Event memorializes Duluth percussionist, benefits young musicians
September 23, 2016 – An offbeat fall festival in the community-minded spirit of Germany’s Oktoberfest tradition will happen in Duluth on Sunday, October 2. The BradtoberFest Run/Rawk/Crawl is a one-of-a-kind event. It’s a fun run/pub crawl where participants navigate a ~5K course with stops that feature samples of local craft beer and live music.
The Friends of Brad Memorial Foundation (FOBMF) has organized the festival for four years running. “We created this event, in part, to celebrate some of the best aspects of life in Duluth,†says Troy Rogers, FOBMF president. “Our local music scene and craft beer are exceptional, and the city is well known for its active outdoor culture. We’ve woven these pieces together into a fun-filled fall celebration that supports programs for young musicians.â€
Participants can either walk or run the approximately 3-mile route that begins at Bent Paddle Brewing Company, stops at a number of breweries and pubs, and finally culminates at the Red Herring Lounge for a finish line celebration that includes additional music and a craft beer-centric silent auction.
The FOBMF is a 501(c)(3) that is completely run by volunteers. Since 2010, the Foundation has been celebrating and cultivating young Minnesota musicians, through music events, donations and scholarships.
The event memorializes Duluth musician Brad Rozman and benefits young musicians. Proceeds support programs such as the Duluth Music Resource Center and the FOBMF’s scholarship and other charitable programs.
For three years in a row, the FOBMF contributed to Duluth’s Music Resource Center (MRC), an innovative after-school music program where kids take music lessons, form bands, and even learn the process of producing their own albums. Friends of Brad donations have been used by the MRC to purchase a drum set and studio monitors. More recently, a donation helped fund the recording of an album by young artist Kaylee Matuszak.
The Foundation has awarded 14 scholarships to high school students in rural Northeastern Minnesota committed to carrying on musical endeavors in college. In 2016, scholarships were given to Ali Juntunen of Deer River High School, Kelly Heinonen of Virginia High School and Kari Haaversen of Two Harbors High School.
Ticket information and further info:
BradtoberFest Run/Rawk/Crawl
Sunday, October 2 – 11:30am–6pm
Event starts at Bent Paddle Brewing Co. (registration and check in from 11am–noon)
1912 W Michigan Street, Duluth, MN
Registration fee: $25 (day of the event registration $30)
BradtoberFest Tickets: http://bradtoberfest2016.eventbrite.com/
Registration includes: 4 oz. beer samples from 8 craft breweries, live music at each stop and entrance to the Red Herring finish line party. Non-registrants are welcome to enjoy music and participate in the silent auction at the finish line party at the Red Herring (suggested donation of $5-10).
In tribute to the Friends of Brad Memorial Foundation’s namesake and his distinct sense of humor, the event is infused with lighthearted absurdity. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes and sport “tighty-whities†or “Bradley Briefs†underwear, with prizes awarded for most outrageously outfitted individuals and brewery/pub teams.
Performers: Black Diary, Chasm of Czar, Rich Mattson and Germaine Gemberling, Hannah Rey, Robot Rickshaw, Tribal Alchemie, Two Harbors Ukulele Group (THUG), Wood Blind, and more TBA.
Participating breweries & pubs and major sponsors:Â Bent Paddle Brewing Co., Blacklist Artisan Ales, Borealis Fermentery, Caitlin Dettmann Design, Canal Park Brewing Company, Carmody Irish Pub & Brewery, Castle Danger Brewery, Duluth Running Company, 8 Racks Screen Printing, Endion Station Public House, KUMD, Lake Superior Brewing Company, Malenius Media, Perfect Duluth Day and the Red Herring Lounge.
Full list of sponsors and donors: http://bradfest.org/sponsors/
Video from 2015 BradtoberFest event
Facebook page and Facebook event
Twitter
Hashtag: #BradtoberFest
***To donate, volunteer or become an event sponsor, please contact info@bradfest.org***
About the Friends of Brad Memorial Foundation
Bradley E. Rozman’s life was tragically cut short in May 2009. The Friends of Brad Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was initially created by a group of Brad’s family and close friends to honor his memory. The Foundation celebrates and cultivates young Minnesota musicians through a variety of programs, including BradFest, a music festival. For more information or to contribute to the Foundation, contact info@friendsofbrad.org or visit http://www.friendsofbrad.org.
About Bradley E. Rozman
Brad Rozman discovered a love for drumming at a young age and pursued this passion with vigor for the rest of his life. In the early days, he formed garage bands with his musician friends and led the drum line in the VHS marching band. After high school, he went on to study percussion performance at St. Cloud State University and the University of Illinois-Urbana. When he returned to Minnesota from graduate school, Brad became involved in many music-making endeavors in the Duluth area, most notably as the drummer for the bands High Volt Rustler and Equal Exchange.