Beyond Bourbon 2026 - OZ Arts Nashville

Wednesday, September 23, 2026
7PM

Honorary Chairs

Denice and Milton Johnson

Co-Chairs

Jenn and Rob Adams
Dr. Robert C. Sherrill
Nicole & C.R. Smith

You’re invited to an indulgent evening at Beyond Bourbon, where OZ Arts transforms into a festive party palace for one unforgettable night. Sip your way through dozens of spirits, wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages, all while raising a glass to the vibrant future of the contemporary arts center. Rooted in the Ozgener family’s cigar legacy and the building’s history as a cigar warehouse, the popular fall fundraiser helps support the artists, performances, and programs that bring OZ Arts to life.

Packed with irresistible indulgences, your benefit ticket invites you to explore more than 25 exciting beverage brands, savor delicious eats by Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, sample luxury smokes from Ozgener Family Cigars, and bid on a dazzling assortment of live and silent auction items. The spirited night of food and drink directly supports OZ Arts’ educational and artistic programs, including the upcoming international season of dance, theater, and multidisciplinary performances featuring world-class artists from seven countries alongside visionary Nashville creators.

The silent auction is now open, and you don’t have to be present at the event to participate! Bidding ends Wednesday, September 23 at 9:30PM. The live auction will take place during the event.

Standard Tickets

7PM Main Event

General Admission: $150 per person

Generous Admission: $250 per person

Includes $100 of additional support for OZ Arts — thank you!

VIP TICKETS

5:30PM VIP Tasting Experience
7PM Main Event

$500–$1200 per person

Support OZ Arts at the patron level with one of four unforgettable, pre-event tastings featuring exceptional brands and expert hosts. VIP experiences are limited to as few as 10 guests per tasting and are expected to sell out quickly.

From Napa to Bourbon: The Phifer Pavitt Experience
$750 per person

Hosted by Founder & She-EO Suzanne Phifer Pavitt

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For the first time, Founder & She-EO Suzanne Phifer Pavitt will lead guests through the complete Phifer Pavitt wine-to-whiskey story in an intimate tasting created for Beyond Bourbon, OZ Arts Nashville’s signature fall fundraiser. For more than two decades, an independent spirit has defined Phifer Pavitt — from its approach to Napa Valley winemaking to the entrepreneurial vision behind the brand. Now, that same sense of curiosity and conviction takes on a new expression as Phifer Pavitt brings together two great American traditions: Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and exceptionally aged American whiskey.

Guests will experience four highly allocated pours through two distinct wine-to-whiskey pairings: DATE NIGHT Cabernet Sauvignon with LATE NIGHT, an 11-year Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished for 13 months in DATE NIGHT Cabernet Sauvignon barrels at 107 proof; followed by RESERVE Cabernet Sauvignon with RESERVE, a 12-year Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished for 24 months in Phifer Pavitt RESERVE Cabernet Sauvignon barrels and bottled at 115 proof, cask strength.

With Southern roots of her own and more than 22 years spent building Phifer Pavitt in Napa Valley, Suzanne will share the story behind this next chapter—and the artistry of giving the winery’s Cabernet barrels a remarkable second life. Along the way, guests will discover how wine, French oak, time, and craftsmanship shape the whiskeys that emerge.

Limited to just 16 guests, this first-ever Founder-led wine and bourbon tasting offers a rare opportunity to experience Phifer Pavitt from both sides of the barrel while supporting OZ Arts Nashville and its mission to create innovative and accessible artistic opportunities throughout Middle Tennessee. As part of the experience, guests will also receive access to a limited Phifer Pavitt Spirits allocation, currently available by invitation only.

Agave Hour: Tequila & Mezcal with the Ozgeners
$500 per person

Hosted by Tim & Arnita Ozgener

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Join Tim and Arnita Ozgener for an intimate tasting drawn from their personal collection of tequila and mezcal. Sample favorites discovered over the years, including Leyenda 1925 and special finds gathered during the Ozgeners’ travels, with stories and insights behind the pours.

Reserved exclusively for VIP guests, Agave Hour offers a chance to start your Beyond Bourbon experience before the doors open to the main party. Sip, mingle, and discover a few hard-to-find favorites alongside the Ozgeners, with a curated selection of agave spirits and a cocktail or two to keep things lively.

Pappy Van Winkle Experience
$1,200 per person

Hosted by Jason Eskind & Bret Moore

SOLD OUT

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Enjoy a specially curated tasting of one of the most coveted bourbons in the world: Pappy Van Winkle. This exceptionally rare experience is led by bourbon aficionado and whiskey historian Jason Eskind, founder of The Eskind Foundation and President of Best Brands, Inc., and Bret Moore, President and CEO of Cool Springs Wine & Spirits.

World Cup 2026 Revisited: Spain vs. Argentina
$750 per person

Hosted by Pamela and Tony Cmelak

SOLD OUT

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The first round was settled on the soccer field. Now, Spain and Argentina meet again — this time in the glass.

Join wine enthusiasts Pamela and Tony Cmelak for a spirited head-to-head tasting featuring 12 highly rated wines from two of the world’s great wine-producing countries. Structured like a championship match, the tasting moves from a “First Half” of four expressive whites to a “Second Half” of lighter reds, followed by “Extra Time” and a “Penalty Shootout” of showstopping final pours.

Guests will explore the distinctive grapes, regions, and winemaking traditions of Argentina and Spain, with selections ranging from Albariño and Sémillon to Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Malbec, Monastrell, and celebrated red blends. The lineup features acclaimed and hard-to-find wines from producers including Susana Balbo, El Enemigo, Viña Tondonia, Pingus, Casa Castillo, Cheval des Andes, and Ferrer Bobet.

Which country will claim the rematch? That decision is yours.

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Milton and Denice Johnson
Family Foundation

The Sandra Schatten
Foundation

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Liz Kennedy Thomas

MEDIA SPONSORS

Host Committee

Julia Baker
Dwan Branson
Scott Chambers
Erika and Chris Claybrook
Chase Cole
Sera and Adam Cremona
Sherri and Tim Crowley
Ann Waller Curtis
Georgette and Shervin Eftekhari
Jennifer and Billy Frist
Alice and Max Goldberg
Tracy and Donald Hardin
Jeanetta and James Harper
Alp and Mine Ikizler
Marjean Coddon and Henry Johs
Anne O’Duffy and Jim Kelley
Ashley Layendecker
Meredith and Corey Lile
Vickie and Howard Mertz
Don Murray III
Aylin Ozgener
Arnita and Tim Ozgener
Senton Pojani
Meera Ballal and Seenu Reddy
Laurie and James Seabury
Katie Shaw
Janna Eaton and Brooks Smith
Kelly Mason and Mike Smith
Eric Cook and Jason Somerville
Natasha Spears
Laquita Stribling
Hope Stringer
Josephine VanDevender and Giles Ward
Sarah and Jimmy Wilson
Ryan and Barrett Wood
Shelley and Ken Youngstead
Kacey Cardin and Jeff Zacharski
Leonora Zilkha Williamson

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Interested in sponsoring this year’s event? Sponsors make OZ Arts’ innovative arts programming possible and receive benefits like special recognition and complimentary tickets. Contact Nicholas Gulick, Director of Development, at nick@ozartsnashville.org to explore sponsorship opportunities.