I heard about a film that documented the rise (again) of the cocktail and wanted to see what it would take to get it to Metro Detroit. Like a wide-eyed blogger, I reached out to the production company and got a very simple answer, “Find a good theater that will host the movie for the public, and we’ll do the rest.”

I could not believe my luck. The Maple Theater in Birmingham was a perfect fit. They recently added a bar, hosted clever movies and were a classy location. A few chats with the team at the theater proved they were interested. I connected the production company and the rest was history. It goes to show that Detroit is on the rise in the National cocktail scene and people are taking notice.

Here is the press release (written by my lovely wife, Lish). Please come out if you can. It will be a great time.

“Hey Bartender,” a film documenting the comeback of the bartender and the rebirth of the cocktail, comes to metro Detroit for a one-night-only showing September 23 at The Maple Theater (4135 West Maple Rd., Bloomfield Hills) at 8 p.m. Featuring some of the world’s most renowned bartenders and sought-after bars, “Hey Bartender” takes you behind the scenes of busy, frantic nights for two cocktail artists as they strive to make their dreams become reality. An Official Selection of this year’s SXSW Film Festival, “Hey Bartender” has been generating buzz and sold-out crowds since its debut. This is the film’s only scheduled screening in Michigan.

Keeping with the spirit of the film, the event is sponsored by the Greater Detroit Chapter of the U.S. Bartenders’ Guild and will offer special cocktails for sale featuring William Grant & Sons products (sponsors of the film). Charlotte Voisey, portfolio ambassador for William Grant & Sons, will be on hand for questions. Featured drinks that evening will be created with:

• Hendrick’s Gin
• Reyka Vodka
• Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $15 for luxury seating (on a limited basis). The screening is open to the public. The 90-minute movie will be followed by a Q&A with director Douglas Triola. Joining the director is one of the film’s featured bartenders, Steve Schneider, Principle Bartender of Employee’s Only in New York City. Both Douglas and Steve will be in Detroit for the screening on behalf of the Greater Detroit Chapter of the USBG.

I’ll be there for the movie and the Q&A. If you come out, please say hi.

Budmo!