OZ Arts Nashville’s Beyond Bourbon Supports Cutting-Edge Art

As Tennessee’s leaves start to tinge with orange, OZ Arts Nashville opens its doors for Beyond Bourbon, transforming the contemporary arts venue into a lively event space. The highly attended fundraiser gives patrons the chance to sample dozens of fine spirits, wines, beers and nonalcoholic beverages, all while supporting OZ’s masterful programming — and keeping tickets to performances accessible. 

Long-awaited cool breezes met guests on the late-September evening, all the more apt for sampling warming libations. Patrons began their experience with intimate VIP tastings by industry pros, where they expanded their knowledge — and vernacular — in groups as small as 10. 

Suzanne Phifer Pavitt, CEO and founder of Phifer Pavitt Wine and Spirits, guided guests through her house’s complete wine-to-whiskey story. Arnita and Tim Ozgener served samples from their personal collection of tequila and mezcal, acquired largely during their international travels.  

Jason Eskind and Bret Moore explored the history and allure behind Pappy Van Winkle, one of the world’s most coveted bourbons. And wine enthusiasts Pamela and Tony Cmelak hosted the spirited World Cup 2026: Revisited tasting, featuring 12 highly rated wines from Argentina and Spain — two of the world’s great wine-producing countries, who also faced off in July’s FIFA World Cup final. 

And the tastings continued as guests flooded into the main room, perusing enticing booths and auction items, from rare cigars and whiskeys to custom guitars. While sipping and savoring, everyone drew their attention to a video teasing OZ’s upcoming season, featuring innovative productions from across the globe. 

Tim welcomed the crowd, thanking co-chairs Jenn and Rob Adams, Robert C. Sherrill, and Nicole Tripodi and C.R. Smith, as well as honorary chairs Denice and Milton Johnson, for the successful evening — and for highlighting the importance of the arts. “We try to bring innovative, cutting-edge, really outside-the-box arts,” Tim said. “But it’s all based on beauty and us connecting with what’s important [in] life.” 

The soirée culminated with a lavish whole-hog dinner prepared by Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, giving revelers plenty to swoon over on the ride home.