A fifth of Firewater

Summer in the Platte Valley is often highlighted with a variety of bands and musicians who come to the area to entertain locals and tourists alike. In keeping with that tradition, Firewater Public House (Firewater) held its inaugural Firewater Fifth. The restaurant, as regular customers are aware, is no stranger to hosting musical acts. When it came to the miniature music festival that took place on Friday evening, however, it was a dream come true for Danny Burau.

"I've got goosebumps," said Burau.

Using a flatbed fifth wheel trailer as a stage, three regional bands played their music to guests. Laramie-based indie bands the Country Skillet, with vocals alternating between Shawn Hess and Hunter Hicks, and the Woodpile were joined by Casper-based alt-rock band Speed the Pilgrim. In fact, it was Speed the Pilgrim bassist Travis Winchell who was instrumental in getting Firewater Fifth started.

When Winchell isn't playing bass, he's a licensed wine representative for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits out of Laramie and is the representative that Firewater goes through. According to Burau, both he and Winchell had discussed the possibility of several bands playing at Firewater while people could sit on the lawn and enjoy the music. They also agreed that it would have to take place around Independence Day.

"I let go of the leash and let Travis run with it," Burau said.

Winchell reached out to many of the bands that he knew personally, the music industry in Wyoming isn't too large, and asked them if they'd like to play in Saratoga. All of them were onboard with the idea. Another Casper-based band, Kid Brother, was scheduled to play as well, but had to cancel at the last minute.

As the late afternoon gave way to evening, attendees went from listening to the Americana and country infused sounds of the Country Skillet, complete with Hicks' Hank Williams-esque voice, to the haunting, melodic cello-backed songs of the Woodpile. Finishing out the night was Speed the Pilgrim with music that seemed to straddle multiple genres.

Throughout the evening, not only were customers listening to the music, but vehicles would regularly stop in the street. Parking quickly became a premium as people walked over from Bridge Avenue to listen. Despite how busy things were in the kitchen for Burau and his staff, he took time to realize that his dream was coming true.

Once the music ended and Firewater closed for the evening, Burau had already decided that the Firewater Fifth would return next year.