7 Under-The-Radar Bands You Don’t Want To Miss At Bourbon & Beyond

The Kentucky Gentlemen

Thursday, September 19 | 4:10 p.m. - 4:40 p.m.
Bluegrass Situation Stage

Combining the country sounds of their roots with modern R&B and pop, Versailles, Ky. born and raised twin brothers Brandon and Derek Campbell are not just making their mark on the country music scene - they are redefining it. Their authenticity, coupled with their musical talent, has earned them a loyal fan base along with being named 2023 'Artist to Watch' by both NPR and Nashville's Country Music Almanac. The duo are also a part of the 2023-2024 Academy of Country Music “Future Leaders of The Music Industry” OnRamp Program.

Grace Bowers

Friday, September 20 | 1:50 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.
Beyonder Stage

What if I told you that one of the most gifted and most praised up-and-coming guitarists around was playing an early afternoon set at Bourbon & Beyond? And what if I told you this Gibson-endorsed guitarist has been sought after by world-famous musicians such as Eric Clapton, Dolly Parton, and Tyler Childers, among others? Now, what if I told you that this guitarist was only 17 years old? Would you believe me? Nashville-based blues, funk, rock phenom Grace Bowers and her band The Hodge Podge are absolutely one of the most incredible acts you have the opportunity to see at this year’s Bourbon & Beyond!

Abraham Alexander

Friday, September 20 | 4:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Yonder Stage

Born in Athens, Greece to Nigerian immigrants, Abraham Alexander and his family moved to Ft. Worth, TX when he was 11 to escape the racial tensions of his birthplace. Adopted after losing his mother in a car accident with a drunk driver, Abraham’s life changed for the better after he was given a guitar and found his true calling in life. With deep, introspective lyrics dealing with loss, redemption, longing, anguish, and joy backed musically by elements of folk, pop, rock, soul, R&B, and gospel, Abraham Alexander is undeniably one of the most powerful voices in new music.

New Dangerfield

Friday, September 20 | 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Bluegrass Situation Stage

New Dangerfield was originally conceptualized in 2023 by award-winning banjoist Tray Wellington, (who also plays a solo set at B&B on Saturday), who enlisted three other acclaimed Black roots musicians: multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Kaïa Kater, bassist Nelson Williams, and fiddler and singer Jake Blount. Together, they are torchbearers of liberating and bringing back what a century of forgetfulness and erasure has taken away - public awareness of the Black string band tradition. The band chose its name as a tribute to Dangerfield Newby, a Black man who raided Harper's Ferry with John Brown. Dangerfield's story reveals the moments of unspeakable tragedy and fierce resistance woven into the Black string band tradition. Love, grief, rage, and humor have been passed down in this music for hundreds of years; ancient emotions, now given voice in the music of New Dangerfield.

The Local Honeys

Sunday, September 22 | 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Bluegrass Situation Stage

Though many artists are defined by place, only a handful of artists come to define the places they’re from. The Local Honeys are Kentucky and Kentucky runs through their veins. For almost a decade, the duo of Montana Hobbs and Linda Jean Stokley have been defining the sound of real deal, honest-to-god Kentucky music. Carefully crafted vignettes of rural Kentucky soar above layers of deep grooves and rich tones. Rollicking banjo meets overdriven guitar hooks and blue collar rural grit is met with lush melodies and nimble harmonies. It’s clear the duo is poised to become the defining voices of a new Appalachia.

Louisville Bluegrass Band

Saturday, September 21 | 3:10 p.m. - 3:40 p.m.
Bluegrass Situation Stage

Formed in 2022, the Louisville Bluegrass Band has taken the area bluegrass scene by storm with their exciting mix of modern and traditional stylings of bluegrass, while composing a catalog of exciting and intricate originals. The band consists of former Classical Mandolin Society of America president and Grammy nominated mandolin and fiddle player Mike Schroeder, (Buzzard Rock String Band, Cloigheann, Louisville Mandolin Orchestra) - vocalist and dobro player Max Bishop, (Still Unknown, Stillhouse Prophets, Bulletproof Chicken) - banjo and vocalist Brannock McCartan, (Kentucky Borderline, SoulGrass) - and guitarist and vocalist Brandon Kindoll. The LBB brings one thing to their fans at every show they play….Real. Good. Bluegrass. Go see for yourself!

Jake Kohn

Sunday, September 22 | 12:20 p.m. - 12:50 p.m.
Barrel Stage

When I tell you you’re not going to believe the voice on this kid, I mean that literally. At only 16 years old, Winchester, Va. singer/songwriter/guitarist Jake Kohn has the voice of a man that has lived a thousand lives. His rich, raspy baritone voice fills the room when he sings, drawing comparisons to Joe Cocker and Janis Joplin, (personally, I was thinking more along the lines of Ray LaMontagne). He’s been called an old soul as much as his given name, and his talent has been described with such phrases as “once in a lifetime” and “lightning in a bottle.” Ladies and gentlemen meet Jake Kohn, your future Bourbon & Beyond headliner!