Independent Artists You Must See At Bourbon & Beyond 2025

The Bourbon & Beyond 2025 lineup is riddled with bona fide superstars. But, within the finer print on the festival’s poster lie several icons in the making, including Chance Emerson.

The rising act has quickly secured co-signs from entertainers such as Sting, Jonah Kagen, and Vincent Lima. Over the past few weeks, Emerson has shared the stage with all of them. Now, he’s ready to share the Bourbon & Beyond stage with many more.

“I’m immensely excited to be part of the Bourbon & Beyond 2025 lineup,” exclaimed Emerson. “It’s an honor to perform at such a legendary event alongside so many of my favorite artists.”

He continued: “I grew up and learned to write my very first songs at home in Hong Kong. I never could have imagined that, all these years later, I'd be playing such an amazing festival halfway across the world in Kentucky.”

Chance Emerson's performance plans are simple. “I'll be bringing my original folk-rock music with my full band,” said Emerson.

Chance Emerson’s live show has gotten him this far, so if it ain’t broke, I see no need to fix it. At least not at this moment.

Chance Emerson is scheduled to perform on Thursday, September 11, on the Revival Stage beginning at 3:10 p.m. Stay connected with Chance Emerson on Instagram.

Cale Tyson is a man of many talents, interests, and professional labels. However, the “bad Dog” musician’s track record on stage has helped him foster a devoted fan base. Although his show schedule has been rather voluntarily bare this year, Tyson has committed to a few spot dates, making his Bourbon & Beyond 2025 set that more enticing not only for festivalgoers but for Tyson himself.

“I'm really excited,” said Tyson. “I haven't played Louisville in years. It's an honor to be on a bill with so many artists I admire and look up to.”

Tyson went on to talk about his performance hiatus.

“This will actually be my first show of the year, as I've been in the studio recording a new album all year,” he added.

Given the audience's anticipation, Tyson has prepared accordingly.

“I'll be playing a lot of new songs that will be on my upcoming record,” revealed Tyson. “I've gone back to my stripped-down, folk style - so this will be more of an intimate performance. Expect a more emotional set than a rowdy one.”

Cale Tyson is scheduled to perform on Friday, September 12, on the 100 Proof Stage beginning at 1:25 p.m. Stay connected with Cale Tyson on Instagram.

Speaking of emerging entertainers, no one stands above Kevin Smiley. With just a guitar, internet access, and a dream, the Okeechobee, Florida native has single-handedly built an online audience of millions.

Although the viral sensation doesn’t have much use for words when outside of music, Smiley spared a moment to express his gratitude for his inclusion on the lineup.

“I am super excited to play Bourbon & Beyond,” said Smiley. “Anytime I get to hit the stage, it’s a blessing that I try not to take for granted.”

Kevin Smiley is scheduled to perform on Friday, September 12, on the Bluegrass Situation Stage beginning at 2 p.m. Stay connected with Kevin Smiley on TikTok.

No one is more excited about Bourbon & Beyond 2025 than Miles Miller. The multi-instrumentalist has Nashville in a chokehold, but his heart yearns for Kentucky. As a Bluegrass State native, Miller’s forthcoming set carries great reverence.

During our conversation, Miles Miller drilled that sentimental point in.

“Getting to play in Kentucky at Bourbon & Beyond is like playing in front of a mirror,” said Miller. “You know that when you look out in that crowd, you’ll see folks that look at the world the same way you do. They eat and breathe the same perspective in the world that you have, from growing up in the Bluegrass State and having a deep passion for music.”

He continued: “You’re seeing yourself in everyone out in the audience. Because of that, you won’t feel like you’re up on stage alone. It’s a collective energy that we’ll all hopefully share together. Because of that, I know it will be a magical experience.”

Despite the hometown pressures, Miller feels that it is water off a duck’s back. In fact, he confidently says that all worries will melt away once he takes the stage.

“At my shows, you can expect to dance your ass off and feel like you’re listening to the radio on a warm sunny day, driving down a two-lane road with no cares in the world,” closed Miller.

Miles Miller is scheduled to perform on Friday, September 12, on the Revival Stage beginning at 2 p.m. Stay connected with Miles Miller on Instagram.

Thousands of festivalgoers will flock to Kentucky, making the Highland Festival Grounds their temporary home. Still, there is one act on Bourbon & Beyond 2025’s lineup that is a proud product of the Bluegrass State—Brit Taylor.

The self-proclaimed Appalachian Baby and proud hillbilly has penned several tunes about her Knott County upbringing, just listen to Taylor’s latest album Kentucky Blue. During our chat, Brit Taylor beamed with glee about performing for her home state showcase.

"Playing at Bourbon & Beyond is a bucket list festival to play for any artist,” said Taylor. “But it’s extra special to me because it’s in my home state and the lineup this year is incredible.”

She continued: “I’m so honored to be playing amongst so many other amazing Kentucky artists. I’m tickled pink!”

As for what attendees should expect, Brit Taylor kept it plain.

"We’re keeping the set upbeat and fun, and there’s definitely going to be a big surprise," declared Taylor.

Brit Taylor is scheduled to perform on Saturday, September 13, on the Barrel Stage beginning at 12:25 p.m. Stay connected with Brit Taylor on Instagram.

Fruition’s latest album may be titled, How To Make Mistakes, but their inclusion on Bourbon & Beyond’s lineup was carefully planned.

Kellen Asebroek of Fruition vows that the group is ready to take full advantage of their performance demand.

“It means the world to be back at Bourbon & Beyond,” said Asebroek. “To be included on such a massive sprawling lineup amongst literal legends, that's cool, man. It's a good look.”

While his excitement is rooted in Fruition’s forthcoming appearance, Asebroek let slip his personal ambitions.

“I wanna meet Ringo,” confessed Asebroek.

As for Fruition’s set, Asebroek ensured their limited time on stage won’t diminish their overall musical mission.

“It's a short set for us (30 minutes),” said Asebroek. “So we'll be giving festival attendees a sample platter of what Fruition has to offer. When you play a huge fest like this, you want to serve up something that will catch the attention of the uninitiated.”

He continued: “So for us, we'll be showcasing the three-part harmonies, the earworm choruses, the deep-pocket rhythm section, tasty licks, and timeless original Americana/Indie/Folk songs by all three singers.”

Fruition is scheduled to perform on Sunday, September 14, on the Bluegrass Situation Stage beginning at 6 p.m. Stay connected with Fruition on Instagram.