Meet Bourbon Legend

Mike Damron - Keys, Vocals, Lighting, Manager

Mike is a self-taught musician who, unlike most of his bandmates, never studied music in college and played his first paid gig over forty years ago. He has performed in churches, school functions, weddings, parties, clubs and events in a myriad of various bands of all genres, including gospel, country, blues, rock and soul. Mike has also been musical director for two local theater productions. Having always loved horn-heavy rock and soul, he jumped at the chance to join our group in 2005 and in 2022 took over the management duties. He has enormous respect for his bandmates and continues to learn from them.

Amber French - Lead Vocals

Amber started singing shortly after birth and grew up singing in family functions,churches and school choirs. After several years of voice lessons, she sang competitively in high school choirs, even touring Europe with The Sound of America Honor Band and Chorus. In 1999 she entered college on a vocal music scholarship and earned a B.S. in sociology while singing with hip hop and rock bands in local clubs. After years of raising a family, she moved to Louisville and began winning Karaoke contests. She caught the attention of a Louisville band leader who knew we were in need of a singer and in 2016 Amber became the voice of Bourbon Legend. She continues to inspire audiences (and her bandmates) with her soulful voice, energetic performance and devotion to our band’s success.

Sand Knutson - Backing Vocals (and Amber’s Mom!)

Sandy has been surrounded by music her entire life. Her love for singing was nurtured through her experiences in church and school choirs, and she has never stopped sharing her gift with others. With a passion for bringing people together through music, Sandy has been a constant presence in local karaoke competitions and has even served as a judge. She recently became an integral member of Bourbon Legend as a backup singer, adding her own unique blend of soul and power to the group's dynamic sound. Sandy's love for music is evident in every note she sings, and she is grateful for the opportunity to share her gift with others. She sees each performance as a chance to create memories and bring joy to those around her.

Matt Yarborough - Trombone

Yarborough grew up in Charlotte, NC and was blessed with a wealth of great playing opportunities at a young age, including the Charlotte Youth Symphony, Jazz, Rock, Latin, brass chamber music, and other styles. He holds an Associate Degree in Music from Central Piedmont Community College, and Bachelors Degree in Music Education K-12 Instrumental from Winthrop University. He was a long time trombone student of Bill Hanna, Alan Tobias, Sue Newsom, Martin Hughes, and Dr. Brett Shuster.

Yarborough moved to Louisville, KY in the fall of 2004 to study for his Masters in Jazz Trombone Performance at the University of Louisville School of Music. 

After graduation in spring of 2006, he became the music teacher at Saint Xavier High School, where he has taught ever since. He now is also the Bass Fishing coach, helps with Ice Hockey, and leads the Outdoor Adventure Club. 

Yarborough has been the District Jazz Chair for Jefferson, Co and served a term as the State KMEA Jazz Chair who coordinated the All State Jazz Ensembles. 

Matt is happily married with two kids. 

Tim Hamilton - Trumpet

Tim Hamilton is a trumpet performer and music educator in Louisville/Kentuckiana region. Tim served in the United States Marine Corps as a trumpet instrumentalist with the Marine Corps Band, New Orleans, attaining the rank of Sergeant. His recent performance highlights include serving as Principal Solo Cornet with the Brass Band of Louisville, performing with the Louisville Chamber Winds, and Sacred Winds Ministries. Tim is also an active freelance commercial musician, playing with corporate event and wedding bands in the region. Tim maintains a private teaching studio with students participating in the Louisville Youth Orchestra, KMEA All-State Bands and Orchesta, and Students attending the Youth Performing Arts High School in Louisville, Kentucky.

He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Morehead State University and a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from Appalachian State University. He previously served on faculty and staff with the University of Louisville School of Music, teaching MUS 100 Intro to Music Study in addition to his duties as an Academic Coordinator. Tim is currently a student in the J.D program at the Brandis School of Law at The University of Louisville.

Jeff Beers - Bass

Jeff is a musician living in Louisville, KY who regularly works as a freelance tuba player and bassist. He is currently the bassist for Bourbon Legend and Yacht Club Time Machine. In the past, he has performed and recorded with singer-songwriter Josh Murphy, collaborated on several socially-distanced recording projects due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and has extensive experience as a musical theater pit orchestra musician.

As a tuba player, he is the principal tubist with the Southern Illinois Music Festival Orchestra, and founding member of Old Lou’s Ragtime Band. He also performs with Chamber Winds Louisville Concert Band, Boom Pah Pah polka band, and regularly freelances with other New Orleans brass bands, dixieland bands, chamber groups, and church services. Jeff has a Master’s Degree in Music Performance from the University of Louisville, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance from Southern Illinois University.