AN ALL-STAR LINE-UP

Bourbon & Beyond Returns September 14-17

by G. Douglas Dreisbach

Danny Wimmer Presents is excited to announce the biggest Bourbon & Beyond lineup yet after a record-breaking attendance of over 140,000 in 2022. The unique festival, celebrating the perfect blend of bourbon, food and music, celebrates what makes Louisville such a beloved festival destination.

“Bourbon & Beyond is our love letter to the city of Louisville and the great state of Kentucky,” says Danny Wimmer, Founder of Danny Wimmer Presents. “We can’t wait to showcase why Louisville has become our home away from home, so having the opportunity to curate an unbelievable festival experience rooted in amazing musical performances combined with our passion for bourbon and culinary arts is our dream come true.”

Hailed by Forbes magazine as “One of America’s most unique festival offerings,” Bourbon & Beyond continues to live up to its reputation as “The World’s Largest Music & Bourbon Festival” with a wide array of talented music acts along with the best pours and tempting eats from Kentucky’s favorite establishments.

For the first time ever on the Bourbon & Beyond stages, the festival welcomes headliners Bruno Mars, The Killers and The Black Keys, along with the return of Brandi Carlile.

“We were totally blown away by Brandi Carlile’s performance last year,” Wimmer says. “She is the voice of a generation and her set had such an impact on the crowd, we immediately knew we had to bring her back as a headliner. Having her return as a headliner, along with Bruno Mars, The Killers, The Black Keys, as well as 2022 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductees Duran Duran — wow. We can’t wait to share the great community and spirit of Bourbon Country with the world.”

Over 65 musical acts in total will perform over the four-day festival. In addition to the headliners, the 2023 lineup includes Billy Strings, The Black Crowes, The Avett Brothers, Blondie, Train, Hozier, Jon Batiste, Brittany Howard, Ryan Bingham, Babyface, Midland, Bastille, Spoon, The Gaslight Anthem, First Aid Kit, Old Crow Medicine Show, Buddy Guy, Aloe Blacc, Wayne Newton, Mavis Staples, City and Colour, Inhaler, Paolo Nutini, ZZ Ward, Fantastic Negrito, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, Luke Grimes, The Lone Bellow, Joy Oladokun, Maggie Rose, Hailey Whitters, Darrell Scott Band, Danielle Ponder, Dumpstaphunk, Boy Named Banjo, Brandy Clark, John Primer, Willie Jones, Stephen Wilson Jr., Drayton Farley, Goodbye June, As You Were, Vivi Rincon, Kelsey Waloon, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, The Lil Smokies, Twisted Pine, The Cleverlys, Town Mountain, Della Mae, Sunny War, Lindsay Lou, Dan Tyminski, and Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen.

More Than The Music

In addition to world-class musical entertainment, festival-goers will be treated to one-of-a-kind experiences throughout the weekend, including daily workshops and demonstrations at the Team Kentucky Bourbon Stage presented by Kentucky Proud, and the Kentucky Venues Culinary Stage presented by GE Appliances.

The two stages will pair world-renowned master distillers and celebrity chefs with guest artist appearances and a who’s who of Kentucky personalities. The programming is hosted by Chefs Amanda Freitag, Chris Santos, and Ed Lee, along with the lead bourbon buyer in the United States, Chris Blandford, plus Blind Bourbon Live’s Fred Minnick. The complete bourbon and culinary lineup will be announced this summer.

“Bourbon & Beyond is by far my favorite festival of the year. I am thrilled to be back in 2023 for the incredible music lineup, the tastiest cocktails and of course the food,” says Chef Freitag. “It combines all my favorite things in one weekend. I get to hang out with my buddy Chris Santos from Chopped, and we get to play on stage with other great chefs from around the country.”

“I am beyond excited to be back hosting the culinary stage at Bourbon & Beyond after all the fun we had last year! This year’s lineup is bigger and better than ever and joining me will be the amazing

Amanda Freitag,” adds Chef Santos. “This festival of revelry, amazing music, fine bourbon and culinary delights is simply the perfect party weekend and I’m honored to be a part of it. September can’t come fast enough!”

Bourbon lovers can stop by Chris Picks MiniBar for select single barrels curated especially for the festival; the Hunter’s Club for rare and vintage sips; the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Craft Bourbon Bar for hand-picked craft distillery tastes; the George Dickel Flight School for daily step-by-step tastings, where fans can learn about the art of bourbon; and the Jim Beam Tiki Barrel Bar for the perfect oasis to make the festival vacation complete.

Beyond the many bourbon experiences, fans can rejoice in other cocktail offerings, including the Highland Grounds Wine Garden and Blackened Presents: The Whiskey Bar. And the festival’s 1Million Strong Wellness Retreat offers fans a place to relax, recharge and enjoy the hottest mocktails this side of the Ohio River.

Another highlight of the weekend will be the Kroger Big Bourbon Bar. Featuring the best Bluegrass bands, a podcast taping (or two), line dancing and expertly curated picks of Kentucky’s finest, the Big Bourbon Bar brings the Bourbon Trail to Louisville.

Visit BourbonandBeyond.com for a complete description of festival experiences.

Audience Outlook

Festival season is upon us! Before we know it, we’ll be dusting off the blankets and folding chairs to get ready to see our favorite bands, and enjoying tasty eats and treats at venues both large and small around the region.

We wanted to highlight a few other music festivals that are within a few hours’ drive and worth the trip. For tickets, event details, and for other great music, arts, and entertainment in Louisville and the surrounding areas, visit Audience502.com/audience-events.

MAY 13

Enchanted Mayhem Festival

New Albany, Ind.

25-28

Sonic Temple Festival

Columbus, Ohio

26-28

Dark Star Jubilee

Thornville, Ohio (Near Columbus)

JUNE

2-4

Riverbend Festival

Chattanooga, Tenn.

3-4

Railbird Festival

Lexington, Ky.

9-10

Laurel Cove Music Festival

Pineville, Ky.

15-18

Bonnaroo Music Festival

Manchester, Tenn.

17-18

Wonder Road Festival

Indianapolis, Ind.

21-24

Romp Fest

Owensboro, Ky.

AUGUST

17-19

Secret Dreams Music & Arts Festival

Thornville, Ohio