BrewNost at the NCSML slated for Sept. 15

• International beer festival brings together the best brews and food
• Nicho Lowry will be celebrity auctioneer for the festival’s live auction

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The 14th edition of BrewNost, the annual international beer festival benefitting the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (NCSML), will be held Sept. 15, 6:30-10:00 p.m. The presenting sponsor for this year’s BrewNost once again will be Northwestern Mutual.

This year’s BrewNost will feature a wide range of international beers selected by beer expert Doug Alberhasky of John’s Grocery in Iowa City. These selected beers will be specially paired with culinary creations by chefs from some of the Corridor’s finest restaurants.

“People have so much fun at BrewNost – it has a magical quality to it. It’s always one of the most memorable events of the year for us,” said NCSML President and CEO Gail Naughton. “While people come for unique beers, delicious food and festivities, our BrewNost guests and many generous sponsors are helping to advance the important mission of our museum and library.”

In addition to the international beers, seven local breweries and distilleries will be offering their distinctive brews and beverage creations. Sixteen area restaurants also will be offering samples from the best of their menus. BrewNost is not just for beer lovers: wine, cider and spirits also will be served.

“Connections like the ones that BrewNost makes among individuals and organizations are critical because they really help unite who we are as a community,” said Scott Zach, managing partner at Northwestern Mutual. “And a strong community is what makes living in Cedar Rapids highly rewarding.”

The celebrity auctioneer for BrewNost’s live auction is Nicholas “Nicho” Lowry, president of Swann Auction Galleries in New York City. Known by many for his frequent appearances on the PBS series “Antiques Roadshow,” Lowry is one of the world’s foremost authorities on vintage posters. Selected Czech travel posters from his family’s extensive collection appeared in exhibition at the NCSML from November 2015 to March 2016.

Bidders in the live auction will be vying for five special premium packages, including a luxury trip to Prague in the Czech Republic and dinner in Popoli’s Vault.

There also will be a silent auction for which bids will be taken online through the ReadySetAuction service. Silent auction items include (among others) tickets to Hancher Auditorium, luxury spa services and a chance to be Brewer for a Day at Lion Bridge Brewing Co. in Cedar Rapids.

Tickets to BrewNost are $60 per person for regular admission, $100 per person for Patron Host level and $125 per person for Brew Master Host level. (Regular admission tickets will be $70 on the day of BrewNost, Sept. 15.) Each ticket level comes with its own set of perks. For more information visit NCSML.org/events/brewnost/. Designated driver discounts are available at the door for $45; designated drive admission includes food tasting and non-alcoholic beverages.

In addition to Northwestern Mutual, more 40 other sponsors are making BrewNost 2017 possible. See the complete list of sponsors at NCSML.org/events/brewnost/.

Parking is available around the NCSML and in Czech Village. Follow parking signs to locate available lots.

Free taxi rides (up to a 20-mile radius) will be available 8:30 – 10:00 pm. Staff members at the pickup area will assist with getting taxis.

CONTACT:
Forrest Meyer, Director of Marketing & Communications
319-362-8500, x224 / fmeyer@ncsml.org

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National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a museum that celebrates life:  Czech life, Slovak life and American life. The Museum seeks to inspire people from every background to connect to Czech and Slovak history and culture. Through extraordinary exhibitions and experiences, the Museum tells stories of freedom and identity, family and community, human rights and dignity connecting yesterday with today and tomorrow. The Museum honors those who immigrated to America and worked hard, contributing their skills and vision to the formation of our nation. For more information, visit www.ncsml.org or call (319) 362-8500.