Gov. Beshear Unveils Kentucky Music Office at Bourbon & Beyond Festival

In between sets on Friday at Louisville, Kentucky’s Bourbon & Beyond festival, Governor Andy Beshear took the stage to announce the creation of the Kentucky Governor’s Music Office. The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and its Kentucky Chapter (NIVA Kentucky) are celebrating news of the program, which aims to support the state’s music ecosystem, along with boosting jobs and tourism.

“Music is a part of who we are in Kentucky. We are proud of our musical heritage and we’re committed to investing in this industry and doing the work to ensure it remains successful for years to come,” Governor Beshear said in a statement. “The Office of Music will ensure our commonwealth remains a place where musicians can build a career, where venues and festivals can thrive, and where people can come together to enjoy great music.”

An announcement from NIVA notes that the Music Office, established by Gov. Beshear’s executive order, builds on SB 324, which took effect in July with legislative support from both parties. Sponsored by Senate President Robert Stivers, “SB 324 directs a study of the needs of Kentucky’s musicians and music venues and recommendations to support industry growth.”

Joe Argabrite, President of NIVA Kentucky, commented in a statement: “Kentucky’s musical heritage runs deep—from the Everly Brothers and Loretta Lynn to Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, My Morning Jacket, and Cage the Elephant. This recognition of our industry celebrates Kentucky heritage, draws people to the Commonwealth, and supports the next generation of artists who will carry the Bluegrass State’s sound into the future. Music has always been one of our greatest cultural and economic assets. Establishing a dedicated Governor’s Music Office is a powerful step toward ensuring that legacy continues to thrive.”

Stephen Parker, Executive Director of NIVA, added: “Kentucky is setting an example for the nation by backing the small businesses and nonprofits that bring their communities to life through live performance. Independent stages launch careers, create jobs, and give people a place to belong. NIVA Kentucky made sure their voices were heard, and Governor Beshear and lawmakers from both parties listened and turned that advocacy into action. We’re eager to see governors and lawmakers across the country follow Kentucky’s lead by establishing music and live entertainment offices that give independent stages a seat at the table.”

The Kentucky Chapter of NIVA represents independent live performance venues, festivals, and promoters across the Commonwealth. Last year the chapter released the 2025 Kentucky State of Live Report , proclaimed as the first economic research study of the independent live section, which found “Kentucky’s independent live entertainment industry drives $300 million in state GDP, $577.3 million in economic output, and $27.8 million in tax revenue, supporting 4,413 jobs and $169 million in wages.”

NIVA Kentucky’s announcement on Friday added that the chapter “looks forward to working with the Kentucky Governor’s Music Office, members of the General Assembly from both parties, and industry partners. Legislators are invited to visit a venue in their district to see the impact firsthand.”

Louisville Courier Journal reported that the governor’s executive order “also launched the kymusic.ky.gov site, which includes the Kentucky Music Industry Directory to help connect artists, venues and business leaders.”

The Danny Wimmer Presents-promoted Bourbon & Beyond took place Sept. 24-27 at the Kentucky Expo Center In Louisville, Kentucky, with a lineup topped by Foo Fighters, Mumford & Sons, Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews Band, Queens Of The Stone Age, Kacey Musgraves, The Red Clay Strays and Hootie & The Blowfish.

_Originally reported by [Pollstar](https://news.pollstar.com/2026/09/28/gov-beshear-takes-stage-at-bourbon-beyond-to-announce-creation-of-kentucky-music-office/)._