Description

The Bower Center for the Arts is excited to announce our 2nd annual fundraising event for adults to enjoy an evening out while supporting the Bower Center’s mission and programs. The Art of Pairing – Bourbon & Blues, will be held on Saturday, October 19 from 7 PM – 9:30 PM in the beautiful & historic Bower Center for the Arts. 

This event will be a fun, interactive evening offering Bourbon tastings, gourmet food, art, and a blues club atmosphere with live music by Americana and blues singer/songwriter, David Starr with Erik Stucky.  David is a Colorado-based, Americana and Blues singer/songwriter with over 11 albums to his credit. He is an international touring artist who has shared the stage with esteemed artists such as John Oates (Hall & Oates) and John McEuen, as well as opening for acts like America, Karla Bonoff, Jim Messina, Survivor, and more.  Check out David with John Oates & Jim Lauderdale HERE!

The evening will feature guided tastings of Virginia bourbons, specialty bourbon cocktails, live music and a gourmet menu by Neal Agee, featuring brisket by Chapel Creek Farms. Guests will also have an opportunity to take a memorable photo in our photo booth and participate in our silent auction featuring an assortment of bourbons and handcrafted works of art!  Tickets are $65/individual & $120/couple with 100 ticket maximum.

NEW this year is a special VIP Ticket offering an intimate space for VIP ticket holders only. In addition to the food, live music & silent auction, this ticket includes the opportunity for special bourbon pours, crafted cocktails, music and party favor in a Speakeasy atmosphere. The VIP section is limited to 40 tickets and are only available as an individual purchase of $75/each. (No couple discount available)

According to Executive Director, Susan Martin, "We are excited that this year's event emphasizes a celebration of local products, featuring bourbons crafted by regional distilleries and gourmet dishes highlighting locally sourced ingredients. This focus on local products not only enriches the tasting experience but also supports the community's artisans and producers. The event showcases the vibrant local culture, pairing the best of regional flavors with live blues music, creating an immersive, community-driven experience that aligns with the Bower Center’s mission of supporting the arts and local talent."

Bourbon Tastings will include the following:

• Bowman Brothers Small Batch - Fredericksburg, VA
• Brady Distillery Accomplice Bourbon - Roanoke, VA
• Ironclad Small Batch - Newport News, VA
• Ragged Branch Distillery Signature Bourbon - Charlottesville, VA

Cocktails:

• Bourbon Cider - Bourbon, Apple Cider, Ginger Ale & Cinnamon-Sugared Apple Garnish
• Bourbon Punch - Bourbon, Water, Sparkling Water, Sugar, Lemon & Lemon Peel.
• Mixers will be available.

Beer/Wine/Tea/Lemonade

FULL GOURMET FOOD MENU HAS BEEN RELEASED!  SEE IMAGE IN GALLERY BELOW!

FOOD PAIRINGS

ALL GUESTS:

• Chapel Creek Farms Smoked Brisket over Gouda Grits with Tomatillo Jam, Pickled Onion & Espresso BBQ
• Smoked Turkey Breast - Allergy Option 
• Panzanella
• Watermelon & Feta Salad
• Honey Miso Glazed Carrots - Vegetarian Option 

VIP GUESTS ONLY:

• Double Smoked Pork Belly with Brown Sugar Glaze

DESSERTS

ALL GUESTS:

• Raspberry Brownies
• Maple Bacon Brownies
• Bourbon Chocolate Chip Thumbprint Cookies

VIP GUESTS ONLY:

• Bread Pudding with White Chocolate Whiskey Sauce

Tickets: Click the Registration button on this page to purchase tickets.  Limited number of tickets available!  

Can't attend?! Consider becoming a Friend of the Bower and making a $100 donation to support this event and Bower Center for the Arts through the sponsorship link online.

Check out our Behind the Bower Podcast episode with Special Events Committee Chair, Ryan Steffen, to learn more about the event!  Click HERE to listen.

AND our most recent Podcast episode with Melody Divers, Chapel Creek Farms, Chef Neal Agee and Committee Chair Ryan Steffen.  Click HERE to listen. 

As a reminder, this is a 21 and older event!

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!  VISIT OUR VOLUNTEER ONLINE SIGN UP HERE OR CONTACT OR OFFICE AT 540-586-4235 FOR MORE DETAILS.