This year the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra is using art in a glass to promote its musical schedule. Although orchestras usually embrace wine or whisky for special occasions (and they will for two other fundraisers), the CPO’s “Beer is the New Wine” event has this cerveza-phile excited.

Beer’s bubbly suds are often snubbed by arts organizations and thought of as the lowest of all the libations, but if one knows beer history, and the nuances of its 80-plus styles, then nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, you could argue that if weren’t for beer, there would be no arts. Beer is partially credited with leading humans from their nomadic wanderings to the creation of civilization, settling down to farm (among other things) barley to brew beer. The first recorded recipe discovered by archeologists is an inscribed Sumerian tablet.

CPO’s Beer is the New Wine event is being held at Willow Park Wines and Spirits (10801 Bonaventure Dr. S.E.) on March 8, starting at 7 p.m. Four chefs will be creating beer-inspired dishes and pairing them with great brews from some of Western Canada’s finest breweries. Sud-inspired music from some of the CPO’s members will set the mood for this beer-themed tribute to the arts.

The other two CPO tributes to art in the glass are Vintage Wine Tasting on March 6 and Art of Whisky on March 21. Tickets and more information are available though Willow Park Wines and Spirits or the CPO. Call 403-571-0849 or visit cpo-live.com.