Owensboro Bourbon And Jazz Festival This Weekend

Bourbon is a Kentucky staple and this weekend, Owensboro rolls out the red carpet for all kinds of libation happenings. The very first Bourbon & Jazz Festival kicks off tonight during "Friday After Five" with a VIP Cocktail Reception in Woodward's 6p-10p with live music courtesy of Barbara Santora and her band "Jazzin". An after hours mixer will be held at Kentucky's only bourbon bar, Spirits, located in the Miller House at 301 East 5th St. 10p-12a. There will be more jazz and guests can sample over 100 bourbon selections. Click through for more events!

On Saturday, events kick off at 11am at the Bourbon Garden, Vendor Fair, and Studio Art Show (412 E. 2nd Street) and goes until 5pm. The event is free and a cash bar will be available. Also 11am-12:30pm, "Four Roses in the Rose Garden" will take place at the Western KY Botanical Gardens off Carter Road. Tickets are $20 dollars with VIP tickets for $18. Next up, "Sip and Savor" at  The Miller House, 1pm-2:30pm, tickets are $30, VIP tickets are $27. The last event on Saturday evening before the big "Bourbon & Jazz Gala" is "Bourbon Barrel Beer Tasting" 3pm-5pm at Gambrinus Libation Emporium (116 E. Second St.)

Saturday, 6pm-10pm is the first "Bourbon & Jazz Gala" at the Owensboro Museum of Science and History. There will be jazz courtesy of Carlene Bray and the 2nd Edition, a silent auction art from Aaron Kizer, and there will be bourbon memorabilia displays-distinct bourbons. The event is $50 per person, and is included in the VIP packages.

Want more? Sunday starts with Brunch at The Miller House (10am-12pm) and the First Annual Bourbon N' Jazz Paint Out "an en plein air painting event" will be presented by the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art followed by Art Market in Ryan Park 1pm-4pm at 901 Frederica St. which will be a special sales event featuring original works from the artists participating in the Paint Out.

Finally, 4pm-6pm, the events wrap up with the Bourbon and Jazz Reception at the Museum of Fine Art. Jazz by Dick Sistro Trio. And an exhibition and presentation of Merit and Purchase Awards.

For more information and VIP tickets, go to owensoborobourbonfest.com The Miller House, or call 270-240-5151. And please be careful and drink responsibly.