Home to the world’s most popular sour mash, the Lynchburg distillery is the sole producer of the fine export and today holds 2.3 million barrels of whiskey in 88 barrel houses. No matter where you are in the world, if you order a JD you can expect the same taste and quality that businessman and founder Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel intended more than seven generations ago.
At this week long event a pop-up replica of Jack Daniel’s Barrel House will serve perfectly crafted drinks and a menu of Southern American cuisine, courtesy of San Antone by Bludso’s BBQ.
These refreshments will be complemented with a program of live music including some of Australia’s premier acts like Furnace and The Fundamentals. The high energy Sydney band will be sure to have revelers up and dancing to their repertoire of modern pop medleys and mash-ups. Taking time away from their national Hot Dub Time Machine tour, the busy six-piece say they couldn’t miss this one of a kind event.
“We’re really looking forward to it,” said frontman Furnace, AKA Elliot Crane. “Although we’re travelling around the country at the moment, we’ve been working on creating a bigger and better production for our live shows. We really want to fine tune things, and we’re definitely going to bring everything we’ve got to the Jack Daniel’s Barrel House.”
Playing a healthy mix of chart topping hits from Foster the People, Blur, Daft Punk, Arctic Monkeys, Grouplove, Adele and The Black Keys, their set will also include a nod to the greats of generations past, such as The Clash, Queen, Paul Simon, Billy Haley and The Comets, Chuck Berry and The Beatles.
While they plan to bring their A game onstage, don’t be surprised if you see Crane and the boys indulging in the cuisine and beverages. “I’ve never been to the South but I’m expecting a big hearty meal,” said the singer. “If I’m out and I want a bit of energy I’ll always have a JD with some Coca-Cola. Caffeine and sugar, they go really well together. Otherwise I just enjoy it on the rocks when I’m at home, I like being able to taste the subtle flavours.”
Local crowd favourites The Little JC Big Band, and The Tarantinos, who are known for their surf, blues, soul, rockabilly and country vibes, will also play. Other names on the bill include ‘Australia’s greatest rockabilly delinquent’ Pat Capocci, Melbourne music veterans Chris Russell’s Chicken Walk, The Immortal Silver Cornet Band, and local jazz heroes Shirazz, who will have their very own dancers in tow.
For those who are looking to warm their bones against the winter chill, punters can try rockabilly dance lessons courtesy of Limpin’ Jimmy & the Swingin’ Kittens. After you’ve learnt some moves you ca hit the dance floor as Lance Ferguson (The Bamboos), Matt Frederick (PBS 106.7), Andras Fox and Oscar Key Sung will be playing DJ sets.
BY NATALIE ROGERS
