BeerX: Another Fantastic Event!

nnHey guys!nnYesterday was my second time having the pleasure of covering 91X BeerX and damn was it a good time!  Kat and I got there early so that we could get some photos of the event itself before the masses arrived.  If you remember my write up last year, I said it was extremely crowded and you weren’t able to truly get to all of the beers.  And honestly, it was kind of a hazard because you could not get through those crowds!nnBut before I get into the day and all the pros and cons, let me tell the newbies joining us what BeerX is.nnHonestly, it is a fantastic day on San Diego’s GORGEOUS waterfront filled with craft beer from some great breweries, awesome music like SLIGHTLY STOOPID (YASSSSS!!!!), and some tasty grub (because you need food to soak up the booze).  The first half, which consists of the beer tastings, is obviously only 21+; however, after 4pm, bring your kiddos and have a blast listening to the tunes coming from the massive stage at the end of the event.nnMy recommendation if you go to BeerX, spend a bit more and go VIP.  You get in faster, which means you get more tastings.  Also, there is a VIP spot where you can purchase booze and food a lot quicker (I can’t find their name, but shout out to the Mexican food stand because they gave me a free churro!  It, along with their food was EXCELLENT.  I will find them…).  And FINALLY, you get access to the side stage, which means a closer look at the bands!nnWhen you arrive, you go through a bunch of lines to get (well, for me…) two wristbands, a VIP ticket, and a commemorative tasting cup.  Again, VIP is the way to go.nnOverall, the beer was great!  I was actually able to try a bung that were more on the fruity side.  Passion fruit was very popular, but there was a guava one that was amazing!  Avery Brewing Co’s Bug Zapper was pretty damn good too.  There was one though (which I won’t name) that made me think it would be magical based on the name, but in the end, left something to be desired…  Maybe it just wasn’t for me…nnThe only downside to the beer tasting is once again, the crowd.  The Waterfront park is long and slightly narrow, so they really have limited space and ideas on how to keep the lines from melding into one another.  Last year was horrible, but I have to say, they listed to what we had to say and came up with a much better setup this year.  I didn’t feel nearly as claustrophobic!  Thanks for listening because it made the experience so much better!nnNow onto the music.nnThis was my first year doing the photography, so I wasn’t too sure with where I was supposed to go.  However, security was very nice and let me roam for the allotted time press was given.  Since I was out beer tasting and photographing the vendors, I only hear the first three bands from afar.  It was nice to have the music while enjoying the event.nnWHen I got over to the stage, I was able to get a few shots of Fishbone, who were, might I add, AMAZING!  So much fun!!!  After that was PEPPER.  I decided to take the photos from the viewing pit to see if the lighting was better.  Note to anyone photographing bands on stage- Lighting sucks and you can use flash… The lighting is great for fans, but not for cameras.  PEPPER kept the party going with their fun and upbeat music.  Then things slowed down a bit with Stick Figure.  It was nice and chill.  And they had a guest who stole the show… Coco the pup!  OMG Coco was so adorable!  And FINALLY, Slightly Stoopid!  The lighting was the worst for this, but the music made it all ok.  Although being right up front in the press pit…  I am still having a hard time hearing and my body is still vibrating.  My fault for not bringing the ear plugs.nn nnI had such a blast covering this event this year.  91X once again outdid themselves and we all thank you for being so awesome and giving us the opportunity to work and have fun.nnEveryone, be sure to check out beerxsandiego.com for news and updates on the event.  Hope to see you all next year!nnCheers~nnnn