Change in the Air Festival Celebrates Industry Diversity

The Connecticut Brewers Guild hosted the second annual Change in the Air Festival, a brew fest and cultural fair celebrating diversity in the craft beer industry, at Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ in New Haven on June 18.

The Connecticut Brewers Guild hosted its collaborative, annual Change in the Air Festival, a brew fest and cultural fair celebrating diversity in the craft beer industry, at Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ in New Haven on June 18. Beer from more than 25 local craft breweries was on tap throughout the outdoor festival, with a focus on Black- and Brown-owned producers, along with food from a variety of local businesses, including Jazzy’s Soul Kitchen, Madeline’s Empanaderia, The Drunk Alpaca, Je T’aime Cupcakes and Ovelle Coffee. Guests enjoyed live performances by Timmy Maia, DJ Rawles, Herman Ham, DJ 4EIGN, Top Notch Band and Kaeli Roselle. Local artists also displayed their works. The event benefited the CT Brewers Guild African American Brewing Scholarship, which funds scholarships for Black and Brown students in Sacred Heart University’s Brewing Science Certificate program.

: The Connecticut Brewers Guild hosted the second annual Change in the Air Festival, a brew fest and cultural fair celebrating diversity in the craft beer industry, at Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ in New Haven on June 18.

: Brand Ambassadors for Samuel Adams.

: Rob Zielonka, Co-founder, Growler Power; Dayshima Jackson, Volunteer; Alisa Bowens-Mercado, Founder, Rhythm Brewing Co.; and John Mercado, Rhythm Brewing Co.

: Jamal Robinson, Director of Sales and Marketing, New England Brewing Co. and Co-founder, Change in the Air Festival and Jess Bautista, Social Media Coordinator, New England Brewing Co.

: Tyler Jones, Lord of the Liquid, Black Hog Brewing.

: Meghan Zachary, Senior Sales Director, Night Shift Brewing.

: Lauren Johnson, Assistant Director, Undergraduate Admissions, Sacred Heart University.

: Jesse Springer, Brand Ambassador and Events, New England Brewing Co.

: Tommy Mansilla, Co-owner, Best Friends Lunch.

: Joe Orsini, CT State Manager, Lawson’s Finest Liquids.

: Alison Tenko, Bartender, Twelve Percent Beer Project.

: All from Bissell Brothers: Jean Claude Desjardins, Front of House, Taproom Associate; Adam Mahalich, Packaging Technician; James Klecko, Brewer; and Niko Burgess, Taproom Associate.