Microbrews for Macro Change

Marshall Cohen's Lift for Life Gym is one of this city's most inspiring success stories, a true beacon of hope and the possibility for positive life change. The venture began 26 years ago as a venue offering a weightlifting program for impoverished youth -- pushing iron is not only great for physical fitness but also for improved mental functioning and concentration (ergo, it's good for a bona fide classroom boost). But money is required to keep Lift for Life going, which is where St. Louis Microfest comes in. This fundraiser takes the form of a two-day beer festival in Forest Park (on the upper Muny parking lot), and it offers tastes from 80-plus breweries and 100 international and craft beers, a commemorative tasting glass, plus food and entertainment in three sessions. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, and noon to 4 p.m. or 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday (May 2 and 3). You get to enjoy lots of delicious beer while helping at-risk kids; that's a decisive win-win deal. Tickets are $35 to $70 per session. Visit www.stlmicrofest.org or call 314-227-7302 for more information.
Fri., May 2, 6-10 p.m.; Sat., May 3, 12-4 & 6-10 p.m., 2014