My husband Dean and I drove to Aiken on Aug. 5 to check out the local scene. It was a beautiful evening as we headed across the river for the weekly Amp the Alley event in downtown Aiken.
We rolled into town, nabbed a parking spot close to the action and headed straight to The Alley Downtown Taproom.
The Night Beat: Mellow Mushroom
We had been in the Taproom before but never tried it out. Guess it must have been a silly case of nerves. This time, however, we approached it with gusto. Once we walked in the door, we showed our IDs and had our credit card swiped. Logged into the system and cleared for takeoff, we were given armbands to activate any of the many taps lining the walls. With cups in hand, we walked over and investigated what lay in wait to quench our thirst.
As this was our first time playing with the taps, we took our time scanning the wall. At once, our eyes landed on the sours section. Dean poured a full cup of the Cherry Sour IPA by Palmetto Brewing. Since I was driving, I poured myself about a quarter cup of the one brew that I couldn’t resist. I hit the tap and let the Unicorn Farts flow free.
A couple of the beer selections at the Aiken Taproom. Photo by Francie Klopotic 
Inside the Aiken Taproom. Photo by Francie Klopotic
Yes, that’s the name of this particular beer. DuClaw Brewing has such a sense of humor! Filled with edible glitter and tasting of Fruity Pebbles cereal, Unicorn Farts is light and refreshing. I suggest trying it if you’re interested in unusual beers.
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As we were sipping by the bar, we heard music start up on the stage across the Alley, and we headed out to see what was up. King Size took the open-air stage on time at 6:30 p.m. and played to a sizeable crowd that gathered on a beautiful evening. The band opened the set with Bob Dylan’s “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” before covering classic songs by the Beatles, Tears for Fears and Green Day. The set list was filled with a wide assortment of enjoyable rock tunes covering multiple decades.
King Size was part of the weekly Amp the Alley series in Aiken. Amp the Alley is held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. each Thursday. A different band or musician takes the stage in the Alley.
The sun sank lower in the west, casting shadows across the Alley. More people arrived carrying chairs for the evening’s entertainment. After a short while, the Alley was jam-packed with families. Children played on the brick walkways, and their laughter meshed with the tunes coming from the stage. It felt like we had been invited to a party.
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If you are itching for a fun evening of outdoor entertainment paired with a craft beer or two, make a beeline for Bee Lane. Amp the Alley is just what you’re looking for. I’d suggest bringing a chair and arriving early to grab a good spot near the stage. You’ll be glad that you did.
These sultry August nights are perfect for going out and catching some live music. Happenings this weekend include The Barry David Project playing on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Stables Restaurant in Aiken. DJ Codec brings the 80s Underground back to Joe’s Underground at 9 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, catch 10×10 Theory as they bring their smooth sounds to the Soul Bar at an early show starting at 5 p.m.
Francie Klopotic is an author, artist and music aficionado living in Augusta. She writes The Night Beat column the first and third Fridays of each month.
