Two-day bourbon, music festival hits Capaha Park this weekend

Barrel ’n Brews — a two-day bourbon and music festival — will be held Friday, Aug. 23, and Saturday, Aug. 24, at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau.

The event starts at 3 p.m. Friday and will end at 11 p.m. Saturday.

Barrel ’n Brews will feature live entertainment, spirits, vendors, food trucks and more.

The weekend music lineup is packed with something for everyone. The four bands playing Friday are DJ Nune, Pfunk Dat, Wisemary and Pink Houses. The lineup for Sunday will by DJ Charlie Chan Soprano, Next of Kin, Jesus Christ Supercar and the Just In Time Band.

With more than 50 bourbons, a dozen whiskeys and special selection options for Barrel ’n Brews, there is a tasting for almost anyone. There will also be more than 50 tequilas, including VIP tastings.

Barrel ’n Brews will offer a wide selection of tequilas and mezcals to taste or enjoy in a cocktail. Other spirits will include rum, cream, vodka, gin and sparkling/cognac/cordial.

While there will be plenty of drinks going around, there will also be food vendors to soak it all up.

“It’s not just an event, it’s a celebration of fine spirits, local vendors, and music under the open sky,” the Barrel ’n Brews website states.

The Barrel ’n Brews website provides information on the event’s musical entertainment:

DJ Nune’s blend of horns, electric sounds and vocals forms an explosive combination. A respected trombonist, producer and arranger, Lamar Harris has shared the stage with as Musiq Soul Child, Bilal and Earth Wind & Fire!

Pfunk Dat is a local band renowned for its vibrant fusion of funk, rock and soul. The band’s lineup features musicians from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique flair to the group.

During the 2020 pandemic quarantine, Wisemary, an all-American rock band from St. Louis, emerged. Formed in high school around a shared passion for classic rock, the band was discovered by Grammy-nominated producer Carl Nappa, who recognized its potential. The band transformed into a polished alternative rock group.

Pink Houses is a John Mellencamp cover band, based in St. Louis. Celebrating the heartland rock legend’s music, the band delivers spirited performances of Mellencamp’s greatest hits.

Longtime St. Louis DJ Charlie Chan Soprano is not new to the performance scene. Charlie Chan was the DJ for Run DMC, helping create popular songs such as “It’s Tricky” and “Walk This Way” featuring Aerosmith.

Next of Kin is the local band that brings the party with their ’90s country covers. From heartfelt ballads to toe-tapping anthems, its shows are a trip down memory lane filled with favorite ’90s country hits.

St. Louis power trio Jesus Christ Supercar came to be in 2018 and still hasn’t let up the gas. When frontman Collin McCabe (bass/synth) arrived back in his hometown, he came with a mission to assemble a new project reflecting his vision of a rock band that could write driving and catch pop songs.

Just In Time Band, a St. Louis-based party band, creates a party atmosphere that immerses the audience in today’s hottest pop, R&B and hip-hop hits. The group features singer/dancer Justin Clay. The talented vocalist and mesmerizing mover is well known in the St. Louis club scene for his exciting, high-energy dance moves on stage.

Tickets start at $25. Attendees must be 21 years old.

For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, visit the Barrel ’n Brews website at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/barrelandbrews/1131598.