ArtsEtc

Bartime at Angelic

February 15, 2002

Change is constant. We can’t go on taking everything we know for granted, because it may all change in the blink of an eye.

This is not a dark perspective; change is good thing, because it reminds us of the frailty of human nature and that we need to make the most of our time on earth. It does, however, heighten our senses, because change is scary at times, and it leads many among us to look toward the heavens in solace.

Angelic Brewing Company is an excellent example of change built on a pillar of stability. Located on the site of the former Garten Brau brewery, Angelic opened in 1995, making a splash on the campus scene as a brewpub.

Not only was it one of few new campus bars to open in the past decade, Angelic was riding the wave of brewpub popularity that was a rage at the time. Students and locals alike embraced this new entry to the scene and welcomed the concept of drinking fresh brews tapped directly from the massive 500-gallon metal holding tanks along the windows on West Johnson Avenue.

Angelic’s status as a brewpub and restaurant was quickly secured. In fact, it did not take long for Angelic to establish a reputation for the excellent quality of its beers.

The first of many awards came only a year after opening in 1996, when Angelic won the gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival for its Bacchanal Blonde. Dean Coffey, the brewmaster at Angelic, has done an excellent job insuring that the quality of the beer is top notch.

Its customers would come for the beer, but Angelic was not about to rest on its laurels. The bar quickly developed a reputation for live entertainment in the form of bands and DJs. With a nightly offering of live entertainment seven days a week, Angelic takes it over the top.

Last Friday for example, Angelic was host to two locally renowned DJs, Dissolvent and DJ Todd Richmann. Spinning their special blend of progressive house and trance, the DJs were able to weave an audio adventure for the crowd on hand.

The most intriguing aspect to this style of music is in the subtleties of the sounds, and the DJ’s ability to manipulate the music to the reaction of the crowd. Combined with a solid sound system and a smooth production of lights and visuals, the crowd loved every minute and danced the night away.

Live entertainment is able to create a unique atmosphere at the bar. Manager Otto Dilba thinks the crowd reacts so strongly due to a number of reasons.

“People can take to the dance floor and get close to the action, or they can have a conversation and listen to the music in one of the upper-level booths, or they play a game of pool and not feel removed from the scene,” he said.

Indeed, the multi-layered floor plan allows the customer the highest level of flexibility in the choice of his own Angelic experience.

The variety offered at Angelic has boosted its popularity. Thursday nights also feature DJs from State of Mind, and the place gets crowded quickly.

The only downside to Angelic’s popularity is the time it can take to get a drink. For one reason or another, the crowd is always thickest at the corner of the bar near the entrance — not the best place to try to get one of Angelic’s award-winning Sinner’s Stouts to quench your thirst.

In the end, the crowd at Angelic is appreciative of the beer and the ever-changing atmosphere. Dilba likes to think of it in lofty terms. “This place has soul, and the staff and our customers believe in Angelic,” he said.

DJ Todd Richmann offered another perspective. He believes, “The party was divine because all the angels were on the dance floor.”

Amen to that, brother!

Bartime will be at Wando’s tonight, Friday, Feb. 15, at 10 p.m., where we will try to examine life from the bottom of a Fishbowl. Wando’s is located at 602 University Avenue. Cheers!

Although famous for beer, Angelic makes a pair of its very own unique shots.

Angelic’s Jack of Hearts

Mix the following in a shaker, and serve in a large shot glass:

2 parts Jägermiester

1 part peach schnapps

1 part cranberry juice