text: Bourbon BBQ & Bluegrass, Northwest Connecticut Arts Council, Zolla Boys | Berkshire Style
  Bourbon BBQ & Bluegrass
  Get your fancy bonnets ready and prepare for Saturday's 144th renewal of the Kentucky Derby, billed as "The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports." The race will be held as always, in Louisville KY but that doesn't mean northerners can't partake of the Southern charm of the event.
  The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council invites bourbon lovers and the "bourbon-curious" to celebrate the kickoff to the derby with Bourbon, Barbecue and Bluegrass Friday from 7-9PM at the Litchfield Distillery.
  Guests can taste handcrafted premium spirits and sample a selection of specialties from Smoke 'n' Barrel Barbecue. There will also be distillery tours and an auction drawing to add to the festivities.
  The auction drawing will include chances to win tickets to The Litchfield Jazz Festival, Infinity Hall, The Warner Theatre, The Palace Theatre as well as items ranging from books to bourbon, jewelry to glassware and workshops with artists and artisans.
  The Northwest Corners' Zolla Boys will provide the Bluegrass music for the event - 17- and 18-years-old brothers, Sam and Ben, on mandolin and guitar and their father, Larry, playing bass. They perform throughout New England and the Northeast and have been featured on award-winning festival stages—including the Grey Fox Emerging Artist Showcase, Blistered Fingers, Podunk and Joe Val Bluegrass Festival.
  The award-winning Litchfield Distillery is owned and operated by Jack and David Baker. The Distillery's Batchers' series includes three handcrafted, premium spirits: Batchers' Bourbon Whiskey, Batchers' eight-year Double Barreled Bourbon Whisky and Batchers' Gin as well as flavored vodkas.
  Proceeds from the event benefit the Arts Council, which promotes the arts and cultural resources of Northwestern Connecticut. Tickets are $50 when purchased in advance and $60 at the door, if there are tickets remaining.
  This event is limited to 75 patrons. Advanced tickets may be purchased online. For more information about the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council or the Bourbon, BBQ and Bluegrass benefit call 860-618-0075 or visit the link below.