KSRB 50th Anniversary Party

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the publication of The Monkey Wrench Gang, Ken Sanders Rare Books and A. Fisher Brewing Company have teamed up for a day-long celebration of the iconic novel by Edward Abbey.

EVENT DETAILS:

Sunday Sept 28th, 2025

Begins at 4pm

@ Fisher Brewing | 320 W 800 S

21+, ID required for entry

In 1985–10 years after the initial publication of The Monkey Wrench Gang–Ken Sanders began publishing his own version of Abbey's novel, with illustrations by R. Crumb. Five of the beer labels are Crumb's interpretation of the members of The Monkey Wrench Gang, and the sixth label is meant to celebrate Sanders, his bookshop and the literary legacy he has championed in Utah for the past 50 years.

At 4 p.m., the beer, wine and cocktails will flow as Sanders speaks at Fisher Brewing Company. Sanders will be introduced by Salt Lake Tribune columnist Robert Gehrke. Filmmaker Trent Harris will also speak.

While a general Monkey Wrench Gang theme will dominate the day, the event is also a celebration of Sanders himself, who is marking the 50th anniversary of his Salt Lake City-bookshop, now housed on Library Square, in the old SLC library.

Sanders' cache of Monkey Wrench Gang-related ephemera will also be on hand, including t-shirts printed with MWG characters, books, as well as a 50th anniversary commemorative special edition of The Monkey Wrench Gang, with writings by Sanders and paintings by artists Trent Call, Sophie Crumb (R. Crumb's daughter) and Ralph Steadman.

"It has only taken me fifty years to become an official member of the Monkey Wrench Gang, albeit as part of a six pack," Sanders says.

For the 2025 event, one beer will be brewed–a 5-percent alcohol by volume juniper berry western pale ale–but six labels will be placed on the 16oz cans. The beers will be available in any assortment. For example, six four-packs totalling 24 beers, with four of each label. Or, a six-pack with each of the six labels. Or just a four-pack of your favorite character… Single cans will also be available for purchase. Cans cost $4, plus tax.

The evening events are free and open to the public. Fisher Brewing is located at 320 W. 800 S. in Salt Lake City. The brewery is a 21 and over bar. Photo ID is required for entry.