Lakeside Live gathers different kinds of music in a convenient spot

The seating options at Lakeside Live varied Saturday evening: Some patrons brought their own lawn chairs, while others asked for an outdoor table at Jax Burgers & Brews or Palmers Fresh Grill. All enjoyed the warm sun and cool lake backdrop, with children dancing in front of the stage while adults nodded their heads to Modern Marilyn’s music.

“I think it’s a wonderful setting,” David Lee Hinkle of Modern Marilyn said. “It’s at the top of the list.”

The crowd was receptive during Modern Marilyn’s set, and Hinkle said the sound was “awesome” and Lakeside Live’s organizers were helpful. The band has already agreed to play next year, Hinkle said.

Lakeside Live is held Friday and Saturday nights at The Mall at Lexington Green. The summer concert series, which spotlights regional acts, is free. The series started in July and continues through Oct. 15. On the first Thursdays of September and October, Lakeside Live will have karaoke. Past acts included The Twiggenburys, Driftwood Gypsy, Modern Marilyn, Ben Lacy and Alan McKenzie.

Driftwood Gypsy was booked in the spring to play during the series. Dereck O’Neil Oldham of the band said Lakeside Live has something for everyone, and it is different from other concert series because those are usually held indoors.

“Outside, you can get a good crowd,” Oldham said. He said the band enjoyed the venue and would be open to playing again at Lakeside Live. He said the event staff was courteous and protected the band’s instruments from rain during its set.

Scott Davidson, president of Langley Properties, which includes The Mall at Lexington Green, said Lakeside Live was created to highlight recent improvements made to the lakeside area. Davidson said a new dock, fire pit, more seating and a fountain that lights up to the beat of music are among the additions. The event has free valet parking and a trolley that takes passengers from the parking lot in front of Joseph-Beth Booksellers to the parking lot beside Jax Burgers & Brews.

“We recognized we had an outdoor area people enjoyed ... and we decided to expand on that,” Davidson said. He said crowds at Lakeside Live usually number 1,500 people. The concert series had its largest attendance on Fourth of July weekend, with about 3,000 people, he said.

Davidson said Langley Properties is continuing to brainstorm ideas for next year’s Lakeside Live.

Laura Allen has attended four Lakeside Lives. She said the concert series is “what Lexington needed.” She said it is more convenient than some other outdoor concerts and offers a wide range of music, such as country, pop and rock. Allen said Lakeside is a great place to meet up with friends.

“It’s really laid back and they have great music,” Allen said. “It’s family-oriented, but good for adults, too.”

This story was originally published August 11, 2016 at 11:17 AM with the headline "Lakeside Live gathers different kinds of music in a convenient spot."