On Wednesday, September 24, beloved contemporary arts center OZ Arts Nashville will host its annual fall fundraiser, Beyond Bourbon: A Benefit Bash for OZ Arts. The event will take place at OZ Arts’ stylish creative warehouse in West Nashville at 7 p.m., and guests can expect an impressive selection of more than 25 high-end spirits, cocktails, wines, and beers, in addition to delicious food from Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint. Paying homage to the facility’s history as a converted cigar warehouse, guests can also sample products by Ozgener Family Cigars and Crowned Heads in the venue’s beautiful gardens. A silent auction will open online prior to the event, and guests can look forward to an energetic live auction at the event. Standard tickets can be purchased online, as well as VIP tickets, which include a special VIP pre-party tasting.
The annual event raises funds for the coming year of dynamic artistic and educational programming, including the organization’s most international season of boundary-pushing performances from six different continents. We chatted with this year’s honorary co-chairs Milton and Denice Johnson to learn more about the event and the importance of supporting OZ Arts. (ozartsnashville.org)
Nashville Lifestyles: What made you want to chair Beyond Bourbon: A Benefit Bash for OZ Arts?
Milton & Denice Johnson: We’ve long admired the way OZ Arts brings bold, contemporary performances to Nashville while also making meaningful investments in local students and artists. When we were invited to serve as Honorary Chairs, it felt like a natural fit. Beyond Bourbon is such a joyful celebration of creativity, community, and connection, and we’re honored to help elevate an event that directly supports this important work.
NL: How are the funds raised from this event utilized and how much has been raised over the years?
MJ & DJ: Funds raised through Beyond Bourbon help sustain OZ Arts’ adventurous programming and impactful education initiatives. That includes bringing world-class artists to Nashville, supporting local creators, and reaching thousands of students through arts learning experiences. Last year alone, the event raised more than $250,000, and we’re hopeful that this year’s celebration will be our most successful yet.
NL: Why is supporting Beyond Bourbon important and why is OZ Arts vital to our community?
MJ & DJ: OZ Arts is vital because it creates space for innovation, dialogue, and cultural exchange. It’s one of the few institutions in Nashville that consistently champions contemporary performance and experimental work. Supporting Beyond Bourbon helps ensure these programs continue to thrive and remain accessible — not only for ticket buyers, but for students, families, and emerging artists throughout our city.
NL: What inspires you to utilize your time, talents, and treasure to support nonprofits?
MJ & DJ: We believe in giving back to the community that has given so much to us. Nashville’s strength lies in its people, and the nonprofits that uplift, educate, and connect us. Whether through education, the arts, or health and human services, we feel a strong responsibility to support organizations that create opportunities and improve lives. It’s our way of paying it forward and helping build a stronger, more vibrant community for all.