*Courtesy of Barry Hayes on LedZeppelin.com

Led Zeppelin is as near and dear to me as JAWS is and both have ties to Narragansett beer. I have fond memories of spending my summers mowing lawns for little spending cash and listening to Zeppelin blasting through a boombox on the porch. What did I do with the cash? I bought a cherry sunburst Les Paul so I could play like Jimmy Page. Now I learn that Zeppelin played 2 shows, not 1, but 2 shows in the Gansett Tribal Rock Festival. The festival was more of a concert series put on by legendary concert promoter, Skip Chernov, with the help of Narragansett Brewing Co. at venues in Providence, Boston, and now Springfield from 1969 to 1971. I already posted the October 25, 1969 show from the Boston Garden. Now this gem came to my attention and it was just 6 nights later. They rocked the Springfield Auditorium on Halloween night in 1969. “Don’t take drugs!”

If I had a time machine, this might be the first era I would want to go back to and see some music. At least start in the mid 60′s and stick around for a while. Zeppelin also rocked the controversial Newport Jazz Festival in the summer of ’69. George Wein added rock bands to the festival which caused some chaos and almost canceled Zeppelin. They insisted on playing despite the rumors and took the stage at 1am on Monday morning to close out the show and create history. All this in the same year with an extensive international tour and 2 studio LP’s, Led Zeppelin I and II. That’s unheard of today. No wonder these bands were so big and remain timeless. “Ramble on!” You can learn more about these shows on their official site LedZeppelin.com. Here’s a great write up taking a look back on the show from Ray Kelly on MassLive.com.

Forgotten concerts: Led Zeppelin at Springfield Symphony Hall

Published: Thursday, May 03, 2012

It was no trick, just a big treat when British rock gods Led Zeppelin performed in downtown Springfield on Halloween night in 1969.

Sponsored by the Narragansett Brewing Co., Led Zeppelin performed at Symphony Hall, then known as Springfield Municipal Auditorium. The concert took place nearly three years before the opening of the Springfield Civic Center.

Occurring at time before rock concert reviews in the Pioneer Valley were commonplace, there is no official chronicle of the band’s Oct. 31, 1969 performance. Thankfully, Led Zepellin fan Barry Hayes preserved a vintage poster and torn ticket stub, which are featured at the band’s official website.

A front row seat to see one of the biggest bands in rock history in an intimate 2,600-seat hall went for just $5.50 back in 1969. Balcony seats were priced at $4.50 and $3.50. (In comparison, the face value for tickets to Led Zeppelin’s reunion show in 2007 at the O2 Arena in London were priced at $200).

The Springfield concert took place just nine days after the release of the album “Led Zeppelin II.” The band had performed in Buffalo the night before and had a gig in Syracuse on Nov. 1.

Indeed, Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham toured much of the U.S. between an April 24 show at Winterland in San Francisco and a return engagement to that fabled concert venue on Nov. 8.

View full sizeBarry Hayes/ ledzeppelin.com

The set list for the fall portion of the U.S. tour typically included: “Good Times Bad Times,” “Communication Breakdown,” ” Can’t Quit You Baby,” “Heartbreaker,” “Dazed and Confused,” “You Shook Me,” “White Summer / Black Mountainside,” “Moby Dick,” “How Many More Times” and “Whole Lotta Love.”

According to the poster, the show also included Springfield’s Taj Mahal as the opening act. By October 1969, Mahal had released three solo albums. He had performed the previous year in the Rolling Stones “Rock and Roll Circus” film.

There have been several unconfirmed reports that Led Zeppelin also performed at the Springfield Municipal Auditorium on Jan. 27, 1969, though it is not listed on the band’s website. If so, that show would have taken place immediately following a four-night stint at the former Boston Tea Party and prior a run at the Fillmore East in New York.

Name: Erica

Nickname: Ekeats :) Skampadampa

Hometown: West Haven, CT but live in Newport, RI

High School: Sacred Heart Academy

College: URI

Height: 5’0” tall baby!

Hair Color: Brown

Eye Color: Green

Favorite Style Of Gansett: Love our new Cream Ale!! But Bock is a close second!

Favorite Gansett Bar:  The Oceanmist in Matunuck

Likes: dancing, sunshine, tattoos, football, singing in the shower, getting into trouble with friends, glitter, and obviously Gansett!!

Dislikes: Not a fan of the winter unless I’m snowed in with great movies and some Gansett, country music, bad beer, horrible drivers, and thunder storms

The Misquamicut Business Association (MBA) held the Misquamicut SpringFest this weekend at the Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, RI.  There was an Outdoor International Food Court, crafters and commercial vendors, Rockwell Amusements with Ferris Wheel and major rides, Circle K petting Zoo, Pony rides, fireworks, a Classic Car show with special Guest Cruisin’ Bruce Palmer.  Sunday featured a second car show with DJ Car-Guy and People’s Choice awards! Come and vote for your favorite classic car! The NewportFed Music Tent featured acts like Grammy award winning Roomful of Blues with a large dance floor. Later in the evening Hope Road: A Tribute to Bob Marley will ended the night. Saturday evening kicked off with local acts, Pirates for Peace, Far Off Place and The Beach Band.  Headlining Saturday night was Rick Derringer, who’s hits include “Hang on Sloopy” and “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo”. It was a great weekend to be in Misquamicut. Here are the photos:

Mom and dad enjoying a King-Size Gansett on the porch while the little girl takes a nap and Aunt Mabel’s off in the distance. This came from Kevin of Massachusetts whose mom is the little girl. Not sure if this was taken on Mother’s Day or not, but it sure looks like a fine warm Spring afternoon. It’s good to own land. Mom and dad relax, refresh, and have a Gansett. Which reminds me, “Hey Mabel…”

I’m originally from Rhode Island and have been living in Pittsburgh for the past 5 years. Every time I drive home I pick up a case of Gansett to bring back to the Burgh.
A friend of mine bought tickets to the Red Sox vs. the Pirates last Summer and I had to bring at least one beer to the game. So in the sox it went and through out the game I slowly drank it. Now it didn’t bring any luck to the Sox’s that night but the game was great and we all enjoyed ourselves.
I can’t wait ’til the day I am able to walk into a bar outside New England and order a Gansett.
Attached are a few photos of me and the Gansett I snuck into the Pirate’s game.

Keep up the amazing job,
can’t wait to see a brewery back in Rhode Island again.

Dale C.

Thank you, Dale. Looks like we’ll have to send you a new t-shirt. But we don’t recommend sneaking beers into Fenway because now you can order one there. Check out the post from a few weeks back here http://www.narragansettbeer.com/2012/04/gansett-at-fenway-park-for-red-sox-games. Good to know if you get to a game this Summer. Keep drinking your part.

Mother’s Day is on Sunday. Nothing shows your mom how much you appreciate all of her hard work by cooking for her. Maybe take her for a picnic on this lovely spring afternoon. What better of an idea for a picnic food than some classic and tasty deviled eggs. Well here’s a new twist that will certainly make your mom smile. Deviled eggs that look like baby chickies. They might be too good to eat… Nah!

12 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
1 tbsp Light Mayonnaise
1 tbsp dijon mustard
½ teaspoon white vinegar
1 fresh carrot peeled and diced for the nose
1 can of pitted black olives diced for the eyes
Salt & Pepper to taste
Paprika for garnish

Cut 1/4 off the top of the egg exposing the yolk. Remove the egg yolks to a small bowl and mash with a fork. Add mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper and mix thoroughly. Fill the empty egg white shells with the mixture. Place 2 diced olives where eyes would be and 1 piece of the diced carrot for the nose. Top with the 1/4 piece of the egg you removed earlier as a hat. You’ll want to find a plate that will help them stand up. The one in the photo is a dozen egg holder from the local Home Goods store. Some sort of cupcake tray or removable egg tray from your fridge (washed) should do the trick nicely. Sprinkle lightly with paprika and cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one day before serving. Enjoy!

The Misquamicut Business Association (MBA) is pleased to announce the Misquamicut SpringFest, May 11, 12, 13 at the Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, RI.  SpringFest will include an Outdoor International Food Court, crafters and commercial vendors, Rockwell Amusements with Ferris Wheel and major rides, Circle K petting Zoo, Pony rides, fireworks, a Classic Car SHOW Saturday May 12 from 11-3pm with special Guest CrusinBruce Palmer.  Sunday will feature a second car show with DJ Car-Guy and People’s Choice awards! Come and vote for your favorite classic car!

Local and national entertainment at The NewportFed Music Tent including: Grammy award winning Roomful of Blues with a large dance floor. Later in the evening Hope Road: A Tribute to Bob Marley will end the night. Saturday evening kicks off with local acts, Pirates for Peace, Far Off Place and The Beach Band.  Headlining Saturday night will be Rick Derringer, who’s hits include “Hang on Sloopy” and “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo”.

“Kidz on the Go” obstacle course, magic shows, reptile shows, pirates and more! A fireworks display will kick off the celebration on Friday night. Parking is now FREE. Admission $6 and Children under 3 are free.

TIMES:
May 11, 5pm til 11pm
May 12, 10am til 11pm
May 13, 10am til 5pm

FOOD, BEER & WINE AND SHOPPING:
Over 25 New England food vendors will be on hand to provide regional delights from lobster to sausage and peppers, fried dough, ice cream, kettle corn and BBQ dishes.  In addition, over 40 crafters and commercial vendors will sell their wares. From Henna Tattoos, hair wraps, face painting, handbags, T-Shirts, coin jewelry, and house wares. There is something for everyone in the family as you stroll the aisles. The Beer & Wine Garden on the Salt Pond at Paddy’s Beach will feature local craft beers brought to you by Narragansett Brewing Co. A variety of wines will be provided by Providence Beverage. Friday and Saturday evening sit, relax and watch the pond glow with our all new “Pond Fire” and listen to your favorite DJ’s and musicians perform.

Read more at Misquamicutfestival.org.

We can hear it now. The roar from the crowd. The feedback from the amps. The tall boys cracking open. It must be the WBRU FREE Summer Concert Series at Waterplace Park. For six Fridays in a row, the city of Providence will all come together for a warm summer evening filled with music. Enjoy a Gansett and the sweet sounds these fine bands have to offer. It kicks off with Delta Spirit on June 15 and ends with one of our favorites, The Rice Cakes on July 20. Some other familiar acts are The Tower & The Fool, The Silks, Walk The Moon, White Rabbits, and Group Love. Can’t believe it’s almost here. Last summer’s shows are still fresh in our heads. This will be “Too Good To Miss.”

Name: Kristen

Nickname: Cat Party

Hometown: Philadelphia

High School: Notre Dame High School

College: Temple University

Height: 5’2″

Hair Color: Depends on the day, usually Blonde, or Brown…

Eye Color: Brown

Favorite Style Of Gansett: Tie between Porter and Lager

Favorite Gansett Bar: I can’t choose… BAR, Drinker’s, Kung Fu Necktie, and The Trestle Inn

Likes: Drinking ‘Gansett, Cats, Philadelphia, and Traveling

Dislikes: Mushrooms and two faced people

Matt DaCosta (right) winner of the Red Hot Chili Pepper Tickets with Zac Leone who ate 8 habanero chilis in the eating contest.

What would you do to win tickets with a limo ride to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers tonight in Boston? Well last week the Mews Tavern and WBRU ran the Red Hot Food & Beer contest. All month long they were collecting raffle tickets for each Gansett. Then on May 2 they had a hot pepper eating contest during the Gansett pint night. Zac Leone proved himself by eating 8 habanero chilis. Those are some of the hottest in the world.  Could you imagine. Then they pulled the Matt DaCosta’s name from the raffle to win the tickets. Check out the rest of the photos below.