Aug. 1-16: Prepare to Sip and Laugh as In Pour Taste Returns to Blume Studios

CHARLOTTE, NC – Following the wildly successful Charlotte debut of In Pour Taste in February, the immersive wine tasting comedy show is back for another round of laughs and crushable flights, Aug. 1-16 at Blumenthal Arts’ Blume Studios, 904 Post St.

Created by Australian comedians Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh, the show started because the duo wanted “some free wine” from their friend’s wine bar in Melbourne. The owner suggested the pair put on a show in exchange for a few bottles. They did the research by attending a “bougie” wine tasting, wrote down notes about what they saw and experienced, and In Pour Taste was born. 

“We just wanted to make wine really simple for people, because most people aren't experts. Especially us, we're idiots,” says Preston. “A lot of the time it can be alienating and filled with snobbery. We quickly realised the trick is to have a laugh and maybe learn something along the way.”

The premise of In Pour Taste is deceptively simple: Two comedians are joined by a wine expert to guide guests through tasting five wines (alcohol-free is available as well) and at least five jokes. 

The show has previously played New York, Las Vegas, Toronto and Charlotte, among other cities, where nearly every performance was sold out. 

Blume Studios is anticipating a similar response in August, as the wine expert lineup is filled with notable names from Charlotte’s burgeoning culinary scene, with more to be added in coming days: 
* Brion Cephus, The Certified Wino: Aug. 1, 4:30 p.m.; Aug. 7, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 12, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 15, 8 p.m.
* Michael Klinger, Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group (Supperland, Leluia Hall, Ever Andalo, Haberdish): Aug. 1, 8 p.m.; Aug. 6, 7:30 p.m.
* Kayte Morton, Flight: Aug. 8, 8 p.m. 
* Michael Myers, Irreverently Refined Hospitality (Counter-, Spaghett): Aug. 9, 1:30 p.m.; Aug. 16, 1:30 p.m.
* Danny Ike, Wine Director at Albertine: Aug 13, 7:30 p.m.

“Bringing In Pour Taste back to Charlotte gives us an exciting opportunity to build on great momentum," says Tom Gabbard, President and CEO of Blumenthal Arts. “At Blume Studios, we can merge food and beverage artistry with immersive storytelling in a way that transforms the multi-sensory experience. We’re thrilled to invite guests to explore where hospitality and creativity meet.”

The comedians on stage in August will be Liam Jeavons and Jacob Jackson. Jeavons is originally from Birmingham, UK, visited Charlotte during the previous run of In Pour Taste, and has numerous theater, television and film credits. Jackson has been professionally acting and directing theatre for more than a decade. He is also a comedy writer and regularly contributes to the UK’s largest satirical newspaper The Daily Mash and its associated TV shows.

The show is for adults 21 and older. Alcohol-free tastings are available as well. Tickets start at $92.91 per person, with VIP available at $130.07 per person (ticket prices include sales tax and ticketing fees) and are available online now at blumenthalarts.org. Groups of 10 or more tickets receive 10% off base ticket price plus one (1) complimentary ticket. 

MORE ABOUT BLUME STUDIOS
Blume Studios is where art, technology, and community converge. This creative hub from Blumenthal Arts hosts everything from major immersive experiences from around the world to locally created multimedia events and shows. The studio environment provides the expansive, flexible spaces needed to support current and new forms of entertainment that haven’t yet been dreamed of. Located in Charlotte’s Iron District, Blume Studios continues the legacy of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, which for more than a century was home to talented and hardworking craftsmen on this site. A new generation of creative workers will make Blume Studios a nationally acclaimed destination where every show is unique and every visit is special. For more information, visit blumenthalarts.org.

MORE ABOUT SEABRIGHT 
Seabright Live is led by James Seabright, an independent theatre producer and general manager since 2001, and chair of the League of Independent Producers. He has produced and/or general managed more than 250 shows since 2001, with an emphasis on touring shows around the UK and internationally, as well as productions in various venues both on and off West End in London. Among those shows: the world tours of Potted Potter by Dan and Jeff, Black Is The Color Of My Voice by Apphia Campbell, Yippee Ki Yay (the parody celebration of Die Hard) by Richard Marsh, Buffy Revamped by Brendan Murphy and new musical The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, at HOME Manchester this Christmas. For more information, visit seabright.org.

FOR IMAGES OR INTERVIEW REQUESTS, CONTACT TAYLOR MUMMA: 919.830.1580; taylor@rachelsutherland.net