A new eight-part docuseries spotlighting Kentucky’s rising musical talent is set to debut with an episode showcasing Owensboro’s rich culture and hospitality. Distilled in Kentucky, produced by Owensboro native David Helmers and hosted by New York Times best-selling author and Kentucky Poet Laureate Silas House, blends intimate conversations with live performances, all set against the backdrop of distilleries and iconic locations across the Commonwealth.
Helmers – a founder of the iconic Railbird festival in Lexington – said the show not only showcases talented musicians but also offers a deeper look into the communities that shape them.
“We explore various regions of the Commonwealth from Appalachia to Louisville to western Kentucky,” Helmers said. “We spend time in each location exploring the unique people, places, and traditions of these communities. We visit established iconic locations in the county and hidden gems that only locals may know about.”
Helmers said the series is inspired by Kentucky’s long history of producing influential musicians, from Bill Monroe and the Everly Brothers to modern stars like Chris Stapleton and Tyler Childers. Helmers said narrowing down artists for the first season was no easy task, as the state’s deep musical roots could easily fill multiple seasons.
“Our biggest challenge was selecting only eight artists to include in the first season,” Helmers said. “The talent pool is so deep in Kentucky, and there are so many great stories to tell – we can shoot another 10 seasons easily.”
As an Owensboro native, Helmers was eager to include his hometown in the inaugural season. The city’s arts and music scene, along with the resurgence of Green River Distilling Co., made it an ideal location for filming.
“The emergence of Green River Distilling Company in Daviess County was a major factor for us in being able to include Owensboro,” Helmers said. “The folks at Visit Owensboro, Friday After 5, The Bluegrass Hall of Fame, Old Hickory Bar-B-Q, The Miller House, and more were just exceptional. Everyone was professional and bent over backward to help us make the show.”
While scouting locations, Helmers and the production team were struck by the city’s blend of growth and small-town charm.
“There seems to be a real dedication to community and having fun among the people there,” Helmers said. “I love how much they love to eat, drink, and be together.”
House, who traveled across the state for the series, echoed that sentiment, saying the experience deepened his appreciation for Kentucky’s communities.
“Seeing the beauty of Kentucky and witnessing the way community blooms everywhere here was a constant reminder of why we’re doing the series,” House said. “Traveling around and seeing how much great work is being done to build community, to witness the dedication to craft and hard work that is so common among Kentuckians, was really moving to me.”
Helmers said that while the team couldn’t showcase every local gem in Owensboro, he hopes to return for another episode featuring homegrown talent such as Ole 60 or Sons of Habit.
Though Distilled in Kentucky centers on music, House said the series also highlights the universal themes of food, community, and family – values deeply ingrained in Kentucky culture.
“I want the show to feel like a big hug after a long, difficult day,” House said. “A series that focuses on all the best parts of life: good meals, tasty drinks, time with friends and family, the beauty of the natural world. And while it is very Kentucky-centric, I think it also proves that the universal is found in the specific.”
With its combination of heartfelt storytelling, scenery, and musical performances, Distilled in Kentucky aims to showcase not just the state’s rising stars but the culture that shapes them. And for Helmers, the opportunity to bring a piece of that story back to Owensboro is especially meaningful.
“Owensboro has lots to be proud of,” he said. “Hopefully, we can come back and do another episode and feature even more of what makes this city so special.”
