Oscar's Golden Beard Shines Bright

Forget about the falling on the way acceptance, the drug addled 'stars,' the mile a minute gibberish, the CGI bear or even Babs making people wet in the general eye area.

The Oscars last night were all about the beard. Full stop. Below is our proof, should you need it or missed it... we could go on pasting examples of fine facial hair fortitude, but thinking you agree we've made the case when the beardiest picture won top Honors, while best actor went to the dude protraying one of history's most famous beardo. 

Congrats Ben, you deserve it... you've come a long way since your hairless child-face in Reindeer Games. Kudos.

We are tagging this post under Beard Ball, because frankly that's what it was at heart, just take a look at the volume...

From the scruff of Liev...

To Jennifer Aniston's +1's slightly bigger mass:

Credit: Getty

The sly smile on Bradley's hairy face:

Credit: GettyTo Paul Rudd's Monet beard:

Credit: Herald SunHugh's chivalrous facial hair follicleness:

Tommy Lee's mainstay and tenured beard:

George's Oceanic chin mane:

And finally all the way to three producers, three beards, three Oscars... a billion smiling fans:

Of course our good friends at Pop Sugar already have a poll out who wore the best beard (though a limited selection). You can vote here.

Beards Make A Difference

Last night, BaB held our first ever Beard Ball in San Francisco! And thanks to the support from Lord British, Heathered Pearls, and a neighborhood blog, the night was a huge success for Brush Fire Painting. The money is still being counted between the various donation jars, but it's safe to assume that we brought in close to (if not a bit over) $500.00 for the local non-profit and also got to see (and purchase) some great pieces of art.

Go beards! 

(Lord British rocking Beard Ball)

(Heathered Pearls)

(BaB founders)

Hear more about Brush Fire Painting:

San Francisco Beard Ball - August 15th

Summertime.... The gift of a few short months to showcase those fantastic beards & 'staches that you grew all winter or perhaps have been growing for years! Time to take a stroll down the block while your beard whips in the wind. Feel the power of your mustache as it withstands the heat & humidity! Or if you're in San Francisco, you're probably still wearing your scarf & heavy jacket... bundling up your beard, but you get the point....  

B-a-B thought it would be the perfect time to collectively combine all the facial hair awesomeness in San Francisco (and wow, does this city have a lot of that!) and unite whiskers (and admirers of them) under one roof for the cause of raising some funds for a great local charity. So that's exactly what we're doing on Wednesday, August 15th. A $5 suggested donation will be asked at the door with all the proceeds from that evening going directly to Brush Fire Painting.  Brush Fire Painting Workshops provides expressive painting classes to children and youth impacted by poverty, violence, and incarceration. They have been helping young painters unleash their creative potential in schools, community centers, and locked facilities since 2002.

Entertainment will be provided by Lord British (fantastic rock band) and Heathered Pearls (fantastic DJ).  Special thanks to the incredible Dan Redding of Magnetic State for the kick-ass flyer.  

Save the date - 8.15.12!

The Beards of the House of David

An all bearded baseball team that was one of the most winning-est baseball clubs in history?! Whaaa?

Well, it's true... last night, when watching Antique's Roadshow (FTW), some photographs went up for discussion which wound up being pretty valuable... about a hundred bucks a piece. It was a collection of old shots, promotional and otherwise, of a baseball team from the House of David... a Benton Harbor, Michigan colony where folks lived a communal life, a life of Christianity, vegetarianism, celibacy, and love for mankind... and beards. They were not to shave or cut their hair. Our ears perked up, and here we are.

The House of David Museum confirms:

Known the world over for their famous bearded baseball teams, the House of David was something America and the rest of the world had never seen the likes of before. These men traveled the country with their long hair and beards, heavy wool uniforms, and a truck full of laughter and talent. They went down in history for entertaining America with their uniqueness on the field, their absolute superb playing ability, their own invention of the Pepper Game (which was said to be worth the price of admission just to see these long haired players clowning around and hiding the ball under their beards), and their ability to break the color barrier as they traveled many years with the Negro League teams. As the team barnstormed across the continent, they picked up players like Satchel Page, Grover Cleveland Alexander, and even Babe Ruth for a short stint.  For many years they won over 100 games in a season, and in 1929 they won 110 out of 165 games.

Later when Babe Ruth was at the (dreaded/evil/facial hairless) Yankees, the photo below came to be as a result of a skirmish the two teams had in 1931 during a game down in St. Petersburg, where he, just to be polite, donned fake beard and wore them through the game just to show how hirsute opponents feel at home... what a guy, almost enough to forget that curse you brought on Bean town... almost.

NYC BMC FTW

Just like after a wedding (or an engagement... read on), the party that was the NYC Beard and Moustache Competition has left me with the inevitable feeling of "well, now what?!"  The copious amount of planning that went into it, the tons of anticipation this brought on, so many nerves and butterflies filling many a stomach, the myriad of press and out-of-towners with millions upon millions of hairs filling chins and lips and descending to my hometown of Brooklyn... sadly, it's all over now... so, what do we do?!

   

Sob stories aside, I'm glad that my wife (and future son) gave me the opportunity to attend this monumental event... which is my long winded way of saying that I am still an expectant father and didn't get "THE Call" on Saturday, and was able to cover and partake in the festivities.

Myk O'Connor's rallying call prior to the event (as reported here) rang truer and truer as each category was moving through judging... fake beards out of the way, onto goatees, straight into freestyle, recession beards and finally... the piece de resistance, the full natural category... Myk ran the show like a smooth yet hairy operator of sorts, taking shots and quoting bearded literature sages (achem) while boosting the matchups and giving the IFC "Whisker Wars" people plenty of competitive fodder for their storylines.

  

That said, the one storyline that we took away from the event was the expertise that Build-a-Beard has bestowed on us, and the insane amount of information we eagerly retained through our hairy tribulations over the last few years... I, like Riss, am now an expert on beards... insanity.

To exemplify this, just look at the winners and our predictions:

• Full Beard --
  
  • Prediction: Jack Passion (unless Mark Krayenhoff enters and brings the Brooklyn thunder)
  • Result: Jack Passion wins, shocker (Mark enters Freestyle, gets bronze), Aarne Bielefeldt garners 2nd place for his gnomish effort.
• Moustache --
  • Prediction: Ben Davidson (unless he hasn't been working out his arm strength and loses in the run-off arm wrestling)
  • Result: Ben got 2nd place (should've exercised more...), a Ned Flanders lookalike steals the stache gold.
    
• Goatee --
  • Prediction: Steve Cline (since Paul Beisser is sure to have severe jet-lag)
  • Result: Steve Cline takes the local gold as expected (surprisingly, Paul went the "ZZ Top" Route).
    
• Freestyle --
  • Prediction: A German Pretzel
  • Result: No Germans in attendance, so a US Born pretzel got the prize (our favorite twisted beard of the night, Jon Rice, got robbed...).
    
• Recession beard --
  
  • Prediction: Someone from Detroit
  • Result: not sure where that guy was from... but he had a great outfit.
    
• Fake beard -- 
  • Prediction: A girl with a bigger bosom than beard
  • Result: her fake beard was so mesmerizing I forgot to look at her bosom...

The highlight of the night for me, other than being treated as said expert by IFC production team (and even by the one and only Thom Beers himself!), was the marriage proposal that Myk surprised his fiance Karolina Gwiazda with, it was adorable... see it for yourself below:

With the cutesy formality out of the way, below are the videos of all the winners being announced... it was our pleasure to report on this for you all, both here and live on twitter/facebook... so just know, the source of all your up-to-the-minute hairy news is right here, www.Build-A-Beard.com... Major thanks to all those that showed B-a-B love at the event (and for those that didn't, surely you'll change your mind sooner than later)... to quote an IFC exec: Thank you Big Apple, you've been delicious.

P.S. You can find our entire collection of photos from NYCBMC in our Hairy Pics tab, or just click here (you lazy ass).

Brooklyn, Start Your Beards... NYBMC is here (there)!

REJOICE OH PEOPLE OF NEW YORK (aka OUR people)!!!

The New York City Beard and Moustache Competition (hosted by our good friends at The Gotham City Beard Alliance), a charity event (with proceeds going to The Feal Good Foundation www.fealgoodfoundation.com) and the northeast's largest and most important beard and moustache competition is happening TOMORROW!

Visit the Gotham City Beard Alliance site www.gothamcityba.net fill out the Registration form if you plan on competing, the tickets are available for purchase at TicketWeb, so get them now or donate an additional $5 at the door (for a total of $20 to play). Club Europa (98 Meserole Ave, where else, Greenpoint/Brooklyn) will be the location, and the festivities will start promptly at 6pm... don't be late.

What's better, is that the organizer is B-a-B's greatly hairy friend Myk O'Connor, who's rallying call ("This is the year of the Beards, with IFC rolling out a new show called Whisker Wars, America promises to be the dominating force in facial hair!") should energize any and every facial hair wearer (or wannabe) from Brooklyn to Burbank.

The night will be supplemented by the sounds of DJ Corn Mo and The Intergalactic Fighters, with on-site trimmings courtesy of Tomcats Barbershop... AND a giant cut-out of The Rockettes to boot.

Don't miss this, trust me, as you always have (perhaps more so)... your favorite beards and staches will be there, come out or miss out.

Categories (and our predictions):

• Full Beard -- Jack Passion (unless Mark Krayenhoff enters and brings the Brooklyn thunder)
  
• Moustache -- Ben Davidson (unless he hasn't been working out his arm strength and loses in the run-off arm wrestling)
  
• Goatee -- Steve Cline (since Paul Beisser is sure to have severe jet-lag)
  
• Free style -- A German Pretzel
• Recession beard -- Someone from Detroit
  
• Fake beard -- A girl with a bigger bosom than beard

Surely none of this would be possible without sponsors, and Myk as amassed many. The good people at Scenic Presents (www.scenicnyc.com), Beard Team USA (www.beardteamusa.org), Coffee Lab Roasters (www.coffeelabroasters.com), Tomcats Barbershop (www.tomcatsbarbershop.com), and Blue Beards Original (www.bluebeardsoriginal.com) all deserve our thanks and business for helping NYBMC come to fruition. KUDOS to you all!

Hope to see you there,
El Beardo and Riss

P.S. While I am planning on attending this awesome event... truth be told, I may not make it. My wife, let's call her El Beardette, is 9 months pregnant... and we are both anxiously awaiting the arrival of little beardo, whose actual due date is, wouldn't you guess it, Saturday 12/4... If at all possible, I will make an appearance, if not... well we got field reporters covering this from all angles.

Hairly Yours,
Alex "El Beardo" Aizenberg

Frightened Rabbit - 10/30, NYC

Frightened Rabbit, Build-a-Beard's favorite 'stache band, is coming to NYC tomorrow night. 

Considering the band has been on the road for the past 3 years, nothing makes us happier than when they visit The Big Apple..... except for when Scott graciously asked us to meet with him for some friendly facial hair banter, a special "Tonight's Beard" exchange, & perhaps a few photos prior to them taking the stage.   

LIFE IS GREAT!  Follow us on Twitter - we'll be uploading photos & commentary on Saturday night. 

Love,
Riss & Alex

10 Qs with Scott Newitt (The Firefly Guy)

"I'm going, I'm going, where the water tastes like wine.
Well, I'm going where the water tastes like wine.
We can jump in the water, stay drunk all the time..."

-- Going Up the Country

As you likely know by now, we are huge fans of the bearded businesses, businessmen, products and technologies (would also have accepted: innovations, solutions, or initiatives)… That said, we support nearly any and all beardos and stache wearers with a story, we even stand chin to chin with some goatee wearers… but from time to time, a product comes along, that we would support with or without a bearded angle… one such amazing entity is FireFly Vodka.

First a quick story…

As far as we are concerned, it was me (El Beardo) that discovered a sweet nectar of the gods called FireFly Sweet Tea Vodka for the NYC market a few years ago... While on a road trip to Charleston SC, my wife and I stumbled across a drink called 'The Carolina Cocktail' (aka FireFly sweet tea vodka, lemonade, ice with a dash of club soda)… at the time the young company wasn’t exporting its distilled goodness across state lines… never being the ones to take no for an answer, we went to the closest liquor store in town and bought a case… which we proceeded to distribute to our friends in the NYC area… fast forward a year, and wham… FireFly was on the top of everyone’s tongue, and swishing in all of our mouths. A legend was cemented

…now to resume our programming already in progress…

It should come as no surprise then why B-a-B asked the good folks at FireFly to sponsor of the 2010 Brooklyn Beard Ball… which they graciously did, by donating a full case of Sweat Tea Vodka to be flowing through our veins that one magic night in Greenpoint… to reinforce our perspective that everything can and should be connected back to facial hair, lo an behold, the founders of the distillery are BEARDOS (one ongoing, the other intermittent).

So, when given the chance... it's needless to say I raced down from NYC back to Wadmalaw Island in South Carolina to sit down with co-founder, and a full time beardo (since 2007), Scott Newitt, for a chat about where booze and facial hair cross, and who exactly are straws made for… expectantly so, the day started and ended the same way, with a few John Daly’s.

1) Tell us the history of Firefly... we've heard rumors of Kettle One defectors, secret recipes, unique distributors and much more... what's the real story of FireFly Sweet Tea Vodka (aka nectar of the gods)?

My partner, Jim Irvin, "Sometimes Bearded" and myself, Scott Newitt, "Always Bearded" met in 2003. He is a winemaker and I was a Liquor/Wine Distributor. He hired me to represent his wines. We became friends and I showed him my still in 2003.

We started Firefly Distillery in 2005 and made our first vodka out of his muscadine wine. We introduced the world's first Sweet Tea Vodka on April 15, 2008. He and I own the company and will not sell out to the big guys. We love what we do.

Loving what they do... Co-founders Scott and Jim, with production manager Jay

2) Does FireFly use American tea for the infusion? We know there is only one tea plantation in the US (surprisingly), if you do use them (or if you've just had their tea) how's the quality... can we take India and china on?

We started off using only American Tea but as we grew we had to source outside the US. We still use tea from the Charleston Tea Plantation and are the only liquor company to get there tea. It is fantastic tea and indeed the only tea plantation in North America.

3) How did the other flavors come around? How can we get on the focus group list...?

I looked at flavors that were working for companies like Snapple. Their top 2 flavors are Peach and Raspberry and so are ours. WE will start checking out next year’s flavors in October. Come on down.

4) What is the best way to drink FireFly sweet tea vodka?

I like it poured over crushed ice. I then let it melt for 2 min. Then drink! That is my favorite. The most popular drink is 1/2 Firefly and 1/2 Fresh Lemonade. Lots of folks call it "The John Daily"

5) How long have you had your beard? How was the decision made?

I have had a beard off and on for the last 20 years. In 2007, I decided to keep it. My wife likes me with a beard now. Honestly, I got tired of shaving every morning.

6) Do you think this is 'The Year of the beard'? Have you been noticing more beardos around SC?

I do think it is the Year of the beard. We have many beards in SC. Seems like the 21-29 age group has the most here.

7) South Carolina recently had a beard and mustache championship regional event (held by the good folks of Holy City Beard & Moustache Society), did you go?

I did not make it... I was out of town working and promoting Firefly.

8) Who are some of the beardos that inspired you to grow yours out? mentors? idols?

I love music and old TV shows... so, Willie Nelson is an inspiration as well as Uncle Jesse from The Dukes of Hazzard.

9) What's the best way to drink a cocktail with a beard? Straws are a safe options, any other advice?

Straws are for women and unbearded folks. Beards are designed to pick up drinks and food. I suggest drinking straight from the glass.

10) What else do we need to know about you and your awesome distillery?

I love music and have played the drums since 2nd grade. We just came out with Firefly Sweet Tea Bourbon. It is most definitely a Beard drink.

Thanks for taking the time Scott, keep up the great work on the chin and in the bottle!

Thanks and come visit! Check out www.fireflyvodka.com for latest news and more info.

With the then still honorable (yet never bearded) Gov. Sanford.

Our Thoughts on Manscaping

Around the frenzy of Beard Ball Brooklyn, we got a request from a lovely reporter/blogger/beard lover April Peveteaux for an interview for a possible feature in New York Magazine (which is one of Riss' life goals, FYI)... alas, the stars didn't align and B-a-B was cut out of the hairy coverage... no matter, what was NYMag's loss, was our gain. April and B-a-B founders have been friends ever since, and she even graced our presence at the Beard Ball Brooklyn (see below, surrounded by beardos... one of them being her hubby):

April's genuine love for beards cannot be denied (even by her own words in a recent post titled 5 Things About My Love Life, loving a man with a beard is on the list)... So, it goes without saying that when April tells us to jump, we ask how high... And ask us to jump she did... this time for a blog group she's writing for called The Stir.

Last week April sat Riss and I down for an interview about the beards from below, that is to say Manscaping... What resulted was an introspective look at the hairy theme, with our 'expertise' at the forefront... thank you for everyone who helped us with the post, your thoughts and points were well noted, and in some cases even used!

Check out the post here: Manscaping: Yes or No?

          

Mark Krayenhoff - Hail To The Brooklyn Beard King

As we happily announced last week, Mark Krayenhoff is Brooklyn's Beard Ball winner.  Mark is a fabulous architect in New York who recently granted B-a-B the chance to sit down for an exclusive interview with the man behind the glowing (but no longer growing) gray...  

How long have you grown your beard?  
I grew my first beard when I was 18, almost 34 years ago - and I’ve never been clean-shaven since.  I was crazy about facial hair ever since I was young and I was very eager to grow my own beard as soon as I could.  Over the years I’ve had a short beard, various forms of goatees, and for one summer, a mustache.

*Mark in picture series - "My Beard & The Weather"

Have you always admired beards?   
Most definitely – it’s part of being a man!  When I was a young teenager in the 70's I was dying to have big mutton-chop sideburns (think Engelbert Humperdinck), although they went out of style by the time I could grow them.  I always noticed bearded men like Glenn Hughes from the Village People, Kenny Rogers, Al from Home Improvements, or even Raymond Burr when he had a beard.

How long is the beard?  Is it still growing?
My beard reaches below my nipples.  The longest hairs are 14.”  It has reached terminal length, so it’s not getting any longer.  I was hoping it would reach my belt buckle like ZZ Top but this is where it stops.  (My boyfriend has a beard too, so we get compared to them a lot).  Also, my longest moustache hairs are 4 to 5” so I use mustache wax to keep them out of my mouth.  It’s like painful dental floss if the hairs get caught in your teeth.

*Mark in picture series - "My Beard & The Weather"

Being an architect in NYC, how is your beard received by your clients and peers?
I’m lucky – I work in a small firm that does mostly high-end residential projects, so most of my clients are sophisticated, intelligent people, so it’s not a problem.  I can imagine that some of them are surprised when they first meet me, but they soon realize that I’m good at what I do, and I’ve never had a complaint.  And for those clients who want something really new and original, I think my appearance is an asset.  They know they won’t be getting the same old thing from me.  It would be much harder if I worked in a big firm designing office buildings where the corporate culture was more conformist.

Who is your favorite famous beardo and why?
Jack Passion has a truly incredible beard – although I don’t think he’s famous outside of beard circles.

We noticed you were drinking beer at the 2010 Beard Ball... any advice on how to keep the froth from the 'stache/beard?
LOL – that’s a very good question!  You really have to change your way of eating and drinking with a big 'stache, but it’s more than worth it.  Once in a while I like getting beer foam on my 'stache so I’ll drink from a mug, but normally I only drink bottled beer to keep my mustache out of the way.  (And eating soup is even more of a challenge, because it’ll get in my 'stache at the same time that my beard is dipping in the bowl).

What did you enjoy most about Beard Ball Brooklyn, other than this honor?
It was great to have the opportunity to chat with other men about their beards.  I know it’s something that a lot of men think about, but they don’t often have the opportunity to talk with other men.  I often hear guys say they wish they could grow a beard, but their partner won’t let them, or they have to be clean-shaven for their job.  There is a lot of anti-beard prejudice out there, so it’s great to have a friendly place to talk about it.

Are you going to "go Beard or go home?!"
Absolutely! 

----------------------

Here is a special tribute to Mark Krayenhoff's hairy life -- 8 historical photos of his progress from 1980 to the present – short beard, various goatees, and now his long beard.  Note: progression from brown to white.

1980 - Mark's 1st beard – 22 years old

1991 - "The 1990s were all about goatees" – 33 years old
 
1994 - "Experimenting"

1995 - "Another goatee"

1996 - The least facial hair Mark's ever had as an adult – a chin strip - 38 years old 
1997 - Mark growing his beard long for the 1st time

1998 - "A bit fuller" - 40 years old

2005 – "Going gray quickly now" -  Shortly after this, Mark ceased trimming his beard completely

2010 – 52 years old - Brooklyn Beard Ball Winner.  
Mark's beard has reached maximum length and is mostly white

*Build-A-Beard would like to sincerely thank Mark for sharing his pictures - and allowing us insight into his awesome bearded journey. You make NYC proud, sir!

The Story of the "Power W"

While out and about in my favorite Lower East Side bar, or should I say holy beer shrine (aka Burp Castle aka Shush Central) this past weekend catching up with Riss post the hairy awesomeness that was 2010 Beard Ball... I stumbled upon Glenn Chocky (aka @ChockyDude) sitting comfortably and quietly at the bar (next to a lovely facial hair enthusiast of the fairer sex), and was immediately drawn to his certain je ne c'est quoi... ahh who am i kidding, just LOOK at this gorgeous specimen of facial hair DIY!

Upon closer examination and discussions with him (and his lady admirer) I discovered that Glenn calls this fantastic facial fuzz iteration (he has had various styles for 5+ years) the Power W, works as a producer in the beauty industry and refers to beards as "a version of Samson on your face" ... i mean, how can you NOT like this guy, right?!

Well, we'll tell you how... you see, Glenn also resides in Brooklyn and even admitted to us that he was talking about the Beard Ball earlier in the night we met him, and how he should've gone, was encouraged to by others, read about it... but, in the end, he didn't... Dude, how you gonna miss an event like that so close to home, have you no sense of community?! Also, awesome Tumblr site (no really, keep at it!) and non working namesake website... you probably couldn't find your way from Park Slope to Greenpoint anyhow.

Truth be told Glenn, the Power W intrigued B-A-B enough to stick with you, but to be brutally honest here... if your Twitter bio didn't quote my (non bearded) idol Hunter S. Thompson, your pics may have found the cutting room floor (like your chin hairs)... but you've redeemed yourself in the end. We better see you next year (or sooner) if you want to avoid another hairy situation.

Anyway, thanks for being a good sport (we kid those we love) and remember... I wouldn't risk getting thrown out from Burp Castle just for anybody... consider your story told.

P.S. I hope you wound up going home with that lady friend that night... the Power W deserves to.

Bands of the 2010 Beard Ball

It has been said that behind every great song there is a strong beard (or perhaps that's what Max from Quiet Loudly stated in our interview that made us hug him).  Recently, the staff at Build-A-Beard had the opportunity to sit down with three incredible bearded bands who have graciously donated their artistic time and effort to playing The 2010 Beard Ball for free - in hopes to raise awareness and funds for RightRides.  As a reminder, you can purchase tickets ahead of time (which is highly recommended) as these bands rule & the event itself is surely going to sell out (our Facebook event RSVPs do not lie). 

9:00 p.m. Transatlantic FM.  

BAB: Transatlantic FM, when did your band start?  Did everyone have a beard at this time? If not, what made you start growing one?

TFM's Matthew Sapp: This band started last March when I moved up to Brooklyn from Athens, GA.  I had been friends with my band mate, Blake, for years and he and I had discussed starting another project together.   After months of hard work, blood, sweat, tears, and PBR; we finally decided on a name. Then we learned how to play our instruments (more or less), tossed together a few songs and put a couple of them up on the Information Superhighway.  

BAB: We like your beard, Matt.

Sapp: Confession - I am the only bearded band member.  Blake couldn't grow facial hair to save his life but, in his heart, he has a beard that would put ZZ Top to shame.  Our drummer, Mark, was letting his scruff grow, but emergency foot surgery has sideline him from the show.  As such, our multi-talented friend, Sean Hutcheon, will be filling in on percussion (in addition to providing his services as a photographer) for the Beard Ball.  I have a feeling that he will be sporting an impressive display of facial foliage by February 4th.

BAB: As the only proud beaded member, did your prepubescent band mate give you grief (prob out of jealousy) for growing one?

Sapp: I have worn a beard seasonally for the past couple of years and my band mates have always been very supportive of my bearded lifestyle choice.  They have even marched with me in the National Facial Hair and Biscuit Enthusiast Day Parade in Kooskia, Idaho last Spring. You know, it really brings a tear to your eye when you see a vast expanse of bearded and non-bearded people marching down Myrtle Avenue, holding hands and chanting: "We're here. We're hairy. Get used to it!"

BAB: Will you ever shave?   

Sapp: Of course - but probably not my face. 

BAB: Favorite bearded musician and/or hero? 

Sam Elliott in Roadhouse. Hands down.  No contest.  

 
10:00 p.m. Quiet Loudly (Sal Garro- drums, back-up vocals and Max Goransson- guitar, vocals)

BAB: Was it a band-decision to all sport beards?  Did anyone resist the idea initially?

Sal: Our beards were definitely not the result of any conscious decision within the band-- It just kind of happened.  I think our faces just feel naked without them.
Max: It wasn't a band decision so much as something we just knew we had to do without ever even talking about it.  Really, it was as obvious as picking up our instruments at band practice.  You come to play with a beard or you just don't come at all.  I mean, it's one of the elements that magically intertwines us.

BAB: What does your band's beard say about you? 

Sal: They say: 'We have beards.'
Max: They say: "We're here to work, Goddamn it.  And to get down."

BAB: Favorite bearded musician and/or hero?

Sal:Most recently, Jason Finn from The Presidents of the United States of America grew out his beard and it is by far one of the most immaculate I've ever witnessed in person.  But in terms of all time beard hero, even though John is by far my favorite Beatle, Paul McCartney's monstrous beard from the rooftop show is downright inspirational.
Max:Gotta go for the "All Things Must Pass" era George Harrison.  To this day, it is still unclear whether the album inspired the beard or vice versa.  But what we've learned is that there are no coincidences. Just beards and tunes.  Behind every great song there is a strong beard (except for in the case of talented women, of course). 
-- BAB: Good answer, Max... good fucking answer. 
  
11:00 p.m. Julius C

BAB: Your beards are pretty amazing. Did everyone have a beard when you started? If not, what made you start growing one?

Jason from JC: I might be mistaken but... I believe, at first we were just a bunch of dudes who really liked facial hair.  We would get together and discuss grooming techniques... the music was an afterthought.  On a serious note, only Mike and John had facial hair when the band started, and without any discussion, it just ended up that we all had beards sometime last year.

BAB: Tell us about your beards...

JC: The beard?  It is a life decision, not a band decision!  Yes, there were a few who resisted... but they are... how shall we put this... no longer with us. 

BAB: What does your band's beard say about you? 

JC: I'm pretty sure our facial hair styling mean something specific to each us. 
Jay's says: "Oh, hey there, don't mind me." 
Jason's says: "I play jazz."
John's says: "Fee Fi Fo Fum."
Mike's says: "I would look way younger without this."

BAB: How do you feel about shaving?  It doesn't look like you guys have touched a razor in years. 

JC: Mike shaved once - for money.  He cried a little on the inside.  Jay goes back and forth with the beard, but we know that the beard makes his face look better... (Don't tell him we said it though).

BAB: Do you have a bearded hero?  Musicians of interest?

JC: Jimi Hendrix/John Lennon... no explanation needed.

Save The Date: 2010 Beard Ball Announced

Hello Beardos!  Build-A-Beard is proud to announce The 2010 Beard Ball to be held on Thursday, February 4th at Matchless in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.   

What is The 2010 Beard Ball?
A place to show off your beards! And of course, B-A-B loves all facial hair follicles, so please note that if you have a mustache, mutton chops, goatee, or any form of DIY artistic facial hair creations - you are welcomed to attend!  In addition, if you are simply an admirer of facial hair - please come and stroke the egos and beards of those in attendance.  

Why should I attend?
Cause it's The Year of the Beard!  Plus it's only $5 to attend with all proceeds of ticket & door sales going to RightRides.    

How do I buy advanced tickets?
YOU CAN BUY ADVANCED TICKETS HERE.  We suggest you buy a head of time - as this event will sell out. 

What is RightRides?
RightRides is celebrating its 5th year anniversary!  The program builds safer communities by ending gender-based harassment and sexual assault.  They work towards this by community organizing and offering direct service, safety education, and advocacy programs.  Read more: HERE.   

What time does The 2010 Beard Ball begin?
The evening kicks off at 8:00 p.m.  

I love alcohol.  Are there any specials that evening?  
Prohibition Distillery is offering a 8:00-9:00 p.m. specialty cocktail (for only $5) where all sales of the drink during that time frame will be going to RightRides.  Firefly Vodka has graciously offered $5 cocktails (until the cases donated run out!) where a percentage of drink proceeds will go to RightRides.  So please be sure to ask about the specialty drinks upon arrival to help raise funds!

Age?
21 +  We are hoping to see a lot of rikers.   

Who are the bearded bands?
9:00 p.m. Transatlantic FM 

10:00 p.m. Quiet Loudly

11:00 p.m. Julius C

I love winning prizes.  Will you have a raffle?
Raffle tickets will be sold throughout the evening for $1. Lots of local companies (and bearded ones) have donated gifts for the night.  Ask about this upon arrival & be sure to check out the raffle table.  

Additional details:

 ** B-A-B would like to send a sincere thank you to Magnetic State for donating time, energy, and artistic awesomeness in creating The 2010 Beard Ball flyer.  Get in touch with Dan.