The weather is heating up and that means that it’s time once again for Música del Lago, Alterra’s annual free summer concert series!

Join us Thursday evenings at 7pm at Alterra at the Lake, located at 1701 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive across from McKinley Marina (map) for free, live, outdoor performances featuring a fantastic lineup of local Latin music groups. We hope to see you down by the lake this summer!


2010 Música Del Lago Schedule
June 3rd: Bahía
June 17th: De La Buena
July 15th: Orquesta Veneno
July 29th: Caché
Aug 12th: Carmen Lamarque
Aug 26th: Naborí
Rain date: September 2nd

Concert cancellations due to inclement weather will be announced on the Alterra blog no later than 5pm the same day of the show.

Special thanks to our co-sponsor, the Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies (CLACS) at UW-Milwaukee!

RIVERWEST WEDNESDAYS
7pm, outdoor performances
on the patio @ Alterra Humboldt
2999 N. Humboldt Blvd. (near the corner of Locust & Humboldt)
FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE!

With a mix of music that’s as eclectic as the Riverwest neighborhood that Alterra calls home, we proudly present Riverwest Wednesdays!


August 4th: ALI JAMES & THE DESERT SHADOWS:Integrating the beauty of Near Eastern musical modes, instruments, and rhythms into Western folk and jazz music structures featuring performances on the oud, qanun, tabla, digeridoo and guitar.
Bringing “the otherworldly tonalities and chords of Near Eastern and Indian music into the realm of acoustic psychedelia” - The Shepherd Express
“One of the coolest bands I’ve seen in a while” - Radio Milwaukee’s Scott Mullins.  (Watch a video of Ali James Lubbad performing
with Ali Amr at Alterra in 2009.)


August 18th: JALI KUNDA
Keba Diabate, Yaya Kambaye and friends share West African strings, percussion, and storytelling, featuring performances on djembe and kora. 

(Watch a video of Jali Kunda.)



August 25th: FLORENTINE OPERA
Enjoy live opera and musical theater favorites, get a preview of the upcoming season, and the chance to win free tickets to upcoming operas.

This limited lot of exceptional coffee comes to us from the farm of Nelson Melo, Finca Las Acacias near Popayán, Colombia. 

Only 100 12oz packages ($14.95 each) will be available during each of these two very special tasting events!

Some of you may have met Nelson when he and his family came to visit Alterra and Milwaukee back in February of 2009. Unfortunately, Nelson won’t be able to join us this time, but his coffee will be on hand as evidence of his commitment and dedication to quality and sustainable farming techniques.

Visit Alterra Humboldt on August 3rd or Alterra Tosa on August 17th to purchase Nelson Melo by the cup or by the bag. Some of our most experienced baristas will be on hand to talk about the coffee, demonstrate alternative brewing methods and share their enthusiasm! 

Nelson’s coffee is very full and layered, intense yet balanced.  Dry ground aromatics are awesome, very fruity.  During the brewing process you might wonder if someone is cutting ripe peaches.  The body is thick and sweet, the acidity is pronounced and lush, and the flavors that come through suggest sweet grapefruit, cola and cherry.

Brewed Nelson Melo coffee will be available for $2.75/cup. Pick from your choice of brew methods: 12oz Siphon, 12oz Pour Over (V60), 6oz AeroPress, 2oz Double Espresso

Tuesday, August 3rd @Alterra Humboldt
8am - noon, 2pm - 6pm

Tuesday, August 17th @Alterra Tosa
(times TBA)

When asked about his farm and his coffee, Nelson shared the following:
“The work that we do in the farm and our success in producing quality coffee is the result of the efforts of many people who have all joined forces so that we can offer a special product to those who wish to enjoy an excellent cup of coffee. With my family we strive to use the best practices available so that we can produce an excellent coffee.  Just as we want to give our children only the best that we can, we think that those who drink our coffee also deserve the best.  Now that you are drinking our coffee, we want to thank you for your support.  We promise that we will continue caring for this coffee and providing you a great cup of coffee because now it’s not only ours, it’s also yours.” - Nelson Camilo Melo

HEY, EVERYONE! DUE TO TRACK CONDITIONS, THE COFFEE BEAN CLASSIC HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 29TH. HOPE YOU CAN MAKE IT!

The Alterra Mountain Bike Team proudly presents a true mountain bike race with a track that includes a burning switchback climb, dizzying single track, and fast fire roads all in the urban setting of Milwaukee County. Welcome to the Alterra Coffee Bean Classic! This challenging five- to six-mile lap snakes its way up, down and around the Crystal Ridge Ski Area with a venue that puts friends and family in perfect position to cheer on their favorite racers all day long. The Alterra Coffee Bean Classic welcomes everyone from 1st timers to advanced riders.  Come to watch or come to race!

FREE ADMISSION FOR SPECTATORS
(Want to ride? Click here for information on how to register.)

Saturday, August 28th
Pre-ride 12-7pm
Learn to Race Clinic 3-5pm

Sunday August 29th: Mountain Bike Race
Citizen Youth:  9:30 AM
Citizen:  10:00 AM
Sport:  11:30 AM
Comp & Elite: 1:30 PM
Youth Series (12 yrs & under): 1:00 PM

The Alterra Coffee Bean Classic is held at Crystal Ridge Ski Hill near Witnall Park in Franklin. (map) Alterra Coffee Roasters will once again have a coffee bar open to pour free, locally roasted strong coffee, whether your preference is hot or cold. Also, the race’s other sponsor, Lakefront Brewery, will have ice-cold beers on tap.

As always the Alterra Team continues its strong tradition of community service. Portions of the entry fee support great causes such as: Free helmets for kids at a local bike rodeo, the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, and WORBA. The Team will also continue to donate to the development of the Hank Aaron State Trail.

Further details are available at www.AlterraMTB.org

Hello!

This week’s locally sourced produce includes:
-Green Onions: Kung Pow Tofu Wrap, Wisconsin Quiche
-Chives: Strata, Chive Cream Cheese
-Oregano: Pesto Mozz sandwich, Roasted Tomato Brushcetta
-Basil: Brushcetta, Pesto, Local Yokel and Florentine, Roasted Tomato Brushcetta
-Thyme: Gazpacho
-Parsley: Hummus, Falafel, Roasted Tomato Brushcetta
-Mushrooms: Veggie Breakfast Burrito, Mushroom bisque, Strata, Kung Pow Tofu Wrap
-Cherries: Turn-overs, Cherry Parfaits

LOCAL NEWS
All of our Mushrooms, from Shitakes to Portabellas to Button to Oyster...are local! River Valley Ranch: Following the tenets of organic farming, this Burlington Wisconsin family farm proudly grows mushrooms that are available year round. No chemicals, pesticides or growth enhancers are used in the production of these wonderful mushrooms, ensuring the cleanest possible product. Established in 1976, this is the oldest mushroom farm in the Midwest.

The White Cheddar Cheese in the sandwich special this week is from Red Barn Family Farms in Black Creek and Pulaski, Wisconsin. These farms are certified by the American Humane Association. Each Red Barn Farm honors this quote: “The rule to be observed in this stable at all time, toward the cattle, young and old, is that of patience and kindness. Men must be patient. Cattle are not reasoning beings. Remember this is the Home of Mothers. Treat each cow as a Mother should be treated.” - WD Hoard

SPECIALS
Grilled Asparagus Sandwich w/ White Cheddar Cheese and Roasted Tomato Brushcetta on a rustica bun: Local oregano and parsley add depth to our tomato brushcetta. Lightly grilled asparagus is a wonderful foil to this rich yet faintly tart white cheddar cheese.
Wisconsin Farmers Quiche: Award winning, local cranberry chipotle cheddar cheese, Yuppie Hill sage breakfast sausage, local green onions, and grilled poblano peppers.
Southwestern Quiche: Black beans, red peppers, cilantro, tomato, onion, pepper jack, cheddar
Ragin’ Cajun Breakfast Burrito: Wilson Farms Andouille Sausage, Roasted Potatoes, Peppers, Yuppie Hill Eggs, Pepper Jack

SOUPS
Mushroom Bisque: Bisque is a smooth, creamy, highly-seasoned soup of French origin, classically based on a strained broth of crustaceans. Also, creamy soups made from roasted and puréed vegetables are sometimes called bisques. A puree of roasted shitake, portabella, and button mushrooms seasoned with roasted garlic, soy sauce, and brandy. Balance by a touch of brown sugar, this soup hits all the right notes. Garnished with herb croutons.

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo: A classic blend of Cajun ingredients and flavors make for deliciously filling soup experience. Having originated in New Orleans, Louisiana, created by the French, but enhanced by additions from other cultures, gumbo is the result of the melting of cultures in Louisianan history. The Andouille sausage is from Wilson Farms, WI; the organic chicken is from Big Sky Ranch. Fresh okra is an important part of this soup, adding a traditional flavor and texture. Garnished with White Rice.

Alterra is proud to be a founding member of Our Milwaukee, a business alliance that advocates for locally owned, independent businesses. 


July 28th - August 7th, join Our Milwaukee in celebrating our city’s outstanding independent locals by:

1. Learning what local really means
2. Discovering Milwaukee’s best local businesses
3. Supporting the businesses that make Milwaukee unique!


AND ENJOY 2 FREE EVENTS!

Movie Screening of
 Independent America: Rising From Ruins

Sunday, August 1st, 1:30pm
 @ Times Cinema
5906 West Vliet Street

Shop the Our Milwaukee Vendor Fair 

at Fish Fry & a Flick on 
Friday, August 6th

Join the Our Milwaukee email list, pledge to buy local, and you’ll be entered to win great prizes from Our Milwaukee members, including a 6-month coffee subscription from Alterra!

Click here to enter or to view the full list of prizes. 



10 GREAT REASONS TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES:

* Buy Local - Support Yourself
Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned business, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms - continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.
* Support Community Groups
Non-profit organizations receive an average of 250% more support from small business owners than they do from large businesses.
* Keep our Community Unique
Where we shop, where we eat and have fun - all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Our tourism businesses also benefits. “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.”
* Reduce Environmental Impact
Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.
* Create More Good Jobs
Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community; providing the most jobs to residents.
* Get Better Service
Local businesses often hire people with better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers.
* Invest in the Community
Local businesses are owned by people who live in the community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.
* Put Your Taxes to Good Use
Local businesses in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.
* Buy What You Want, Not What Someone Wants You to Buy
A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.
* Encourage Local Prosperity
A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.