02.01.2024

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

52° | Partly cloudy | 9% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:42 a.m. | Sunset 6:00 p.m.

🎥 An homage to Lexington

From Lexington, With Love: a love letter

A person stands in front of a sign that says "LEX Lexington, Kentucky"

White’s love letter to Lexington celebrates our progress and culture. | Photo courtesy of @kyengineerin

Nowadays, KY Engineerin’ finds himself behind the soundboard in Atlanta working with some of the most prominent hip-hop artists in the world (ever heard of Drake?). But before all of that, he was Finis White, a Lexingtonian who grew up on Winburn Drive with big dreams.

When White temporarily moved back to the city last year, he created the video series, “From Lexington, With Love,” paying tribute what makes our city unique. We spoke with White about the project + what he thinks about Lexington today.

Hands wearing Kentucky shaped rings. — No one reps Kentucky like Jack Harlow, who brought White on stage during his Rupp Arena performance last year. | Photo courtesy of @kyengineerin

Tell us about about the project and what inspired you?

My mom ended up having surgery in April, so I came up there to take care of her... Over time just being there, I just realized just how different it was from when I grew up.

After spending a few months reacquainting himself with the city, the idea came to him.

I was out on the [walking] trails and... I just kind of fell in love with Lexington all over again.

What surprised you most when you came back?

I think one thing, growing up there as a kid… we didn’t really have a lot of stuff to do. Now, it’s like downtown is the place to be.

A person works behind a sound board, looking at a computer screen. — Nicki Minaj, Drake, Jack Harlow, and 2 Chainz are just some of the artists White has worked with. | Photo courtesy of @kyengineerin

Did you take any inspiration back to Atlanta from home?

Definitely. It was kind of like resetting my mind, body, spirit, and soul.

When I got back, I took it like — maybe you don’t have to always be in a rush all the time. Sit back, let things come to you, and drink some bourbon every once in a while.

How would you describe Lexington, or all of Kentucky’s, hip-hop sound?

When people ask me what Kentucky is, they say “Is it the South? Is it the Midwest?” And really, it’s both of them. We’re literally a blend of all of these different influences from other places, and we take it + make it our own thing.

Events

Thursday, Feb. 1

Kentucky Sport, Boat, and Recreation Show | Thursday, Feb. 1-Sunday, Feb. 4 | Times vary | Central Bank Center, 430 W. Vine St., Lexington | $0-$10 | Start making summer plans by browsing vendors for all of your outdoor recreation needs, plus sip on local brews in the beer garden.

Friday, Feb. 2

Studio Artists Exhibit | Friday, Feb. 2-Saturday, Feb. 24 | 12-4 p.m. | Artists’ Attic, 401 W. Main St., 4th Floor, Lexington | Free | Explore, purchase, and meet the creators behind unique art pieces at this local nonprofit gallery.
The Sake Sessions | Friday, Feb. 2 | 7-10 p.m. | The Void Sake Co., 949 National Ave., Ste. 190, Lexington | Free | Sip on sake while enjoying an intimate performance from local musicians Kevin Holm Hudson + Megan McCauley.

Saturday, Feb. 3

Honeysuckle Hunt | Saturday, Feb. 3 | 1-2 p.m. | McConnell Springs, 416 Rebmann Ln., Lexington | Free | Join park staff to hunt down the invasive honeysuckle plant.
Moonshiners Ball: Afterglow Party | Saturday, Feb. 3 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $15-$18 | Reminisce in the glow of festival season, snag gear from last year’s Moonshiners Ball, and listen to the sweet sounds of Hot Brown Smack Down + more.

Sunday, Feb. 4

Wine and Chocolate Pairing Course | Sunday, Feb. 4 | Times vary | Harkness Edwards Vineyards, 5199 Combs Ferry Rd., Winchester | $39 | Discover the complementary flavors of wine and chocolate with the guidance of experts.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Coming Soon

Something new is brewing at The Burl campus. The music venue + arcade just announced that Burl Brew will open in March, adding to our fruitful brewery lineup. Get familiar with our existing spots by hitting the Brewgrass Trail.

Civic

Come on down, LEX. CivicLex is helping you learn about the city’s budget with its own Price is Right on Monday, Feb. 26, at UK Cornerstone. Here you’ll get an understanding of the city’s actual budget through games + have a chance to win prizes. Be sure to register.

Sports

Our UK men’s basketball team returned to Rupp Arena last night, where they were defeated by Florida, 91-94, in overtime. You’ll get ‘em next time, Cats. In the meantime, keep up with some best practices for navigating Rupp Arena before the next home game against Tennessee on Saturday, Feb. 3.

Job

Dreaming of warmer days? The Parks + Recreation Department is hosting an aquatics job fair on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Head to the Castlewood Community Center to learn about becoming a lifeguard, swim instructor, and other roles that help operate our public pools.

Seasonal

Mardi Gras is coming up on Tuesday, Feb. 13, and Bourbon n’ Toulouse are ready for the celebration. Join the crew starting Friday, Feb. 9 for Fat Tuesday offerings like gator dogs, alligator sauces, crawfish creole, and crawfish étoufée.

Kids

The Explorium of Lexington is giving the little ones a chance to tap into new interests. On Tuesdays + Fridays at 10:30 a.m., Tot Spot gives kids 3 and under a chance to experience the museum, participate in hands-on activities, and maybe just find their next new interest.

Eat

Looking to eat out less and eat in more in 2024? Bookmark these ready-in-30-minutes recipes that homemade cooking a breeze (not a bother).*

Home

This Valentine’s Day decor is making our hearts skip a beat and includes heart-shaped wreaths, neon “love” signs, heart-shaped felt garlands, and cozy red blankets.*

Lexingtonian

Meet 7 Brew’s Hero of the Year

7 Brew names local donor its Hero of the Year

A man and a girl sit at a table together.

Ralph Coldiron has helped support the Kentucky Children’s Hospital for 25+ years. | Photo courtesy of 7 Brew

When local philanthropist Ralph Coldiron’s daughter was born prematurely, he made it his mission to ensure all Kentucky families could get access to the proper care for their children.

Thanks to his steadfast dedication to the cause, Coldiron was named the 7 Brew Coffee Hero of the Year. He was chosen from 12 heroes across the country, winning a $10,000 grand prize.

Over 25 years ago, Coldiron and other community members helped raise $5 million to build the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. Today, the hospital has been nationally recognized as one of the best pediatric hospitals in the country.

“Every dollar will go to helping save a child’s life at Kentucky Children’s Hospital,” said Coldiron.

The Buy

The Buy 2.01.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A gift from Six & Main’s Valentine’s Day collection for someone you love. There’s colorful chocolates, funny cards, games for couples, and lots and lots of pink.

Share LEXtoday

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_16}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Aayat

From the editor

Happy February, y’all. What kinda trouble do you think Leap Day Williams is gonna get into this year? Remember, nothing that happens on Leap Day counts.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY