During this past Christmas season, Mayflower Brewing Company hosted hip-hop bluesman G. Love at its brewery for a holiday show. Talk about a Backyard Road Trip! Only two miles away, this concert highlighted two of my favorite things–live music and craft beer, all in my own backyard!
G. Brings the SoulBQue
A few years back, G. Love moved to Cape Cod. This has been beneficial for me since I’ve been able to catch him live locally in towns such as Falmouth and Marshfield. His shows are always a ton of fun. Whether solo, with the Special Sauce, or with other musicians, it’s always a good time. The positive energy he brings to the stage is unmatched. In concert, he plays songs from the entirety of his catalog. And may even bring out a seasonal song such as Cape Cod Winter Blues in the summer!
G. In the Hood
When I got word that he was playing at Mayflower Brewing Company in Plymouth, I knew I had to be there. Although it was advertised as a holiday show, he only played a handful of Christmas songs. He has three Christmas albums, so I figured these tracks would be played predominantly. But he did end the night with Jingle Bells, along with opener Dan Felix. Not only did Felix start the show, but he played a mean sax along with G toward the end of the set. Jackson Wetherbee from the South Shore-based Elovaters also joined him on a few, with a Jimmy Buffett cover and an Elovaters song (Margaritas) that G. Love collaborates with them on.
He played fan-favorites such as Cold Beverage and Baby’s Got Sauce from his first album up through songs from his most recent albums. The vibe was perfect. It was like a house party in the back of the Mayflower brewery. Both front and back bars were open, serving favorite Mayflower beers, including the New World IPA, Crispy Business, and their porter.
In hope of things to come
Only a year ago, the fate of Mayflower Brewing was in limbo. The former owner had decided to close the operation. With a ripple of sadness permeating through the community, word came out in late January that it would remain open. Eventually, it was determined that Mayflower had been sold to Hog Island Brewing Company in Orleans. Hog Island also purchased Hyannis’ Cape Cod Beer, creating a three-pronged craft beer business. For instance, Cape Cod’s Dunkel was on draft during this visit to Mayflower.
With an event such as this, I hope that the future of Mayflower remains bright. And it would be awesome if they could hold more events like G. Love live at Mayflower Brewing. As for G. Love, I’ll be continuing to keep my eye out for when he is playing locally. Do yourself a favor and catch him live when he’s in your neighborhood; you won’t be disappointed!
Just like G. Love, Backyard Road Trips has ties to Cape Cod, Philadelphia, and Boston.
