On Saturday, May 14, Garcia's is thrilled to join Captain Lawrence Brewing Company for their 10th Anniversary Tap & Pour Celebration. Featuring a Garcia's stage, we'll be presenting Lizzie & The Makers, The Brummy Brothers, Space Bacon, Sir Cadian Rhythm, and Fortune & Spirits.

On Thursday, March 31, we're kicking things off with a pre-party featuring Space Bacon, Cousin Earth, and a pop-up record shop by "Vinyl is Dead." Prizes will be won and delicious Captain Lawrence beer will be served!

We sat down with founder Scott Vaccaro to find out how an ambitious music lover with a taste for good beer turned his dreams into a reality.

1. You started brewing at a very young age, after seeing your friend’s father brew in his own kitchen. What advice do you have for anyone who wants to start brewing themselves?

Jump right into it and start home brewing. There is no substitute to trial and error and recipe development on a 5 gallon system. After that find a local brewery that is looking for volunteers and see if you can get your foot in the door.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5b6P-wF44U

2. You have a wide array of beers to choose from, to a first-time Captain Lawrence beer drinker, what beer would you suggest?

Everyone has their own tastes, but for the beer novice I would suggest the Kolsch, it is a very light German style of beer that is delicate and very drinkable. If you are into hops, like a lot of people these days the Hop Commander IPA is for you.

3. You brew specialty ales throughout the years and seasons, as well as experimenting with different combinations. What is your favorite specialty ale that you have ever created?

I love taking beers and aging them in oak barrels with difference ingredients. You need a lot of patience, but the end result can be rewarding. We have over 12,000 gallons of beer aging in oak tanks so stay tuned for a lot of fun beers.

4. We hear you’re a huge fan of the Grateful Dead. How does it feel to work with Garcia's for your anniversary party, a venue with strong ties to the Garcia family?

I love that we have such a great partner in the Capitol Theater and Garcia’s right down the road from the brewery. As a huge Dead fan, and jam band jam, I am at the Cap for shows throughout the year. Being able to bring the a little bit of the Garcia’s experience to our anniversary party is a real honor.

5. What was your first Grateful Dead concert, and what was that experience like for you?

Spring Tour ’94. What a trip, I was a sophomore in high school and had no idea what I was getting myself into. That concert changed my life and my perception of what live music was all about. I still have the shirt I bought in the parking lot, a little worn in, but I can still get it on once or twice a year without it falling apart.

6. What was the last beer that you drank?

Effortless Grapefruit IPA, just had one off the canning line for the first time today. Tasting great!

7. Congrats on celebrating your 10-year anniversary this year! We're really looking forward to 10th Anniversary Tap & Pour Celebration on Saturday, May 14. Where do you hope to be in another 10 years?

Sitting on a beach….no just kidding. I love waking up every day and knowing I get to go to work in the brewery I built with a lot of help from friends and family. I hope I am still making great beer and enjoying it with friends watching a show at Garcia’s!

8. You grew up in Northern Westchester, and came back here after attending college at UC Davis in California to stay close to friends and family. What does being apart of the Westchester community mean to you? And how do you feel about supporting local music and venues such as Garcia’s and The Cap?

I am born and raised here, came back here specifically to open a brewery, and would never live anywhere else. I love this place, all it has to offer, especially the people that have been so supportive of us since day one. Having a local venue to enjoy good music at is such a treat. Knowing that we have the best music in world playing right down the road is a truly magical experience and we should all consider ourselves lucky to be able to support a venue like Garcia’s.

9. The Garcia's stage at the Captain Lawrence's 10th Anniversary Tap & Pour Celebration will feature local bands that frequently play Garcia's. Have you ever seen these bands before? If so, can you tell us a little bit about what attracts you to their music?

I had the good fortune of hearing Space Bacon play last year and cannot wait for another performance, they killed it! I am looking forward to hearing all the bands play, as you cannot have a party with just beer alone….you need great music!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_pU3JhZ_0k