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" It's like a front porch session with a bartender or a hoe-down with air conditioning"...It started out three years ago as a small tour featuring the songwriters we believed had true voice. That first year we played tiny clubs, peoples basements, and even a pool party somewhere in Indiana. No matter how small the beginings the difference with our little tour was the artists: Tim Barry long-time frontman and songwriter for the legendary AVAIL. Ben Nichols (frontman for Lucero) and Cory Branan-widely considered the youngsters nipping at Joe Eli, John Prine and John Hyatt's heels. Peter Matteson, Scott Kirkpatrick and The Fox Hunt round out our little tour creating the perfect balance of intimacy and raucousness. Little did we know that in our fourth year we would have an embarassment of riches, playing large clubs and even more wonderful artists wanting to join our unlikely band...People often ask me "What is Brew City Tour?". We are a few souls with over 50 years experience in the music business between us. We have a steadfast commitment to doing things the right way, which is our way. We do this because we love it and we've seen it abused. At the end of the day I will sacrifice damn near everything for the souls that people our shows. After all, they are why we are all here-Your Captain, Maggie

Press from Velocity (Louisville, KY): August 11th 2006

Something's Brewing-Whenever Lucero comes to town, madness always follows. The Memphis band is famous for putting on an out-of-control affair. But sometimes, you want to just sit down on the porch with a bottle of whiskey and an old acoustic guitar. That seems to be the inspiration for the Brew City Tour, a side project featuring Lucero singer Ben Nichols and a band of fellow troubadors including Cory Branan, Peter Matteson and Louisville's Scott Kirkpatrick. There are few places that like whiskey and acoustic heartbreak quite like this town, so the Rudyard Kipling promises to be a lively place when the Brew City Tour lands there Friday.www.velocityweekly.com

Press from the Nashville Scene: August 9, 2006

BEN NICHOLS W/CORY BRANAN In his song Tears Dont Matter Much, Ben Nichols of Lucero sings, Cory Branans got an evil streak / and a way with words that will bring you to your knees / He can play the wildest shows, he can sing so sweet. Friends and collaborators since Branans days in Memphis (hes a Nashville resident now), Nichols and Branan are, in some ways, a study in contrasts. Theres the most obvious difference: the earth-shattering grit of Nichols gravelly delivery vs. Branans smooth, controlled (sometimes sweet) sound. Then there are the more subtle differences: Branans crushing wit vs. Nichols exquisite earnestness. But these two performers share an innate ability to put on a show, and that vital vulnerability that somehow makes a white boy with a guitar riveting. (edited for malicious content by Brew City Tour); Luceros fifth album is forthcoming in late September. ( www.luceromusic.com , www.corybranan.com ) The Basement -LEE STABERT

Press from the Nashville Scene August 17th, 2006 (Post Brew City Tour)

WHISKEY TOWN

We knew Lucero fans were crazed, but were nonetheless surprised to see a line outside (and at the bar!) at The Basement last Wednesday night. Part-time Nashvillian Cory Branan and Lucero frontman Ben Nichols treated the crowd to a two-man, in-the-round acoustic performance heavy on inside jokes and whiskey. Nichols opened with the Lucero classic “Nights Like These,” and for a sec we felt a bit like we were at a Dashboard Confessional show—people knew every word and weren’t afraid to sing along (though a friend commented on their unfortunate lack of pitch.) The Spin owns everything both guys have ever recorded and still felt like poseurs, ’cause them’s some hardcore fans. (We’re guessing at least a few people made the trip from Memphis.) The chemistry between Branan and Nichols, who came up playing music together in Memphis, was truly a joy to watch—they mouthed the words to each others’ songs, made requests and, oh yeah, downed shots. Nichols played “Kiss the Bottle;” Branan treated us to the exquisite “Tall Green Grass.” At one point Branan’s guitar stopped working and they started trading back and forth. Restless, Branan loped over to the piano facing the wall and sprawled across it, adding some impromptu harmonies to a Nichols tune. A fan scampered onto the stage and shoved a dollar bill into Branan’s underwear, which Branan withdrew and stuffed down Nichols’ shirt. Nichols put the soggy bill in his mouth and started to chew; he couldn’t get it down, so he threw the moist wad at Branan, who made his own mastication attempt—to no avail. So he tossed it into the crowd. (Some very special fan has a very special souvenir!) After the drunken debacle that was Lucero’s last night in town, you’d think they would have learned their lesson. But no, many whiskey drinks, beers and bourbons later, Nichols disappeared from the stage. We saw him on our way out, facedown in the parking lot. -Lee Stabert/Nashville Scene

PRESS FROM NASHVILLE SCENE BREW CITY TOUR 2007: CORY BRANAN & BEN NICHOLS I don’t know if I’ll ever get over the way Cory Branan delivers the simple admission “I’ve got a crush on you” on 2001’s The Hell You Say. But in person, the former Nashville resident is more sly bravado than coy vulnerability—especially when he’s had a couple (or a couple dozen) adult beverages. That circumstance shouldn’t be in doubt as he once again shares the bill with Lucero frontman Ben Nichols—who’s written whole songs I just can’t get over. If you are a fan of either man, don’t miss this date: crazed Lucero fans, whiskey, soul-shaking tunes and the distinct possibility that one—or both—of the dudes onstage will end up face down in the parking lot. Debating between this show and Gillian Welch in the Cannery? You don’t have to. Welch tickets will gain you admission to Mercy, and the boys plan ..ing late. 9 p.m. at Mercy Lounge —LEE STABERT