Welcome to the beginning of a three-part Rock River Experience’s blog post, or what Rock River enthusiasts refer to as a “Rockbridge County Experience.” Before diving into the main event, the "highlights of a magical evening," I must introduce our venue and stars:
The Venue
Brew Ridge Taps stands as a beacon for beer lovers, enthusiasts, and casual drinkers alike, a celebration of craft beer culture and small-town charm. Boasting an impressive array of local and regional brews, it provides patrons with an opportunity to explore a diverse range of flavors and styles. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts and everything in between, there’s a brew to satisfy every palate.
Much More Than a Bar
While beer is the star attraction, Brew Ridge Taps also offers a variety of other beverages, including sodas, ciders, wines, and even canned cocktails. Their commitment to variety ensures a stimulating experience, and the friendly staff creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere—everyone is made to feel like a member of the Brew Ridge Taps family. New to craft beers? No problem. Whether behind the bar or serving your table, the friendly staff is knowledgeable and passionate about their offerings, ready to guide customers through selecting a single beverage or a flight of beers.
More Than Just Beer
Brew Ridge Taps’ “Wafflewiches” are a creative twist on traditional sandwiches, using freshly made waffles in the place of bread. This unique concept adds a playful element to the dining experience, offering a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. The Wafflewich menu features a variety of fillings, catering to a range of tastes – from classic combinations to more adventurous flavors. If you would like to create your own adventure (as I do), you might, for instance, order a Reuben but substitute the traditional rye waffle with a jalapeno cheddar waffle. Or, you can transform any Wafflewich into a salad or a wrap. Brew Ridge Taps’ flexibility allows customers to enjoy their favorite flavors in a form that suits their preferences and dietary needs. Maybe you just want a snack? Brew Ridge Taps has you covered. Try a flight of peanuts, freshly baked soft pretzels, nachos, or a delicious quesadilla.
A Hub for Local Culture
Brew Ridge Taps has become a hub for local culture in Lexington, regularly hosting events: live music, trivia, and community gatherings. It’s a place where locals and tourists alike can converge to enjoy good drinks and great company. The establishment plays a vital role in supporting and showcasing local talent.
The Final Draft
Brew Ridge Taps is more than a bar, more than a stellar example of the thriving craft beer scene in Lexington, VA, and more than a place for unique, delicious food. It’s a place alive and bubbling with the spirit of Rockbridge County, where the community comes to life for locals and those just passing through. Everyone is welcome to share the Brew Ridge Taps experience.
The Rock Stars in a Nutshell
When Bruce Allen and Jason Burke's paths converged, it sparked a creative synergy and gave birth to a unique sound, deeply rooted in traditional genres yet infused with a modern sensibility and embodying a timeless sound. Do I exaggerate? No. I believe you owe it to yourself to see this dynamic duo in person.
The Beginning
Some might say it all started in the Food Lion parking lot in Buena Vista, VA early summer of 2017, but really it’s more complicated than that… You see, the Kevin Wallace band featuring Bruce Allen on guitar and vocals needed both a second lead guitar and a drummer for an upcoming show at the Virginia Horse Center. This is where Stan Coffey enters our story and recommends Jason Burke, who happened to be available and was even able to recommend a drummer, Andrew Duff, to complete the band. The day was saved, a great time was had by all who attended the show, most never even knowing these five men had never played together before.
Faith and Luck
Later that same summer, Jason's mother, Rachel Burke, was visiting from out of town, and they decided to go to Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company for dinner. Bruce was performing, recognized Jason from their gig weeks earlier, and warmly invited him on stage where they performed for the first time as a duo.
The Plot Thickens
The chance meeting at Devil’s Backbone led to a planned jam session at Mountain Music Café. Bruce and Jason both sensed something special after just the first 30 minutes, and later that same year, they played their first show as a duo at the Yogi Bear Jellystone Park in Natural Bridge, VA. This led to more engagements, and they quickly became local celebrities, captivating audiences with their heartfelt performances and authentic original compositions. Their music, often reflective of the scenic beauty and rich history of Rockbridge County, resonated with both young and old, creating a bridge across generations.
Mentors and Muses
Allen and Burke’s collaboration extends beyond their, now, hundreds of performances together. They have become mentors and an inspiration for aspiring musicians in the area, embodying the spirit of Rockbridge community. Their presence has invigorated the local music scene, attracting more artists and music lovers to a town already blessed with so many amazing artists. On the commercial front, Allen has produced the music of a string of local artists that have gone on to chart on national country radio, harkening back to the days he helped write the #1 chart-topping country song “Diggin up Bones” by Randy Travis.
The Near Future
Upcoming projects for Bruce and Jason include concerts, community events, collaborations with other local artists, and … drum roll … potential radio release of new original songs! Rockbridge County is lucky to be home to many world-class musicians, including my favorite two-man acoustic band, slated to be inducted into the “Virginia [Grand Ole] Opry” on Dec 7th, 2023.
The Best is Yet to Come
The story of Bruce Allen and Jason Burke is just beginning, and it is more than a musical collaboration. It's a narrative of passion, resilience, community spirit, and above all a desire to spread love and “keep music live.”
Highlights of A Magical Evening with Bruce and Jason at Brew Ridge Taps
I have experienced the 1-2 punch of the musical stylings of Bruce Allen and Jason Burke, combined with the food, drink, and atmosphere of Brew Ridge Taps, three times now. I am lucky!
When you watch Bruce and Jason, it’s not just a show, it’s not just great music, it’s an immersive experience; because Bruce and Jason make it so! They have fun! They invite audience participation in every show they play, and I do mean “play.” It’s not work when you are having as much fun as Bruce and Jason do performing together. They have what just can’t be faked. They love what they do, and they love their audience.
Often featured with Bruce and Jason is Susan Byers Tedrow. She is an accomplished pianist and a good friend. It is a treat when she attends their shows and lends her voice, singing anything from The Doobie Brothers, June Cash, to the 4 Non Blondes epic 90s hit “What’s going on.” Other friends you might hear sing at any given show include, but are definitely not limited to, Stan Coffey, Brian Dearing, Bobbi Folk, Mark Tedrow, Wayne Humphrey, Ken Talley... I even watched one night when world champion Elvis Presley impersonator Michael Hoover joined them on stage. With Bruce and Jason, it’s always the more the merrier.
What specific songs might one hear if you go to a Bruce and Jason show? Hard to say. Their repertoire is massive, from classic country and rock to modern country and rock and everything in between, jazz to folk and gospel. They routinely mash up two different songs, making you wonder for a second what is happening as they effortlessly switch back and forth between the songs, making it in ways all their own. While I might request “I’ve got a Name” by Jim Croce or John Denver’s “Take me Home,” you will find Bruce and Jason receptive to most any request with an astonishing ability to fill it or ask them to play an original song, and you will not be disappointed.
Some of Bruce and Jason’s original songs include, but are not limited to, "Trying To Get By,” “American Zoo,” “Hey Little Girl,” and the soon-to-be-released “Come Home Day” and “Faith and Luck.”
You are also likely to hear “Happy Birthday” and feel like you are part of multiple celebrations when you go see Bruce and Jason play. Along with asking for song requests, they ask if there are any celebrations they can put a heartfelt musical note on.
Well, onto the food, drink, and venue: As a brew-club member, I am not new to the scene, but this is my first time taking pictures and notes. Wanting to stay light on my feet, I opted for a Lost Coast Tangerine Wheat Ale and the Mount Vesuvius: ham, pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, onion, banana peppers, Duke’s mayo, oil and vinegar.
This eclectic combination is normally served on a basil asiago waffle, but I ordered it in a wrap. I like the black bean salad, but you can also select Mrs. Vicki potato chips or coleslaw as your side. And yes, it is as good as it sounds!
As this night at Brew Ridge Taps progressed, I also enjoyed a Schlafly Pumpkin Ale. Maybe two… who's counting?
I am not always a fan of seasonal pumpkin selections, but this is a truly well-balanced brew—the personal favorite of my wife and Autumn, the owner (pictured below goofing around with one of her patron’s beers). No matter your taste, with the largest selection of craft beers in Lexington, along with wines and ciders, it’s safe to say there is a food/beverage pairing for you at Brew Ridge Taps. Pro Tip: Before the kitchen closes, order a side of chicken salad or pimento cheese and a bag of jalapeno chips to go. Whether you eat it as a midnight snack or for lunch the next day, you will want to thank me for $5.99 well spent!
There are many amazing watering holes in the world, but you would be hard-pressed to find a place as warm, welcoming, and unassuming as Brew Ridge Taps. Even without live music, it is still an amazing place to go for a bite or a brew, a place where you leave your problems, worries, and drama at the door, a place where all are welcome to either appreciate or learn: the best of life is conversation.
For live music in Rockbridge County visit: https://www.livemusiclexington.com
Great depiction of, indeed, the best places in Rockbridge County, if not Virginia to spend some well-deserved down-time! Always look forward to seeing your face in the crowds!!!