The highly anticipated annual fundraiser invites guests to enjoy top-shelf sips, delicious food, tempting auctions, and more in support of OZ Arts’ innovative artistic and educational programs
Contemporary arts center OZ Arts Nashville will welcome hundreds of revelers seeking to enjoy a diverse array of drinks and food for its latest edition of the popular annual fundraiser Beyond Bourbon: A Benefit Bash for OZ Arts. Set to be held on September 27, 2023 at 7 p.m. in OZ Arts Nashville’s unique creative warehouse, this year’s Beyond Bourbon will continue the event’s mission of raising funds to support the nonprofit’s next era of performances and visual arts offerings, as well as innovative educational art offerings for youth.
In a nod to the facility’s history as a converted cigar warehouse, Beyond Bourbon is inspired by decades of exceptional consumer events featuring the founding Ozgener family’s cigar brands. In honor of the warehouse’s celebrated past, party-goers will discover more than 30 different high-end spirits, cocktails, wines and beers alongside delicious food by local favorite Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint.
Platinum sponsors for this year’s event include Gibson Foundation, Milton and Denice Johnson Family Foundation and UBS. The event is co-chaired by a diverse group of local leaders who have made extraordinary impacts on the Nashville community, including:
- Alice Farquhar, global brand education & training manager at Belvedere Vodka, and Max Goldberg, co-owner & managing partner at Strategic Hospitality
- Amanda Church, principal designer at Amanda Church Design and Cesar Gueikian, president & CEO at Gibson Brands
- Tracy Hardin, vice president & CFO at Don Hardin Group, and Don Hardin, president & CEO, Don Hardin Group
- Kelly and Mark Lombardi, business leaders for US and Canada at GE Healthcare Financial Services
“OZ is exceptionally grateful for the support we have received for our Beyond Bourbon fundraisers over the years, and we’re thrilled to welcome our supporters, patrons and friends into the next decade of impactful contemporary arts programming at OZ,” said Tim Ozgener, Co-Founder and President of OZ Arts Nashville. “We’re excited to host our community for yet another memorable evening of delicious tastings and high-end brand partnerships as we raise proceeds to support our unique arts education programs and the work of contemporary artists across the world.”
Standard benefit tickets are $250 and include access to the main party at 7 p.m. For those looking for an even more elevated experience, VIP Patron tickets will be available again this year and include an unforgettable, pre-event tasting featuring exceptional brands and expert hosts. VIP partygoers can choose from one of four limited-capacity, luxury tasting experiences including Pappy Van Winkle, Willett, Harlan Estate Wines, and Belvedere.
- Pappy Van Winkle VIP Experience: $1,000
Gain access to one of the most sought-after bourbons in the world with this specially curated vertical tasting presented by Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery.
- Willett Family Estate VIP Experience: $1,000
John G. Brittle, Jr. of Whiskey House Nashville will lead an exclusive tasting of eight premium Willett Family Estate bottles.
- Napa Valley Vineyards VIP Experience: $750
Mark Lombardi showcases the best of Napa Valley with selections from his enviable private collection. Experience luxury California wines including internationally renowned labels Bond, Cardinale, and M. Étain.
- Belvedere Martini VIP Experience: $500
Nashville hospitality power couple Max Goldberg and Alice Farquhar have created an incredible luxury cocktail experience for a limited number of guests. Max and Alice will hand-craft delicious martinis made from signature bottles of premium Belvedere Vodka.
Additionally, guests will be able to sample special products by Ozgener Family Cigars, Crowned Heads and Canvast Supply, Co. in the venue’s beautiful gardens.
The Beyond Bourbon fundraiser provides an excellent opportunity for local businesses and organizations to gain visibility at one of the top philanthropic events in the city and support the diverse and essential local arts scene. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Nicholas Gulick, director of development, at nick@ozartsnashville.org or 615-350-7200.
Tickets for the fundraiser are on sale now. For additional details, please visit www.ozartsnashville.org/beyond-bourbon-2023.
Founded in 2013 by the Ozgener family, OZ Arts Nashville has quickly established itself as one of the Southeast’s most influential and respected producers and presenters focused on the creation and presentation of significant performing and visual artworks by diverse cultural visionaries who are making vital contributions to the evolution of contemporary culture. Through performances, exhibitions, and community events, OZ Arts focuses on producing and presenting the work of local and visiting artists who reflect our diverse society, utilize new artistic forms and technology in creative ways, and provide opportunities for meaningful engagement with audiences, students and cultural and civic leaders. OZ Arts’ unique creative warehouse has developed a reputation as a major national and regional laboratory for experimentation and a home for contemporary dance and performance. More than 50,000 audience members have been introduced to adventurous artists from around the world since the organization opened, and hundreds of local and regional artists have used OZ’s 10,000 square-foot warehouse theater to develop new works. For more information, please visit ozartsnashville.org.
