Submitted by Gateway Rotary
The artists formerly known as Purple Mane have regrouped after the pandemic to become Trick Candles, a sensational band with a record deal and several top hits. Trick Candles brings a brand-new vibe to the Brats, Brews, & Bands Festival (BBB) stage, playing a lineup of original songs.
And anyone who witnessed their performance as Purple Mane in 2019 will remember that they closed out the show on the rock stage, dancing the night away literally until we almost shut off the lights on them while they held a crowd.
“Playing the Lacey BBB fest 2019 was awesome,” says Princella Ray of Purple Mane/Trick Candles. “I think it might have been the loudest crowd we ever played to.”
“We are so excited to come back to the Lacey Brats, Brews, & Bands Festival 2021 with our original band, Trick Candles,” shares Princella Ray and Robbie Luna of Trick Candles. “The last time we were there, it was one of the most enthusiastic crowds we’ve ever heard!”
Expect this event for adults 21 and over to sell out. Tickets are $25 in advance with 5 drink tastes, and $30 at the door. From 2017 to 2019, the BBB doubled in attendance annually from 800 to over 3,200 attendees. Buying tickets in advance guarantees you through the door, especially with COVID-19 crowd restrictions.
The Brats Brews, & Bands Festival is a one-day, 100% volunteer-operated event for those 21-years-old and over. Hosted by the largest rotary membership in the area, Gateway Rotary, the event raises thousands of dollars annually for local children’s charities in the area. Rotary International has over 1 million members, and has been helping provide humanitarian service and advancing goodwill globally as a non-political, non-religious organization since 1905.
“Your dollars spent at the Brats, Brews & Bands Festival goes back into the community through Gateway Rotary Club’s Nonprofit Community Grant Program, supporting local organizations providing services in the areas of youth and literacy,” says Nathan Peters, Gateway vice president and BBB chair.
It features over 50 types of craft beers, ciders and Washington wines, and a lot of great food, including brats and tacos. It is the end of the summer party before we head into the fall.
“It takes a lot of folks working together before the event, during the event and even after we wrap it up,” shares Gateway President Janine Ezzell. “We missed that, being together and it will be nice to have that again, for everyone. Those volunteering and those attending too!”
Gateway Rotary Member Spotlight
Meet Dr. Megan Schoor. Megan is an active club volunteer with the Gateway Rotary Club of Thurston County. Megan joined the Gateway club in June 2019 and has been everywhere Gateway Rotary goes. Megan is active in all club activities and is especially busy with service projects like the new Lacey Food Bank. Megan consistently demonstrates the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” Our community is made better through Megan’s actions. Thank you, Megan!
What We do in the Community: We are Gateway
Our fundraising from the Brats, Brews & Bands Festival creates impact in our community. In December 2019 and January 2020, several Gateway Rotarians helped build and financial support five new transitional tiny homes in partnership with Community Youth Services’ Youth Build and the Olympia Union Gospel Mission. This project was supported by a Rotary District Grant jointly submitted by the Gateway, Lacey and Olympia Rotary Clubs.
Founded in 2011, Gateway Rotary meets in an Irish Pub (O’Blarney’s) every Wednesday at 7 a.m. with a membership of 114 and growing. We provide a high-energy experience to those who want to help their community, roll up their sleeves and engage in a setting that welcomes a great group of active people in our area.
