American Queen lists entertainers, activities for 'Bourbon & Bluegrass' cruises

The Aug. 29 and Sept. 5 theme cruises will feature distilleries from the makers of Jim Beam, Buffalo Trace and Heaven Hill. Famous bourbon makers will also be joined on board the paddlewheeler American Queen by top bluegrass acts and several regional bands.

Chris Jones and the Night Drivers are frequently heard on SiriusXM’s 'Bluegrass Junction.' As a singer, songwriter and guitarist, Jones has performed worldwide and has won International Bluegrass Music Association awards for Broadcaster of the Year and Song of the Year. 

Regional acts including Storefront Congregation, Kentucky Blue, Dave and Cathy and the Juggernaut Band.

Multiple lecturers and tasting opportunities from Four Roses Bourbon, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Heaven Hill Distilleries and other Kentucky bourbons are planned, as well as cooking with bourbon demonstrations from American Queen chefs.

Distillery tours on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, where 95% of all bourbon is made, are yet another feature, along with  premium touring opportunities to the Bluegrass Hall Of Fame and International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro, Ky.; a barbeque luncheon at My Old Kentucky Home in Bardstown; daily open jam sessions featuring numerous guitar and banjo workshops, and an exclusive 'Moonshine Matinee' deck party on the Ohio River. 

Sailing between St. Louis, Mo., and Cincinnati, Ohio, the nine-day journey will call at ports including Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Paducah, Henderson and Louisville, Ky., and Madison, Ind. Pre-cruise hotel nights are included at St. Louis or Cincinnati.