It’s almost time for the Montreal Jazz Fest!

Kamasi Washington will be in the house! Photo: kamasiwashington.com

Consistent with this being one of the best music festivals in the world, the 39^th edition has a stellar lineup in 2018!

I love the Montreal Jazz Fest!

If you have been following me over the years, you will know that I make it a point to attend the Montreal Jazz Fest every year. It’s simply that amazing. Besides jazz, I love how they explored other art forms including rock, soul, funk, folk, and one of my favorites—hip-hop—in the past. Throughout the years, I have seen unforgettable shows performed by everyone from Wu Tang, to Public Enemy, Del The Funky Homosapien, and last year’s dope grand finale, Anderson .Paak! (We later met Anderson in the hotel I was staying at which I highly recommend, the newly remodeled Hyatt Regency Montreal, based in the center of the Fest.) Here is my photo during his show...

Well this year they still provide stellar lineups but are bringing a stronger focus to the jazz side, which is just as much of a draw since that is how they originally began in year one. In 2018 from June 28 to July 7, you can’t go wrong with Herbie Hancock, Terence Blanchard, Bobby McFerrin, and burgeoning geniuses Kamasi Washington on the sax, Hamilton on Broadway’s Leslie Odom Jr., and bassist Thundercat to name a few. The War On Drugs will be closing on the last day.

The official description says:

39th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal

Jazz, jazz… and nothing but jazz!

The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, presented by the TD Bank Group in collaboration with Rio Tinto, unveils a new series of concerts for its 39th edition, June 28 to July 7, 2018. On the program: an array of artists featuring legends and rising stars, dear Festival friends and newcomers, promising evenings of magical jazz in all its forms.

Go here for all the information and to book your tickets. Keep in mind that besides all acts, free outdoor shows, and other highlights, the entire city of Montreal is one of the world’s most revered playgrounds for food, famous parks, historical landmarks, diversity, art, culture, and of course, beer. This is undoubtedly one of my favorite cities and hopefully you will see why. Trust me, you will see something extraordinary every day. Did you see what greeted me while having coffee at a cafe nearby the Hyatt Regency last year on my Instagram here? This crew called the Les Gens De Couleurs was mind blowing. Check out my other posts on this #cruisinforabrewsinmontreal hashtag.

So whether it’s a Father’s Day present, a vacation with a loved one, or simply to feed your desire to indulge in music, this is the place to be for the summer!

Look for more coverage soon including where to eat and get your sip on when in Montreal.

Cheers!

Ale

Tucker Brewing Company is ready for their Grand Opening on June 2!

Here is a little taste of what they are doing. I took this yesterday.
They are aiming for the 10,000-barrel range within a year.

Yep! Another brewery inside Atlanta’s perimeter. This one is in Tucker, GA and it’s dope!

Soooooo…
When I first moved here with my family in 1990, we set up shop on the border of Stone Mountain and Tucker, GA. In fact, both of my brothers went to Tucker High School. And with that, I was so pressed to have a brewery or at least a brew spot near our house, but there was absolutely nothing besides a Taco Mac up the street that eventually changed ownership. Hence, the opening of the first microbrewery in the city—Tucker Brewing Company—on June 2 decades later is getting the eyes to water up! And I won’t even say how awesome the layout is during my sneak peek tour yesterday. The beers are German-inspired ales and lagers, there will be live music, it’s in a huge space, and… Aw hell, I will leave it to you to see for yourself. Support these cats and keep showing love to independent brewing! I will be there on June 2nd to support another brewery making ATL the shizzzznit!

Below is the official invitation. Make sure you RSVP here:

GRAND OPENING ON JUNE 2ND

Please join us for our grand opening on Saturday, June 2, 2018 from 1 pm to 9 pm. We will be celebrating with live music, food trucks and, of course, great beer!

RSVP for the grand opening event on Facebook.

Entry to the brewery on Saturday costs $10 and includes a souvenir 16-ounce Tucker Brewing Company Willi Becher glass, plus two full beer pours. We will also have water, soda and juice for non-beer-drinkers. Pets on leashes and children are also welcome!

Check out how I compare the Avengers to Atlanta breweries!

Yo!

Atlanta Eats’ writer Jorge Hernandez put this dope interview of me comparing the breweries I featured in my six Atlanta Drinks episodes to one of the best Marvel movies yet, Avengers: Infinity War. He even added the ill graphics for extra measure. This was a fun time for sure. Let me know what you think about it along with the six episodes here! Thanks again to all the Atlanta Eats homies having me on board.

Happy sippin'!

Ale

Hyundai is set to impress in 2018!

Hyundai's Santa Fe SUV can fit seven and comes with a boatload of features.

Both its Santa Fe and Accent lines aim to please for singles, students and families.

Cheers Everyone!

Being a lifestyle writer, I happen to review cars for a few magazines as well. Well there are a few standouts that may answer the inquiries of my many friends, family and overall readers of this site. They ask me what cars really impress me, are the most luxurious, the best on gas, and overall have the best value for what they’re intending to spend.

I enjoy those conversations and during many of them, will do my best to recommend whatever will ease their search. Well over the past few months, Hyundai's automobiles have been very consistent in terms of quality, solid design, and overall offering the most bang for the buck. Thinking about school about to let out, kids heading  to college, and anyone looking for a new car they can afford, the all-new 2018 Accent Limited sedan and the 2018 Santa Fe Limited SUV successfully deliver. Of course, Hyundai can go upscale as well and you will see what I mean with my review of the mind-blowing 2018 Genesis G90 Ultimate luxury sedan in my upcoming June edition of Driver’s Notebook for Lifestyle Publications. But for now, let’s focus on the aforementioned Hyundai duo that presents the most value in a practical world.

Photos courtesy of Hyundai.

The all-new 2018 Hyundai Accent Limited

The all-new Hyundai Accent is one of the best bangs for the buck I have yet to review. The plethora of amenities graciously packed in this subcompact sedan really wowed me. I was very surprised to see the three trims—the SE listed at $14,995 MSRP; SEL ($17,295); and my review model, the top-of-the-line Limited ($18,895)—having so many standard features. The latter comes with everything including the 17-inch alloy wheels; a 7-inch touchscreen equipped with Apple CarPlay; leather-wrapped steering wheel; power sunroof; fog lights; heated front seats; and the feature everyone should demand—the proximity key with push-button start—to name a few. 

Regarding power, all three have the same 130-hp, 1.6L 4-cylinder engine. The combined city and highway gas mileage for the SEL and Limited is a very reasonable 32 miles per gallon, while the SE is (oddly) one combined mile lower. With all of these perks, along with Hyundai providing arguably the best warranty programs in the automotive industry, the Accent in any trim becomes a serious consideration.

(Note there used to be a hatchback version, but this upgraded sedan’s roomy trunk works just fine.)

Fuel Economy: 28 city/ 38 highway/ 32 combined

Base Price: $19,905 fully equipped as reviewed.

2018 Santa Fe Limited Ultimate

If you have a large family or plan on toting folks around regularly, Hyundai comes correct with the 2018 Santa Fe in three trims capable of accommodating up to seven passengers with a third-row option. They remain consistent with their reputation of providing a healthy dose of features seen here that come standard in the SE (starting at $30,850; SE Ultimate ($38,850); and my review model which is the most lavish of the bunch, the Santa Fe Limited Ultimate ($39,550). Prices differentiate in each trim with the addition of the all-wheel-drive option, and I strongly recommend the $2,100 Tech Package to build driving confidence in the safety department. It includes Smart Cruise Control with stop/start; Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection; Lane Departure Warning; Electronic Parking Brake with Automatic Vehicle Holder; and various lighting settings. 

I also appreciate the balance of a smooth ride, yet a powerful 290-hp 3.3L GDI DOHC 24-valve V6 engine complemented with impressively nimble handling to spike the excitement of the driving experience. There is also a smaller, five-passenger Sport version in three trims as well. Go here for more info.

All in all, after considering the high safety accolades, handsome design, strong engine, its seemingly endless list of amenities that come standard, and reasonable tag, I recommended this Santa Fe Limited Ultimate to my cousin who just added a baby boy to his family. The verdict? He says if he is going to be a family man, he might as well have fun doing it. Hey, works for me!

Visit www.hyundaiusa.com for all the information on both models and the rest of their fleet.

Happy driving! Do it responsibly.

Cheers!

Ale

Check out your homie Ale in the all-new 'Atlanta Drinks' episodes!

Click here for more info!

Whaddup!!!

Somebody crazily dedicated to promoting the craft beer scene in especially Georgia is going to be making a few appearances during the dope Atlanta Eats shows through October. Guess who that is?! Yep, aptly called Atlanta Drinks: Tower Brewery Tours, I will be visiting Orpheus Brewing the first episode which will air during Cinco De Mayo (how appropriate!), so check me out at 7 pm on CBS affiliate Peachtree TV! If you can’t wait to see it live or are already stuffing your face with tacos, brews and margaritas, here is a sneak peek!

Matter of fact, since you are showing love by reading this, here are all six breweries I am visiting along with the episodes! They are all short and sweet nestled inside the full Atlanta Eats episodes:

Sweetwater Brewing Company: https://youtu.be/uulxrDXiig0

Second Self Beer Company: https://youtu.be/KbTM1KI5lZ8

Red Brick Brewing Company: https://youtu.be/eWuLcPoGD54

Orpheus Brewing: https://youtu.be/9wEClI2nLNQ

New Realm Brewing Company: https://youtu.be/5enT9mb7DVg

Monday Night Brewing: https://youtu.be/_aI1_CjRou0

Let me know what you think and thanks again for your support during my ongoing journey to unveil the countless wonders of craft beer.

Cheers!

Your homie,

Ale

For more info, hit up the Atlanta Eats website. 

It's Craft Brewers Conference time!

Photo by the Brewers Association

Whaddup Y’all!

Brewgaloo and the entire city of Raleigh, NC were off the meter! Look for my coverage soon including my recommendations on where to stay, eat and of course, SIP! You definitely need to hit up this beer fest, the biggest in North Carolina, next year! Trust!

Now it’s time for the Craft Brewers Conference that goes on this entire week in Nashville. Let’s go!

Cheers!

Ale

Trying to roll to Brewgaloo, the biggest beer festival in North Carolina?!

100 NC Breweries, 50-plus Food Trucks, local vendors and live bands for two days? Yes please!

 

Whaddup!

You know I love traveling and this Brewgaloo Beer Fest had me at “Brew”! Ha! Truthfully, I hear that word all the time, but when it’s the biggest beer fest in North Carolina, a state that makes some gangster ales and lagers, I was all in! It’s April 27-28, 2018 and guaranteed to be nuts! Below is the official description and HERE is the link to the tickets. Boom!

Cheers!

Ale

ShopLocalRaleigh.org says…

Brewgaloo features craft breweries from North Carolina and partners with local food trucks, local vendors and local bands. Friday night will be a sampler event from 6-10pm. Tickets are $45 per person (before April 1) with a limited number of tickets being sold. Sample size pours will be available for you to try the best of NC. Must be 21 and up to attend the Friday night event. Designated Driver’s need not purchase tickets, thank you for being responsible!

Saturday is 2-10pm. Beer is sold by the pint or the taste. Samples are 2 tickets and full pints are 5 tickets. No admission fee to enter the festival. Saturday’s event is open to the public and free to attend.  Saturday will feature over 100 NC Breweries, over 50 Food Trucks, dozens of local vendors and bands. Drink tickets will be sold in advance and available for purchase at the festival. Food trucks and vendors accept cash and credit options. Purchase now to avoid lines!

The largest NC Craft beer festival celebrating all things local

You’ve tasted the world, now taste local

Creature Comforts Beer Dinner Benefiting the Farmer Fund

Once again it's on!

It's beer dinner time!

One of my favorite events combining beer and fare is the Farmer Fund Dinner held annually by Athens’ GA’s own Creature Comforts and Saltyard Owner and Executive Chef Nick Leahy at the gorgeous location in Midtown ATL (1820 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309) on April 19th. Not only will the experience be one helluva festive one, taste buds will be tantalized, and of course world-class brew will be poured in your complimentary collector’s glass, but it’s also for a great cause—supporting the Famer Fund! In their words, “The Farmer Fund exists to support farmers in the face of natural disaster and help keep farmers farming.”

As you can see, I have covered it a few times if you scroll down here. I truly dig it!
There is also a silent auction and the items aren’t a couple of coozies and t-shirts; some of the hardest beers to get in the South exclusively brewed and donated by the Comforts posse will be available to bid on. They also have a fun Farmer Fund calendar available where various farmers and restaurateurs strip down to aprons and other revealing outfits. Here is a look at this year’s addition with the intention of also raising funds for the cause.

The official description is below. Just know it sells out pretty damn quick, so book your seats asap! Oh, and they have your main man Ale (ummmm, that’s me!) as a special guest to make sure everything goes as dope as possible. It’s truly an honor to be there. 

This one is for the farmers, Atlanta. Don’t miss it. Make your reservations by calling 404.382.8088.

Cheers!

Ale

Thursday, April 19 - Creature Comforts Beer Dinner Benefiting the Farmer Fund

Join Saltyard for a special beer dinner with Creature Comforts on Thursday, April 19 at 6:30pm. With popular offerings such as Tropicalia IPA and Athena Paradiso, the dinner will feature special guest Ale Sharpton. A silent auction will take place on-site to benefit The Farmer Fund, and tickets are $75/each. Guests should call the restaurant directly at 404-382-8088 for reservations.

Oh! Nick Leahy and the Saltyard also have this popping on Thursday, the 26th...

It’s the James Beard Foundation's Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner

Find Saltyard Executive Chef Nick Leahy at April 26's James Beard Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner, hosted by 1KEPT in Charleston (68 Wentworth St). Nick will join other prominent chefs including Atlanta's Jarrett Stieber of Eat Me Speak Me and Philippe Haddad of Cape Dutch, at the "Road to Charleston" dinner – a multi-course meal highlighting the bounty and culinary heritage of Georgia and South Carolina. Tickets can be purchased online here for $200/each.

Creature Comforts celebrates four years during April 21-22 weekend!

The lineup is crazy as usual! 

Whaddup!

There is no mystery that I think Creature Comforts is one of the best breweries pound for pound on the planet, and the fact that it's just an hour-and-change away in Athens driving from ATL makes it even more lovely! I will definitely be there to celebrate their four years keeping me refreshed with gangster beers. Care to join me?
Peep the flyer and click here for more details. See ya there I hope!

Peace!
Ale

Whoa! Uptown Magazine shows me crazy love!

Joeff Davis on the photo.

Cheers!

In this article called “Brew Expert Ale Sharpton Raises the Bar,” Uptown Associate Editor Kym Allison Backer interviews me about beer, what my favorites are, where to go to enjoy it, the industry surrounding it and loads of other fun content.

It’s an honor to be in such a great magazine. Check out the entire article here. I just got back from Nashville covering the Schlafly Oysterfest (which was a blast) and now have to deal with my grandmother’s recent passing, so this couldn’t have come at a better time to keep things balanced out.

Many blessings y’all. I appreciate you for real. Oh, and a very special shout out to Kym and Uptown for embracing such an amazing beverage and letting the world know that beer is for everyone. 

Peace.

Ale

Ale Sharpton is on ABC's 'Grown-ish'!

Yep! Thanks to Robbie aka @rjmedwed alerting me with this screenshot below on this Tweet, I had to check this out...

Whaddup Y'all!
This is totally random, but while I was reveling in my March Madness bracket thus far at a perfect 100%, I got this Tweet saying my name made an appearance was on the ABC show Grown-ish, the college spin-off from the hit sitcom Black-ish. I was like, huh? And then behold, "Ale Sharpton" was one of these "peacemaker" concoctions that spurred a cyber quiz on Freeform here...

While I got a chuckle at the others in my name's company, the "Ale" title undoubtedly reigns supreme. I'm about to do more research on it and see what comes of this.
Pretty crazy, huh? I hope there was a world-class IPA in my cup, at least. 

Peace!
Ale