In Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi,” she sings: “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” Now, thanks to years of planning and fundraising, Lexington is reversing that trend by transforming a former parking lot into a community greenspace.
On August 23, city officials and community members will officially open the park, featuring family-friendly activities, a Kentucky artist showcase and pop-up dance performances. The christening of CommonSpirit Health Stage — a 4,500-seat amphitheater — will include opening-day performances by Tee Dee Young, Joslyn & The Sweet Compression, Vinyl Richie, DeBraun Thomas, Devine Carama and Mama Said String Band.
Brian Sipe, general manager for Oak View Group (OVG), which also manages shows locally at Rupp Arena and the Lexington Opera House, has also booked several national headliners, including the Beach Boys (September 17) and Kansas, Jefferson Starship and Molly Hatchet (October 9), with more to be announced…