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.
Photo by Brian Connors Manke
Our Next Show - OTS #227
Alta Vista and Colby X. Norton - August 3rd, 7pm
@ 21c Museum Hotel
Mixing equal parts jazz, country, and folk, Chicago's Alta Vista draws on both new and old traditions to create their own "melted country music". For their first album, the group decided to interpret a collection of century-old songs written by radio musicians and songwriters. Guitarist Chet Zenor, bassist Jakob Heinemann, and percussionist Andy Danstrom use these compositions as springboards for exploration and harmonic embellishment, using rhythm and space to punctuate melodies that evoke both the American West as well as the disparate strands of this country's homegrown musical traditions.Alta Vista is:
Chet Zenor - Guitar
Jakob Heinemann - Bass
Andy Danstrom - DrumsAlta Vista's Bandcamp
Dr. Colby X. Norton performs with the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, is professor of Low Brass and Music Theory at EKU, and is conductor of the Wind Ensemble at Berea College. He frequently composes/premiers new works for the bass trombone with multiple ensembles as well as teaches privately throughout Kentucky while continuing to perform in both jazz and classical settings.Colby's SoundcloudColby's Reverbnation
Thanks to 21c Museum Hotel for their continued support over the years and for providing the venue for this gathering.This performance is free and open to all ages. Donations to support Outside the Spotlight are greatly appreciated.
Coming Soon...
We have an action-packed fall lineup coming soon.
Save these dates:
October 3, 2024
October 20, 2024
November 4, 2024
Contact Us
Do you have a group that would like to perform at an OTS event?
Would you like more information?
Have questions?
Archer / Anagrams - April 13th @ 21c Museum Hotel
Outside The Spotlight, with support from 21c Museum Hotel and WRFL, begins the '24 season with a doozie. This double-header show features the international quartet Archer, led by Chicago saxophonist Dave Rempis and Terrie Ex of Dutch underground punks The Ex, and will include support from Atlanta-based guitar/electronics/saxophone duo Anagrams.
Michael Foster's The Ghost - April 26th @ 2nd Story, 7pm
Outside The Spotlight, in conjunction with 2nd Story and WRFL, features another fearless improvisational performance. NYC composer and saxophonist Michael Foster joined by his chimaeric ensemble The Ghost which "focuses on unpacking and celebrating the free jazz tradition from a queer perspective."OTS #225 // Friday April 26 // doors open 6:30pm, show starts 7pm
admission = FREE, suggested donation $5-$10, all ages welcome2nd Story is located at 522 W Short St, Lexington, KY 40507
Kelby Clark and Mason Colby - June 5th, 7pm @ Institute 193
Outside The Spotlight is crossing genres again, in our unending exploration of improvised music! On June 5th, we present an evening of old-time and improvisational banjo with Kelby Clark (Nashville, TN) and Mason Colby (Leington, KY). We'd love for you to join us.OTS #226 // Wednesday June 5th // doors open 6:30pm, show starts 7pm
admission = FREE, suggested donation to the artist of $5-$10, all ages welcome.Institute 193 is located at 215 North Limestone in downtown Lexington.