Burn ‘Em Brewing’s back room open for business

Burn ‘Em Brewing has always been known for its inventive beers and colorful personality, but its newest event space, aptly named the Back Room, is quickly earning a reputation all its own. The brewery’s new location has ample space to host a variety of events, from live music and art shows to private parties and community gatherings, all under one roof.

Co-owner Steve Murray describes the Back Room as a long-needed addition to the Region’s creative landscape.

“The back room has been one of the most fun parts about the new spot. We started it off with a focus on doing live music, and we are still definitely gearing ourselves toward being a venue. In this area, we don’t really have a venue of this size. We have to travel to Chicago or Indianapolis if we want to see a show of decent caliber,” Murray said. “Having these designated shows is really giving this community something to jump off on.”

While they focused on music at first, the space is available for private events as well. People have rented the Back Room for everything from wedding receptions and holiday parties to meetings, birthday parties, and even a celebration of life for a longtime regular.

The room, holding around 150 guests for standing-room concerts, can run completely separate from the restaurant. It has its own bar and amenities. It is completely separated, but the doors can also be opened to extend seating into the tap room. For sit-down events with tables and chairs, the space can accommodate 75 to 80 people.

The new location has only been open for a year and a half, but it has kept busy during that time. The Back Room has hosted everything from art galleries and birthday parties to burlesque shows and farmers markets. Currently, they regularly host open jam nights, karaoke, bingo, and art classes.

“We’re really trying to do little bits of everything that we can with the room, just bringing art and community together in this area,” he said. “We try to utilize it as much as we can, so it’s not just sitting there empty.”

While most events so far have been shows, the brewery is excited to start hosting more private events. They are priced competitively, while the old warehouse maintains a cool, industrial atmosphere.

“It’s a very laid-back, black-box spot. We’re providing a good space that’s fun and relaxed to enjoy and have a good time,” Murray said.

The Back Room does not have a set catering menu yet, but its base menu is inspired by what is served in the tap room. Smaller, handheld versions of regular menu items are often available, but nothing is set in stone.

“Our kitchen is talented enough, and we’ve got the space, so we can make anything anyone really wants. We can customize here and there. We kind of give the base menu out to people, and if people want other things, we add to it. We’re very flexible,” Murray said.

They are also flexible with their drink offerings.

“There are six different beers, but if someone is doing an event, we usually can curate what they want. If they have any certain beers they would prefer to have, we do that. We also usually offer any of the canned drinks, cider, and wine that are available up front as well,” Murray said.

While most shows are all ages, they do have 21-and-older events, such as their quarterly Punk-rock burlesque and variety show.

“Performers from all over the country come in. There’s a live band backing the performers the entire time. We have the dancers out there doing their show, but then we also have different side shows in between, like comedians and even a contortionist act. That one’s been a lot of fun, and sells out every single time,” Murray said.

They have even booked a few bands made up of local kids.

“We try to have a community space for kids to come see shows and bands. We had a Psych Fest last June. Roxy Music was a sponsor whose band program teaches young kids to play music together. We had the student bands out there playing, on top of 10 other bands throughout the day. So it was a big, long festival,” he said.

One of the events Murray is especially excited for this month is The Giving Market. They are collaborating with Farmed & Forged to host a special rapid-response market supporting families impacted by the federal shutdown and SNAP funding pause. 

“Families showing an EBT card can receive a Feed a Family Box filled with produce, eggs, and bread from local farms. In addition to the boxes, local vendors will be on site, with music and kids’ activities. A portion of all sales will benefit local food pantries, bringing fresh, local food to families in need,” Murray said. 

For Murray, the desire to support his community is personal. 

“I grew up in this community. I’ve been a musician and an artist my whole life,” Murray said. “We don’t have a spot for this kind of stuff much anymore. We’ve had a couple when I was younger, but they’ve all kind of faded. Bringing that back to this area has been a big key for us.” 

Those interested in booking can reach out to [email protected] to schedule a visit. For a full list of upcoming shows, art classes, and events, visit burnembrewing.com/events, where tickets can be purchased directly from the brewery without third-party fees. To learn more about Burn ‘Em Brewing, visit burnembrewing.com.