Here all the details you need about the upcoming March 2nd Bonded Spirit Bluegrass Festival, presented by The B-Line® and Smoke Justis.
While this is the first Bonded Spirit Bluegrass Festival, it’s an expanded version of last year’s John G. Carlisle Bottled in Bond Competition and Celebration – inspired by the legacy of Covington’s own John G. Carlisle and the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 (a distilled spirits purity law) that he wrote. Join us as we celebrate with refreshing cocktails, hot bluegrass, and delicious eats.
The Venue
Smoke Justis is host to the Bonded Spirit Bluegrass Festival. Court Street will be transformed into the “Roebling Rickhouse” with an outdoor tent and a stage set against the backdrop of the iconic Roebling Suspension Bridge. General Admission tickets are standing room only, while the Roebling Rickhouse Ticket and John. G. Carlisle VIP ticket holders will have designated seating with great views of the stage and bands. VIP ticket holders will have additional access to the Smoke Justis Bourbon Lounge, which will be closed to the public on this day, as a dedicated space to relax, sip, and mingle.
The Bourbon
This celebration would not be complete without the bourbon! The Bourbon Review has selected six Kentucky bartenders from the top 100 bourbon bars in America to compete in the Bottled-in-Bond cocktail competition. New Riff Distilling, located in Newport, KY, has graciously donated all Bottled-in-Bond bourbon that will be used for the cocktail competition. The Roebling Rickhouse and VIP ticket holders will receive a 1oz sample of each of the six competition cocktails. Roebling Rickhouse ticket holders will receive an additional ticket for a full beer or wine, and VIP ticket holders will receive two tickets for bottled-in-bond cocktails from a special event menu. VIPs have a few additional perks. In the Bourbon Lounge, VIPs will have access to tastings from WH McBrayer Legacy Spirits and samplings of two bottled-in-bond vintages from Revival Vintage Spirits and Bottle Shop.
The Music
Local musicians, Moonshine Drive is first up, taking the stage at 5:30. A local favorite, Moonshine Drive mixes bluegrass with elements of folk, country, and classic rock for a unique, high-energy sound that’s sure to get your toes tapping. Up next is the GRAMMY-nominated Sister Sadie, that hails from Nashville, TN. At 7pm Sister Sadie will deliver classic, hard-driving bluegrass driven by the instrumental and paired with tight vocal harmonies. The third and final band of the evening is Eastern Kentucky’s The Goodwin Brothers. This multi award-winning trio has decades of experience from across a variety of genres, which gives a fresh, progressive take on the rich tradition of bluegrass.
The Details
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Smoke Justis – 302 Court St. Covington, KY 41011
Tent on Court St. Covington, KY 41011
5pm – 10pm
Tickets: All ticket holders must be 21+
Buy your tickets online here!
General Admission - $50
This is the ticket for your music fans. This standing room only ticket grants admission to the Roebling Rickhouse tent to enjoy the show. Food and drink are not included but will be available for purchase.
Roebling Rickhouse Ticket - $95
This ticket will provide access to the Roebling Rickhouse tent for all the music, with a designated seating area with a great stage view. It comes with a 1oz tasting of all six competition cocktails, a ticket for a full beer or wine, and complimentary eats from Smoke Justis.
John G. Carlisle VIP Experience Ticket - $165
This ticket provides access to the Roebling Rickhouse tent for all the music, with reserved seating and a premium view of the stage. It comes with 1oz tastings of all six competition cocktails, two tickets for full Bottled-in-Bond cocktails from a special event list. VIPs will get the opportunity to vote for their favorite Bottled-in-Bond cocktail from the competition. VIPs get access to the Smoke Justis Bourbon Lounge with additional tasting experiences and a full buffet dinner. Lastly, VIPs will receive a VIP gift bag with fun surprises from The B-Line®.
The John G. Carlisle VIP Experience Ticket has sold out, but you can enter to win VIP tickets through our giveaway here!
Where to Stay
If you are coming to the Bonded Spirit Bluegrass Festival, the Marriott Cincinnati RiverCenter is offering a special room rate for Bonded Spirit Bluegrass Festival attendees. You can make your reservation here. For ideas on what to do with the rest of your stay, check out our guides.
