Mike Frohlich has a passion for brewing, but fine craft beer is only one of the things he and Todd Sattler want to offer at the Laughing Sun Brewing Co., which opened in downtown Bismarck on Nov. 9.
“As I was thinking about this place – three years in the making – I wanted to be a live venue for music, because there’s not enough places in town and there’s a lot of great talent around here,” Frohlich said. “Todd and I both have a lot of friends that are local artists and local musicians, and we’ve
Mike Frohlich, left, and Todd Sattler have opened the Laughing Sun Brewing Co. in downtown Bismarck
always dug live music. We wanted to be a venue from the beginning.”
In its first week, Laughing Sun has already been host to two shows, one by Chris Cady and the other by Luke Graner. The Midnight Noise Orchestra is scheduled for Nov. 24. Following that, Laughing Sun will host weekly shows Wednesdays at 7 p.m. plus have live music on occasional weekends.
Frohlich and Sattler’s commitment to music and art is tangible. On display on one of the walls in the Laughing Sun is an art show by Mandan’s Terry Wiklund called “Boxes.” Frohlich said the art will be rotated every three months, and each project will include at least one live reception with the featured artist.
For musicians, a stage will begin construction next week. Frohlich also said that Laughing Sun will be the only place in Bismarck with its own PA, along with other equipment, a big plus for artists.
“Bands can just plug and play,” he said.
Of course Laughing Sun’s main calling card is its beer. Frohlich said the plan is to have five regular varieties on tap – Strawberry Wheat, Whippin’ Post Pale Ale, Hammerhead Red ESB, Feast Like a Sultan IPA and Black Shox Porter – plus rotate a sixth one through. Business has been so good so far that it’s been hard to keep up.
“Fresh ales, fresh music and fresh art,” Frohlich said.
The Laughing Sun – which is located at 107 N. 5th St. – is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 4 to 11 p.m.
Bismarck Music Notes 