Our friends at Blue Star Coffee Roasters in Twisp, Wash., only love one thing as much as coffee, and that’s their community. Just look at how owners Meg and Dan Donohue have gotten involved with the student cafe at Granite Falls High School, and how they welcome coffee lovers, whether they’re educated or looking to learn, every day at their cafe in Twisp.
Now Meg and Dan want to take a giant step further in their quest to strengthen the coffee community in Central Washington, while giving the Twisp locals something to celebrate: They’re hosting the first 509 Barista Jam!
And you’re invited! The two-day event, which is totally part workshop and classroom, and part party and coffee social, will take place June 7 and 8. Here’s the skinny on this amazing event:
Calling all Eastside Baristas! Get yourselves to Twisp for two days of expert skill building workshops, fun, food, bikes, bonfires & music in Twisp, Washington, the heart of the Methow Valley.
The 509 Barista Jam will be the first high level, Barista Guild sanctioned skill-building event for professional baristas in Eastern Washington.
Baristas will gather in Twisp for two days of activities and classes designed to provide opportunities to network, build community, and share knowledge about the craft of espresso preparation and coffee brewing.
œThe coffee scene on the east side of the state is bursting with talent and opportunity “ this is a chance to meet other baristas and coffee industry super stars, shine up your coffee skills, and learn more about the beautiful bean says Meg Donohue, of Blue Star Coffee Roasters.
Event highlights include:
-Saturday Night Meet & Greet from 5pm “ on at the TwispWorks campus in Twisp, featuring a bonfire, live music, locally brewed beer and brats.
– Sunday skill building classes & coffee industry inspiration from 9am to 3pm at Blue Star. Topics include; Extraction, Flavor Profiling, Workflow Zen and How To Field Dress Your Espresso Machine, as well as Latte Art.
– There’s a band! Serteshus (Sir-Tay-Shus), a œRag tag gypsy band of some of our best local musicians, including Danbert Nobacon (formerly of Chumbawumba), Matt Gentry, Jason Hickman, Greg Goad, Andrew Philbin, and Anna Dooley, will be playing live at the Saturday night party at TwispWorks. Beer, brats, bonfire and music from a new wave rag tag gypsy band. What’s better than that?
œWe’re setting up multiple brewing stations for each of the skill building classes. There will be lots of room and plenty of opportunity for everyone to get their hands on state-of-the-art equipment, work with coffee experts in areas that really interest them, and take their skills to the next level, says Dan Donohue of Blue Star Coffee Roasters.
Blue Star Coffee is joining forces with stellar industry sponsors and professionals, including guest trainers Bronwen Serna & Laila Ghambari, national barista champions and representatives of the The Barista Guild. Oh, yeah! Laila won the USBC and can’t come after all because she’ll be reaping the nation at the World Barista Championship in Italy! Don’t worry, folks: Meg is working on getting another awesome barista trainer to come in Laila’s place.
La Marzocco USA will be the official equipment sponsor for the event, providing state-of-the-art espresso machines, grinders and brewing equipment. Other major local sponsors are: TwispWorks, Methow Cycle and Sport, Twisp River Suites, the Twisp River Pub, and KTRT 97.5 ”The Root.
Advance Registration is $25.00
Onsite Registration is $35.00
Includes food, fun and expert skill building sessions from the best in the industry. Lodging options available.
Camping encouraged. Bikes and bonfires provided.
To register for The 509 Barista Jam, and for complete event information, go to www.bluestarcoffeeroasters
Also, follow the 509 Barista Jam on Twitter at @bluestarcoffee and #509BaristaJam; on the official FB page, and look for the Instagram account within the week.
