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Starting in May, the 2024 edition of the Legacy Nights Concert Series began at Legacy Grove Park. 

On Tuesday, July 8th, the halfway point of the series showed that it’s a continuing success. 

The third of six Legacy Nights concerts, which continue through October, took place in front of a solid crowd despite some initial weather concerns. 

“The fact that people are reaching out and supporting it and want to be a part of it, and our crowd keeps getting bigger just tells us that we’re doing the right thing for the community”, said Deborah Jackson, the executive director of Legacy Greenscapes. “That’s what Legacy Greenscapes is all about is bringing the community together in a positive way.” 

As has been the case this season, the evening started with youth performing as Louise Schilling and Ian Slucher both served as opening acts. 

Slucher, a 15-year old, has previously played in Winchester on several additional occasions such as the Beer Cheese Festival and benefit concerts. 

Schilling, 10, played several songs, including an original titled “Let It Shine” and the classic “You Are My Sunshine”. 

Afterward, the main performer – Bek & The Starlight Revue – took to the stage. 

Describing themselves on their Facebook page as “Delivering Appalachian rock and roll from the heart of East Kentucky”, the band has hit original songs including “Wasteland”, “Rest Easy”, “Used To”, “Ghost Town” and “You and Me”. 

Originally from Pikeville, it was their Legacy Nights’ debut. 

“We have a booking manager that lives in Slade, and she saw this and [said], ‘This would be awesome!’” said lead singer Bek Smallwood. “We’re super excited to be here…and thankful for the opportunity.” 

Yet Bek and the Starlight Revue weren’t the only individuals new to the event after hearing of its strong reputation. 

Emily Wells of Mt. Sterling, owner of Mooncat Book Company, was present to promote her business with hopes of selling literature to the public. 

“We opened a store in Mt. Sterling this past February,” she said. “I worked at the Clark County Public Library for a little bit, so I was familiar with the area and that [Legacy Nights] was going on.” 

Other businesses, nonprofit organizations, and more present included Lady Veterans Connect, Kentucky River Foothills, Astrid’s Artisan Treasures, Traditional Bank, All About Home Gardens, The Noble Nebula, Members Heritage Credit Union, and Clark County Community Services, and the Marco Shemwell Foundation. 

Additionally, many food and drink vendors were present. 

Among them were Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, Sterling Microbrew Inc., Hudson & Nash, Tacos Lunas y Mas, and West Sixth Brewing. 

Mac-a-Tude was also present. 

Not only were they selling flavored macaroni and cheese dishes that included buffalo chicken, steak and cheese, and creole crawfish, but flavored bubble teas and even ice cream were on the menu. 

“It’s just a nice event venue out here”, said Ron Flickinger, whose son – Eric – owns the family business. “The organizers do a good job…it’s been a good event for us when we come out.” 

With July’s Legacy Nights’ concert event scheduled for August 13, hopes are high for continual growth. 

“We have more vendors and booths than we’ve ever had”, Jackson said. “We have a great [music] lineup [for] the rest of the [series].”