WINTER HAVEN — If you like bourbon and blues music, it will be a night to indulge in both. And even if you’re not particularly a fan of either, Bourbon and Blues 2018 is a fun way to support Winter Haven downtown development and a local music landmark.
The Bourbon and Blues festival gets underway at 6 p.m. Sept. 21 at Gram Parsons’ Derry Down, 297 Fifth St. NW. Now in its second year, the annual event includes live blues, bourbon tastings, barbecue, craft beer, wine and “mocktails” — non-alcoholic versions of famous cocktails. In addition, premium bourbon selections are available for purchase.
Proceeds from Bourbon and Blues go to Main Street Winter Haven and its support for Derry Down, a teen club and music venue opened for noted singer-songwriter musician Gram Parsons on Dec. 20, 1964. It was refurbished and reopened Sept. 1, 2016.
Anita Strang, executive director of Main Street Winter Haven Inc., said about $5,000 was raised through Bourbon and Blues in 2017. That money was used to pay the remaining debt associated with the building’s upgrades and proceeds this year will also go toward eliminating that debt.
The idea for Bourbon and Blues came from area residents who suggested a bourbon-focused festival.
Strang said about 75 people attended last year and the Main Street Winter Haven board hopes to increase that to at least 100 this year.
Hudson Baby Bourbon, Widow Jane, Whistle Pig 10 year, Elijah Craig Small Batch, High West Bourye, Basil Hayden 8 year, Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea, Clyde May’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Woodford Reserve and Angel’s Envy are some of the bourbons for tasting.
Damon Fowler, a Lakeland-based blues and roots-rock singer, songwriter, guitarist and music producer who released eight albums from 1999 to 2015, provides the entertainment. He said he is happy to be involved with helping to raise proceeds to maintain the historic music hall and will be playing some original songs as well as blues covers from artists such as Townes Van Zandt and Robert Johnson.
“I’m glad to help preserve the Derry Down and keep it rolling; it’s good to be a part of it,” he said.
Strang stressed Bourbon and Blues is for those older than 21.
“If you like bourbon, barbecue, beer and blues music, Bourbon and Blues is the event for you. The event is a great value at $60; it’s all-inclusive and the proceeds go to a great cause,” she said.
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