The Brashers’ mission to amplify Owensboro’s music scene
Photo by Jamie Plain
Andy and Tamarra Brasher have built more than a business in Owensboro — they’ve created a movement. As the driving forces behind Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville, PorchFest, and the upcoming OrchardFest, their journey is one of passion, perseverance and a deep love for music and community.
Born and raised near Owensboro, Tamarra hails from Island in McLean County, while Andy grew up on a farm in Knottsville. Though their paths didn’t cross growing up, fate — and a mutual friend — brought them together in 2016. At the time, Andy was still immersed in the music industry, and Tamarra was balancing a banking career with raising children. Their connection sparked something bigger than just a relationship — it set the stage for a musical revolution in their hometown.
Andy’s musical journey and first big break
Andy’s love for music was ingrained from childhood, as he grew up surrounded by a family of musicians. By his mid-teens, he was deep into songwriting and performing. After cutting his teeth in local bands and putting on DIY concerts in Ohio County, he made the leap to Nashville in the early 2000s, where he honed his craft as a songwriter and performer.
His big break came in 2011 when he and a co-writer landed a spot on Kenny Chesney’s tour.
“That was our first big moment,” Brasher said. “We were playing around, and we were doing our own things, and actually traveling a little bit on our own … but in 2011, the Kenny Chesney tour was the first really huge thing that we’d done.”
Suddenly, Andy was traveling across the country and even to the Bahamas, playing stadiums and arenas.
Another career highlight came when his band, Brasher Bogue, landed a last-minute gig opening for Kid Rock. Andy recalls how he was flown by a friend’s private plane to the venue, where a helicopter picked them up and dropped them off backstage.
“It was by far the most rock star moment I’ve ever had,” he said.
Despite the taste of the big stage, Andy always felt the pull of home.
From banking to booking: Tamarra’s leap into music
Unlike Andy, Tamarra didn’t have a musical background — at least not professionally. She spent more than 20 years in banking before making the unexpected leap into the music industry. While she wasn’t playing instruments, she had a deep appreciation for live music and a knack for organization.
After joining Andy on tour in 2017, a visit to the legendary Flora-Bama inspired a conversation.
“We were just kind of looking around and wondering ‘why don’t we have a music venue like this that’s focused on music? That’s not just a bar, but it’s totally focused on the music in Owensboro,’” Tamarra said.
That question set the wheels in motion for what would become Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville.
Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville: A venue built for music
Opened in October 2021 Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville was designed as a music-first venue. While many places focus on drinks and atmosphere, Andy and Tamarra wanted to create a space where live music takes center stage.
“We have 12 acts a week,” Tamarra said. “We’re open 6 days a week. Some of it’s karaoke, but it’s all obviously live music.”
Running the venue is a full-time commitment. Andy books talent, runs sound, and handles inventory, while Tamarra manages scheduling, social media, and day-to-day operations. It’s a nonstop juggling act, but they’ve found their rhythm.
“It’s chaos,” Tamarra admitted with a laugh. “Like playing Tetris with schedules.”
PorchFest: Music for the people
If Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville is their home base, PorchFest is their love letter to the community. Inspired by similar festivals in Evansville and Louisiana, Andy and Tamarra launched Owensboro’s first PorchFest in 2018. The idea was simple: transform front porches into stages, creating a neighborhood-wide festival of live music.
That first year, 2,500 people showed up — far exceeding expectations. Since then, PorchFest has become one of Owensboro’s most beloved annual events. Last year, 12,000 music fans attended.
“It’s about community, one neighborhood welcoming everyone in,” Tamarra said.
Planning the festival is an 8-month endeavor, from securing homeowners and booking artists to coordinating sponsors and volunteers. But for Andy and Tamarra, the reward is worth the effort.
“The emotional payoff is immediate,” Andy said. “Seeing families, kids, and music lovers come together — it’s incredible.”
OrchardFest: A new musical tradition
Building on the success of PorchFest, the Brashers were approached by the Reid family to create a new festival at Reid’s Orchard. OrchardFest was set to debut in 2024, but a hurricane forced them to cancel. Now, they’re gearing up for its inaugural run this September.
Like PorchFest, OrchardFest will feature multiple stages, showcasing a mix of local and regional talent in a picturesque farm setting. “
“It’s something Owensboro has never seen before,” Tamarra said. “And judging by the excitement, it’s going to be huge.”
A lasting legacy in Owensboro’s music scene
Andy and Tamarra aren’t just running a business; they’re shaping the future of Owensboro’s music culture. They hope to see the city grow into a true entertainment destination, where live music is a central part of downtown life.
They also dream of establishing a PorchFest scholarship fund — helping young musicians afford instruments, recording sessions, or even mentorship opportunities.
“If we can use what we’ve built to lift up the next generation of artists, that’s the kind of legacy we want to leave,” Andy said.
As they head into their fourth year with Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville and prepare for another packed summer of live music, the Brashers feel more energized than ever. Andy has a new album in the works, Tamarra is leveling up their social media presence, and the buzz around both festivals continues to grow.
“I feel like this can be our year,” Tamarra said.
And if their track record is any indication, the best is yet to come. OL
