Several local bartenders are coming together at the Rio Theatre to stir and shake a special cocktail reception for the Canadian Premier of Douglas Tirola’s Hey Bartender documentary film on Monday, September 23rd. The film follows two bartenders as they try to achieve their dreams through bartending:

An injured Marine turns his goals to becoming a principal bartender at the best cocktail bar in the world. A young man leaves his white-collar job to buy the corner bar in his hometown years later he struggles to keep afloat. The bar is three deep and the bartenders are in the weeds at the greatest cocktail party since before Prohibition. A hit as SXSW 2013, Hey Bartender is the story of the rebirth of the bartender and the comeback of the cocktail. Featuring the world’s most renowned bartenders and access to the most exclusive bars in New York with commentary from Graydon Carter, Danny Meyer and Amy Sacco.

The reception and tasting will feature spirits including Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Sailor Jerry’s Spiced Rum, Hendrick’s Gin. Some of the bartenders already slated for the evening include Canadian Professional Bartending Association BC Chapter President Trevor Kallies (Donnelly Group), CPBA BC Chapter Vice President Grant Sceney (Fairmont Pacific Rim), Jon Smolesnky (Hawksworth), and Donnie Wheeler (Clough Club). Get all the details after the jump…

Monday, September 23
VIP Cocktail Tasting 6:00 – 8:00
Film Screening 8:30
VIP Tickets $25/Advance $30/Door
Movie $12/Advance $15/door