The real MVP this Wednesday will be Breckenridge Brewery's latest debut, the NVP or Nitro Vanilla Porter. Nitro Vanilla Porter (NVP) is the first release in Breckenridge Brewery's all-new line of portable and versatile nitrogenated cans. The 16-oz can presents the ability to drink silky, smooth nitrogen-charged beer outside of the pub. Although a glass displays the cascading effects of the nitrogen head, with Breckenridge’s can design the glass is optional. The Nitro Series from Breckenridge Brewery can be enjoyed anywhere – in a glass or right from the can - and those who attend the free concert get to experience "Nitro on the Go" first-hand. 

The craftsmanship of Vanilla Porter is evidenced in NVP. A variety of malts provide flavors of chocolate, roasted nut, caramel, and coffee. Imported vanilla from Papua New Guinea and Madagascar add complex and exotic flavors to the solid porter. The softening effect of nitrogen creates a velvety mouthfeel and highlights the flavors of the malts and vanilla. NVP presents another delicious way to enjoy Vanilla Porter.

The next release in the series is Nitro Lucky U IPA followed by new seasonal nitro specialties starting in the fall. The Nitro Series is packaged in 4-packs of 16-oz cans and will be sold where other Breckenridge beer is carried.

Breckenridge Brewery is throwing a free concert at the Bluebird Theater in Denver to celebrate the availability of Nitro Vanilla Porter in 16-oz cans. The release party on May 11th toasts the start of an exciting new nitrogen-charged canned beer series.  This free show is open to the public (21+) on a first-come basis with doors opening at 7:00 p.m. until capacity is reached. Each attendee will be given a complimentary can of Nitro Vanilla Porter to enjoy. The Bright Light Social Hour and Dragondeer are to perform. The party provides an introduction to the brewery’s new beer series, and because both bands are signed artists for this summer's Underground Music Showcase which Breckenridge Brewery sponsors, the event doubles as a preview to UMS.  

We were able to talk tacos, football and the Austin music scene with The Bright Light Social Hour before their show on Wednesday for Breckenridge Brewery's Nitro Vanilla Porter release. Check it out below:

1. Let’s start with the name, how did it come about?

Curtis was studying this Indian activist, Arundhati Roy, at Southwestern University where we started the band. She had a quote about the activist’s role as shining a bright light in the dark corners of society. So we kinda took it from there.

 

2. You guys are on the road a lot what are some of your favorite cities and what is a city you haven't played you wish you could?

I really love playing Quebec City. I feel like audiences there see us a strange, exotic thing, like we’re zoo animals. I like feeling like a zoo animal. Mexico City is definitely the most fervent crowd we’ve come across. Our last few shows at the Bluebird and the Ogden are very high on the list too. I really wanna play Berlin.

 

3. You currently reside in Austin, many people claim that the music scene in Denver is starting to mimic that of ATX, touring here and playing here do you see any similarities?

Honestly, we’ve visited Denver a lot but haven’t had much opportunity to go out and see shows and explore the music scene. It does seem that Denver is producing more varied and boundary-pushing styles and artists, so that’s very cool.

 

4. With so many bands hailing from Austin does the scene support each other or is it competitive? And what ever happened to Sound Team?

t’s very supportive and embracing. All my closest friends are musicians from other Austin bands. Plus the city itself as well as several non-profits do a lot to help musicians and the scene by helping provide resources like free legal advice, healthcare, grants and that kinda thing. I never heard of Sound Team til you mentioned it, but I looked them up and to answer your question, they disbanded in 2007 and Bill Baird went solo (one of his records mysteriously appeared in my collection and it’s awesome), and Matt Oliver once recorded a Daytrotter session for us at his studio, Big Orange.

 

5. A couple of you attended the University of Texas, How are we going to do this year in football? (I’m from El Paso and spend a lot of time in Austin and am a big Longhorns fan)

You know I have no idea, but I’m gonna vote for good.

 

6. Your live album was recorded in response to the attacks on France and was recorded live with proceeds going to the French Red Cross. How did that come about and was there any pressure knowing you guys were to be recording live to perform that show?

Haha no we wanted it to be real and have all the warts and gnarl of a real live show. It helps to accept that you’ll never be anywhere close to satisfied with a recording of yourself playing live. That’s what studio albums are for, we just wanted to capture the energy and the moment and do what we could to help.

 

7. Final question. Best breakfast tacos in Austin? Taco Deli or Torchy’s?

Well fuck Torchy’s because the tacos are incredible and we eat there every other week but the tortillas are ALWAYS cold, which is beyond unacceptable. Taco Deli is fantastic, but Veracruz All Natural is my current fav in town.

Be sure to get to the Bluebird early as this event is sure to be at capacity early in the evening. With amazing, local music and new local craft - this is one event not to be missed.