Mother Stewart’s brews up some big new ideas for 2018

The craft beers and atmosphere at Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company are just the start. If Kevin Loftis has his way, those will just be a part of wider experiences.

Loftis, who co-owns Mother Stewart’s with brother John Loftis, is focused on making the brewery a destination for events showcasing local talent and vendors in 2018.

“We’ve eased out of startup mode and are finding more about where we need to be,” Loftis said. “We’re going to be all about community events and engagement and getting a broader audience.”

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Already a spot for numerous concerts, Mother’s, located at 109 W. North St., intends to be a versatile location and not just about music.

The new direction has gotten a good start already.

FARMERS MARKET

The Springfield Farmers Market, a popular warm-weather destination, has found its home for the cooler months at Mother’s from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

Even with icy temperatures and snowy conditions its first two weekends, the Farmers Market has been an overwhelming success. With an average of 250 attendees, Mother’s has seen 10 times the sales.

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Loftis looked at the third weekend when temperatures were in the 50s cautiously.

“It’s blowing it away,” he said. “That weekend was the real indicator. It’s become a social thing and has the right synergy of vendors and there are a lot of new faces who know what we’re about.”

The Farmers Market will continue through at least March, but Loftis said if it keeps doing this well it may extend to April.

MOVIE NIGHT

A new addition is monthly movie nights with themes such as the recent “Endless Bummer,” which featured an island theme with the classic surfing film “The Endless Summer,” a calypso band and fruit in the beer.

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On Feb. 16, local multimedia artist Rod Hatfield will partner with DJ Chill to supply the soundtrack to the silent movie classic “Metropolis” for a different movie-going experience.

This will be followed by a jazz improv to another silent film in March and in April the classic cult film “Reefer Madness” will be accompanied by a Jamaican reggae band.

MUSIC, FUND-RAISERS AND WEDDINGS

Mother’s will still host concerts but more sporadicly, Loftis said with more local and indie bands and a few bigger names. Monthly First Friday events will continue to have live jazz.

Loftis is also glad to make Mother’s a venue nonprofits can use for fundraisers. Second Harvest Food Bank did an event there recently.

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“This is where breweries can fill a public hall void,” said Loftis. There are also wedding parties booked for next year already.

Regular visitors will also be greeted with new options in the future.

WHAT’S NEXT?

This spring, Loftis is looking to add wine sales to complement the craft beers alongside some food for sale.

There will also be a mobile canning event tying with upcoming beer offerings.

Improving the outdoor space is also on the docket, and a monthly art market and a Christmas market for the holidays.

“We have all sorts of plans,” Loftis said.

For more information on Mother Stewart's events, visit the brewery's Facebook page.

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