When a person passes on from this plane of existence, their impact is often very considerable. It can be sensed within their family, their group of friends and their community as a whole. This is a great way to briefly describe the legacy of Proclamation Ale Company founder Dave Witham, who sadly passed away on Christmas Day back in 2020 after a battle with cancer. Ever since this loss, the folks at the brewery, including his wife Lori who now is the owner along with being the Creative Director, have celebrated Witham’s life with an extravagant party called Daveapalooza. This year’s edition is the fourth one, and it’s going to be taking place at the brewery on 274 Kilvert Street in Warwick on July 13 from 12 noon to 6pm.
As with past versions of the event, there’s going to be live music, a bunch of food trucks, a halfpipe for skateboarders to do some tricks on and a few collaborative beers. With this being said, it seems like things are being taken to a whole new level this time around.
“This event celebrates our founder, Dave Witham’s, life and the brewery he created that changed the landscape of the Rhode Island beer scene,” Proclamation collectively says about Daveapalooza via their event page on Facebook. “We’ll have a halfpipe set up in the parking lot, local vendors, live music by The Day Drinkers, Toad and the Stooligans, and [The] Z-Boys, and food from Highroller Lobster Co., W’s Wood Fired Pizza, Saugy’s, Ming’s Asian Street Food, and 401 Oyster Farm. We’ll be releasing collaboration beers with Civil Skate Shop and Spyglass Brewing Co, plus we’ll have slushy specials available for the day. For a little extra fun, this year we’ve added Kingdom Axe Throwing to enjoy throughout the day.”
For a rundown on the bands that are going to be performing, The Day Drinkers are a band led by the one and only Matt Martin who will be playing a variety of covers. Toad and the Stooligans are an incredible hip hop band who have songs that incorporate themes such as pirate ships, circuses, and gospel churches among other things. They’re also very engaging on stage and they’ve been known to make people dance. Last but not least, The Z-Boys are the coolest surf rock trio you’ll ever see and hear while bringing the shred with unbridled energy. If you don’t believe me, give their latest album “Keep On Rockin’ In The Z World” a listen and then you’ll have to agree.
Even if you didn’t know Witham, there are more than enough reasons to attend and have an absolute blast at one of the best breweries in Rhode Island. I’ve been to a few Daveapaloozas myself and I can most definitely say that I had a great time at each of them. If you’re considering going, be prepared to pay a small admission at the entrance. Also, be prepared to bring a skateboard if you’re skilled on one. For all the information of what Proclamation has going on in the future and what they have on tap, log onto proclamationaleco.com.