Kentucky’s music community reunited at the 12th Annual Lexington Music Awards, honoring Kentucky artists, music professionals and community leaders.
The awards ceremony took place at the University of Kentucky Otis A. Singletary Center for the Arts on March 8.
According to its website, the winners are determined through a weighted system that combines votes from nominees, the professional panel and the public. The final results are calculated with 75% from the nominees and the panel and 25% from public voting.
During the ceremony, Angelee Feltner, executive director of the event, said that these events are important for Lexington’s music community.
“It’s not about who wins … It’s really about being part of a network of people you can rely on, lean on, have conversations with and really make music work,” Feltner said. “Tonight we’re going to honor all the people who make music, who record the music, who repair your instruments and do all the things.”
The categories of the event were divided into four branches: “Best in Industry Awards,” “Best in Performance,” “Style Awards” and “Special Awards.”
There was a special category, the “Lifetime Achievement Award,” where the winners had a tie between JD McHargue and Robby Cosenza.
According to the Lexington Music Awards Instagram, McHargue has worked in the entertainment and nightlife business, producing and promoting events since the 1980s, managing events featuring local, regional and national artists.
McHargue also owned and operated “Bar NightClub Consulting,” where he provided expertise and advice on opening and operating bars and nightclubs. He currently runs Henry Clay’s Public House in Lexington.
According to the Instagram page, Cosenza was a drummer, songwriter and advocate of the Lexington music scene who toured nationally and internationally.
Cosenza played the drums on hundreds of records and contributed to film scores. He also fronted the band “Fanged Robot” and was known for supporting and mentoring other musicians in the community.
Cosenza passed away on Feb. 18, 2024. His mother received the award on his behalf, sharing a message with the audience.
“It’s great to be here with you all tonight accepting this award … Robby is here, always,” Cosenza’s mother said. “He’ll continue to play music no matter where he goes, no matter where he is. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I’m so proud to be his mom.”
Gideon Maki, guitarist and singer of Lylak, the band that won the category “Best Pop Act,” said events like this contribute a lot to the music community.
“Seeing all the different genres and the different types of art that are recognized in an event like this makes you appreciate how playing music takes a whole village of things happening to make it work,” Maki said. “There are so many steps that happen before you sing into a microphone or plug your guitar in.”
James Dillon, guitarist of Honey Child, the band that won the award for “Best Funk, R&B and Reggae Act,” said events like this give musicians great opportunities to connect.
“I think the community is cool … the awards don’t really matter to me, but this is a really good opportunity for people in different styles to cross paths,” Dillon said. “All you have to do is not stop. There’s work out there … It’s possible to make money on this. It’s really hard, but just don’t stop.”
For attendee Casilee Boyd, the event provided an opportunity to discover new artists in Lexington’s music scene.
“I think it’s a great way to showcase a lot of artists,” Boyd said. “For example, outside there’s a lot of artists I have never been able to listen to, so I think this is a great opportunity to check on them.”
