LAMA is a professional organization created to represent the interests of the Lexington area music community.

Its general mission is to encourage and support the growth of a local market sector organized around the production and/or performance of local music. 

Inspired by similar organizations in other cities, we aspire to bring the Lexington music community together to marshall talent, imagination and industry in an unprecedented common effort to create an original, authentic music scene. 

What does that mean? 

As an example, we're aware that some of our performance spaces are struggling with the city's enforcement of vague and arbitrary "noise" regulations. LAMA will establish a representative body to gather concerns and suggested solutions for presentation to key members of the Urban County Council who are now focusing on updating those ordinances, but no doubt have heard little from the music community.

And, what of the all-ages scene in a dual university city? Access by those under 21 to live music performance is restricted to venues that realize at least 50-percent of revenues from food service. Yet, underage drinking and related issues of public safety also are a major concern. How do we strike a sensible balance that makes live music accessible to as many of our citizens as possible even as we practice responsibility in access to alcohol?

These are tough issues. But unless they are addressed, with reason, logic and in a spirit of compromise, nothing will change to anyone's satisfaction.

The LAMA inaugural board, to be announced at our first membership meeting at Long Island Recording Studios on June 3, is drawn from a variety of music-related businesses and professions. 

We seek like-minded individuals in membership, including: amateur musicians; music professionals (individual artists and full, working bands); venue owner/operators; music instrument retailers; recording studios; record labels; music publishers; music instructors; event producers; sound and staging techs, to list a few. 

We also welcome the participation of civic leaders, community organizers, developers, management companies, city officials - anyone who can benefit from a thriving music community in Lexington or the surrounding area.