Music and fun lovers are invited to celebrate the beautiful Kentucky River with River Blast at First Vineyard & Winery: Concert at the Palisades on August 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. at

First Vineyard, the birthplace of the wine industry in the United States. 

Sassafras, a local Bluegrass band, will get the fun started. Headliner, Conch Republic Band, a high-energy band named Top Beach Band by Rising Star five years in a row, is known for their performances of beach tunes from artists such as the Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, The Zac Brown Band and Harry Belafonte.

They will create an over-the-top evening of fun-filled with music, sing-alongs, conga and limbo lines and dance contests. 

The event will also include a highly competitive Grape Stomp, in which local celebrities will compete for a trophy and bragging rights.

For those fascinated by local and national history, storyteller and re-enactor Georgie Riddell will share the story of First Vineyard.

Art lovers will have the chance to win a piece of signed art by Kentucky River Keeper and renowned artist Pat Banks. Other raffle items will include Kentucky Proud Food Baskets and two kayaks. A fireworks display by Bluegrass Pyrotechnics will wrap up the evening. 

First Vineyard wines and “KenRita’s”, as well as products from Chrisman Mill Winery and Vineyard, will be available for purchase during the event. Food, beer and soft drinks will also be available. Local food trucks and food vendors will be at the event, and concert goers are also invited to bring a picnic basket and soft drinks if desired. 

The event is held to provide awareness of the Kentucky River as a vital and unique natural and historic resource. It is held on the grounds of the historic First Vineyard & Winery.

In addition to its historical significance as the site of the first commercial vineyard and winery in the nation, First Vineyard & Winery offers a beautiful hand-crafted tasting room, a large pavilion, the Sugar Creek Resort bed and breakfast and stunning views of the Kentucky River Valley in Jessamine County.  

Admission will be $5 per person, and free parking with shuttle service is available. Proceeds will benefit the Kentucky River Keeper and Bluegrass Tomorrow non-profit associations. 

Sponsors include the Kentucky River Task Force, Kentucky American Water, Jessamine County Fiscal Court, RJ Corman Railroad Group, Stantec, Mike’s Bike and Hike, Hydro Plant at Lock 7, and Highbridge Springs Water.

For more information, visit www.destinationjessamine.com, like “River Blast at First Vineyard” on Facebook or call 859-492-3115.