An in-depth look at the coming season of visual arts, live music, festivals and other cultural happenings
From Café to Craftsman A peek inside the whimsical North Ashland home and garden of former restaureur Lynn Winter
Parking
to Paradise Gatton Park on Town Branch o ers a dynamic new greenspace in the heart of downtown
Nick S. Morrow, DMD W. Scott Jenkins, DMD, MD
Matthew N. Gayheart, DMD, MD
There’s something about a quiet seat, a soft light, and crisp air that feels just right. Lean back and let the lights turn moments into memories
Contributors
Michelle Aiello is a Chicago-born writer, editor and indie publisher. Her interests include living room karaoke, snail mail and all things vintage. She contributes to our monthly “tadoo list” (our calendar of cultural happenings, page 51).
While former Smiley Pete Publishing employee Judy Brumley now works for the New York City-based publishing house Meredith Corporation, she continues to occasionally contribute to our publications on a freelance basis, including this month’s”Fall Arts Preview” feature, page 11.
Smiley Pete contributor Shannon Clinton (“Craveworthy,” page 7) is an Elizabethtown native who now lives in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. A graduate of Western Kentucky University’s journalism program, she has been a full-time freelance writer for 21 years for publications across the Southeast.
With a passion for live music and Appalachia, Madylin Goins (photography for “From Cafè to Craftsman”) is a Lexingtonbased journalist and photographer committed to promoting artists and the stories that keep the hills alive.
Smiley Pete summer intern Anna Marasco-Quibrera, a Writing, Rhetoric and Communications and Sociology double major at Transylvania University, is passionate about social justice, politics and writing. Anna is aspiring to a career in journalism, creative media and storytelling, and contributed to this month’s feature about the opening of Gatton Park on Town Branch (“From Parking Lot to Paradise,” page 43).
Tanzi Merritt (“From Cafè to Craftsman,” page 32) is a writer and marketing and communications professional born and raised in Lexington. Passionate about her cats and plants, she can often be found stirring up dust in her 120-year-old downtown home, deeply absorbed in a documentary, or with her nose stuck in a murder mystery.
Matt Wickstrom is a professional writer, music lover and founder of the music blog and radio program Wick’s Picks. He contributed to this month’s feature about the opening of Gatton Park on Town Branch (“From Parking Lot to Paradise,” page 43)).
Have a story idea for Chevy Chaser or Southsider Magazines? Email our editor at saraya@smileypete.com. ■
chevy chaser Southsider
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Dr. Danny Steckler
WIT H PRECISIO N AN D CARE
The finest landscapes are those in which every season matters. Whether fall planting or fall pruning, Hortus Gardens knows that anticipating the season means your garden is at its best throughout the year, as well as for years to come.
DESIGN BUILD MAINTAIN
SHAPIN G AUTUMN
CRAVE WORTHY LOCAL CULINARY NEWS
BY SHANNON CLINTON
Mirror Twin Brewing Co. is expanding with a new taproom in South Elkhorn Village at the former SEC Bar location (4379 Old Harrodsburg Road, Ste. 110). Co-owner Mike Sobolak says the space is on track for a late October or early November opening. The new spot will complement the original location, which opened in September 2016. Rolling Oven will continue as the food partner on-site.
Bread and Roses Bakery is now open at 446 E. High St., sharing seating with Kentucky Native Café. The menu includes baguettes, croissants, danishes, challah and sandwich loaves.
Floating Lotus Kitchen has debuted in South Elkhorn Village at 4371 Old Harrodsburg Rd., Ste. 105. Expect café-inspired fare including curried chicken salad, pesto caprese sandwiches, couscous and soba noodle bowls, soups and drinks.
Irie Flavors Jamaican Restaurant is now open at 417 Georgetown St., Ste. 130, serving up island staples like oxtail, jerk chicken, and ackee and saltfish.
325 Main, a new downtown Lexington development located at the corner of Main Street and Broadway, is taking shape. According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, it will feature a firstfloor all-day diner, a wine bar, and late-night takeout options.
Teppan Japanese Kitchen has opened at 1873 Alexandria Dr., Ste. 130, o ering bento boxes, rice balls and weekly specials.
First Watch recently held the grand opening for its newest Lexington location, at 124 Towne Center Dr., Ste. 114.
Twisted Cork (145 Burt Rd., Ste. 20) is under new ownership and will undergo a remodel before its grand re-opening on Sept. 5, according to its Facebook page.
Chicken Salad Chick announced a new Hamburg location coming to 1956 Bryant Road in late September.
Jaggers, part of the Texas Roadhouse family, is now open at 2530 Norman Ln., serving up chicken sandwiches and burgers.
JB Steele’s, a locally-owned bar and grill, has opened in the former Shamrock’s space at Hartland Shopping Center (4750 Hartland Pkwy., Ste. 128).
Ale-8-One continues its limited-edition series with a new August release: a pawpaw-flavored soda that pays homage to Kentucky’s native, tropical-tasting fruit.
Several local favorites are saying goodbye:
RYU Hibachi Express has closed its doors. Chocolate Holler is moving out of its Old Vine location in search of new “holler quarters.” Until then, some fan-favorite items are available at A Cup of Commonwealth. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is leaving its East Vine Street location and, for now, will be operating from a food truck, per the Lexington HeraldLeader. After more than 40 years, Chuck E. Cheese on East New Circle Road has o cially closed. The operator posted a heartfelt message thanking the community for decades of celebrations and memories. ■
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER
BIG NEWS: THE GOODGIVING CHALLENGE IS NOW BLUEGRASS GIVES!
One region. One day. All in for our community.
It’s still the local giving campaign you know and love, just with a fresh new name that gets right to the heart of the Bluegrass: we give
Bluegrass Gives is a one-day celebration of generosity, happening on Giving Tuesday, December 2. Together, we’ll support the nonprofits that make Central and Appalachia Kentucky stronger, kinder and more connected.
Nonprofit registration closes September 30. Learn more at bgcf.org/bggives.
IN MEMORY
OF Rena Baer
OCT. 21, 1964 – JULY 30, 2025
On July 30, the world lost a radiant light with the passing of Rena Dianne Baer, who bravely fought ovarian cancer for two and a half years.
Rena served as a copy editor at Smiley Pete Publishing for over a decade. Her command of language was extraordinary, but her impact extended far beyond her editorial talents. She brought a deep passion, boundless curiosity and genuine empathy to everything she did, and she was devoted to making her community a better place. Whether marching for women’s and civil rights, organizing anti-gun violence efforts, or co-founding Friends of Jacobson Park, Rena lived her life with conviction, heart and action.
Rena loved the natural world, and spent much of her free time hiking and photographing nature. The photos on this page were all captured through her lens.
From her diagnosis through her transition to hospice care, Rena documented her cancer journey on Facebook with a remarkable clarity and honesty. Her reflections were raw, courageous and full of hope, and offered a deeply personal glimpse into an experience that touches so many but is often difficult to put words to.
In addition to her work with Smiley Pete Publishing, Rena contributed to many other local publications and organizations, including Keeneland Magazine, The Group Travel Leader, Pioneer Publishing, the University of Kentucky’s College of Nursing and College of Engineering, the Blue Grass Community Foundation, and others.
Rena touched countless lives with her kindness, intellect and spirit, and she is profoundly missed.
In her honor, donations can be made to the following organizations:
• The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center Ovarian Cancer Screening Program
• The Shannon’s Angel Fund through the Blue Grass Community Foundation (bgcf.givingfuel.com)
• Friends of Jacobson Park n
PHOTOS BY RENA BAER
Gatton Park on the Town Branch is a dynamic green space in the heart of downtown Lexington embodying the city’s culture and spirit. With signature events, engaging programs, and inviting amenities, the park brings people together to create lasting memories.
FALL ARTS PREVIEW 2025
Fall is fast-approaching, and with the changing of the leaves comes a bevy of season announcements from local arts venues, galleries and other organizations. We’ve outlined dozens of art exhibits, series and special events slated for the coming months. Be sure to save this issue to help plan your days and nights in the months that lie ahead!
Bluegrass Youth Ballet will present its “Dia de los Muertos” show at the Lexington Opera House Oct. 30 and Nov. 1.
ART EXHIBITS
Headley-Whitney Museum
4435 Old Frankfort Pike
www.headley-whitney.org
Gallery hours: Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Charley Harper: Birds and Beasts. On display Sept. 12-Nov. 16. Due to the overwhelming response, this joyful exhibit highlighting the work of celebrated artist and conservationist Charley Harper will continue to be on view for two additional months, featuring additional works from Harper, a mid-century modern furniture exhibit, a “Kids Create” gallery, wildlife sculptures made of recycled materials by Fayette County middle school students, and art and nature talks and events throughout the exhibit.
Institute 193
institute193.org
Gallery hours: Wed.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
A contemporary art gallery focusing on providing artists from Kentucky and the southeastern U.S. with exhibition and publication opportunities, Institute 193 curates exhibits at two downtown locations, 215 N. Limestone and 193 N. Limestone.
Marcus Dunn: “Outings.” On display through Sept. 6 at 215 N. Limestone.
Susan Te Kahurangi King & Eric Oglander: “By Golly.” On display through Sept. 5 at 193 N. Limestone.
Mauro Barreto. On display Sept. 12-Oct. 25 at 215 N. Limestone.
Casey Joiner. On display Oct. 31-Dec. 20 at 215 N. Limestone
Lexington Art League
(Loudoun House Gallery) 209 Castlewood Drive www.lexingtonartleague.org
Gallery hours: Wed.-Sat., 12-5 p.m.
PRHBTN 13. On display Oct. 10-Nov. 21. This annual exhibition takes pride in being a great opportunity for Kentucky artists of all disciplines to present artworks regardless of age, experience, media, discipline or subject matter. Known for its no-holdsbarred ethos, the exhibit has resulted in displaying some of the most provocative artwork in the city each year.
The Nude Biennial. On display Dec. 12-Jan. 30, 2026. With a return to its founding mission to ‘create opportunities for Lexington-area artists and those who appreciate their work,’ the Lexington Art League is proud to present The Nude as a biennial showcase of contemporary nude figurative art by Kentucky artists.
Jeffrey Equality Brooks Solo Show. On display through Sept. 26
Jason Kash: “Chora.” On display through Sept. 30
Joseph Mayernik: “Issue No. 2, Circa 2025.” On display through Sept. 26
New Editions Gallery
500 W. Short St. • neweditionsgallery.com Gallery hours: Wed.-Sat., 12-5 p.m.
Loosen the Reins 2. On display Sept. 19-Nov. 7. This exhibit will feature equinethemed works by Jaime Corum, Lesley Humphrey, Julie Quick and Margaret Thompson.
Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center
141 Main St. • www.lexingtonky.gov/ about-downtown-arts-center
See website for gallery hours
CITY GALLERY
19 Years 40 Feet. On display through Oct. 4 America! America! On display Oct. 10Nov. 29
COMMUNITY GALLERY
Black to the Future: African People in Outer Space: Past, Present, and Future. On display Sept. 12-Nov. 1
War Diaries. On display Nov. 7-Jan. 3, 2026
CHILDREN & YOUTH GALLERY
Ink & Intuition: The Art of Healing. On display Sept. 12-Nov. 1
FCPS Winter Showcase. On display Jan. 9-Feb. 28, 2026
PHOTO FURNISHED
An exhibition of works by Nashville photographer Mauro Barreto, whose work explores the beauty, intensity and contraditions of youth, will be on display at Institute 193 Sept. 12-Oct. 25.
HUNGER LIVES HERE— BUT SO DOES HOPE
This Hunger Action Month, join God’s Pantry Food Bank in building a nourished Kentucky.
In the heart of Central and Eastern Kentucky, hunger hides in plain sight. It lives in neighborhoods like yours. It affects families working multiple jobs, seniors on fixed incomes, and kids showing up to school without breakfast.
God’s Pantry Food Bank believes food is more than fuel; it’s a fundamental human right. That’s why they work every day to ensure access to nutritious meals for the nearly 280,000 people facing food insecurity in 50 counties throughout Central and Eastern Kentucky.
They do it by empowering a network of more than 500 food pantries and meal programs, equipping local organizations to meet their neighbors’ needs with dignity and consistency.
In the past year, God’s Pantry Food Bank: Distributed 51,042,266 LBS. OF FOOD Helping create 42,535,222 MEALS
Delivered 20,397,572 LBS. OF FRESH PRODUCE improving the health and access in rural and urban communities
Served 1 in 4 children in our region experiencing food insecurity
Supported 19 of the most food-insecure counties in the country
Still, the need continues — and grows.
God’s Pantry Food Bank currently serves:
• 50 Counties
• 43 Rural Counties
• 16,000 Sq. Miles
• 500+ Partners
• 4 Warehouse Locations
Campaign to Meet the Moment
This year, the Food Bank launched the ‘Building the Future, Nourishing Communities’ Capacity Campaign, a transformative $40 million investment to expand food distribution, increase cold storage, improve transportation, and strengthen rural outreach. This campaign is helping partners like New Hope Hazard Food Pantry, where families like Teddy Day’s find vital support.
Teddy, a single father from Perry County, works full-time and still struggles to make ends meet. Without his local pantry, his kids wouldn’t have enough to eat. “It’s not just about food,” he says. “It’s the peace of mind that someone cares.”
This September, Take Action Against Hunger
September is Hunger Action Month, a time to raise awareness and inspire meaningful change. God’s Pantry Food Bank invites individuals, businesses, and communities to get involved. Donate today to make a difference.
The Food Bank’s mission is simple but powerful: Reducing hunger by working together to feed Kentucky communities. Their vision? A nourished life for every Kentuckian.
Gallery hours: Tues.-Fri., 1-5p.m. or any time by request
Birds of a Feather. On display Sept. 6-Dec. 5. Inspired by Lexington’s queer history, Philadelphia-based artist Feather Chiaverini has re-envisioned costumes and objects from photographs found in Lexington’s Faulkner-Morgan Archive, particularly images showing mermaid tails, showgirl headpieces and other queer ephemera from pride festivals and old parade floats. Chiaverini invites viewers to wear his garments. As an interactive environment, the exhibit prompts visitors to think about the transformative labor undertaken by our queer ancestors and enables them to experience the same joy captured in the archival photographs.
Trifecta Glass • Art • Lounge
243 Walton Ave. • trifectadesignstudio.com
Gallery hours: Mon.-Tues., by appt.; Wed.-Sun., 12-6 p.m.
Figure It Out. On display through Oct. 15. This compelling group showcase is centered around the human figure and features works by Travis Adams, Thomas Scoon, Deanna Clayton, Bryan Randa and Jack Gramann. It highlights masterful interpretations of the body and face in glass, with each artist bringing a unique and collectible approach to figurative work.
Stephen Rolfe Powell: A Homecoming Exhibition. On display starting Oct. 16. This major solo exhibition honors the legacy of glass artist Stephen Rolfe Powell. It celebrates his vibrant career and impact on the glass world, particularly in connection with Kentucky and Centre College.
Trifecta Glass
• Art • Lounge will host an exhibit honoring the legacy of late glass artist Stephen Rolfe Powell starting Oct. 16.
PHOTO BY KIRK SCHLEA
MIND BODY STUDIO
“Relaxing the body. Quieting the mind. Opening the heart.”
Mindful, empowered self-care is the heart of healing. Dr. Patterson offers experiential consultations and classes for persons with stress-related chronic conditions –emphasizing a mindfulness-based approach to promoting resilience, managing stress, preventing burnout and cultivating compassion. Mindfulness is heartfulness. Visit mindbodystudio.org for more information.
Yoga unites body, mind and soul. Join instructor Kim Blitch, for Iyengar Yoga classes:
Argentine Tango, the world’s most mindful, meditative, intimate dance. (The social tango, not ballroom.)
If you can walk and hug, you can dance Argentine tango.
• Every Wednesday practice from 8 - 10 pm, with beginner lesson 8 - 9 pm
Singles and beginners welcome. No partner or experience required.
Matt Branstetter is a licensed massage therapist and a graduate of Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine. He has over 25 years experience in meditation and the martial and healing arts and can be reached for appointment at: embodyingtheway@gmail.com
JOHN A. PATTERSON MD, MSPH, FAAFP, ABIHM
Tai Chi and Therapeutic Massage
ART EVENTS
LexArts HOPS
Sept. 19, Nov. 21, Jan. 16, March 20, May 15 www.lexarts.org/discover/lexarts-hop
During the LexArts HOPs, thousands of locals and visitors alike converge on downtown Lexington to celebrate art throughout the evening, with new gallery exhibitions and special arts events at traditional and non-traditional gallery spaces. Patrons start at one of 40-plus locations and visit as many or as few participating venues as they would like. Official HOP hours are 5-8 p.m., with many venues keeping additional hours. A full guide is available each month on the LexArts HOP website.
This annual event features Lexington Philharmonic musicians performing chamber music among the outdoor sculptures on the beautiful grounds of Josephine Sculpture Park. Attendees of all ages can enjoy interactive activities and food trucks in addition to live music and the park’s sculptural installations. Two entry times are offered for admission (4 p.m. and 5 p.m.), with performances occurring between 4-8 p.m.
Waveland Art Fair
Sept. 6-7 • Waveland State Historic Park 225 Waveland Museum Lane parks.ky.gov/events/waveland-art-fair
The Waveland Art Fair gives attendees the opportunity to view and purchase works of art and artisanal Kentucky Proud food products while exploring the Waveland grounds. Local garden clubs will also host their annual fall plant sales, and food trucks will be on site with local fare and handcrafted beverages.
solar powered fans reduce both heat and moisture, making the home more comfortable and
PHOTO BY MICHAELA BOWMAN
Frankfort’s Josephine Sculpture Park will host the fifth annual Symphonic Stroll featuring the Lexington Philharmonic on Sept. 20.
THEATRE & PERFORMACE
Amadeus Lex
amadeuslex.com
This is a selection of upcoming performances taking place in Lexington. Amadeus Lex will present additional performances in Berea, Frankfort and other surrounding areas. Visit the website for the full list of performances.
“Pastoral Sounds.” Aug. 17 at Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church
“Suite Hébraïque.” Oct. 4 at Carrick Theatre (Transylvania University)
“Souvenir de Florence.” Jan. 9 at St. Raphael Episcopal Church
“Courage & Creativity.” March 14 at St. Luke Church
EKU Center for the Arts
1 Hall Drive, Richmond • (859) 662-7469 • www.ekucenter.org
This is just a handful of upcoming highlights. Visit the venue’s website for a full list of events.
Peter Rowan with Sam Grisman Project: Playing Music from Old & In the Way. Oct. 17
Vitamin String Quartet: Music from Taylor Swift, Bridgerton and more. Oct. 19
Straight No Chaser: Holiday Road. Oct. 26 Watchhouse. Nov. 9
Celtic Woman: Symphony Christmas Tour. Dec. 14
Grand Theatre
308 St. Clair St., Frankfort • www.thegrandky.com
This is just a handful of upcoming highlights. Visit the venue’s website for a full list of upcoming events.
Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives. Sept. 6
Rising Appalachia. Sept. 13
Vienna Boys Choir. Oct. 17
The Lovin’ Spoonful. Oct. 24
American Spiritual Ensemble. Jan. 16, 2026
Whether your children are in grade school or high school, they’ll be leaving for college before you know it. And with the cost of a college education rising, now is the time to prepare for that day. At Edward Jones, we can help design
your
One option is a 529 education savings plan. It allows anyone, regardless of age or income, to contribute.
PHOTO BY LUKAS BECK
One of the best known boys choirs in the world, Vienna Boys Choir, will perform at Frankfort’s Grand Theatre on Oct. 17.
Hours: Monday 10 - 4
Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 5
Sunday Closed
Jazz! Live at the Library www.jazzartsfoundation.org/jazz-at-library
The free monthly concerts of this long-running series are presented on the second Thursday of the month (7-8:15 p.m.) at the Farish Theater in the Central Branch of the Lexington Public Library, 140 E. Main St.
Ryan McGillicuddy Group. Sept. 11
Pat Harbison & Isaac Stephens. Oct. 9
Jamey Aebersold Quartet. Nov. 13
Michael Cruse. Dec. 11
Lexington Opera House
Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. www.lexingtonoperahouse.com
This is just a handful of upcoming events. Visit the venue’s website for the full schedule.
“Napoleon Dynamite LIVE!” Sept. 17
The Steeldrivers. Sept. 19-20
Villalobos Brothers. Sept. 21
World Ballet Company: “Cinderella.” Oct. 8
Randy Travis: More Life Tour. Oct. 23
Heather McMahan: The Bamboozled Tour. Oct. 24
PHOTO FURNISHED Artist and composer Michael Cruse will perform at the Jazz! Live at the Library series on Dec. 11.
Lexington Philharmonic www.lexphil.org
The Witching Hour. Oct. 11. LexPhil’s 2025-’26 season will kick off with a thrilling program in which mystery, imagination and music collide. The night will begin with “This Midnight Hour” by Anna Clyne, an atmospheric work inspired by two works of poetry. Then acclaimed pianist Spencer Myer will join the orchestra for Liszt’s “Totentanz“ (Dance of Death). The evening will conclude with Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique.”
Heartsong: Mendelssohn, Guo and Rachmaninoff. Nov. 22. This program will bring together three deeply expressive works that speak to love, memory and emotional resilience. It will open with the Kentucky premiere of Moni Jasmine Guo’s “the sound of where i came from” (Xiāng Yīn), a musical reflection on Guo’s hometown of Taiyuan, China. Next, renowned violinist Tai Murray will join LexPhil for the “heart’s jewel” of violin repertoire, Mendelssohn’s “Violin Concerto.” The program will close with Rachmaninoff’s “Symphony No. 2,” a sweeping expression of vulnerability and triumph.
Cathedral Christmas. Dec. 12-13. LexPhil and The Lexington Singers return to the Cathedral of Christ the King for this holiday tradition of timeless orchestral and choral works. This awe-inspiring musical experience in a divine setting will transport all to a place of peace that evokes the spirit of the holiday season.
Twist & Shout: The Music of The Beatles — A Symphonic Experience. Jan. 23, 2026. This show celebrates The Beatles in America, beginning with their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show on Feb. 9, 1964, and following their journey through the USA. The show will include early #1 hits like “Love Me Do,” “She Loves You,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Yesterday,” and more.
Jubilee & Joy: Green & Beethoven. Feb. 21, 2026. Under the baton of music director Mélisse Brunet, this show will begin with “TESTIFY!” by 2025-2026 Saykaly Garbulinska Composerin-Residence Brittany J. Green. This vibrant sonic tapestry is inspired by the rhythms and harmonies of Green’s childhood memories of church and the joyful sizzle of her mother’s tambourine playing. Then, LexPhil will be joined by The Lexington Singers for Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9.”
American Stories. Apr. 18, 2026. The 2025-’26 season finale will celebrate the 250th anniversary of America. It will begin with “Made in America“ by Joan Tower, followed by Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait,” narrated by former Kentucky Poet Laureate Silas House. After intermission, LexPhil will perform the world premiere of “Black Dandelions: An American Triptych” by 2025-’26 Saykaly Garbulinska Composer-inResidence Brittany J. Green. It features text from three Black women poets, including former Kentucky Poet Laureate Crystal Wilkinson. The show will close with Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.”
The Lexington Theatre Company
www.lexingtontheatrecompany.org Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St.
“A Christmas Carol.” Nov. 20-23. This Charles Dickens Christmas classic takes a whole new approach in Alan Menken and Lynn Ahren’s spectacular musicalized version. Delight in the holiday favorite as Ebeneezer Scrooge is visited by the spirits of Christmases past, present and future — each hoping to change his curmudgeonly ways.
Norton Center for the Arts
Newlin Hall, 600 West Walnut St., Danville www.nortoncenter.com
This is just a handful of upcoming highlights. Visit the Norton Center’s website for a full list of this season’s events.
Outside the Spotlight is a long-running Lexington music series presenting under-the-radar, experimental jazz and improvised music events from national and international artists. Performances are generally donation/pay-what-you-want and are held at smaller venues. Venues will be announced as the shows approach.
Fred Lonberg-Holm, Keefe Jackson, Christoph Erb, Gabby Fluke-Mogul Quartet. Oct. 20
Friends & Neighbors. Dec. 1
Singletary Center for the Arts
405 Rose St. • finearts.uky.edu/singletary-center
Additional Singletary Center Fall Programming:
Jo Koy: Just Being Koy Tour. Oct. 3
An Evening with Ebony G. Patterson. Oct. 23
Scott Frieman: Deconstructing the Beatles’ “Abbey Road.” Oct. 22
“The Love Song of R. Buckminster Fuller”: A film by Sam Green with live score by Yo La Tengo. Oct. 24.
The Lexington Singers & Lexington Singers Children’s Choir: The Music of Elaine Hagenberg. Nov. 2
Josh Johnson: The Flowers Tour. Nov. 14
Sal Vulcano: Everything’s Fine Tour. April 11, 2026
PHOTO COURTESY JOHN D. AND CATHERINE T. MACARTHUR FOUNDATION
The Singletary Center will host a conversation with multi-media artist Ebony G. Patterson on Oct. 23.
LITERATURE & FILM
Rosa Goddard International Film Series
Kentucky Theatre, 214 E. Main St. www.kentuckytheatre.org
This annual celebration of international cinema classics and contemporary films is curated and coordinated by local gift shop and bookstore SQecial Media and returns with film screenings taking place at 7:15 p.m. on select Wednesdays in September.
“After Life.” Sept. 10. If you could choose only one memory to hold on to for eternity, what would it be? Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda and released in 1998, “After Life” is a bittersweet fantasia in which the recently deceased find themselves in a limbo realm where they must select a single cherished moment from their life to be recreated on film for them to take into the next world.
“Le Havre.” Sept. 17. Fate throws a young African refugee into the path of a kindly old bohemian who shines shoes for a living in the French harbor city Le Havre. With inborn optimism and the support of his tight-knit community, the old man stands up to the officials doggedly pursuing the boy for deportation. A political fairy tale from Aki Kaurismäki that exists somewhere between the reality of contemporary France and the classic French cinema of the past, “Le Havre” is a charming delight.
“Yi Yi.” Sept. 24. “Yi Yi” (“A One and a Two . . .”) follows a middle-class family in Taipei over the course of one year, beginning with a wedding and ending with a funeral. Directed by the late Taiwanese master Edward Yang, every frame is deftly imbued with a compassionate clarity. Whether chronicling middle-aged father NJ’s tentative flirtations with an old flame or precocious young son Yang-Yang’s attempts at capturing reality with his beloved camera, this film is warm, sprawling and dazzling.
Twelve Lions Film Festival
Sept. 25-28 • Kentucky Theatre, 214 E. Main St. www.twelvelionsfilmfestival.com
The Kentucky Theatre’s annual film festival showcases independent films from around the world, operating with a mission to further the careers of emerging filmmakers through premieres, workshops and panels.
This year’s event will feature a screening of “Stranger with a Camera” in collaboration with the Eastern Kentucky media center Appalshop, and special screenings of the films “Backside,” an observational-sensorial film set behind the scenes of racing season at Churchill Downs, and “She Dances,” a new feature film starting Ethan Hawke and Steve Zahn, filmed largely in Lexington. The festival will also feature dozens of additional shorts, documentaries and feature films.
The Rosa Goddard International Film Series will host a screening of “Le Havre,” a political fairy tale from director Aki Kaurismäki, at The Kentucky Theatre on Sept. 17.
PHOTO FURNISHED
Kentucky Book Festival
Nov. 1 • Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 161 Lexington Green Cir. kybookfestival.org
This celebration of reading, writing and publishing takes place each fall, with events geared to connect book-lovers and authors, spark engaging conversations and empower readers by providing access to new books as well as opportunities to learn more about writing in a fun, supportive environment.
Carnegie Classics:
“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”
Nov. 8, 7-11 p.m. • Carnegie Center, 251 W. 2nd St. • (859) 254-4175 carnegiecenterlex.org
For this fully immersive annual literary event, a classic work of literature is brought to life with themed food, beverages, performances and visuals. This year’s iteration will be centered around Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Guests are invited to let their imaginations go wild as they recreate characters and scenes from this highly imaginative tale. The event will include a “No Place Like Home” art exhibit and performances from Kentucky Ballet Theatre, Woodford Theatre, Uma Jewels & Friends and The Acousticats. Advance tickets are available for the event, which includes heavy apps, an open bar and plenty of artistic surprises. Costumes are encouraged.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Lexington Roots & Heritage Festival
Sept. 5-7 • Elm Tree Lane www.rootsfestky.com
For over 30 years the Roots and Heritage Festival has been a pinnacle of regional diversity providing entertainment and education for all ages. Multiple blocks along Elm Tree Lane between Fourth and Short Streets are blocked off for the annual event that celebrates cultural diversity in Lexington with food and retail vendors, live music, parades and family activities.
St.
Andrew Orthodox Church Annual Heritage Festival
Sept. 6-7 (Sat., 12-8 p.m.; Sun., 12-5 p.m.)
St. Andrew Orthodox Church, 1136 Higbee Mill Road www.standrewlexington.org
For more than 30 years, St. Andrew Orthodox Church has celebrated the rich and widely varied cultural heritage of its parish community with this two-day event, which features an assortment of international foods like falafel, gyros and baklava, as well as entertainment and church tours.
Equinox Jazz Festival
Sept. 17-22 • The Kentucky Theatre, 200 Main St. • www.originsjazz.org/ equinox-jazz-festival
Presented by Origins Jazz Series, this fiveday celebration will join tradition and innovation, honoring jazz’s rich legacy and its boundless future. From intimate showcases to electrifying headliner performances, this festival will embody the spirit that has driven the genre forward for over a century.
The curated lineup includes a mix of legends and rising stars, from National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Kenny Garrett and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra veteran Camille Thurman to Rose Colella with the Osland-Dailey Jazztet and Kandace Springs.
Christ the King Oktoberfest
Sept. 19-20 • Cathedral of Christ the King, 299 Colony Blvd. www.ctkoktoberfest.com
This annual Oktoberfest celebration features fun for all ages including German food, kids’ games, arts and crafts, inflatables, bingo, live music from The Engligh Beat (Fri.) and Zack Attack (Sat.) and more.
Festival Latino de Lexington
Sept. 19-20 • Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza, 120 N. Limestone lexingtonky.gov/festival-latino-de-lexington
Celebrate Latin American art and culture in the heart of downtown Lexington at this two-day festival, presented by Lexington Parks & Recreation and the Foundation for Latin American and Latino Culture and Arts. Attendees can enjoy live music, dance, visual arts and authentic cuisine.
Lexington Pizza Week
Sept. 22-25 www.lexingtonpizzaweek.net
Brought to you by Smiley Pete Publishing — the same folks behind Lexington Burger Week, Lexington Taco Week and this very publication — Lexington’s biggest pizza party will feature dozens of participating restaurants, each offering special pies for $10 (either a 10-inch pie or two extra-large slices). Participants are encouraged to check out as many locations as their heart desires throughout the week, checking in with the Lexington Pizza Week app to be eligible for prizes. See the website (or insert in this magazine!) as the event nears for more details on participating locations and featured pizzas.
Bourbon & Belonging
Oct. 3-5 • Various locations www.bourbonandbelonging.com
For the second year in a row, Queer Kentucky, a Louisville-founded nonprofit focused on uplifting LGBTQ+ lives through storytelling, culture and action, is presenting “Bourbon & Belonging: Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week,” the first LGBTQ+ inclusive bourbon festival in the country. The three-day event will include tastings, tours, pool parties, drag brunches and art events within several cities across the state.
National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master first-year Kenny Garrett is among the performers for Equinox Jazz Festival, a first-year event taking place Sept. 17-22.
Tree Week
Oct. 10-19 • Various locations ufi.ca.uky.edu/treeweek
Produced by The Urban Forest Initiative, this annual celebration is designed to foster an appreciation of trees and green spaces in Lexington and other communities throughout Kentucky. Participants can enjoy tree walks, tours and hikes, educational programming for youth and adults, art projects and exhibitions, and yoga.
Scarefest Horror & Paranormal Convention
Oct. 17-19 • Central Bank Center, 430 West Vine St. • www.thescarefest.com
The nation’s largest horror and paranormal convention, Scarefest celebrates its 16th installment this year with dozens of exhibits, vendors, seminars, and meetand-greets and photo-ops with celebrities from the horror, sci-fi or paranormal genre. This year, special guests include actors from “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Scream,” and “Halloween.” Visit the event website for the full lineup, event times and other details.
Lexington Bourbon Week
Nov. 6-15 www.lexingtonbourbonweek.com
For Lexington Bourbon Week dozens of participating restaurants and bars will offer special bourbon-centric cocktails that aren’t normally on the menu, utilizing creative ingredients designed to impress any palate. See the website as the event nears for more details on participating locations, the featured cocktails, and ways to participate. Lexington Bourbon Week is produced by Smiley Pete Publishing, the producers of Lexington Burger Week, Lexington Pizza Week, Lexington Taco Week, and this very publication.
PHOTO FURNISHED
WORTH THE DRIVE
Bourbon & Beyond
Sept. 11-14
• Highland Festival Grounds at Kentucky Expo Center, Louisville • bourbonandbeyond.com
This large-scale music festival returns to Louisville with an extensive and eclectic lineup straddling genres from pop and indie to jam and Americana, as well as a bevy of experiences that highlight Kentucky’s signature bourbon and culinary culture. Headlining artists for this four-day festival include Noah Kahan, Phish, Jack White and The Lumineers, with over 100 additional acts.
Louder Than Life
Sept 18-21
• Highland Festival Grounds at Kentucky Expo Center, Louisville • louderthanlifefestival.com
At this four-day rock and metal festival, fans can expect 160+ bands across six stages featuring heavy hitters like Slayer, Deftones, Avenged Sevenfold, Bring Me the Horizon, Rob Zombie, Sleep Token and Bad Omens.
Located on a private property-turned campground near Lake Cumberland, Black Mountain Jamboree is a campout music festival highlighting 14 local and regional bands. This year’s lineup includes Magnolia Boulevard, Paul McDonald & the Morning Doves, Dee oh Gee and Ruen Brothers. Additional festival experiences include yoga, live painting, and a cold plunge and bonfire experience.
Now in its eleventh year, regional music festival The Moonshiner’s Ball returns to the Rockcastle County venue Rockcastle Riverside for a weekend of music, camping and fun for all ages this fall. Following the uno cial tagline “folk by day, funk by night,” the festival features a diverse and robust music lineup with headliners like Margo Price, Cimafunk and The Brothers Comatose. Tickets, the full line-up, and more information is available at the event website. ■
The Afro-Cuban funk band Cimafunk is among the headliners at this year’s Moonshiner’s Ball, taking place Oct. 9-12 in Livingston, Ky.
PHOTO FURNISHED
SUNDAY
SEPTEMBER 21
u 12:00pm
u 12:00pm
u Throughout the Day Many Voices In One A-Chord: Lexington Sacred Music Festival
Ring In The Inaugural Lexington Sacred Music Festival: In One A-Chord
Pam Miller DAC
Join us for the inaugural presentation of In One A-Chord: Lexington Sacred Music Festival presented by CHI Saint Joseph Health, September 21 - 28, 2025, as we celebrate Lexington’s 250th with the music that fills our churches, chapels, sanctuaries, synagogues, concert halls, houses of prayer and places of peace.
TWENTY-FIVE
(25) SACRED MUSICAL EXPERIENCES ARE OPEN TO ALL and scheduled at religious and non-religious locations alike with time to hear each offering daily. Not religious? No worries.
Sacred music bridges the gap between the earthly and the spiritual, elevates the human spirit, has the power to heal, and the ability to bring listeners together in community to celebrate not only our commonality but the beauty in what makes us unique and different. Save The Week for this inaugural sacred music festival! Performances are free or at low cost. Please see individual events for more details.
MONDAY
SEPTEMBER 22
u 8:00am
Deep Listening: Contemplating the ‘Sacred’ in Music
Shambhala Meditation Center
u 10:30am
On the Path through Songwriting to Spirit
u 2:00pm What Makes Music Sacred?
A Listening Experience with Dr. Lance Brunner
LexArts Gallery at ArtsPlace
u 3:30pm
Organ Concert & Evensong Christ Church Cathedral
Celebrating the Flute through Well-loved Hymns and Spirituals
First Presbyterian Church
u 6:00pm
The Vivaldi Gloria presented by the Inaugural Lexington All-City Chorus with special appearances and music by Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra, Uniting Voices Lexington and soloists from the American Spiritual Ensemble. **
Singletary Center for the Arts
TUESDAY
SEPTEMBER 23
u 11:00am
J.S. Bach through the Sound of Classical Guitar
First Presbyterian Church
u 12:00pm
Magnificat: The Song of Mary through the Ages Good Shepherd Episcopal
u 6:30pm
A Concert of Sacred Song Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church
WEDNESDAY
SEPTEMBER 24
u 10:00am
What Makes Music Sacred? A Listening Experience with Dr. Lance Brunner
FredNezKeams
Central Library Farish Theater
u 12:00pm
The Sacred, Healing Sounds of Traditional Native American Flutes LexHistory - Lexington History Museum
u 6:30pm Going Home: Sacred Roots, Living Legacy — 250 Years of Devotion in Lexington Grace Baptist Church
THURSDAY
SEPTEMBER 25
u 10:30am
SATURDAY
SEPTEMBER 27
9:00am
The Gospel Of Lexington: 250 Years of Faith, Hope and Strength Through Song
Shiloh Baptist Church
u 1:00pm
Shape Note Singing through the Sacred Harp Tune Book First Presbyterian Church
u 6:00pm With a Piano as My Altar: The Virtuosic Hymn Arrangements of Tedrin Blair Lindsay First Presbyterian Church
SUNDAY
SEPTEMBER 28
Baroque to Contemporary: Sacred Organ Music Concert featuring Grant Holcomb
Central Christian Church
FRIDAY
SEPTEMBER 26
u 1:30pm Songs of Shabbat Temple Adath Israel Synagogue
u 7:00pm How Can I Keep from Singing? Second Presbyterian Church
u 12:30pm Singing in the Spirit: The African and African American Musical Heritage St Andrew’s Episcopal Church
u 6:00pm Unity Through Sacred Music
Calvary Baptist Church
u 1:00pm Hymn of Thanksgiving & Sacred Sonatas featuring Daniel Mason & Friends
string quartet
First Presbyterian Church
Dr. Kathy Bullock
7:30pm UK Symphony Orchestra Opening Night Academic Festival Overture ** Singletary Center for the Arts
Faure Requiem presented by UK Chorale Cathedral of Christ the King
6:00pm Duke Ellington Sacred Music Concert featuring the American Spiritual Ensemble, Kentucky Jazz Repertory Orchestra, and others. **
Transylvania University’s Mitchell Fine Arts Center
Please note: Registration will be recommended for each event. Events are free and open to the public unless marked ** representing ticket purchase requirements.
FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON EACH EVENT
Lynn Winter, who has only been gardening for two years , has filled about every inch of her front and back yard with wildflowers and exotic vegetable plants.
PHOTOS BY MADYLIN GOINS
“I was also working at a little café full of loggers and fishermen, waiting tables,” she said. “I love people, and I love food, and I decided that I wanted to open my own restaurant.”
That realization would eventually lead her to open Lynn’s Paradise Café in 1991 after gaining experience at a pioneering farm-totable restaurant in Mendocino and returning to Kentucky to care for her sick father, who offered to back her in a business if she moved back home.
After the café closed in 2013, Winter spent several more years in California before coming back to Kentucky in 2018, this time settling in Lexington, where she and her family lived while she was a teenager. She bought the charming Craftsman that same year and began a six-year renovation that centered on a vision of having her home serve as a space that celebrates both indoor artistry and outdoor living. To that end, she found the perfect partner in Garry Murphy and Prajna Design and Construction, who worked with her to make that vision a reality, in spite of the project’s challenges.
“Structurally, [the house] wasn’t great,” she said. “It was falling down. The center beam was broken. We had to start in the basement and work up.”
On the first floor, Winter moved the kitchen and opened the living room and hallway to create one large L-shaped room, which she uses as a studio for painting, an art form she only took up recently. Large windows built into the back wall of the house let in light and provide a view of the back garden. She also added a fireplace with tile work by Louisville Tile and went to Counter Culture for a countertop and shelving in the kitchen, both made of limestone and inspired Lexington’s historic old courthouse.
The second floor was also reconfigured to create a large bedroom with a fireplace, and balconies were added to both the front and back of the house. Another smaller room on the second floor houses a small laundry room and built-in closets, and it can be used as a bedroom, although Winter is currently using it as a space to start seeds for her extensive garden.
An interesting, uncommon feature of the second floor is an open area with a second kitchen space for a dining area or work table.
“I do a lot of art, and I wanted a space where I could create art on the second floor with a big sink. But I think, once I am old, some-
Winter worked with architects at Prajna to renovate her 1915 Craftsman house. Key features include simple lines,tile work from Louisville Tile, refinished hardwood floors, and a bevy of large windows and balconies.
PHOTOS BY MADYLIN GOINS
body could live here and take care of me. They can be in the house but have their own space,” explained Winter.
Another unique choice on the second floor is Winter’s use of ceramic tiles on a bedroom wall.
“I absolutely love tile, and I put it everywhere I can find a surface,” she explained.
The third floor, which was an unfinished attic when Winter began the renovation, is now also a finished space with a balcony. Throughout the home, balconies and large windows help incorporate Winter’s love of the outdoors into her living space.
“The balconies really connect me to the neighborhood,” Winter said. “I love to sleep with the windows open.”
Filled with containers of flowers and vegetables, the balconies also function as an extension of her garden — another new hobby.
“While we were renovating the house, I couldn’t be inside much because of the work being done, and I ended up working outside a lot,” she explained. “I never really gardened until about two years ago… I had never grown a flower in my life. I would try to grow this and that, but it was really two years ago that I realized I was in love with flowers.
Winter follows the “no-dig” method of gardening.
“The basis is that the soil has a structure and that you don’t till because that tears up the structure. Instead, you add compost, adding fertility like a forest floor. So, I just started adding compost to the yard and building beds and planting,” she continued.
While her front yard is filled with native plants and flowers, her large backyard is a forest of blooms. This summer, Winter has for the first time added fruits and vegetables of all types to her garden, even growing a variety of eggplant in containers just outside the second-floor bathroom window.
Winter admitted that the garden is an experiment, with competition mums planted next to heirloom tomatoes, native flowers beside cucumbers and melons, and plants growing in unusual places, like the purple peppers growing inside the stump of a tree that was lost. A natural artist, Winter organized her planting by creating collections of flowers, fruits and vegetables that look good together.
With loads of natural light, tile and hardwood accents, the home feels natural, contemporary and classic all at once, while still honoring many original Craftsman details.
Of course, every garden needs a garden shed, and Winter’s garden is no exception. Her shed, however, contains not only gardening tools, but also tools for metalworking and blacksmithing. Winter hopes to add a kiln, as well, that will work for knife-making as well as for her newfound ceramics practice.
Ultimately, Winter’s home and garden have not only provided a comfortable and beautiful living space, but also an outlet for her creative energy in recent years.
“Lynn’s Paradise Cafè was such an amazing, crazy, wonderful thing, and I went through some real grief when it was gone,” she said. “My life was so full, but things come to a halt when you are a caretaker. I had to find deeper loves. I found my way with painting and ceramics. I designed this house. And now the garden.”
Returning to Lexington for the first time since she lived here as a teenager, Winter has found the city to be the perfect backdrop for her lifestyle.
“At first, I didn’t want to move back, but now, I think I have really found my home,” she said. “I think it’s the best town in the world. It’s big enough to be cosmopolitan, but small enough that we know each other. I’ve lived in Louisville, and I’ve lived in L.A. and in smaller towns in California –– I’ve tried the big, and I’ve tried the small. Now I’ve found my perfect match, and it’s just right.” n
PHOTOS BY MADYLIN GOINS
AMY E. DOUGHERTY MARY ELLIS PATTON KATHERINE E. FINNELL
Zac Brown , proprietor
More than 30 unique, o -menu pizzas (10-inch pies, or 2 large slices) for just $10 each!
Brought to you by:
DOWNLOAD THE LEXINGTON PIZZA WEEK APP!
Apollo Pizza
1451 Leestown Road
Super Crunch Bros Cheeseburger
Pizza: Apollo classic sauce, ground beef, three-cheese blend and a sprinkle of cheddar, topped with hand-breaded fried pickles
The Green Mamba: House-blended pesto ranch sauce, feta cheese, fresh spinach, three-cheese blend
Dingbats
471 Jefferson St.
The Buford: Bacon jam, heirloom cherry tomatoes, arugula, fontina
The Ginsberg: Pink beet pesto, goat cheese, endive, mimosa vinaigrette
Joe Bologna’s
120 W. Maxwell St.
Reuben Pizza: Thousand Island, pastrami, sauerkraut and a blend of swiss and mozzarella cheeses, on Joe B’s signature fresh pizza dough
Mediterranean Pizza: Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and spinach on house-made pizza dough covered with feta and mozzarella cheeses
Big City Pizza HAMBURG
2312 Sir Barton Way, Ste. #110
Disneyland Magical Mac ‘n Cheese: Mac ‘n cheese with mozzarella, parmesan and cheddar, topped with crunchy breading
Vintage 1980’s School Pizza: Diced pepperoni, sausage, secret seasoning, mozzarella and cheddar
Ethereal Slice House
405 South Limestone (inside the Cornerstone Exchange Building)
Big City Pizza CHINOE 1060 Chinoe Road, Ste. #128
The Drunken Rooster: Pepper jack beer cheese, smoky bacon and bourbon glaze, with breaded chicken and a blast of sizzling jalapeños
The Mac Daddy: White cheddar Mac ‘n cheese base, a healthy sprinkle of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, adorned with crushed Grippos
Frenchy’s Pizza Food Truck
Located at Country Boy Brewing, 436 Chair Ave.
Olive the Glory: A champion’s feast loaded with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, green olives and black olives. Big flavor. All the glory.
Sweet Victory: A warm cinnamonsugar pie drizzled with creamy icing. The perfect dessert to seal your win.
Mi Pequena Hacienda
3501 Lansdowne Dr. 110 Cynthia Dr. (Brannon Crossing)
Mexican Chorizo Pizza: Mexican-style pizza topped with chorizo, bacon, jalapenos and onion, topped with Monterey Jack cheese
Veggie Pizza with Mushrooms and Onions: Mexican-style pizza topped with mushrooms, onions, black beans, spinach and Monterey Jack cheese
Crust
3195 Beaumont Centre Cir., Ste. #100
Fig & Pig: Fig jam, gorgonzola, country ham, arugula,
Parlour
2099 Harrodsburg Road
Beef & Beer Cheese Pizza: House-made beer cheese base, provolone, shredded mozzarella, hamburger, green peppers, and onion.
The Gutterball Grinder: A meaty strike of your choice of pepperoni, sausage, ham or bacon — loaded and ready to roll. “So good it’ll knock your appetite into the gutter.”
The Spare Supreme: With your choice of olives, mushrooms, onions and green peppers, this colorful mix of veggies is the comeback your tastebuds didn’t see coming. “Not quite a strike, but a perfect pick-up.”
Rise Up
Located at Arcadium (574 N. Limestone) on Mon.; Darling Wine Bar (101 W. Loudon) Tues.-Sat.; Southland Street Fair on Sun.
The Greatest of All Time: Braised jerk goat, red onion, mozzarella and gouda and Scotch bonnet tomato sauce, finished with pineapple-lime crema, scallions and cilantro, on a sourdough Detroit-style crust
Undefeated Champion: Island-spiced tomato jam, fresh okra and caramelized shallots over mozzarella, finished with scallions, thyme and a hint of lime on a sourdough Detroit-style crust
Rolling Oven
725 National Ave.
Bourbon BBQ Brisket: Smoked Blue Door BBQ brisket, caramelized onions and pickled jalapenos over a smoky bourbon BBQ sauce, topped with smoked mozzarella and sharp cheddar. Finished with a bourbon BBQ drizzle and fresh scallions.
Bluegrass Garden: Roasted cherry tomatoes, grilled zucchini, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions and fresh spinach over a garlic cream base with mozzarella and feta. Finished with balsamic glaze and fresh basil.
Lexington Pizza Week September
22-28
Over 30 one-of-a-kind, off-menu, chef-driven pies crafted just for this week. Think bold flavors, unexpected toppings and serious creativity — all for one week only.
Discover the city’s hottest slices, from classic reimaginings to wild new mashups. Grab your crew, hit your favorite spots, and taste your way through Lexington’s ultimate pizza experience.
Rosati’s
148 Malabu Dr. Ste. #160
Chicago Combo: Choice of hot giardiniera or sweet peppers, pizza sauce, fresh garlic, Italian beef and Italian sausage
Kat’s White Pizza: Olive oil, fresh garlic, aglio spinach, mushroom, capers, artichoke and fresh tomato
Download the Lexington Pizza app & map out your path to victory!
5+ check-ins = Chance to win free pizza for a year or your very own indoor pizza oven!
3+ check-ins = Chance to win movie tickets, bowling vouchers and more from Southland Lanes, LexLive and The Kentucky Theatre!
One Week. Endless bragging rights. Don’t just eat your pizza – dominate it.
From Parking Lot to Paradise
GATTON PARK ON TOWN BRANCH OFFERS A DYNAMIC NEW GREENSPACE IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN
STORY BY MATT WICKSTROM AND
In Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi,” she sings: “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” With the recent opening of Gatton Park on Town Branch, Lexington has reversed that trend, by transforming a former parking lot into a 10-acre community greenspace.
The park is the result of more than a decade of planning and fundraising that began under former Mayor Jim Gray’s administration. At that time, the city launched a bold vision to reimagine underutilized public spaces and enhance downtown’s trail system. Inspired by some of the nation’s best urban parks, the project evolved through a partnership
between the city, the Lexington Convention Center (which owned the land), and a newly formed nonprofit —Gatton Park and Conservancy — tasked with fundraising, overseeing design, and ultimately managing the park.
Funded primarily through private philanthropy, the park has raised over $55 million, with an impressive 98% of that coming from private sources.
Allison Lankford, who has been involved since the project’s inception and recently transitioned from executive director to CEO of Gatton Park and Conservancy, describes the process as one that has balanced ambition with community stewardship.
“It’s incredible that philanthropic dollars are bringing this to Lexington,” Lankford said. “It’s truly built by the people, for the people.”
Staying rooted in Lexington’s history while drawing inspiration from other world-class public spaces, the park’s design centers on Town Branch Creek — the original water source around which the city was founded in 1775. Industrialization buried the creek beneath streets and buildings, but recent development efforts, including the Distillery District, Gatton Park, and Town Branch Commons Trail, have unearthed sections of it. That 2.5-mile multi-use path now connects the Isaac Murphy Memorial Garden with Town Branch Trail.
DOWNTOWN LEXINGTON'S GATTON PARK PHOTO FURNISHED
During renovations to the park, crews uncovered a stone wall dating back to the 1790s, originally used to manage stormwater runoff; it has since been reconstructed using some of the original stone. Today, Town Branch Creek winds through the park beneath that wall, with the creek bed serving as a bioswale that reduces runoff and supports native habitat.
“We’ve restored the stream bed by taking out all the invasive species and replacing them with appropriate flora and really trying to bring the habitat back to what it once was,” Lankford said.
This ecological commitment extends throughout the park. Native plantings requiring minimal maintenance now populate the landscape — 450 trees, more than 4,000 plants, and three bioswales help restore the environmental vitality of downtown. A butterfly garden invites both pollinators and park-goers, while the expanded tree canopy helps combat Lexington’s urban heat island effect. Winding paths form a quarter-mile loop, perfect for walking or biking.
One of the most engaging features lies near the waterway: a half-acre playground inspired by gristmills, featuring twin towers, a 27-foot slide, and inclusive, ADA-compliant elements designed for caregiver-child play. A splash pad and a naturalistic “streambed” play area—with rocks and native vegetation — evoke the feeling of creekside exploration. The
design even includes wide pathways and ground-level water tables to ensure children using mobility devices can fully experience the space.
At the park’s heart is a sweeping lawn and amphitheater that can accommodate up to 4,500 guests beneath a top-tier performance stage. The marquee CommonSpirit Health Stage is set to host a mix of local talent, nonprofit arts groups, and
major touring acts spanning bluegrass, jazz, classic rock and more.
Brian Sipe, general manager for Oak View Group (OVG) — which also oversees programming at Rupp Arena and the Lexington Opera House — has already booked several national headliners, including the Beach Boys (Sept. 17) and Kansas, Jefferson Starship and Molly Hatchet (Oct. 9), with more acts on the way.
Above: Gatton Park's amphitheatre and tiered lawn can accommodate up to 4,500 concert-goers.
Left: The park's half-acre playground features a 27-foot slide, enclosed towers inspired by Kentucky's historic gristmills, and ADA-compliant elements designed for caregiver-child play.
PHOTOS FURNISHED
“Our market has been missing a space like this,” said Sipe of Gatton Park’s entertainment capabilities, adding that OVG plans to host roughly 20 national acts annually on the stage.
Shows will run between mid-April and mid-October and will also include local programming such as live music, nonprofit collaborations, group yoga, running clubs, and educational activities. As Lexington’s largest outdoor concert venue, the stage will complement the city’s existing venues in a way that many believe is much-needed.
“We’re not taking pieces of the pie — we’re growing it,” Sipe said.
Beyond performances, the park offers a variety of other features: interactive art installations, a fenced-in off-leash dog park, a dining facility housed in a vintage railcar, and a community room for gatherings of up to 150 guests. Each space was intentionally designed to meet diverse community needs.
From the very beginning, Gatton Park has been shaped by the voices of Lexington residents. Features and design details were informed by extensive community outreach efforts. Over the course of the planning process, park leadership engaged thousands of residents — through surveys translated into seven of Lexington’s most commonly spoken languages, focus groups with college students, and roundtable discussions in partnership with local organizations. Even during the pandemic, the project adapted to include virtual engagement. Today, the Inclusion Plan that grew out of that outreach continues to guide how the park is operated.
“As we open, we’re willing to make adjustments and keep listening to what Lexington wants from its downtown park,” Lankford said.
Now open to the public, Gatton Park invites visitors to rediscover Town Branch Creek, enjoy both free and ticketed events year-round (including a festive winter village coming later this year), and experience a space that is at once globally inspired and deeply rooted in Kentucky.
In time, Lankford hopes that Gatton Park becomes such an integral part of city life that residents “won’t remember the city without it.” n
Alison Iser, MD* offers compassionate, thorough and unhurried appointments. Her direct primary care includes wellness visits, same or next day appointments, acute and chronic disease management, and discounted labs and medications all for one monthly membership fee that makes it a great value. Schedule a free meet and greet to nd out why Dr. Iser is highly regarded by her patients.
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“My time with TrainMovePlay is always well-spent. They take the time to know and plan for clients’ individual (and changing) needs and goals. Their approach is very unique, with a focus on form first and then maximizing training through full body workouts for overall
PHOTO FURNISHED
CEO of Gatton Park and Conservency Allison Lankford says the park has been shaped by the voices of Lexington residents.
Ask the Home Services Expert with Jamie Clark
Last month we talked about the HVAC tax credits going away, since then we found out they also eliminated the 30% tax credit on solar and geothermal.
Question: Is the 30% solar tax credit going away completely?
Kay, Lexington
Answer: Sadly, it is true the tax bill kills all solar incentives. This is the first time in almost 20 years that there has not been encouragement from the government for homeowners to go solar.
Question: If I wanted to go solar before the end of this year, is there still time?
Todd, Lansdown
Answer: Yes, we have until the end of this year and we can typically install a solar project within a couple of weeks of you placing your order. That said we expect a rush of people trying to get in by the end of the year, so the sooner you call us the better.
Question: What’s the typical ROI on residential solar?
Answer: With the 30% tax credit we typically see a 8-10 year payback. Solar is going to last 30+ years so after the payback it’s all positive cash flow. Without the 30% tax credit it will be more like a 15-18 year ROI.
Question: With the tax credit going away, what will this do to the solar industry? Will solar companies survive?
Nick, Versailles
Answer: That’s a great question and the short answer is this will likely be a death blow to the industry at least for now and companies that only offer solar will definitely struggle. Kentucky has always been a tough market for solar contractors. Since I started installing solar in 2014 we’ve seen 12 solar-only companies go bankrupt. That’s one of the reasons Synergy is diversified. With our portfolio of services, if one area of the company is slow our other services make up the difference. This helps us keep growing. I predict this change will be hard on contractors and we will likely be the only solar company left in the market because we are not dependent on solar.
In summary: If you have ever thought you wanted to add solar or geothermal to your house, give me a call ASAP so we can give you a free estimate and get you in by the end of the year. The system has to be installed by 12-31-25 not just purchased. We are expecting a last minute rush, so the sooner we come see you the more likely we are to guarantee a 12-31 completion.
Do you have a question or a concern about your home’s efficiency, comfort or air quality? Send your questions or comments to info@ mysynergyhome.com.
Late Summer Plum Galette
Layered with juicy plums, flaky crust and a hint of mint, this rustic end-of-summer dessert is easy enough for a weeknight and pretty enough for guests.
Ingredients:
Crust:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 10 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• 6-7 tablespoons ice water
• 1 egg, beaten
• Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling
Filling:
• 2-3 medium plums, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon turbinado sugar
• Drizzle of agave syrup
• 1 teaspoon minced mint
Method:
In a food processor, pulse flour and salt. Add butter and pulse until the flour and butter incorporate to form coarse crumbs. Transfer to a bowl, drizzle in ice water, and mix gently. Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill for one hour.
Let dough rest 20 min at room temp. Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss plums with cinnamon and sugar. Roll dough into a 12-inch circle on floured surface. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet. Layer plums in the center, leaving a 1- to 2-inch border. Fold edges over fruit.
Brush crust with egg wash, sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Bake 50-55 minutes until golden. Cool 10 minutes, drizzle with agave, and sprinkle with mint.
Recipe serves 8. n
RECIPE AND PHOTOS BY AMY EDDIE
Events Calendar
CONCERTS & GIGS
Chamber Music of Lexington. Aug. 29-Sept. 6. Over the course of nine days, The Chamber Music Festival of Lexington will present formal performances, free public appearances, and educational work with students in Lexington, all under the direction of native Lexingtonian and artistic director Nathan Cole, who was recently named the new concert master of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The festival, which is now in its 18th season, will feature main stage concerts at Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, pop-up concerts, a cabaret-style event at Equus Run Vineyards, and more. chambermusiclex.org/2025festival
Soccer Mommy. Sept. 5
Blending fuzzy indie rock with sharp pop instincts, Soccer Mommy (Sophie Allison) delivers hook-filled tracks that balance soul and melody. Her live shows cut straight to the point with catchy, cathartic and loud in all the right places. 8 p.m. The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd. www.theburlky.com
250Lex: A Concert for Lexington. Sept. 7. This milestone celebration honors Lexington’s 250th anniversary with a lineup of local and national artists, including Ben Sollee, Joslyn and the Sweet Compression, and the Lexington Philharmonic. The concert includes the debut performance of a piece commissioned by Lexington-born composer Shawn Okpebholo. Pre-concert activities
begin at 1 p.m.; performance at 3 p.m. Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St. lexphil.org/250lex
Mary Halverson: Amaryllis. Sept .13. Guitarist-composer
Mary Halvorson brings her acclaimed “Amaryllis” project to Lexington, blending jazz, avant-garde and chamber music into lush, unpredictable soundscapes. Featuring an ensemble of improvisational heavyweights, this performance promises both daring artistry and lyrical beauty. 7:30 p.m. Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St. finearts.uky.edu
Beach Boys. Sept. 17. With time-
less hits like “Good Vibrations,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” and “California Girls,” The Beach Boys bring their iconic harmonies and surf-rock nostalgia to Lexington’s newest outdoor stage. 7:30 p.m. Gatton Park on Town Branch, 795 Manchester St. gattonpark.org
Sabbath: The Recreation of Sabbath. Sept. 19. A note-for-note tribute to the godfathers of heavy metal, this powerhouse act channels the dark groove of Black Sabbath’s prime. 8 p.m. Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St. manchestermusichall.com
The Steeldrivers. Sept. 19-20. Known for blending traditional bluegrass with hard-driving blues, this Grammy-winning band has built a loyal following with soulful vocals and sharp musicianship. 8 p.m. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. lexingtonoperahouse.com
Goth Babe. Sept. 21. Mixing surfy indie-pop and breezy psych-rock, Goth Babe creates soundtracks with an undercurrent of wanderlust. Expect feel-good hooks and a set that plays like a road trip with the windows down. 8 p.m. The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd. www.theburlky.com
Panda Bear. Sept. 23. Cofounder of Animal Collective and an experimental pop icon, Panda Bear layers hypnotic loops, kaleidoscopic textures, and woozy harmonies into transportive live sets. 8 p.m. The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd. www. theburlky.com
Toad the Wet Sprocket. Sept. 23. The ’90s alternative act returns with the jangly guitars and melodic hooks that fueled hits like “Walk on the Ocean” and “All I Want.” 7:30 p.m. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. lexingtonoperahouse.com
Paul Wall. Sept. 26. Houston’s “People’s Champ” brings his laid-back flow, Southern swagger and diamond-grilled smile to Manchester Music Hall, rolling through early hits alongside fresh tracks. 8 p.m. Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St. manchestermusichall.com
Ben Sollee will provide support at the 250Lex Concert for Lexington on Sept. 7.
PHOTO BY
JESSICA EBELHAR
ART & EXHIBITS
LexArts Hop. Sept. 19. During the LexArts HOPs, thousands of locals and visitors alike converge on downtown Lexington to celebrate art throughout the evening, with new gallery exhibitions and special arts events at traditional and non-traditional gallery spaces. Patrons start at one of 40-plus locations and visit as many or as few participating venues as they would like. Official HOP hours are 5-8 p.m., with many venues keeping additional hours. A full guide is available each month at the LexArts Hop website: lexarts.org/discover/lexarts-hop
Jeffrey Equality Brooks Solo Show. On display through Sept. 26. Jeffrey Equality Brooks presents raw, emotionally-charged paintings that confront the viewer with both visual appeal and personal truth. Infused with the bold colors and stylistic flair of pop art, his work leans into “new sincerity,” rejecting celebrity culture in favor of honest, sometimes uncomfortable reflections on identity and emotion. Living Arts & Science Center, 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd. www.lasclex.org
19 Years 40 Feet. On display through Oct. 4. This exhibition is a sampling of recent work across diverse mediums from Georgetown College studio art professors J. Daniel Graham, Darrell Kincer, and Boris Zakic, who have worked together in close proximity for almost two decades. Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center (City Gallery), 141 Main St. www.lexingtonky.gov/about-downtown-arts-center
Figure It Out. On display through Oct. 15. This compelling group showcase centers around the human figure, highlighting masterful interpretations of the body and face in glass by five artists. Trifecta Glass • Art • Lounge, 243 Walton Ave. trifectadesign studio.com
Vibrant Pastels. On display Sept. 4-Oct. 30. Showcasing the exciting world of color created by the use of soft pastels, this exhibit features work by artist Marianna McDonald and 18 of her past and present students. Gallery hours: Fri.-Sat., 12-4 p.m. and by appointment. Artist’s Attic, 401 W. Main St., Suite 401. www.theartistsattic.org
Black to the Future: African People in Outer Space: Past, Present, and Future. On display Sept. 12-Nov. 1. This “Afrofuturistic” group show curated by multidisciplinary artist Frank X Walker features 16 regional artists working in multiple mediums, inspired by the Dogon people of Mali’s traditional knowledge of Sirius A and B star systems. Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center Community Gallery, 141 E. Main St. www.lexingtonky.gov/aboutdowntown-arts-center
"Vibrant Pastels," a show feautiring the work of pastel artist Mariana McDonald and 18 of her past and present students, will be in display at Artists' Attic Sept. 4-Oct. 30.
IMAGE FURNISHED
IMAGE FURNISHED
A solo show by artist Jeffrey Equality Brooks is on display at the Living Arts & Science Center through Sept. 26.
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Morning Pointe Seniors Got Talent. Sept. 9. The sixth annual showcase celebrates local seniors’ singing, dancing and other performance talents, with proceeds benefiting the Morning Pointe Foundation, a nonprofit that provides nursing scholarships and caregiver support programs. 7 p.m. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. lexingtonoperahouse.com
Lexington Antique Show at Athens Schoolhouse. Sept. 1314. This monthly antique show transforms the historic Athens Schoolhouse into a treasure trove of furniture, estate jewelry, Bybee pottery, ’40s-’60s glassware, primitive kitchen wares, Kentucky collectibles, vintage furs and clothing, artwork, phonographs and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Athens Schoolhouse, 6270 Athens Walnut Hill Pike. www.thelexingtonantiqueshow.com
Studio Players: “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors.” Sept. 11-14, 19-21, 26-28. Bram Stoker’s classic gets a lightning-paced, farcical twist in this gender-bending comedy that blends Mel Brooks-style humor with rapid-fire staging. Opening night and Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m. The Carriage House Theatre, 154 W. Bell Ct. studioplayers.org
Bluegrass Creative Market. Sept. 13-14. This curated festival showcases Kentucky-made crafts, food trucks, live music and more than 40 artisan vendors at Lexington Green. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. Lexington Green, Lexington Green Circle. backroadbluegrass.com/bluegrasscreative-market
PHOTO FURNISHED
Taking place Sept. 13-14 at Lexington Green, the Bluegrass Creative Market features more than 40 artisan vendors.
Napoleon Dynamite Live
SEPT 17
Break out your “Vote for Pedro” shirt for this 20th-anniversary celebration of the 2004 cult comedy that made tater tots, “ligers” and awkward dance moves legendary. The event will feature a full film screening followed by behind-the-scenes stories and audience Q&A with stars Jon Heder (Napoleon), Jon Gries (Uncle Rico), and Efren Ramirez (Pedro). 8 p.m. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. lexingtonoperahouse.com
Wild Folk Music Festival. Sept. 20-21. This free, high-energy weekend of bluegrass, Americana, country and rockabilly set to the backdrop of the Wildman Triathlon in downtown Lawrenceburg will feature live music from Killin’ Time Band, Louisville Bluegrass Band, Hillbilly Casino, DeeOhGee, Coaltown Dixie and more. Sat., 5-11 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Century Bank Park, 44 Anna Mac Clarke Ave., Lawrenceburg. visitlawrenceburgky.com/event/wildfolk-music-fest
Movement Continuum: Exhibit. Sept. 26-27. This inaugural choreographers' showcase will feature debut performances from 14 regional movement makers. Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center Black Box Theatre, 141 East Main St. www.movementcontinuum.org n
