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Maltoberfest 9: Enter the 40 Ounce

For the blingin' Fraulein in your life

Maltoberfest 9: The beautiful, lederhosen-centric, malt-liquor-fueled tradition continues, with a venue switch to the Stonegate.

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It's October, which can mean only one thing: fans of hip-hop and cartoonish German culture can rejoice. Maltoberfest is back and as Olde English-sodden as ever!

For the uninitiated, Maltoberfest is a sublimely beer-soaked celebration of hip-hop and oompah, punk and pretzels and - above all else - more malt liquor than anyone has ever seen in one place at one time. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their best hip-hop and/or German attire, while a wide array of bands serenade the increasingly drunk revelers. This year's performers include favorites like rap collective 508 Disturbance and punk marching band Artesian Rumble Arkestra, as well as newcomers like the indie rock of the Breakfast Cowboy and the weirdo hillbilly rap of Three Ninjas & the Weird Old Tricks, among others.

Put it this way: if you get the joke of this year's title (Maltoberfest 9: Enter the 40 Ounce), then this is the event for you. I spoke with Maltoberfest overlord Craig Egan to get some thoughts on this year's festivities.

WEEKLY VOLCANO: What have you learned most over the past nine years of Maltoberfest?

CRAIG EGAN: I've learned that if you are in charge, don't start drinking until the second to last band is on. I've learned that it's better to drink leftover 40s until Christmas than to run out during the show. I've learned that sometimes an idea is just funny enough to invest in lederhosen.

VOLCANO: What are the things you most look forward to and the thing you most worry about as the event approaches?

EGAN: I always look forward to new bands being added to the mix, and I love seeing bands that have been there through the years. I love the costumes and beer steins and pimp chalices. I worry about at least breaking even, because we really do try to sink all the money into the party. This year is a new venue, so I worry there's something we forgot to communicate, that seems obvious to us but not to someone whose never witnessed this spectacle.

VOLCANO: Why the change in venue? How many years had the Java Jive hosted it?

EGAN: We were at the Jive for six solid years, and we move on with nothing but gratitude and respect for them. But every year we were really pushing capacity, and the nature of the event is somewhat chaotic, and they felt they'd pushed their luck long enough. We're extremely happy to be at the Stonegate Restaurant & Bar this year, and hope it's successful enough for everyone to keep it going for years to come. We also have a sponsor this year, Clear Choice Cannabis, who has graciously covered the munchie bill this year.

VOLCANO: Which do you prefer, taking your malt liquor straight, or adding a little orange juice for a Brass Monkey?

EGAN: It depends on the occasion. For Maltoberfest, I'll usually have a Brass Monkey then go straight malt liquor. Brass Monkeys do make an excellent brunch beverage, though.

VOLCANO: And brunch after Maltoberfest is practically a necessity.

MALTOBERFEST 9, w/ Artesian Rumble Arkestra, Three Ninjas & the Weird Old Tricks, the Breakfast Cowboy, 508 Disturbance, Brainstorm, DJ Melodica, 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, Stonegate Restaurant & Bar, 5419 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, $15, 253.473.2255

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