The Artifactory is rolling on with its featured artist series. Next up, local Burlingtonian Aaron Zalik. Aaron is a self-taught artist who's caught a great groove in charcoal portraiture. He's done commissioned work for years - grandparents, kids, wedding photos, best friends - but his show at the Artifactory is the first time he's hung images from his own life. Several of his pieces are hanging on the Artifactory tour ramp from now to the end of June, so when you swing in for a growler, be sure to take a stroll up the ramp to catch a glimpse of his awesomeness. To see more of Aaron's work, hit up aaronzalik.com.

Another magnificent Magic Hat Mardi Gras Weekend has come and gone, and 2012 was one of the best ever. On Friday night, Higher Ground kicked off the weekend and was swaying to the bears of roots reggae band Midnite. After a wet start to the morning, the sun broke free of the clouds and temperatures topped out in the mid-50s. Tens of thousands of people from Burlington and beyond came out to enjoy the festivities and to watch 31 fabulously festooned floats roll down Main St.

St. Croix-based roots reggae band Midnite will be taking the stage in Higher Ground's beautifull ballroom to kick off Magic Hat's 17th annual Mardi Gras Weekend on Friday, March 2nd! Formed in 1989, Midnite are considered one of the best roots reggae bands out there with their unique, raw sound in which they forgo the frills of extensive remixes, overdubbing and other musical refinements. In other words, they're pure reggae that will get your ass moving. 

It's 2012 and thus another election year. Every four years, we here at Magic Hat put out a special fall variety pak called Participation. With this selection of beers, we honor the democratic process of one voice, one vote with our quadrennial parters HeadCount.org. This year's Participation motivation was inspired by you. Over the years, we've ceased brewing many a beer to experiment with new ones. Each time, you've let us know (sometimes colorfully) that you want them back. This election year, we're giving you a chance to exercise your democratic voice by voting a beer into our Participation Variety Pak.