A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Bourbon and the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra on April 21, tickets on sale for match made in Newport


Linking Kentucky spirits with tasty musical programming becomes an annual event on April 21 as the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra hosts its inaugural Bourbon Barrel Ball in Newport at 6:30 p.m.

The inaugural event will be held at the former IMAX Theater at Newport on the Levee. As the official gateway to The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Northern Kentucky’s own Symphony hopes to make its “Ball” a recurring spring fling. This new party with a purpose marks the orchestra’s 24th fundraiser, supporting its annual free education and park concerts.

The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra hosts its inaugural Bourbon Barrel Ball in Newport on April 21 at 6:30 p.m. The event will be held at the former IMAX Theater at Newport on the Levee.

The evening opens with a cocktail hour, including delicious bourbon tastings provided by The Party Source,
 a silent auction and optional tours of the venue with renovation plans and renderings. A scrumptious dinner by BRIO follows, including wine and dessert.

A variety of entertainment on all levels is provided by the KSO’s Devou Doo Daddies Swing band, the Floodwall Jazz Quartet, a
new Southbank Mariachi Band, plus Jimmy Lee Hook’s Billy Joel & Elton John tribute. Dancing, music and fun continue until
 the last pour.

Live, silent and online auctions feature destinations, sports and entertainment tickets, dining options and much more will also be part of the festivities. The evening’s three raffle drawings include two rare, five-bottle collections of Pappy Van Winkle (10, 12, 15, 20, and 23 year), and Buffalo Trace Antique Bourbon and a $500 Macy’s gift card.

Proceeds from the event keep the music playing across the region. The KSO has performed free education concerts for 227 individual regional schools and 135,060 students. Additionally, free annual summer concerts in Covington’s Devou Park have brought nearly 375,000 area residents to the iconic concert bowl over the last 23 years.

While both series of programs are supported by foundations and generous corporations, these gifts don’t cover all costs to produce these eight free performances. The “Ball” provides much needed support for all of these engaging outreach efforts.

Can’t attend? Support the KSO’s outreach programs by buying raffle tickets or bidding on auction items online. Beginning on April 11, patrons may preview and bid on auction items online. Bidders have the opportunity to place absentee bids if they cannot attend on April 21. Tickets are available online; the winner need not be present to win.

Call the KSO to make reservations (deadline of April 16) for the KSO’s Bourbon Barrel Ball at (859) 431-6216 or visit kyso.org/gala. The full evening with reserved seating, cocktails, bourbon tasting, dinner, wine, dessert, dancing/live entertainment is $125 per person ($50 is tax deductible). Proceeds from the event help fund eight free educational and park concerts in 2018.

Evening timeline:
6:30 — Cocktails, Bourbon Tasting and Silent Auction
7:30 — Dinner by BRIO with wine and dessert.
8:15 — Music by Jimmy Lee Hooks, KSO Devou Doo Daddies, Southbank Mariachi band, Floodwall Jazz Quartet
9:15 — Raffle Drawing and Live Auction
9:45 — Dancing/party continues to music videos on all levels


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