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The Bonded Spirit Music Festival returns to Covington, Kentucky March 8, 2025! Here's everything you need to know about this toe-tapping event.
Bonded Spirit Music Festival
Bonded Spirit History
The Bonded Spirit Music Festival was originally launched as the John G. Carlisle Bottled-in-Bond Celebration in 2022 and 2023. Last year, a lineup of bluegrass artists were added and it was renamed the Bonded Spirit Bluegrass Festival. It’s an annual celebration of America’s Native Spirit, bourbon and home grown music. The festival gets its name from the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, a bourbon purity law that was passed in part thanks to the advocacy of Covington’s own John G. Carlisle. Over the years this celebration of the Bottled-in-Bond Act has grown into the rocking good time it is today.
Roebling Rickhouse, 2024
The Venue
Court Street in the Roebling District will be transformed into the “Roebling Rickhouse” with an outdoor, heated tent and a stage set against the backdrop of the iconic Roebling Suspension Bridge. The tent is right outside Smoke Justis, a festival partner known for their smoked meats and impressive Bourbon Lounge with 500+ bourbon varieties. General Admission tickets are standing room only while the John. G. Carlisle VIP ticket holders will have access to the VIP Lounge with first-come, first-served seating availability.
Bourbon Tasting
Lineup
The previously announced lineup included Nat Myers, however due to unforeseen circumstances he will not be performing at Bonded Spirit Music Festival.
Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley are a powerhouse acoustic duo that has electrified the acoustic music scene. They meld blues, bluegrass, country, rock, and other string band music into a signature blend that defies restrictions of genre. Their newest album, Living in a Song, was released in 2023.
Lindsay Lou
Lindsay Lou is a Nashville-based artist whose music embodies bluegrass roots woven with progressive Americana and Folk. Her newest album, Queen of Time, is a journey of grief and change but also of self-knowledge and healing.
The Brothers Comatose
The Brothers Comatose are a San Francisco based, roots-infused bluegrass band known for their blend of Americana, folk, and traditional bluegrass. Their high-energy performances and heartfelt songwriting is defined by tight harmonies and a foot-stomping, back-porch spirit.
This celebration would not be complete without the bourbon! Smoke Justis has an impressive collection of 500+ bourbons on hand, including many Bottled-in-Bond. There will be plenty of bourbon and bourbon cocktails available for purchase along with delicious bites from Smoke Justis’s menu.
The Bourbon Lounge at Smoke Justis
Bonded Spirit Music Trail
In addition to the headliners on the main stage in the Roebling Rickhouse, this year is adding the new Bonded Spirit Music Trail. Covington stops on The B-Line® will host musical acts throughout the day starting at 1pm. Participating venues will offer a special hand-crafted cocktail featuring sponsor New Riff Distilling’s award-winning BIB bourbons. SamJam Productions, which hosts their own Bluegrass festivals, partnered with the event to curate all of the musical acts for the Bonded Spirit Music Festival this year. The Bonded Spirit Music Trail includes Jonny Estep & Gravel Drive at The Globe, Sydney Adams Duo at Revival Vintage Bottle Shop, Brendan Martin at Wenzel Whiskey, Billy Cantrell at Knowledge Bar & Social Room, Jonathan Pennington at Libby's Southern Comfort, and Marcus Oglesby at Wiseguy Lounge. Music available along the Bonded Spirit Music Trail is free to the public.
Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 5-11pm
Smoke Justis - 302 Court St, Covington, KY 41011
Roebling Rickhouse Tent on Court St, Covington, KY 41011
Bonded Spirit Music Trail starts at 1pm
Gates open at 4pm, music starts at 5pm
Must be 21+. This ticket includes a full day of music with early sets beginning at 1:00pm + 3 nationally touring bands on the main stage from 5-11pm! Food, beer, and cocktails are not included in the ticket, but will be available for purchase. This ticket is standing room only.
John G. Carlisle VIP Experience Ticket - $225
Must be 21+. This ticket includes a full day of music with early sets beginning at 1:00pm + 3 nationally touring bands on main stage from 5-11pm. The VIP Experience also includes:
A voucher from the official Bottled-in-Bond (BIB) Sponsor, New Riff Distilling, to redeem for a 750 ML commemorative bottle of BIB Bourbon
A VIP swag bag from The B-Line®
Priority viewing of the main stage from the VIP area of the Roebling Rickhouse
Two drink tickets for Bonded Spirit hand-crafted, signature cocktails
Early access beginning at 3pm
Access to the Smoke Justis buffet from 5-7pm featuring smoked meats and sides
Early entry to the Smoke Justis Bourbon Lounge and VIP area with limited seating near the Roebling Rickhouse stage
Meet & Greet with The Brothers Comatose and Lindsay Lou during early entry
Two VIP only bars and access to VIP restroom facilities
Where to Stay
Coming to Bonded Spirit Music Festival and Cincy from out of town? Why not find one of our great hotels and make a weekend of it! Check out our guides to plan your visit.
Author
Amanda Lewis
Amanda Lewis, Website and Content Manager
Amanda has a passion for social media, digital publishing, and community building. She lives in Covington with a gaggle of kids. In her "free time" Amanda volunteers with GLSEN Cincinnati, paints, and explores the Cincy Region dining scene.
