Tucked into an inviting corner of the 1st Wine Festival held in late June next to El Tapeo wine bar, one hearty craft beer post boldly stood its ground. Four months later, on October 11th, at least six craft beer makers from Baja California, plus another from Hermosillo, will surely make themselves known in Puerto Peñasco at the 1st “Rocktobeer” CheveFest, which will also include guacarock master of Mexican rock “El Mastuerzo” and his group Jijos de Maíz. El Mastuerzo was part of the Mexican 80s rock group Botellita de Jerez.
Laura Palacio of El Tapeo, principal organizer of this first CheveFest and avid promoter of regional libations, explains a percentage of the evening’s proceeds will once again be for the Dialysis Center (now approximately 70% complete), as well as a possible percentage for the George Papanicolaou cancer prevention and awareness group.
Accompanied by local DIF Director Samuel Ortega, and Mariela Contreras from Tecate (who will also be present at CheveFest offering Tecate, XX, Indio, and Heineken), Palacio explains tickets are 200 pesos (both pre-sale and at the door) and are currently available at El Tapeo, DIF (and soon at the offices of Rocky Point 360). Gates will open to CheveFest at 7 p.m., with craft beer tasting to take place from 7:30 p.m – 8:30 p.m. After the tasting, the visiting craft beer makers will have beer for sale at reduced prices as many of them are just introducing themselves to larger markets. The local DIF will have food stands set up through the evening, offering tacos as well as pizza.
As opposed to the more formal assigned tables at June’s Wine Festival, CheveFest goers will be able to stand, sit, dance, and “chelear” as they please. Organizers note that in addition to tables there will be various spots set up like “lounge” areas, allowing fest goers to enjoy their cheves as best they seem fit. Local artists Hector Hans Munro and Romero Chagoyan, whose work can currently be seen gracing parts of El Tapeo, plan to set up and paint throughout the evening with proceeds from their work going to the benefiting charitable organizations.
So, what’s a cheve? Also locally known as chela, beeria, or frias, one may consider cheve to be a brew, cold one, and certainly a good time when paired with guacarock!
1st CheveFest /Rocktobeer
October 11, Laos Mar “Amphitheater”
Tickets: 200 pesos (about $18 US)
Doors open 7 p.m.
Beer tasting 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Live Music beginning at 7:30 p.m. with local rock groups Grupo Rojo and Los Hijos de Mauricio. Headliner El Mastuerzo y Jijos de Maíz