Rock, Paper … Pints?

by D.J. Short

pulp facts

What do you get when you combine 28 paper mills with some Dogfish Head ales and a band called Lazlo? Just your average weekend bender? Not quite.

"Pulp, Ink and Hops" is a unique event that invites 28 paper mills and local distributors to showcase the latest and greatest in the world of paper. Yes, paper. The event, sponsored by the Philadelphia chapter of the American Association of Graphic Arts (AIGA), is their biggest of the year.

"In our high-tech world, the average person may take paper for granted, but for designers it's a critical part of any print project," says Alain Sainson Frank, co-chair of the event. Since paper can represent between 30 and 50 percent of a project budget, Frank says, "Not only does it affect costs, but aesthetically, paper determines the look and literally the feel of a design." They'll show all types of paper, old and new.

Besides the virtual smorgasbord of stock, far be it from "Pulp, Ink and Hops" to deny you the rock. So here comes Trenton-based band Lazlo (pictured). Members of the eclectic group have performed and recorded locally and internationally with Phish's Tom Marshall and members of Ween, just to name a few.

And if that weren't enough, you can wash it all down with brews from local microbreweries, including Delaware-based Dogfish Head. With AIGA's membership close to 500 in the greater Philadelphia area, there will be plenty of opportunities to show off those nifty business cards you have been working on.

"Pulp, Ink and Hops," Wed., June 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m., $10 (free for AIGA members), World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., www.philadelphia.aiga.org.