Nashville Scene

Did you know that knowledge of cigars and cigar service have long been a part of the exam for entrance into the Court of Master Sommeliers? Despite the fact that you can’t actually smoke a stogie in the vast majority of restaurants anymore, cigars, food and drink have been linked for years. So it actually makes sense that the folks at OZ Arts Nashville, the West Nashville Arts and Events center started by the Ozgener family who formerly owned CAO cigars, would organize a fundraising event that brings together all three.The event, which raises funds for the OZ Nashville’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is called CigArt and is planned for 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at OZ Arts, 6172 Cockrill Bend Circle.In addition to cigars from Crowned Heads, barbecue from Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint and drinks crafted by Drink Music City, the evening will feature a silent auction that includes works of art by CAO/OZ founder Cano Ozgener. Affected by synesthesia for most of his life, Ozgener creates art that is a fascinating combination of numbers and colors, many of which revolve around representations of the numeral for the mathematical constant pi.It sounds like it should be a first-class event, so if you want to tap into the enjoyment of good food, drinks and cigars, while helping one of the city’s most vital arts organizations, head to the event website for ticket information.