Shelter From The Scroll V6: I went to Denver's Oldest Restaurant
Don’t Think Twice, It’s Curated by Pwelbs
Kickin’ It Off: Sorry, I missed last week! I was in Denver most of the week planning for Outside Festival 2025 and when push comes to shove, the work I’m so passionate about is going to come first. :) With that said, a little extra to share this week to make up for it.
THE WEEKLY RUNDOWN:
RANDOM THOUGHTS & THINGS:
Buckhorn Exchange (Denver’s Oldest Restaurant): Attention all meat eaters and history buff-alos! This is an absolute MUST STOP if you’re in the Denver area. I honestly don’t know if I can do the history of the place justice, thank you to our server Bradley who knew damn near everything about the place! The bar itself (made in 1857) was moved from Germany to Denver in 1893. They’ve got an Annie Oakley pistol! The owner was in Buffalo Bill’s band of scouts at age 12. It’s the #1 liquor license in the state of Colorado after prohibition (displayed proudly behind the bar). Four presidents -- Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan dined at the Buckhorn. Sitting Bill’s nephew gave the restaurant General Goerge Custer’s sword from the Battle of Little Big Horn. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places. And that’s just the ambience among the hundreds of historic artifacts and taxidermy covering every inch of every wall. As you’d expect, the food is totally wild. We had the blackened High Plains Buffalo Prime Rib with sauteed mushrooms, a house bean soup that’s been on the menu since day one and the smoked buffalo sausage. Other items on the menu include rocky mountain oysters (aka deep-fried bull testacles), rattlesnake bites, fried alligator tail, Elk, Colorado Lamb, steaks, ribs, fishes, quals, hen and more. Absolutely wild experience. I also had “Bohemian Girl” by Tivoli Brewing Company, Colorado’s oldest brewery – est. 1859. My favorite thing was an old article about the restaurant in some sort of Japanese newspaper (I believe Hokkaido Shinma Sunday Edition) that translated literally said “the buffalo is not quite as tender as the beef but after two martinis who cares” – AMEN!
So Curious • A Social Beverage Conference (April 8th in Chicago!): Very excited to announce that Groundswell Experiential will be supporting the Listen Ventures hosted So Curious conference as production partner. “First-of-its-kind event where hemp-derived THC drinks, non-alcoholic beer, and creative elixirs redefine the drinking occasion.” I’m so excited to see where this space goes and I have so many thoughts and experiences to share from my seat at the table in the space. I’ll be there working but also looking forward to exchanging ideas. Reach out to me if you’d like to learn more or check out the event. See you there! Tickets & More Info here!
North Coast Music Festival announces headliners for 2025, including a return for deadmau5: This is my and Groundswell’s fifth year having the opportunity to represent the festival for sponsorships and partnerships and it’s really great to be a part of this exciting lineup and the festival’s 15th anniversary. I believe I’ve been to pretty much every single one of them since 2014. Again, this lineup absolutely crushes and I can wait to share more over the next few months. See you out there Labor Day weekend!
Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music (Peacock): I know I’m a few weeks behind all the celebrations of 50 years of SNL. I’m not a particularly huge SNL guy but I can appreciate all the history and I’m here to consume this historic moment. With that said, of everything I watched, I really loved the Questlove directed documentary that touches on the 50 years of music on SNL. They cover all the most legendary performances, all the best music sketches, all the controversies, all the work that goes into it and all the trust in themselves to do it on a TV stage that is becoming harder and harder to find – LIVE with an attentive audience. I don’t want to spoil it but the first 10 mins was just an incredible way to start and I really enjoyed all the interviews and perspectives they brought into this doc. Highly recommended and it’s directed by Quest – one of the biggest music nerds on planet Earth. I think I read somewhere he wanted like 200+ hours of SNL music content to piece this doc together. Respect. Watch the trailer here!
Bar Mar (Chicago): Just a small shout out to Bar Mar by Jose Andrew in downtown Chicago. Maddie and I stopped by a few weeks back a few minutes after they opened and quite simply we had incredible service, really great bites and some great drinks. I love the absolutely massive bar, how thoughtful the decor and space is. I love how random of a location it is downtown. Highlights: The Neptune’s Pillows are incredible (Sesame Rocoto, Spicy tuna, Fresh Wasabi). The shrimp cocktail is super unique with “piquillo cocktail sauce.” Only two beers on draft but overall it’s a great selection with the canned options too (Beverage Menu).
Chicago Auto Show: Had a chance to stop by the other week. Always super impressed by all the brand activations, the long hours everyone puts in. Such a great event and a new Chicago tradition for Maddie and I. One of my favorite traditions is grabbing a good old fashioned Chicago style hot dog or classic polish – the direction I ended up going. Get a load of the size of this thing!
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EYES BEYOND THE FEED: A collection of articles, news, blogs, social posts or other ramblings I’ve found interesting this week.
Bob Lefsetz Interview with Wesley Schultz from The Lumineers: I honestly thought I was going to think this guy was a giant douche. No reason why. But I found him super genuine and as Bob compliments him “true and dedicated to his beliefs.” Super cool to hear about all the years he put in before the big moment with “Ho Hey” and what you do with your career from there. Last summer they sold out Wrigley Field and I was like, these guys can pull this off? Then I saw they announced Soldier Field again Labor Day Weekend 2025. I found it very interesting that they're being managed by the same guy (Bernie Cahill) as that does Dead & Co., Bob Weir, Grateful Dead, Dwight Yoakam and more. Very naturally building The Lumineers as a “if you know you know” live act with a tight knit community behind it. Great interview!
Breakaway Launches Label & Management Division, Breakaway Projects: Very interesting to see a festival property (who specializes in smaller markets) dip into the management and label space. I suppose their own artists can play their own festivals now and the ecosystem will grow from there? Another layer for sponsorship partners to integrate into as well.
C3 Launches Festival in Aspen Colorado: Featuring headlines Rufus Du Sol and Kacey Musgraves. A match made in heaven!
USA Hockey Loses to Canada: I’ve really enjoyed all the hockey hype this past week. Despite the loss for team USA to Connor McDavid in OT, it’s been great visibility to the sport. Growing up in Minnesota, it’s second nature to be surrounded by hockey. The high school state tournament is like football in Texas. But it looks like it was a great call on the NHL’s part. According to ESPN: ESPN averaged 9.252 million viewers for Thursday’s Canada–United States Four Nations Championship game. Higher than any NHL game EVER. It is the most-watched non-Olympic hockey game on record. Across the United States and Canada, last night’s game drew 16.1 million viewers, nearly matching last year’s Stanley Cup Final Game 7 viewership (16.3M). Not bad for a Thursday night during the “All-Star” break.
Extra Note: NBA All-Star weekend just had its second worst ratings of all time. Is this headed toward NFL Pro Bowl status? Forgettable and after the season? Even the Slam Dunk Content which was not to be missed television in the 90s/00s has lost all its aura
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BLOWIN’ IN THE WINDY CITY: All things Chicago. Happenings, openings, news, announcements, music, food, drink and more. A weekly and endless celebration to the city that I love so much.
Both Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever games moved to United Center!: Saturday, June 7th and Sunday July 27th, 2025! Love to see it. Surely there will be an electric atmosphere as Angel Reese hosts Caitlin Clark.
Garcia’s Teases Opening: As a Dead head, I’ve of course been following this closely since it was announced back in 2019. Headed into the old Wishbone location (one of my favorite Chicago brunch spots), Garcia’s has official ties to the Jerry Garcia estate and has some major ownership firepower behind it. The “jazz restaurant” is concepted as “Experience the Legacy: Introducing Garcia’s, in Exclusive Partnership with the Family of Jerry Garcia.” The website is also live at garciaschicago.live! Very cool to have this in Chicago, of all places!
RIP On Tour Brewing: I’ve usually made it over to On Tour a couple times a year. It’s a great stop in the West Loop brewing district. Sad to see it go as it wasn’t until really post COVID it positioned itself as a live music, jam band spot with acoustic sets, jam band shows and some block party type events. I always loved the space but I can only imagine how expensive it is to operate and make beer these days. Never really was on the Links Taproom wave but looks like someone who cares enough is moving into the space? Cool.
Further Reading: Links Taproom comes back from the dead via Chicago Reader
Further Reading: Links Taproom Opening West Town Brewery This Summer As On Tour Brewing Closes via Block Club Chicago
Ravinia Festival kicks off $75M renovation of Highland Park campus - Chicago Business Journal
Ready-To-Drink Hoste Cocktails Opening Production Facility And Event Hall In Pilsen
North Coast Music Festival announces headliners for 2025, including a return for deadmau5
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PLAYLIST PAT:
A collection of new music curated by genre, theme and/or mood curated and updated weekly-ish.
Pyramidion: The capstone, the apex, the tip, the top of the sonic pyramid. The best that 2025 music of all genres has to offer so far, updated weekly-ish. Full playlist linked here.
My favorite songs I added this week:
Look At The State Of Me Now + Squeeze by Maya Delilah: So fun this is being released by the legendary jazz label Blue Note Records. The English singer has a real unique blend of jazz, soul and pop. Sort of an airy, feathery and folkier Norah Jones. Plus she’s just cool. Drinking a Guinness on her record store tour poster is 10/10. Her debut album The Long Way Round drops March 28th.
BUSS AT YOU by Saint Lamaar: I caught this From The Block performance of the Columbus, Ohio rapper and R&B artist. Since then, I can’t stop playing it! I was starting to wonder what was taking so long for 2000s rap/R&B to start making a comeback. This is a taste of that while keeping things moving forward! Plus I love small market rap.
TRIPPIN by Sturyyouning, Ohthatsmizz & ZEDDY WILL: Like I just said, 2000s rap nostalgia is back. In this case, quite literally sampling Fergie’s 2006 pop banger “Clumsy”. Kinda reminds of “Vans” by The Pack (2007) or “Cat Daddy” by Rej3ectz (2011).
All Along The Stream: A jukebox of Jam, Funk, Bluegrass, Psychedelic, Rock, Blues, Americana, Retro Soul. All songs released in 2025. Full playlist linked here.
My favorite songs I added this week:
Talk With Me by Kashus Culpepper: I’ve shared Kashus a few times now and this might be his best record yet. Totally flexing his vocal ability like never before. I can’t wait until this guy truly blows up and gets the shine.
Slow & Steady by JD Clayton: Very fun sunny day 70s country rock vibes.
Used to This by Caamp ft. Bebe Stockwell: Great Sunday morning coffee music.
Lead Up by Goose: Not as strong as “Give It Time” but I will never complain about more Goose. The jam on the back half certainly rocks!
Country City: Cold beer. Warm nights. Neon lights. Whiskey wrongs. A collection of country songs. All from 2025 and lassoed together by this here, urban cowboy. I promise I have the boots and hats to match. From the flash of pop to the dust of red dirt. It’s all here! Full playlist linked here.
My favorite songs I added this week:
One More Place I’ve Never Seen by Preston Cooper: I’m all for a guy who found his break being known as the “singing mailman” on his 14 mile route. After you hear the vocals of this small town Ohio 21-year old, you will soon feel the sweet spot in country rock this fella has found. Clearly influenced by Chris Stapleton, he sounds like him! But infuse a little bit of Chris Cornell and some soul from Teddy Swims and you’re there. Cooper is new to me, this is only his second single but it looks like he’s been on the road quite a bit tuning up his skills alongside making the rounds in Nashville. He’s supporting Riley Green this summer – perhaps one of the biggest country tours this year. Excuse the mail pun but Preston Cooper is here to deliver!
Junk Drawer by Cole Phillips: Such a clever use of metaphors here. Would you want your lover to know everything in your junk drawer? That’s why I love country music. A great performance of the song by Oklahoma native Cole Phillips. Song written by Autumn Marie Buysse, Ben Van Wraath, Troy Cartright and Cole Phillips.
Me & Billy (Live EP) by Zach Top featuring Billy Strings: I believe this was a live session originally recorded for Apple Music but it’s since been released on all streaming platforms. Anyhoo – these are quite literally two of my favorite artists out right now so the fact that they’re honky-tonk homies and in the same orbit is an absolute blast!
My 5 TouchTunes Songs of the Week: Typically pulling from my Forever Relevant Spotify playlist that features over 1,800+ of my favorite songs and growing. Mind you, these are typically played in empty dive bars.
Venmo @Pwelbs to tip me in TouchTunes credits!
8 credits $4.99, 31 credits $14.99, 55 credits $24.99
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PATTY PILS:
Tangled Up In Brews: My weekly thoughts on beer, alcohol and beverage industry. Related articles or maybe just a cheers to a beer or three I had this week.
Exclusive | Celsius to Buy Rival Energy-Drink Maker Alani Nu for $1.8 Billion: Interesting move! #3 in the energy space buys #4. Red Bull and Monster continue to dominate their holds #1 and #2. Full Top 10 List.
Zyn, But With Weed: The Pouch Craze Hits The Cannabis Industry
Jose Cuervo maker forecasts $80m tariff impact - The Spirits Business
The Hemp Company by Curaleaf Expands Beverage Sales to Over 100 Total Wine Stores
Premiumisation 'all but dead', says SipSource report - The Spirits Business
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BEYOND THE ALGORITHM: Content from creators I love alongside social channels for new creators I’ve discovered.
@ClaireMPLS: I’m most familiar with Claire de Lune as an accomplished Minneapolis-based musician and artist (at one time in a group with Lizzo called The Chalice) but I’ve absolutely been loving her basketball coverage for The Guardian.
@MidwestPolite: A new comedy sketch channel featuring some amazing Chicago comedians, creators and actors! I really enjoyed the ‘Proper Office Etiquette’ and “When You’re The Least Favorite Child” sketches.
CLIENT BIAS: My favorite videos from Number Six With Cheese (fast food), Eat Local (Chicago food scene) and Corey & Sean’s solo channels this week. Full transparency, I manage these guys! If you’d like to work together, email me at patrick[at]numbersixwithcheese.com
Happy Birthday, Sean!
Eating Teddy's Red Hots with Mik Dempsey at Miskatonic Brewing
Are These Ukrainian Chicken Shawarma Wraps Our New Favorite In Chicago? | KRASA CRAFT RESTAURANT
We Ate A Cajun-Inspired Boudin Breakfast Sandwich on Focaccia
Sean Requested Dave's Hot Chicken's REAPER TENDERS For His Birthday | *FIRST TIME TRYING THEM* 🥵
The Viral Domino's Pizza TikTok Hack Featuring Devon Desmond
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MUSIC HANGER: Covering merch drops while highlighting the music artists and related news. Might slip in other merch from bars, booze and other fashion lines too.
Follow along at @MusicHangerHQ on IG. Updated when I can.
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NEVEVER ENDING HAT & MERCH WISHLIST:
Venmo @Pwelbs to gift me a hat or piece of merch!
“Come in, she said
I'll give ya shelter from the storm”