'Having this in our city is incredible.' Relive all the Day 1 action at Bourbon & Beyond

It's back! Bourbon & Beyond, the world's largest bourbon and music festival, is taking over the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville now through Sunday.

The celebration of great music and whiskey is known for offering dozens of specialty bars and exciting musical performances across four days. This year, more than 65 musical acts in total will perform at the festival, including headliners Bruno Mars, The Killers, Brandi Carlile (who returns after an incredible set in 2022), and The Black Keys. Recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Duran Duran plus Billy Strings, The Black Crowes, Blondie, The Avett Brothers, Train, Hozier, Jon Batiste, Brittany Howard and more will also play Bourbon & Beyond 2023.

Besides four days of music from more than 65 musical acts in Americana, roots, blues, country and rock n roll, the festival offers a range of culinary programming from some of the country's top chefs and a wide palette of bourbon tastings and workshops celebrating the rich culture of Kentucky.

And we'll be there all weekend. Follow along with our live updates to see all the action and happenings at Bourbon & Beyond.

9:45 p.m.: 'I'm really, really proud and grateful Bourbon & Beyond gave us a shot'

Bourbon & Beyond darling Brandi Carlile took the stage just after 9 p.m. Thursday as the headline act after an "unforgettable" performance at the festival in 2022.

"I am really, really proud and grateful that Bourbon & Beyond gave us a shot at this spot tonight," she said. "I can't believe we got to come back here so soon."

Closing out the first day of the festival, vocal powerhouse Carlile played from her newest album, deeper cuts from earlier albums and reimagined favorites.

Danny Wimmer, of Danny Wimmer Presents, the parent company behind Bourbon & Beyond, said earlier this year the team was "totally blown away by Brandi Carlile’s performance at Bourbon & Beyond last year. She is the voice of a generation and her set had such an impact on the crowd, we immediately knew we had to bring her back as a headliner."

8:40 p.m.: Crowds dance the night away to Billy Strings at Bourbon & Beyond

As the sun started to set Thursday, crowds were full of energy and dancing to Billy Strings, who took to the Selvary Oak Stage just before 8 p.m.

8 p.m.: 'This is a lot bigger than I thought'

Coworkers Ryan O’Malley and Josh Rondon were taking in their first Bourbon & Beyond Thursday, eagerly awaiting The Killers to take the stage Friday.

“This is a lot bigger than I thought,” O’Malley said. “Price of admission was worth it just to see who we wanted to see.”

Trying to make some late-summer memories, Rondon said his first visit to Kentucky has been marked so far by lots of friendly faces.

“I’m excited to meet new people, especially camping out here for the next couple of days,” he said.

The friends, from Detroit, were counting down the hours until hearing one song in particular.

“If you want to test the integrity of your floors, play ‘Mr. Brightside,’” O’Malley said.

“It’s my karaoke go-to,” Rondon added.

7:30 p.m.: 'Having this festival in our city is incredible'

Numerous people in the crowd danced and sang along during Train's set Thursday. Casey, of Louisville, said this is her second year attending Bourbon & Beyond with her husband Bobby.

"We’re most excited to see The Black Keys, Brandi Carlie, and Bruno Mars,” she said. "Having this festivalin our city is incredible. Love it, love it, love it."

Another group of friends traveled from Indianapolis for the four-day festival and were celebrating more than just the music.

“This is this girl’s last fling before the ring. Thirty days from now she’ll be married,” a woman named Briana said while dancing along to the Train set. "There is nothing like a little bit of booze and music to get your soul right.”

Closeby was another group of fans who were looking forward to The Avett Brothers set on Saturday and traveled all the way from Atlanta, Georgia.

"We’re big Avett Brothers fans and I would add City of Colour," said Lauren, from Atlanta. “My husband has come to Louder Than Life a couple of times and now it’s our turn.”

7:15 p.m.: Crowds pack in to watch Midland, Train at Bourbon & Beyond

The evening crowd at Thursday Bourbon & Beyond enjoyed some country vibes while listening to the band Midland. The band is not from Midland but from Dripping Springs, Texas. (Yes, that place does exist).

Trevor Angel and Olivia Beutel, best friends since high school, got to the festival — their first — in time Thursday evening to catch Train.

Beutel scored tickets for the four-day festival through work.

“I’m here for the music, here for the vibes,” she said.

Angel said he was most excited for festival closer Bruno Mars on Sunday, though Train was a great kick-off to the festival weekend.

“It’s nice it’s not too crowded yet,” said Angel, “I like the atmosphere. Everyone seems to be happy.”

6:35 p.m.: 'Outlander' star Graham McTavish promotes new bourbon McTavish Spirits' The Warchief

“Outlander” star and Scotland native Graham McTavish shared with the Bourbon & Beyond crowd that he was “terribly arrogant” about bourbon for the longest time.

But when he first tried it, to his shock, he preferred it over scotch.

“I felt like I was cheating on Scotland,” he said.

Promoting his new bourbon, McTavish Spirits’ The Warchief, the actor said he had no idea the “sheer amount of drinking” the research and development process took.

The whiskey, aged seven years, made its bottle debut on the first day of the music and bourbon festival.

“It very modestly has my name on it,” he said, drawing cheers from the audience. “In all seriousness, I’m very proud of it.”

“I love Kentucky,” he said.

I’ve always felt very at home here,” he said of the south, commenting on the Scottish roots in many southern towns.

“The people remind me of people I know back in Scotland.”

6 p.m.: 'A really cool mix of food and music'

Regina Henderson sat Thursday afternoon in the shade of a poster tower, fresh off listening to one of her bucket list bands, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors.

She drove down from Indianapolis for not just her first Bourbon & Beyond but her first-ever music festival.

Though flying solo for the four-day festival, she found good company with other shade seekers.

“I met a random dude and we just sat here and talked for 45 minutes,” she said. “I’ve not met an unfriendly person yet.”

High ticket prices kept the single mother from festivals in the past, Henderson said, but when she saw the “super diverse lineup,” she splurged.

“There’s probably at least two acts each day that are on my concert bucket list, so why not?” she said. “I don’t think there are a lot of places you can go where you start with Brandi Carlile and end with Bruno Mars.”

Henderson, a violinist, was also excited about an upcoming cooking showcase featuring Louisville chef Ed Lee and Joe Kwon, the cellist for The Avett Brothers.

“I thought that was a really cool mix of food and the music,” she said.

5:35 p.m.: Blues legend Buddy Guy rocks in front of a growing crowd

Blues legend Buddy Guy, dressed in comfy-looking overalls and a polka dot shirt, is the perfect late-afternoon act for this ever-growing crowd at Thursday’s Bourbon & Beyond.

Here's a reminder about the afternoon and evening lineup:

T-Mobile Barrel Stage:

• Train: 6:45-7:45 p.m.

• Brandi Carlile: 9:15-10:55 p.m.

Selvary Oak Stage

• Midland: 5:40-6:40 p.m.

• Billy Strings: 7:50-9:10 p.m.

The Bluegrass Situation Stage

• Kelsey Waldon: 5:45-6:45 p.m.

5:25 p.m.: Gallery features art by Janis Joplin, Mick Fleetwood, Jimi Hendrix and more

Looking to add to your art collection? There's a massive gallery, called "Art and Sound" in the middle of Bourbon & Beyond, with artworks from numerous famous musicians, including Janis Joplin, Grace Slick from Jefferson Airplane, Mick Fleetwood and more.

"We have Janis Joplin over here. She did all this artwork before she passed away and then they were reproduced into limited editions," a volunteer named Michelle told the Courier Journal Thursday.

All the artwork is for sale and can be purchased on-site or shipped. Proceeds benefit Artists for Trauma, a new-to-Louisville nonprofit that " aims to expedite recovery through artistic expression and human connection, providing a creative portal to help patients process complex emotions, regain confidence and build self-acceptance after suffering a traumatic experience," according to its website.

"We have [works by] John Lennon, most of which are signed by Yoko Ono," she added. "There's so much to come and see."

5:10 p.m.: Check out the poster towers at Bourbon & Beyond

One of the coolest art installations on the Highland Festival Grounds each year at Bourbon & Beyond is the poster towers, which feature everything from your favorite band's album cover to murals of Louisville's own Muhammad Ali.

Plus, they provide shade, which is at a premium!

4:45 p.m.: A sober-inclusive lounge space has returned for a second year to the Bourbon and Beyond Festival

A sober-inclusive lounge space has returned for a second year to the Bourbon and Beyond festival.

“We know that part of the solution to addiction is communities, is not feeling isolated, is knowing other people are there with you,” said Kelsey Stalnaker, with the 1 Million Strong campaign. “We’re not asking anybody to change their drinking habits. We’re just saying also include spaces for people who want a different festival experience.”

The effort aims to get 1 million people connected with the nonprofit The Phoenix, a free, sober active community that hosts programming for those impacted by substance use.

The campaign is focusing on the music industry, in which Stalnaker said self-survey shows problematic substance use is overrepresented.

The organization has been to nearly a dozen music festivals this year, hosting sober-inclusive spaces for music fans.

A fun, welcoming space for sober individuals hasn’t always been the norm at large music festivals, she said.

“It was kind of sad. It was two folding chairs and one person who may or may not have any recovery experience,” she said.

The campaign’s tent at Bourbon & Beyond is in the thick of activity, across from the Big Bourbon Bar. The space is designed to provide a welcoming, lounge-like atmosphere with white cushioned couches, mocktails and a photo booth.

“It’s all about building community,” she said. “And sort of giving you different touch points for what sober can look like at a music festival.”

4 p.m.: So, what's the best outfit at Bourbon & Beyond?

Reporter Kirby Adams ran into "Jason the Hippie" from Northern Indiana, who was wearing a bright red cape with a Superman logo emblazoned on the back. He said he wears it so his friends can always find him in a crowd.

"They stopped allowing totems into concerts, for you to find your friends in your pod," years ago, he said. "But you can spot the cape from a mile away. Also, it's water resistant and it keeps you warm when the sun goes down."

Maybe capes are the fashion trend to spot at Bourbon & Beyond this year. We'll keep you posted.

3:40 p.m.: A cooking demo with Food Network's Maneet Chauhan and Chris Santos

Bourbon & Beyond also features two culinary stages, one that focuses on food and cooking demos and one that focuses on bourbon releases and tastings. Early in the day Tuesday, people were treated to a cooking demo with Food Network's Maneet Chauhan and Chris Santos.

Later in the day will be a panel called "Fire It Up" with Kamado Joe's Tom Jackson (hosted by Amanda Freitag).

3:25 p.m.: 'In-your-face bluegrass:' Backstage with Grammy Award winner Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper

Charlestown, Indiana native and Grammy Award winner Michael Cleveland is performing Thursday at the Bluegrass Situation Stage with his band, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper.

Asked what people can expect from his set, he said "We're gonna play high energy, in-your-face bluegrass. That's what we like to play."

If you're out there, don't miss the set at 4:15 p.m. today.

3:15 p.m.: Catching up with Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors backstage at Bourbon & Beyond

Courier Journal reporter Kirby Adams caught up with Drew Holcomb of Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors backstage at Bourbon & Beyond. Holcomb is touring with his new album, "Strangers No More," which came out in June.

"It's going real good. We're excited to be back out on the road," he said.

2 p.m.: Make sure you look for the correct entrance gate, music fans

Are you a General Admission ticket holder or do you have a VIP pass? Before you make the trek to the wrong entrance gate, be sure you are headed toward the correct gate. There are signs pointing you in the right direction for both but it is easy to start walking with the crowd and end up at the wrong gate.

1:45 p.m.: Thousands funnel into festival grounds

Thousands of music and bourbon fans are already crowding the Highland Festival Grounds, ready to take in all the festival has to offer. Around 1:45 p.m., the entrance gates were line-free and the parking lot still had plenty of empty space.

Last year, Bourbon & Beyond broke an attendance record of 140,000 and the festival and its sister festival, Louder Than Life, which begins next week, brought in $43 million. This year the festival hopes to break even more records.

1:05 p.m.: First bands of the four-day festival take the stage

Crowds are streaming into the Highland Festival Grounds and the first few acts have taken the stage. Fans watched Stephen Wilson Jr. on the Barrel Stage Thursday early afternoon. Crowds are expected to swell as it gets later in the day ahead of headliner Brandi Carlile.

12 p.m.: The gates are open at Bourbon & Beyond

It's here! The gates are finally open at Bourbon & Beyond! First up is Vivi Rincon on the Selvary Oak Stage followed by Stephen Wilson, Jr. at 12:15 p.m. on the T-Mobile Barrel Stage.

10:45 a.m.: Road closures around Highland Festival Grounds

Heading to Bourbon & Beyond today? You might need a heads-up about some road closures in the area.

Gate 1 of the Kentucky Exposition Center, where parking is located, is closed, so people going to the festivals will need to use Preston Highway to enter through Gate 6 or Crittenden Drive to access Gate 2 and Gate 4.

Phillips Lane from Preston Highway to Freedom Way has been closed since Sept. 4. There are a few interstate ramp closures that might impact your drive, too:

Insterstate ramp closures: Sept. 14-17 from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.

• Interstate 264 Eastbound ramp to Phillips Lane / Kentucky Exposition Center Gate 1

• Interstate 264 Westbound ramp to Phillips Lane / Kentucky Exposition Center Gate 1

• Interstate 65 Northbound ramp to Phillips Lane / Kentucky Exposition Center Gate 1

• Interstate 65 Southbound ramp to Phillips Lane / Kentucky Exposition Center Gate 1

9:30 a.m.: Sunny skies are expected at Bourbon & Beyond Thursday

Prepare for sunny weather! Brian Schoettmer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Louisville, said that "at least the first half of the festivals are going to be dry." Thursday calls for sun, with a high of 83 degrees. Thursday night will be mostly clear, with a low of around 53 degrees.

Throughout the entire weekend, the NWS predicts warm and pleasant weather with sunny skies.

Whose performing Thursday at Bourbon & Beyond?

Here's the lineup for Bourbon & Beyond on Thursday, Sept. 14:

T-Mobile Barrel Stage

• Stephen Wilson, Jr: 12:15-12:45 p.m.

• Brandy Clark: 1:30-2:05 p.m.

• Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors: 3-3:45 p.m.

• Buddy Guy: 4:45-5:35 p.m.

• Train: 6:45-7:45 p.m.

• Brandi Carlile: 9:15-10:55 p.m.

Selvarey Oak Stage

• Vivi Rincon: 11:45 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.

• John Primer: 12:50-1:25 p.m.

• The Lone Bellow: 2:10-2:55 p.m.

• Mavis Staples: 3:50-4:40 p.m.

• Midland: 5:40-6:40 p.m.

• Billy Strings: 7:50-9:10 p.m.

The Bluegrass Situation Stage

• Myron Elkins: 12:30-1:15 p.m.

• Clay Street Unit: 1:45-2:30 p.m.

• Two Runner: 3-3:45 p.m.

• Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper: 4:15-5:15 p.m.

• Kelsey Waldon: 5:45-6:45 p.m.

Bourbon & Beyond 2023 Monogram Culinary Stage

Including free tasting at every panel

• 3-3:30 p.m.: Spice It Up with Maneet Chauhan (hosted by Chris Santos)

• 4:35-5:05 p.m.: Fire It Up with Kamado Joe's Tom Jackson (hosted by Amanda Freitag)

Bourbon & Beyond 2023 Kentucky Venues Bourbon Stage

Each panel includes a free tasting

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• 2:10-2:55 p.m.: The Firkin Podcast LIVE: Every Drink Tells a Story(hosted by Chris Blandford & Brian Probus)

• 3:35-4:30 p.m.: A Seat at the Table: Grand Traditions with Fresh Perspectives (moderated by Jamar Mack, Kentucky Original Black Bourbon Enthusiasts.) Panelists: Melissa Rift, Master Taster, Old Forester; Richie Michaels, Uncle Nearest; Tracey & Scott Jacobs, Inclusion Brands; Rob Dietrich, Blackened American Whiskey

• 5:10-5:50 p.m.: It’s a Family Affair: Generations of Whiskey (moderated by Chris Blandford.) Panelists: Eddie Russell, master distiller, Wild Turkey; Bruce Russell, associate blender and national ambassador, Wild Turkey

• 6-6:30 p.m.: McTavish Spirits Bottle release with actor Graham McTavish (hosted by Chris Blandford)

Where can I park Thursday at Bourbon & Beyond?

General parking will be available at the Kentucky Expo Center for a daily fee of $30. Parking is not reserved and your vehicle will be parked based on your arrival time and entrance point into the Kentucky Expo Center parking lots. Visit any of the Entrance Gates at the Kentucky Exposition Center, including Gate 2, Gate 4, and Gate 6. It is suggested to arrive early if you’d like to park on-site.

Parking lots open at 10 a.m. Cash will be accepted.

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Live blog: Bourbon and Beyond music festival returns in Louisville