When Bourbon & Beyond announced its 2023 festival headliners, which include Bruno Mars, The Killers, Brandi Carlile, and The Black Keys, there were lots of "oohs and ahhs." Then, as we read deeper into the lineup of more than 65 acts, our reaction was more like, "Wait, what?"
Looking beyond the headliners, this year's festival is sprinkled with surprises and singular appearances we didn't expect, but are excited to see at the four-day music and spirits fest.
Here are some undercard performances, and bourbon tastings, not to miss at this year's Bourbon & Beyond Festival, held Sept. 14-17 at the Highland Festival Grounds, 937 Phillips Lanes, in Louisville:
How to see Wayne Newton perform at Bourbon & Beyond 2023
"Mr. Las Vegas" himself, Wayne Newton, is taking a road trip to Louisville for a slot at Bourbon & Beyond. The 81-year-old entertainer plays 13 instruments (usually only one time) and has been a mainstay on "The Strip" for more than 60 years. We're 99.9% positive Newton is the only musician performing at the festival who personally knew members of the Rat Pack — Frank Sintra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.
He's performing Friday at 1:40 p.m. on the Selvarey Oak Stage. He's also scheduled to be a special guest on the Kentucky Venues Bourbon Stage for "Smokin' and Sippin,'" a bourbon and cigar workshop from 4:40-5:15 p.m.
We have to say "Danke Shoen" (thank you) to the festival producers for booking this legend on the 2023 lineup.
Luke Grimes, of 'Yellowstone' fame, to perform at Bourbon & Beyond
"Yellowstone" actor and country music starLuke Grimes is taking time off from riding the range to perform Saturday at the festival. With"Yellowstone," which also stars Kevin Costner, on hold for the foreseeable future, the 39-year-old Dayton, Ohio native has plenty of time to devote to his music career. (For what it's worth for "Yellowstone" fans, a sequel series is slated to air in December 2023.)
This summer, Grimes is on tour, performing at fairs and festivals around the country. He'll appear at Bourbon & Beyond on Saturday at 1:40 p.m. at the T-Mobile Barrel Stage.
'I'm lovin' it' and Willie Jones at Bourbon & Beyond
The "swaggy country" sound of Willie Jones is exactly what fast food giant McDonald's wanted to sell its summer-themed frozen drinks. Now the former "X Factor" constant brings his upbeat country sound to the T-Mobile Barrel Stage Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
McDonald's Presents Willie Jones
Wear your comfy boots to the concert, Jone's new album is definitely "Something To Dance To."
Kentuckiana Grammy winner Michael Cleveland at Bourbon & Beyond
We are thrilled to see a 2019 Grammy Award winner and Charlestown, Indiana resident Michael Cleveland on the festival's opening day lineup. A graduate of the Kentucky School for the Blind, Cleveland is a renowned bluegrass musician who has played with Bela Fleck, Alison Krauss, and many others.
For the first time since 2019, Cleveland and his band Flamekeepers will bring its special brand of award-winning bluegrass to the Bluegrass Situation Stage on Thursday at 4:15 p.m.
'Vampire Diaries' actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesleyare back at Bourbon & Beyond
Not performing on the music stage, but definitely putting on a show, actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley of "The Vampire Diaries" are returning to Bourbon & Beyond in 2023. In 2022, the duo and founders of Brother's Bond Bourbon drew a huge crowd, so get to the Bourbon Venue Bourbons Stage early on Friday. Somerhalder and Wesley will be guests on The Firkin Podcast at 6:05 p.m.
'Outlander' star Graham McTavish brings McTavish Spirits to Bourbon & Beyond
Making his debut appearance at 2023 Bourbon & Beyond, actor and whiskey aficionado Graham McTavish ("Outlander," "The Hobbit," and "Men in Kilts") will share his first American whiskey McTavish Spirits. According to its website, the spirit is "sweet vanilla on the tip of the tongue. The rye gives it a nice subtle spice and dark cherry on the back of the palate. A gentle tingle that goes down the back of your throat with a medium long finish."
Yum! Be sure to grab your spot at the Kentucky Venues Bourbon Stage on Thursday at 6 p.m. for a sip.
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.
