Music News & Reviews

Popular Lexington live music event mysteriously canceled. But why? Here’s what we know.

A popular outdoor summer entertainment series that featured live music has been abruptly canceled.

Lakeside Live at Lexington Green, which kicked off on May 10, announced on May 20 that all future events had been called off.

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The announcement was shared on Facebook, saying “Due to unforeseen circumstances to all involved, Lakeside Live 2024 has been cancelled. (sic) THANK YOU to all of our sponsors, supporters, musicians, community builders and everyone who has loved this event for so many years. It is with heavy hearts that we will not be having Lakeside Live this summer.”

No other explanation has been given.

Scott Davidson with Langley Properties, which manages Lexington Green, said they were stunned at the cancellation as well and blamed Playback Sound & Lighting, which had organized the series.

“We had granted Playback the right for them to put on a concert series at Lexington Green this summer. We were surprised like everyone else when we received an e-mail from them last night terminating all activities,” Davidson said in an email.

The free live summer music series, Lakeside Live, held at The Mall at Lexington Green has been canceled.
The free live summer music series, Lakeside Live, held at The Mall at Lexington Green has been canceled. Rob Bolson
Lakeside Live in June 2017. The events for the rest of the summer have been canceled with no explanation.
Lakeside Live in June 2017. The events for the rest of the summer have been canceled with no explanation. Rob Bolson

Playback Sound & Lighting had posted the 2024 lineup as well as details on how to become a sponsor of “Lexington’s biggest back porch.”

Playback Sound & Lighting and owner David Trivisonno did not respond to requests for comment.

The summer music series, which started in 2016, featured local bands and musicians playing by the lake behind Joseph-Beth Booksellers and Palmers Fresh Grill. Fans often brought chairs and blankets, sitting outdoors and enjoying food and beverages from the nearby restaurants and bars.

Lakeside Live, shown here in June 2017, featured local bands and musicians playing by the lake behind Joseph-Beth Booksellers and Palmers Fresh Grill.
Lakeside Live, shown here in June 2017, featured local bands and musicians playing by the lake behind Joseph-Beth Booksellers and Palmers Fresh Grill. Rob Bolson
Fans of Lakeside Live often brought chairs and blankets, sitting outdoors and enjoying the free music.
Fans of Lakeside Live often brought chairs and blankets, sitting outdoors and enjoying the free music. Rob Bolson

Did Lakeside Live at Lexington Green lose liquor license?

Online, some disappointed music fans had speculated that something had gone wrong with the event’s alcohol licenses but that appears not to be the case.

Ricki Gardenhire, spokeswoman for the Kentucky Department of Public Protection, which is the parent of Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, said via email in response to inquiries: “The required ABC licenses for Lakeside Live at Lexington Green are in good standing and the Department has taken no action against them.”

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This story was originally published May 24, 2024 at 7:36 AM.

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Janet Patton
Lexington Herald-Leader
Janet Patton covers restaurants, bars, food and bourbon for the Herald-Leader. She is an award-winning business reporter who also has covered agriculture, gambling, horses and hemp. Support my work with a digital subscription
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