When the weekend begins with International Beer Day on Friday, it’s only natural that those with a taste for beer continue the celebration at a Beer Fest the next day! The 9th Annual Winter Park Beer Festival at the Rendezvous Events Center in Winter Park features samplings from nearly 40 different breweries and, live music by Buffalo Commons and The Company Stores will fill the stage with great sounds. Proceeds from the event benefit the Grand Foundation.

Musical Artists

At 12:15 pm, Buffalo Commons hits the stage. Their band is a collaboration of friends from Steamboat Springs, CO who enjoy fishing and floating rivers together as much as they do playing and writing songs together. The bond they share off stage comes across in the music, and is felt by everyone through the energy of their live performances.

One can’t help but be captivated by singer/songwriter and guitarist Ty Woods’ soulful yet powerful voice. Band Members Colby Smith on mandolin, Fritz Boniface on dobro, Randy Kelly on fiddle, and Denton Turner on upright bass provide a full body of sound to match the emotion and intensity of Ty’s vocals.

Focused on writing original music with well thought out compositions and arrangements, the band works hard to stand out as a unique sound in acoustic music. Buffalo Commons’ songs will pull at your heartstrings in every way and may make you want to laugh, dance, cry, and rejoice all in one show

The Company Stores follows Buffalo Commons, starting at 2:30 pm. They’re a Hill Hop band from Charleston, WV that smoothly blends elements of many genres of southern music. They pull inspiration from styles such as Appalachian folk, Delta Blues, Rock, Jam Band, and even Hip Hop, then layer in their own modern styles and rhythms. Vocalist Casey Litz’s sultry and soulful voice captivates the audience, while the band lays down danceable grooves between dynamic builds.

The name “The Company Stores” is a throwback to the old coal mines of West Virginia. It refers to the system set up by coal companies during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where they paid the miners in “script” or “coal money” that was only good at the “company store”.

This name not only shows the bands heritage, but also the gritty feel of their music and the meaning behind many of their songs about the struggles of the common man.

You can pick up your Beer Fest mug on Friday, August 3rd, from 5-8 pm at Fireside Market in downtown Winter Park and also purchase tickets to the event. On Saturday, pre-ticketed VIP ticket holders will be granted access at 11:45 am, others who buy tickets in advance will be able to enter at noon, and, those that are buying tickets at the door will be granted access to the venue at 1 pm. Tickets are available online at winterparkbeerfestival.com. Transportation options are also available – please don’t drink and drive.