Beer lovers can chug to their heart’s content with over 300 types from all over the world offered here at affordable prices. While they’re at it, they can groove to the pumping beats of live bands, check out a standup comedy act or take part in beer auctions and tasting workshops.
Music
The festival will have two stages in action, with non-stop music throughout the festivities. As always, there will be a bill of fan-favourite international tribute bands – here are two to see.
Killer Queen. Channelling a band that literally needs no introduction, the Australian outfit Killer Queen sure have a lot to live up too. They’ve managed to make good on the tribute experience, though. Front guy John Blunt bears so much of a resemblance to Zanzibar-born Freddie Mercury that he beat out other impersonators for a spot on French TV, while guitarist Anthony Smith has earned praise from Queen’s original guitarist Brian May, who described him as ‘astonishing’. This year marks their second appearance at Beerfest since 2011, so get properly quenched before indulging in a round of electrifying table- top singalong into the wee hours of the morning.
The Fortunate Sons. The ’60s Southern rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) lives on through Melbourne tribute band The Fortunate Sons. Named after a track from CCR’s fourth album, Willy and the Poor Boys, the quartet might oft be mistaken for other similarly named tribute outfits based in the United States, but represent their half of the hemisphere by faithfully recreating the CCR gig experience with tracks like ‘Green River’, ‘Born on the Bayou’ and ‘Proud Mary’.
Comics
There’s no better combination than beer and a barrel full of laughs – Beerfest partners Comedy Club Asia have again lined up a fabulous list of funny folks for our entertainment. Note: entry for each comedy show is $20.
Sons of Singapore (14 & 15 Jun, 8pm). Proof that Singaporeans are not entirely an unfunny bunch, the Sons of Singapore (not the, er, heartwarming documentary of Singapore’s NS boys) are a multi-racial trio comprising of Rishi Budhrani, Jinx Yeo and Fakkah Fuzz. All common figures at open mic nights around town, they first joined forces after last year’s local Stand Up for Singapore comedy competition to collectively fly our flag at the recent Sydney Comedy Festival.
Stephen Grant (14 & 15 Jun, 9pm). Known and loved for his cerebral one-liners and quick wit, babyfaced Brit comic Stephen Grant is dubbed ‘the hardest working comedian in the UK’ for his extensive bill of comedy writing, radio spots and stage appearances in UK’s most renowned clubs. Grant has also notably earned press in 2010 for wresting the legal right to make ex-wife Annelise Holland the topic of his funnies – truly divorce revenge at its finest!
Steve Allison (14 & 15 Jun, 10pm). Born into a family of performers, this tanned Aussie brings a trademark laidback attitude and a knack for comedic juggling to the stage. Steve Allison’s act is one honed over 15 years, with early stirrings in playgrounds for favours, which was then later developed into full sets as one of Australia’s funniest men.
Tom Rhodes (14 & 15 Jun, 11pm) Funnyman, actor and travel writer, American Tom Rhodes launched his career with a fake ID at 17 – way before he was even legally allowed to enter a club. Rhodes then hit the big time performing his brand of dark, cynical stand-up on MTV, Comedy Central and NBC in a variety of group and three-hour solo specials.
Tips
1. Bring a team. Keeping together after a few drinks will be like herding a group of cats, but turning up in greater numbers means you can try more beers without getting too drunk.
2. Guard against a hangover. Up to 30 percent of mankind might be resistant to suffering hangovers (lucky them!), but for the rest of us in the sorry majority, make sure to eat an oily dinner to line the stomach before, and then down a shot of your mum’s best hangover remedy the day after. And don’t forget: lots of water!
3. Bring tissue paper. While the Beerfest team has done a fantastic job keeping their portaloos clean in past editions, pack a roll just in case. Pull out the cardboard core, then flatten the stack of toilet paper into the handbag. And don’t just pee anywhere – we’ve seen karma in action.
Cost: $15-40 one-day pass; $80 four-day public pass (entry only, no comedy); $50 four-day OCBC Exclusive pass; $130-$180 VIP package.