here you can learn about Beer Jolais
Thanks for an amazing party folks! See you in 2020!
Beer Jolais 17 (2020)
August 29, 2020
Angell Park, Sun Prairie
Bands TBD
Wait a second, what IS Beer Jolais?
Great question friend!
First a little history: as you may or may not know, the band formed in the spring of 2002 to perform at the Wisconsin State FFA Convention. After winning a gold rating, and a little bit of confidence, they figured this might be something they could do to that people would want to listen to. The following summer, they had a very busy schedule of graduation parties, festivals, anniversary parties, and pretty much any kind of party you could think of. They were pretty busy.
The following November, the Kvalheim brothers' parents had attended a Beaujolais party in Madison at the University's French House. Beaujolais is the name of a region in France, or maybe a type of wine. I don't remember, but that's not important. The boys' mom decided the band should do their own Beaujolais-like party, and since wine isn't really something you drink in a barn, the name Beer Jolais was born.
Beer Jolais was born as a celebration of the band, their music, and their families, and beer. Not necessarily in that order. It is the one time each year where they don't have a schedule, they don't have a set list, they don't really have any responsibilities. They can just relax, hang out, drink some beer, eat some food, and enjoy the thing that brought them together: the music. (but also beer)
Beer jolais had very humble beginnings in the front yard at the Kvalheim house. After a few years, it was moved to the neighbor's barn down the road on Highway T. After a few years there, it's expanded to the outdoor stage at Angell Park in Sun Prairie. The venue has changed, and the party has gotten larger every year, but the theme stays the same: "Bring a 6 pack, try something new, party in the barn."
The fun thing that sets Beer Jolais apart is the Beer potluck element. We encourage you to bring a unique 6 pack (or more) and throw it in the tank to share. You can drink what you brought, or you can try something someone else brought. You could drink 50 beers and not have the same one twice. This is definitely not advised; just saying that you could.
2017 was the first year with food carts, mainly because we didn't want to cook. We hope that there's enough variety for everyone. Make sure you bring a few bucks for some food. If you want to bring your own dinner, we're ok with that too.
There is no cost to enter, but donations are much appreciated. There is some cost associated with putting on this event, but we are committed to donating any proceeds to a local charity.
Can't wait to see you there!
-k
Beer Jolais History
Beer Jolais 16 - 2019 Angell Park - Grandpa's Elixir, Oak Street Ramblers, Soggy Prairie
Beer Jolais 15 - 2018 Angell Park - Cork n Bottle String Band, Sparetime Bluegrass, No Name String Band, Soggy Prairie
Beer Jolais 14 - 2017 Angell Park - Fendrick & Peck, Armchair Boogie, The Soggy Prairie Boys
Beer Jolais 13 - 2016 Wendt Farm - The Soggy Prairie Boys
Beer Jolais 12 - 2015 Manley Farm - The Soggy Prairie Boys
Beer Jolais 11 - 2014 Manley Farm - The Soggy Prairie Boys
Beer Jolais 10 - 2013 Manley Farm - The Soggy Prairie Boys
Beer Jolais 9 - 2012 Manley Farm - The Soggy Prairie Boys
Beer Jolais 8 - 2011 Manley Farm - The Soggy Prairie Boys
Beer Jolais 7 - 2010 Manley Farm - The Soggy Prairie Boys
Beer Jolais 6 - 2009 Manley Farm - The Soggy Prairie Boys
Beer Jolais 5 - 2008 Manley Farm - The Soggy Prairie Boys
Beer Jolais 4 - 2007 Manley Farm - The Soggy Prairie Boys
Beer Jolais 3 - 2006 Kvalheim Farm - The Soggy Prairie Boys
Beer Jolais 2 - 2005 Kvalheim Farm - The Soggy Prairie Boys
Beer Jolais 1 - 2004 Kvalheim Farm - The Soggy Prairie Boys