Linking savory Kentucky spirits with tasty nostalgic music has become a tradition — and the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra’s 2nd Annual Bourbon Barrel Ball delivers.
The KSO’s event is 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at the New Riff West Newport warehouses, tasting and bottling facilities.
The KSO’s party with a purpose marks the orchestra’s 25th fundraiser, supporting its annual free education and park concerts. It will be the first held amidst the bourbon (which formerly housed the Greenline bus & trolley system till 1972).
The evening opens with a cocktail hour, provided by The Party Source, including delicious New Riff bourbon tastings (including the KSO’s own select single barrel), a silent auction and optional tours of the rickhouses and bottling operations.
A scrumptious 3-course, duo-entree dinner by McHale’s follows including wine and dessert.
The KSO Big/Boogie Band offers the perfect bourbon/music mix — a Rat-Pack Redux (Frank, Dean and Sammy at the New Riff) — “Come Fly With Me,” “That’s Amore,” “The Candy Man” … and a Dazzling Divas (R&B Royalty) tribute set — Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle.
Dancing, music, and conviviality continue till the last pour.
Live, silent and online auctions feature destinations, sports and entertainment tickets, dining options and much more. The evening’s big raffle drawing features the rarest of bourbons — O.F.C. (Old Fashioned Copper) 1985 from Buffalo Trace. Only 61 bottles were retrieved from this 34-year vintage barrel. $50 per chance/up to 500 sold.
In addition, the KSO’s tasty select single barrel bottles (112 proof) are for sale online, and at the event (limited inventory).
“The KSO has always thrown great parties, but this is a 4D clam-bake!” exclaimed KSO founder James Cassidy. “Smell the angels’ share, check out the players and ring-a-dings, listen and dance to the Rat Pack and Divas, and taste the bourbons and fancy foods.”
Proceeds from the event keep the music playing across the region. The KSO has performed free education concerts for 239 regional schools and 138,837 students over the past 24 years. Additionally, free annual summer concerts in Covington’s Devou Park have brought nearly 388,000 area residents to the iconic concert bowl in 24 summers.
The Bourbon Barrel Ball provides funding to keep these vibrant, educational, engaging & entertaining opportunities available for you and your neighbors.
Can’t attend? Support the KSO’s outreach programs by buying raffle tickets or bidding on auction items online. Beginning on April 16, patrons may preview and bid on auction items online. Bidders have the opportunity to place absentee bids if they can not attend on April 27th. (raffle tickets available online; winner need not be present to win).
Call the KSO today and make your reservations (deadline—4/23) for the KSO’s Bourbon Barrel Ball: (859) 431-6216 or visit kyso.org .
The full evening with reserved seating, cocktails, bourbon tasting, dinner, wine, dessert, dancing/live entertainment is $125 per person ($50 is tax-deductible).
