 Crows, follow them on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and subscribe to their newsletter for an exclusive first look at new releases, events, mystery beers, and more. Celebrate 2 Crows' 7th anniversary on Saturday, January 27 with beers available all day, and food from Luke’s Small Goods starting at noon. Doors for the show open at 7 pm with the first band going on at 8 pm. Cover to get in is just $5 to get in.
