CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A group in Charlotte's art district formed eight years ago in an effort to sustain the neighborhood's eclectic style while additionally evolving into the preservation of stimulating conversation.
NoDa's Back in the Day History Committee had one goal in 2008: capture NoDa's rich history and preserve current events for the future.
Today, the group continues to live by their mantra, but with a twist.
The group believes thought-provoking conversation on current events is equally important as that on topics of the past. This belief resulted in the creation of NoDa Drink + Thinks.
Members of the group meet to discuss topics ranging from coal ash to religion to Guatemala and more. Members of the event say the idea behind it is to promote lively conversation.
This month's group discussion will be all about the past, present and future of beer in Charlotte.
"NoDa Drinks & Thinks is all about bringing some thinking to our usual neighborhood drinking, but this month we're going to be especially thinking about what we're drinking," a group member said. "And what we're drinking is beer."
Ryan Self, Director of Marketing of Charlotte's oldest operating brewery, Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, will be a featured guest speaker. Self will cover a variety of topics including what it takes to make a modern brewery successful, OMB's founding, importance of supporting local business and breweries and his role in Charlotte's current craft beer boom.
Other guest speakers include North Carolina beer expert and author Jonathan Wells as well as Charlotte Museum of History President Kay Peninger.
Drink & Thinks will meet Thursday, October 27 at the Evening Muse at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
NoDa Back in the Day Committee meets the second Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Benny Pennello's.
