New, exclusive event blends songwriters, bourbon at KY distilleries
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- Songwriters in Paradise brings intimate performances to Bardstown distilleries.
- Featured artists include Hall of Fame inductees and Grammy-winning writers.
- Event offers VIP dinners and performances for fewer than 100 guests per night.
A new event that bills itself as “one of the most exclusive music experiences in the world” is coming to Bardstown for the first time.
Songwriters in Paradise, an effort from veteran songwriters/musicians and top-tier spirits, has performed in Napa Valley and Healdsburg in Sonoma Valley, Calif., and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. Now you can enjoy the performances at Heaven Hill Distillery, James B. Beam Distilling Co. and more.
The events take place Oct. 21-25 in intimate setting at the distilleries and the Trail Hotel.
Songwriters in Paradise specializes in “taking the Bluebird Cafe experience to extraordinary locations,” said founder Patrick Davis, referencing the famous Nashville restaurant known for nightly performances by burgeoning songwriters.
“What makes the Bluebird so special is it is so small. Everyone feels like they are getting a backstage pass,” Davis said. “That’s what we’re trying to recreate. ... If you’re a fan of songwriting and Americana music, it doesn’t get much better.”
Bardstown’s events will feature 11 songwriters, including some with Kentucky connections. Among the songwriters is Matraca Berg, a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, best known for songs like “Strawberry Wine” by Deanna Carter and “You and Tequila” by Kenny Chesney.
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Other songwriters at Bardstown include:
- Aaron Raitiere, from Danville, who has had songs recorded by Miranda Lambert, Laney Wilson, and Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.
- Kristian Bush, of Sugarland, who also has written songs for Megan Maroney, Little Big Town and more.
- David Ryan Harris, who has written songs for Tedeschi Trucks, Marc Broussard, Hootie & the Blowfish and has toured with collaborator John Mayer.
- Eric Paslay, who penned Keith Urban’s “Wild Hearts” and more.
- Patrick Davis, the founder of SIP, who has had songs recorded by Jimmy Buffett and Jewel, Guy Clark and Morgan Wallen.
- Levi Lowrey, a singer, songwriter, guitar and fiddle player who has toured with Zac Brown Band, for whom he wrote #1 hit “Colder Weather.”
- Lauren Jenkins, a singer songwriter who has toured with Lady A, Eric Paslay and Willie Nelson and the Family Band.
- Django Walker, a Texas Troubadour who has written songs for himself, Jimmy Buffett, Alabama and many more.
- Tyler Reeve, who’s had hits for Brett Young (“In Case You Didn’t Know,”) Luke Combs (“It Does to Me”) and Love & Theft (“Whiskey On My Breath”).
- James Otto, a songwriter and artist who has written songs including “In Color” for Jamey Johnson, Zac Brown Band, and more.
The events will begin with a VIP-only dinner at James B. Beam Distilling Co. with the master distillers and music, then events with six performers per night at Heaven Hill, Preservation Distillery, The Trail Hotel and again at Beam.
It’s an exclusive event, starting at $300 per person for a single-day pass, up to $9,000 for five nights at the Trail Hotel, plus five VIP day passes for two. Each event will have fewer than 100 tickets.
“This is an experience meant for those who expect the best of everything,” Davis said. “Incredible drink choices, beautiful food, and a very intimate experience with the songwriters.”
He contrasted it with major music festivals that have crowds in the tens or hundreds of thousands, such as the recent Bourbon & Beyond in Louisville.
“This is not built for that,” he said. “You’re going to get the stories behind the songs.”
