The historic Lyric theater in Lexington was remodeled and reopened as a cultural arts center several years ago. Before it closed in the mid-60's, I had the honor of playing, as a 15 year old, with people like Ike Cole (Nat's brother and a hell of a singer/B-3 player), and others. Les McCann is a Lexington native whom I met in 1964 and have run into several times when he returned home. He sat in at a local place in the mid-80's. He is scheduled to do an appearance in the next few weeks. Not sure he'll remember me, but he was one of the first and most influential practitioners of Jazz/Funk for me.

The Opera House was the venue for Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and the like in the 40's and 50's.


Great old venue, now restored.


Russ

I remember playing some his music back in high school and college big band. That's great that you got to play him... Enjoy the show!