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Co-hosts Andrew James (@OneWhoSeesDimly) and Eric D. (@HopSnobbery) launch Episode 008 of Riff On off talking about what's been keeping them busy over the last five months. Eric D. blames Andrew on his gigging schedule with The Owl Stars. One of the last shows that The Owl Stars performed was at Stone Corral Brewery in Richmond, Vermont. Stone Corral hosts bands and open mics, typically from 7pm to 10pm. Richmond has an outstanding community, and On The Rise Bakery is mentioned, as well as the Daily Bread. Summer in Vermont has set in, and Andrew and Eric D's kids are out of school until the Fall. The Vermont weather has been fantastic so far this year, but the heat wave of July of 2018 has recently set it. Fortunately, there was access to the pool, swimming holes and beaches, including the Falls of Lana and Thayer Beach. Summer in Vermont means the Vermont Brewers Festival, which is July 20 and 21st, 2018. Andrew hasn't been in a handful of years, while Eric D. has attended almost half of the 25 plus years. Now four sessions strong, the brewfest added the fourth session due to the 11 minute sellout a few years back. Tickets are still available for the 2018 Vermont Brewers Festival. The downturn in brewfest tickets can possibly be attributed to the abundance of beers available on the shelf around Vermont. Eric opens up the Fiddlehead Brewery Cash Or Trade double IPA, which is a special beer brewed for www.CashOrTrade.org which is a website and social network for live music fans to buy, sell & trade tickets at face value. Started by two Phish fan frothers from Burlington, Vermont, the site started with Phish tickets and has moved towards different bands in the jamband scene like Umphrey's McGree, Dead and Company, STS9 and more. The New England IPA and the Vermont IPA beer scene is discussed, especially with the popularity of the craft beer IPA scene of the last few years. The defense of the Vermont name is discussed, including maple syrup and other products, including beer and selling them within the state. Eric D. and Andrew attended a recent going away party at Mule Bar in Winooski and the talk turns to checking in beer on Untappd. Andrew chooses to not rate, but comment on the beer, while Eric D. still choose to rate beers so that he knows if has drank it before and what his thoughts were. Talk turns to Vermont beer, including Idletyme's latest canning offerings, which include Zog's Pale Ale, which Eric D. deems a must try American Pale Ale. Andrew talks Foley Brothers of Brandon and Bent Hill Brewery of Braintree. Finding cans is a bit easier nowadays and the Jolley Stores offer quite a bit and Eric D. shops at 802BWS. Eric D. tracks the different Vermont breweries that offer cans, which is now up to 40 breweries. Lawson's Finest Liquids of Waitsfield will soon be opening their new brewery, including Double Sunshine and Maple Fayston's in cans. Talk turns to Hill Farmstead Brewery of East Greensboro, who is now offering their beers in cans on site only. Speaking of new cans in Vermont, Green Empire Brewing of Colchester now offers Side Business IPA which is very good. River Roost Brewery of White River Junction is now offering Glimpse and Mas Verde occasionally in cans and Good Measure Brewery of Northfield is offering their flagship beers in cans, including Early Riser and Social Club. The latest brewers to offer cans is Mill River Brewing & BBQ in St. Albans and Hired Hands in Vergennes are the latest to offer craft cans and worth checking out. Andrew James hosts The Local Haunt on Facebook. Eric D. also hosts the Let's Fix Construction podcast. www.LFCpodcast.com Thank you for tuning in and be sure to give us a follow on Twitter or Instagram at @RiffOnPodcast and a like on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RiffOnPodcast/