Rockin’ around the block
Published 1:00 pm Wednesday, May 24, 2023
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As the weather starts to warm, there are specific reminders that the seasons have changed in Winchester.
Friday night’s sights in Winchester were one such example.
For the sixth year, the Rock the Block summer concert series kicked off with music, a car show, food and drink, and much more available for a unique experience downtown.
“It’s a free event right in the heart of our downtown. You can’t ask for better weather. You can’t ask for a better spot to be set up,” said Cameron Correll, Marketing and Events Director for Winchester First. “We’re glad to have the community out, show them what we have downtown, and let them listen to some good music while they’re doing it.”
The event, which stretched along Main Street to W. Lexington Avenue and Depot Street, featured numerous residents bringing lawn chairs to enjoy the entertainment for the night.
While Correll and City Commissioner Kitty Strode helped set up this year’s event, Rock the Block started several years ago with Strode and others, including the late Graham Johns.
“We wanted something similar to what Thursday Night Live was in Lexington,” Strode said. “We knew we couldn’t do it every week, so we decided to start off and do it once a month.”
Friday night’s Rock the Block featured various food trucks, including Flippin’ Froyo and Regeneration Distillery.
Thus, attendees could indulge in treats like cheese fries, Philly steak sandwiches, corn dogs, and ice cream.
Formerly known as Wildcat Willy’s, Regeneration Distillery provided drinks like Coors Lite, shots of Blackberry Moonshine and more.
For the kids, a bounce house was present.
Just past Washington Street, a car show in conjunction with Rock the Block showcased numerous antique automobiles.
These included the Ford Mustang, Ford Galaxie, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Chevrolet Bel Air, Pontiac Thunderbird, and an electric bike.
Cindy Rush, the former Winchester Security Patrol Agency owner, and engineer, brought her 1996 Lincoln Town Car.
Nicknamed “The Scorpion Queen,” Rush has converted the standard limousine into what she calls a land yacht.
“I took all the seats out of it except for the back two,” she said. “[There’s] no reason why you couldn’t live in it.”
The vehicle is equipped with televisions, stereo systems, a full-size air conditioner, heaters, a toilet, a sink, a microwave and a kitchen area.
While the car show along Main Street offered much to be excited about, the main draw for many was music.
Friday’s performer was Bedford Band, who played on the top steps of the Clark County Courthouse.
Consisting of bass player Sam May, guitarist Kolby Swiney, and drummer Tristan Frazier, all three perform as vocalists as well.
Originally from Morehead, the group’s Facebook page states, “70s rock was 50 years ago, but Bedford is reinventing it now.”
“We’re happy to be here rocking out for the good people of Winchester,” said Frazier. “For the most part, what we play is our own original music, which is really inspired by the late 60s, early 70s rock period. We just put everything of ourselves into it.”
Eric Horseman, a resident and self-proclaimed fan of classic rock, admitted that Rock the Block had drawn his interest.
“I just wanted to see what they offered tonight,” he said. “[Classic rock] identifies with the time when I grew up.”
Other performers will be showcased during this year’s Rock the Block series.
The effect it has on the community is perhaps what’s most favorable.
“It brings people downtown to this community, and [they’re] supporting what we have here,” Strode added. “That’s the most important thing.”