Fresno Famous

Just south of Grizzly Stadium, Mike Cruz and the rest of the Tioga-Sequoia Brewery crew are working away and getting prepared for this Saturday's two-year anniversary/open house and Ozmosis event.

Tioga-Sequoia has grown a lot since they brewed their first batch of beer here in February of 2011.

Now, they can barely keep up with the production to meet the demands.  This is why they have taken over the space next door and added five new fermenters.  The room is pretty bare right now, but they are anticipating the room will be filled with people and Saturday.  They are hoping to install some new fermenters here by the end of the year.

The storefront entrance looked very familiar. 

After a few moments, I suddenly remembered where I was standing.  This was the old Gardenside spot.

I'm not too sure how many people remember this place, but it was the old haven for former Fresno band Rademacher and their friends.  They even named their EP compilation album after this place.  I only went there once for the "unofficial" Modest Mouse after party when the band came by Rainbow Ballroom back in 2005. 

It is great to see this place used again for a whole new type of creating.

As I gazed around, Cruz told me that Saturday's open house is the biggest event they have ever planned.  This new brewery is where they will unviel four new bottled beers: Sugar Pine Porter, Double Dry Hopped General Sherman, and 99 Golden Ale.

Tioga-Sequoia has also taken over an old auto repair shop behind the new brewery.  The glass garage doors were really cool.  Another nice touch?  The few pool tables that they just put in for the event.  When I come out on Saturday, I'm sure this is where I will be.

Beer is usually enough to keep me satisfied, but the collaboration with New Rock 104.1's Ozmosis radio show will bring local bands into the mix. Ska band Basura, alternative rock kids Sea of Sound, electronic artist Sahab and Amy Winehouse tribute act Back To Black will perform.

It's going to be a long day (the event is from noon to 6 p.m.), so be sure to bring some money for food.  Dusty Buns Bistro and Bennadiction will be on site.

Cruz said has heard from people all over the Central Valley who plan on coming to the event.  I know its pretty typical and corny to say an event has "something for everyone", but this is one of those events where you could bring people who might not necessarily be interested in beer. 

Cruz and Tioga-Sequoia have branched out throughout the years to support people who are doing great things around the Valley.  Now, this Saturday is their day to really shine.

Tioga-Sequoia Brewery is located at 746 Broadway St. in Fresno.