Bonded Spirit Music Festival returns to covington on march 8th
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Presenting sponsor:
Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon sponsor:
Celebrating the spirit of Kentucky,
in NKY
Last year on March 2, 2024, The B-Line® and Smoke Justis joined forces to host the inaugural Bonded Spirit Bluegrass Festival in the heart of Covington, Kentucky… and what a night it was!
Attendees were treated to the perfect blend of savory smoked meats, smooth bourbon, and the lively sounds of bluegrass. Moonshine Drive, Sister Sadie, and The Goodwin Brothers took over the Roebling Rickhouse tent, delivering foot-stomping, singalong-worthy performances that kept the energy high all night long.
As a nod to Bottled-in-Bond Day, mixologists shook things up with a spirited cocktail competition featuring New Riff Bottled-in-Bond bourbon.
Relive the magic with our recap video and get ready for an even better 2025!
Where bourbon spirit meets Americana & Bluegrass soul in NKY
Saturday, March 8
The Bonded Spirit Music Festival in Covington, Kentucky, is back! An annual celebration that blends the rich legacy of bourbon with the soulful tunes of Americana & Bluegrass music. Held in early March, the fest is named after the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, a bourbon purity law that passed in March of that year and was advocated for by Covington's own John G. Carlisle.
The Bonded Spirit Music Festival aims to draw bourbon enthusiasts, as well fans of Americana & Bluegrass live music. Visitors and attendees can expect nationally recognized acts performing on a stage backdropped by the iconic Roebling Bridge, as well as local flavor and plenty of bourbon.
The Bonded Spirit Music Festival not only commemorates John G. Carlisle and the Bottled-in-Bond Act but, coupled with the local B-Line® self-guided bourbon experience, further emphasizes Northern Kentucky's pivotal role in bourbon history and solidifies its present status as a top-tier destination, promising an unparalleled bourbon experience.
Check out the Full lineup of Bluegrass & Americana!
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Lindsay Lou is a celebrated singer-songwriter whose music seamlessly blends her deep bluegrass roots with progressive Americana, folk, and soulful pop. Her latest album, Queen of Time, is a profound exploration of love, loss, resilience, and self-discovery, shaped by personal grief, spiritual awakening, and a transformative hallucinogenic experience. Known for her powerful, molasses-sweet vocals and emotionally resonant songwriting, Lou’s sound is both timeless and deeply personal. Collaborating with renowned artists like Jerry Douglas and Billy Strings, she crafts songs that feel both intimate and universal, with tracks like “Nothing Else Matters” and “Queen of Time” standing as testaments to her artistry. Inspired by her grandmother’s self-sacrificing spirit and interwoven with snippets of recorded conversations, the album serves as a sonic memoir of healing and empowerment. Named one of NPR's “12 Best Live Performances” and praised by outlets like Billboard and No Depression, Lindsay Lou continues to captivate audiences with her radiant presence and unwavering authenticity.
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Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley are a powerhouse acoustic duo blending bluegrass, country, blues, rock, and jamgrass with virtuosic musicianship and soulful vocals. Ickes, a 15-time IBMA Dobro Player of the Year and former Blue Highway member, has worked with legends like Earl Scruggs and Alison Krauss, while Hensley, a Tennessee-born guitar prodigy who debuted at the Grand Ole Opry at 11, has played alongside Johnny Cash and Peter Frampton. Their critically acclaimed albums on Compass Records include the GRAMMY®-nominated Before The Sun Goes Down and World Full of Blues, featuring Vince Gill and Taj Mahal. Collaborating with Tommy Emmanuel on a special EP, they’ve electrified audiences worldwide, with their latest album produced by GRAMMY® winner Brent Maher set for release in early 2023.
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The Brothers Comatose, a roots-infused bluegrass band from San Francisco, blend Americana, folk, and traditional bluegrass with high-energy performances, heartfelt songwriting, and tight harmonies. Founded in 2008 by brothers Ben and Alex Morrison, their sound is defined by virtuosic string instrumentation and a spirited, foot-stomping vibe. In 2024, multi-instrumentalist Addie Levy joined, enriching their harmonies and live performances with her mandolin and vocals. Drawing influences from bluegrass, country, and rock, they craft modern, storytelling-driven songs about love, loss, and adventure, captivating fans with their infectious energy and dynamic stage presence at both intimate venues and festivals.