Outside the Spotlight

Outside The Spotlight is a series of jazz and improvised music events in Lexington, KY. We give a home to artists making music that doesn't fit with commercial sensibilities and build an environment where artists and audience can interact more directly.

We want to expand the the availability of this music to anyone who is interested. Performances are at smaller venues and are generally donation / pay-what-you-want.

Our Next Show...

Special Event: Listening party with Jacob O'Donnell

Thursday November 20th - 7:00pm
Institute 193, Lexington

Join Outside the Spotlight for a night of musical exploration starting with Jacob O'Donnell on solo saxophone. Then hang out with the OTS community and mingle while listening to a curated selection of far-out music. Come one, come all for the best way to spend a late autumn Thursday night in downtown Lexington.This event is free, and donations are always appreciated.Institute 193 is located at 215 North Limestone in downtown lexington. Street parking is free after 7pm.

Please sign up for our e-mail list to stay up-to-date on all Outside the Spotlight shows!

Coming Soon...

Monday, December 1st
OTS 241 - Friends & Neighbors feat. Fredrik Ljungkvist
The Cats Den
UK Student Center, Lexington

The acclaimed Norwegian jazz quintet Friends & Neighbors embarks on a US tour in November and December 2025, performing eight concerts across the Midwest and the East Coast. Known as one of the most vital and energetic ensembles on the Scandinavian jazz scene, the band combines strong melodies, fierce interplay, and free improvisation rooted in both tradition and avant-garde expression. For this tour, Fredrik Ljungkvist (Atomic, Fire! Orchestra) steps in as a substitute for André Roligheten, bringing his distinctive voice on saxophone and clarinet to the band’s dynamic collective sound. The group will present music from their latest album «Circles» (Clean Feed, 2024) - a powerful blend of raw energy, melodic freedom, and Nordic lyricism.

Fredrik Ljungkvist – saxophone/clarinet
Thomas Johansson - Trumpet
Oscar Grönberg - Piano
Jon Rune Strøm - Double Bass
Tollef Østvang - Drums

Please sign up for our e-mail list to stay up-to-date on all Outside the Spotlight shows!

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