Plus, see where Tolly Ho is moving to.
 
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Today’s Forecast

41º | 4% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:43 a.m. | Sunset 7:48 p.m.
 

🌊 Reflecting on the sounds of downtown

Reflecting on the sounds of downtown
A reflection of the Big Blue Building + Lexington Marriott in the windows of City Center windows
We’re reflecting on how great our city is. | Photo by Geoffrey B.
Have you ever strolled down Main Street, expecting the buzz of downtown, only to be greeted with the zen sounds of running water? No, that’s not your ears playing tricks on you — it’s “Surface Reflections,” which comes to us from artist Bill Fontana, known for projecting carefully curated soundscapes in cities all over the world.

Dr. Megan Murph, a UK grad and current Director of Musicology at the University of Missouri, came across the installation while she was leading “sound walks” through downtown — a walking tour she previously hosted that explored how sounds integrated with Lexington’s history.

After these walks, Dr. Murph and attendees would discuss the sounds they heard and how they “connect us to Lexington... like, what are the sonic meetings that we’re piecing together here?”

We spoke with Dr. Murph about the installation, its history, and how it represents Lexington.

A photo of a walkway between two large buildings.

You can hear the sounds of two of our waterways in between the Big Blue Building and the parking garage on West Main Street. | Photo by LEXtoday

What is Surface Reflections?

So, what exactly is that running water you can hear echoing through our downtown corridors?

Fontana’s research about Lexington’s waterways led him to McConnell Springs and Town Branch Creek, where Lexington was originally founded. From there, he used hydrophones — aka underwater microphones — to record and mix live + pre-recorded sounds of the two waterways together.

Those sounds were uploaded to an iPod (so vintage) where they continue to reverberate through downtown and provide commuters with a tiny moment of tranquility.

A sign explaining the history and background of the "Surface Reflections" installation.

LexArts and Live Green Lexington received a grant from EcoART to create a piece that educates the public about our waterways. | Photo courtesy of Dr. Megan Murph

The why

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) + the Commonwealth of Kentucky sued Lexington in 2006 for violating the Clean Water Act. This led to a settlement called a Consent Decree — requiring the city to repair and better maintain our sanitary and storm sewer systems by 2026.

Following the lawsuit, LexArts and Live Green Lexington came together + received “funding to commission artworks that were supposed to educate the public about these water issues,” Dr. Murph’s research found.
Red Mile
 
Events
Monday, March 18
  • Wine Tasting | Monday, March 18 | 12-5 p.m. | Equus Run Vineyards, 1280 Moores Mill Rd., Midway | $8-$55 | Learn all the secrets to wine tasting as you sip and stroll on this 38-acre vineyard.
Tuesday, March 19
  • Derby Door Hanger Paint Party | Tuesday, March 19 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Local Lex Market, 439 Southland Dr., Lexington | $47.70 | Unleash your inner artist and get Derby ready by painting your own door hanger.
Wednesday, March 20
  • Richard Dial Exhibition | Wednesday, March 20-Saturday, April 6 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Institute 193, 215 N. Limestone, Lexington | Free | The culmination of an artistic career spanning 30+ years, see Alabama-based artist Richard Dial’s first solo exhibition, “Everyday Love.”
Thursday, March 21
  • Party Like It’s 2005 | Thursday, March 21 | 6-8 p.m. | Old North Bar, 101 W. Loudon Ave., Lexington | Free | Revisit the days of Y2K fashion while mingling with old friends and new courtesy of the Somebody Society.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
Wellness

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Shop a variety of products from Mood like gummies, edibles, and sweet treats. | Photos provided by Mood; GIF created by 6AM City
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Grown by a small American family and lab-tested to ensure its quality, Mood’s shop features everything from flower and concentrates to gummies and vapes delivered straight to your door.

Pro tip: Fast nationwide shipping is free on orders over $100 with a 100-day, money-back guarantee.†
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†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. Mood advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions, consult a physician before trying products, start only with small amounts, and to not consume products before driving or before a drug test. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by 6AM City.
News Notes
Sports
  • The march to title number 9 starts now. Kentucky men’s basketball are a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament. They’ll play No. 14 Oakland on Thursday, March 21. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Biz
  • Tolly Ho, the quintessential late-night diner, is moving down the road later this year. The campus staple will take over the former Bad Wolf Burgers location. Since 1971, it has called multiple downtown locations home, but has been in its current South Broadway spot since 2011. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Active
Plan Ahead
  • Lexington, Lexington, take me in. The Avett Brothers, the folk duo from North Carolina, are making another stop at Rupp Arena on Saturday, Oct., 26 to support their new album “Love Of A Girl.” Pre-sale begins Thursday, March 21 and tickets go on sale Friday, March 22.
Seasonal
  • Spring is almost here — which means it’s the perfect time to start planning how we’re going to get out of the house and explore. One recommendation: Take a trip to Mercer County. From hiking and golfing to festivals, there’s something for everyone. Plan your trip.*
Drink
  • Looking for your new go-to happy hour spot? Don’t miss the self-serve beer wall featuring local craft beers + German favorites, plus a variety of non-alcoholic options (shout out to the espresso mocktini) at District 7 Social Hall.*
Today Is
  • National Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day. Columbia Gas of Kentucky is celebrating its dedicated frontline employees who work tirelessly to keep customers safe and warm. Thank you for your commitment to safety and service.*
 
Eat

Food

Vote in LEXtoday’s pizza bracket
A pizza bracket showing the two finalists, Joe Bologna's and Goodfellas.
It’s a battle of the pies. | Graphic by 6AM city
Welcome back to our LEXtoday pizza shop bracket, where we’re asking you to determine the best pizza shop in Lexington.

After our second round of votes, we’re down to two “teams” left:
  • Joe Bologna’s | Joe Bologna’s bread sticks with the classics (as it has for ~50 years).
  • Goodfellas | If you’re looking for a New York slice, Goodfellas should be your go-to.
Ready to decide who moves on to the final two in our bracket? Cast your vote below.
Asked

Choose you who think should win
A. Joe Bologna’s
B. Goodfellas
Keep your eye on the pies
The Buy
A new scent from Corridor Candle Co. Collection to treat yourself. It’s the first day of spring and what better way to celebrate the season than a new candle?
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The Wrap
 
Aayat Ali

Today’s edition by:
Aayat
From the editor
I did the red trail at Raven Run over the weekend, and I gotta say, those Kentucky River views never get old.
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