MattGerwin is a singer/songwriter and a Realtor with more than 20 years of experience in Lexington, Kentucky. He specializes in new construction, working on the Ball Homes sales team at Christie’s International Real Estate Bluegrass.
Lexington is home to one of the most vibrant and diverse music scenes in all of Kentucky. From the mega-stars gracing the stage at Rupp Arena to the up-and-comers showcasing their original work at an open mic at Kenwick Table, Lexington caters to a multitude of tastes and preferences.
Whether you’re relocating to Lexington, or just seeking a move that better suits your lifestyle, take a journey through five of my favorite venues celebrating the harmonious blend of live music and community.
Best Place for Original Music
The Burl
375 Thompson Road | Distillery District
The Burl is an old shotgun warehouse, resurrected as one of Lexington’s coolest venues for original live music. The dark, rustic atmosphere, reminiscent of an Appalachian chapel and teaming with reclaimed barn wood, comes to life with its concerts featuring the best of our local artists, as well as national acts, performing their original work. Artists, staff, and audiences all come to The Burl to share in their love for the art form that is songwriting. Upcoming Shows
Want to rub elbows with musical purists or just hang with your friends to hear some new, interesting sounds? The Burl is the place. The drinks are reasonably priced and if your ears need a break you can walk across the small gravel parking lot to the affiliated arcade and try your hand at Galaga…
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Best Place for Acoustic Music
Chevy Chase Inn
833 Euclid Avenue | Chevy Chase
Nestled in the heart of one of Lexington’s most desirable neighborhoods, this historic, atmosphere-rich local haunt is the crown jewel of Lexington’s acoustic music scene. “CCI” is Lexington’s oldest continuously operated bar. Everyone’s a regular - even those entering for the first time.
You’ll dig the staff; the drinks are cheap and stiff; and the musical entertainment… is outstanding. The venue is perfectly suited for acoustic shows and the artists are incredible talents. Come dressed up or dressed down but be sure to come for a good time.
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Best Place on Campus
Tin Roof
303 South Limestone | University
Tin Roof is a laidback favorite, located on a highly coveted stretch of real estate near the University of Kentucky campus. With locations throughout the U.S., this venue boasts tasty comfort food and serious fun. But the live music shines brightest here, attracting Lexingtonians of all ages and backgrounds to the shows. Upcoming Events
Thanks to its Nashville origins you can see some fantastic country music, as well as DJs, rock acts, and even the occasional karaoke and game night. You will get a taste of Lexington’s finest no matter what night you decide to stop in. Meet for a casual drink or plan to party down.
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Best Place for Country Music
Austin City Saloon
2350 Woodhill Drive #100 | Woodhill
No “Best Of” live music list in the South is complete without a nod to country music. Lexington has been the springboard for several successful country artists, including John Michael Montgomery, Montgomery Gentry, Wynona and Naomi Judd, and J.D. Crowe.
In honor of this great legacy, enter the Austin City Saloon, the pre-eminent country music venue in Lexington. Local and national acts perform in this authentic honky-tonk where chicken-picking guitars reign supreme. The talent that burns up this stage will make even the most ardent rock n roll fan a believer. If country music and line dancing is your thing, hit up Austin City!
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Best Place in the Suburbs
Cocktails TOO
130 West Tiverton Way | Nicholasville Retail District
A raucous, rocking oasis amid the live music desert of Lexington’s retail epicenter, Cocktails TOO is a perfect marriage of sports bar and all-star jams. The styles of music performed here change from night to night so you can check their website ahead of time, or just show up and be surprised. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
This diverse watering hole sports an enormous horseshoe-shaped bar in the main room, where the stage resides, and a separate sunroom offers its own bar. Mounted TVs are showing the games of the day and the food is truly exceptional. The staff is professional, diligent, and friendly.
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Honorable Mentions
Lexington is blessed with a multitude of talented musicians, entertainers, and cool neighborhood joints. With so many choices, picking just five has proven impossible for this musician-author. Here are a few more outstanding venues for a variety of musical tastes.
Downtown: Lexington Opera House | Manchester Music Hall | Stagger Inn | Henry Clay’s Public House | Tee Dee’s Blues Lounge
Suburbs: The Cellar | O’Neill’s | Banners | Cocktails | The Backstretch | Old North Bar at Greyline Station
About the Author
Matt Gerwin moved from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Lexington in 1998 to build for Ball Homes. After some time, he pivoted and acquired his real estate license to help people purchase quality homes like the ones he helped build. Matt is a Realtor with Christie’s International Real Estate Bluegrass and a Ball Homes Specialist for Central Kentucky.
Matt is also a talented musician, singing and playing guitar around Lexington with his band, Jump the Curb, or as a solo act. Matt is happily married and dotes on his beautiful teenage daughter.
Follow Matt on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date with his musical and real estate endeavors, or get in touch by visiting his website.
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About Us
At Christie’s International Real Estate Bluegrass, we believe that luxury describes an experience. With Central Kentucky’s best REALTORS® and a powerful global platform that offers world-class marketing, industry-leading technology, and international reach, the firm is focused on providing the highest level of service and professionalism to clients at every price point. Celebrating all that the Bluegrass State has to offer, we are excited to speak to you about our full range of services and more. Luxury Lives Here.