The Lexington Scene

By Steve Nall

Hello all and welcome to The Lexington Scene. I know that I promised a review and information on a new club here in Lextown called "The Dame," but things got away from me once again and I wasn't able to make it to the club. Now, before you decide that I'm lame, I have something equally as good for musicians and music fans alike. There is another club that opened recently but I didn't receive the press release until it was too late to print, so I'm going to tell you about it this month. Well, actually I'm going to let the release Robin Swearinger, their P.R. Director sent me give you all the information you'll ever need. So without further ado, I give you The Starlight Music Club...

The Starlight Music Club, Lexington's largest music venue featuring national, regional and local talent, will showcase all types of music including blues, rock, reggae, jazz, swing, alternative and more. With a maximum 1,000 seat capacity, the room can be manipulated to suit each show (i.e. an intimate setting with tables for a jazz night; standing room only big name acts and combinations of the two).

Owner John Johnston, local businessman and music lover, was prompted to open The Starlight to fill Lexington's live music void after the demise of the Lynagh's Music Emporium. He has put together a team of music club veterans and experienced food and beverage managers to make his vision a reality.

Skip Bethune, former booking agent for the defunct Bottom Line bar and ex-member of touring reggae/ska band Freedom of Expression, moved to Lexington from Bowling Green for the opportunity to create and steer an eclectic music calendar for the Starlight. His goal is to appeal to a wide range of ages as well as varying tastes. Some of the acts now booked are Goose Creek Symphony, G-Funk Allstars, Grammy-winner Buckwheat Zydeco, Nashville singer-songwriter David Olney and blues greats The Nighthawks.

Emphasis has also been placed on the sound quality of the club. Sound engineers have constructed a state-of-the-art system specifically tailored for the acoustics of the club's space for the enjoyment of patrons as well as the technical needs of the artists.

The house will be rockin' Wednesday through Saturday with occasional bookings on Mondays and Tuesdays; doors open at 8 p.m.

For more information, contact Robin Swearinger, Director of Public Relations, The Starlight Music Club, 2331 Woodhill Drive, Lexington, KY 40509; Telephone (859) 266-2775; Fax (859) 266-2781; Web-site:

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So there you have it, folks - A brand new nightspot rising up from the ashes of a landmark Lexington club. It just goes to show that the beat does go on and apparently so do I, because that's all for now, but check back next month when I'll definitely be going out and finding the best bands and bars in Lextown. Any Lexington band that wants a review or just has a special announcement can email me at

thelexscene@hotmail.com

. Until next time...