The good life can be as simple as good food, good beer, and good music. Combine those three in the right proportions, and you’ll find the right people gathered together, sharing in the joy of it all. This weekend, I experienced that magic at Burn ’Em Brewery in Michigan City, where the beer is cold, the food is excellent, and the music gets your feet moving. The vibe was perfect for fun times with great people as we geared up for winter with some Long Johns and lively tunes.
As I entered, the Mark Lavengood Trio was already on stage. The trio features Mark Lavengood, Scott Pellegrom on drums, and Justin Wierenga on bass. Mark’s talent is nothing short of extraordinary—his slide guitar, folk guitar, and dobro expertise set him apart. His animated playing invited fans to jump and dance, swept up in the infectious music. Whether performing originals or covers, the trio infused every note with intensity and heart. Beyond his musical prowess, Mark is also the director of Smiling Acres Music Festival, showcasing his deep commitment to fostering community through music.
Mark’s down-to-earth personality makes his immense talent even more remarkable. It’s no surprise he collaborates with gifted artists like Keith Billik and Billy Strings, both known for their humility and brilliance. To catch Mark and his band live or grab some merchandise, visit his website: marklavengood.com.
The band’s high-energy set left the crowd exhilarated—and thirsty. As beer sales soared, I took the chance to recharge with some food and drink myself. Burn ’Em Brewery knows how to throw a party: entry included food, music, and beer, a perfect combination to usher in the cold winter days ahead. Highlights from the menu included adult mac and cheese and two varieties of homemade sausage: Thai Green Chili and Beer Brat with grilled onions. Every bite was excellent.
During the set change, Kasim Whiting performed in the main bar area. Kasim, lead guitarist for the Northern Indiana alt band Leap First, has a voice as clear and penetrating as his smooth guitar style. With the snowy landscape visible through the bar’s large windows, Kasim felt like a modern-day troubadour, spinning stories to warm our spirits on a bleak winter’s day. To some, his performance was a soundtrack for personal reflection; to others, it was a welcome distraction from the chill outside. Either way, Kasim’s talent deserves attention. Check out Leap First on Bandcamp for silky-smooth alt rock with a groovy drive—you won’t be disappointed.
The evening’s main event was Fresh Hops, the genre-bending foursome from Griffith, IN. This joyful, exuberant band radiates happiness, spreading smiles as they entertain. Fronted by violin virtuoso Stephan Jude Cook, Fresh Hops delivered a high-energy performance filled with nonstop dancing and infectious energy. Stephan’s engaging stage presence and gregarious personality make him instantly lovable. Offstage, he shares his talent with young musicians, proving that the greatest gift is to inspire others.
Anchoring the band is drummer Tommy Fell, a master of groove who keeps the tempo rock-solid. Despite the intensity of his playing, Tommy’s ear-to-ear smile never fades. Ian “Big Dog” Gill holds down the bass with funky, driving lines and delivers vocals with crystal-clear diction, while guitarist Martin “Muffins” Gomez shreds with precision, earning comparisons to Eddie Van Halen. Despite his jaw-dropping solos, Martin remains remarkably reserved, flashing just enough of a smile to acknowledge his brilliance.
Fresh Hops’ fervent fans danced and sang along to every song, their energy reaching a peak during The Wolf, when the crowd erupted in joyful howls. With two packed sets, the band kept the room buzzing all night. Beer flowed, great food abounded, and we all wished the night could last forever.
Before leaving, I couldn’t resist asking the band about their next album. Their answer: “Soon. Just give us time to perfect it.” I can hardly wait, but when that needle drops, I’ll be first in line to review it. To learn more about Fresh Hops, visit their website, Bandcamp, or Spotify. Don’t miss their four new videos on YouTube—they’re as vibrant as their live shows.
