Looking back on Lkld Live in Lakeland, Florida

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REX FLOYD warming up at Lkld Live in 2020 | Photo via @lkldlive

After six years of live performances and other events, LKLD Live is closing the doors to “Studio B,” located at 202 N. Massachusetts Ave.

LKLD Live joined the Lakeland art scene in 2015 when Randy Borden, who owned the Lkld TV building at the time, saw a need for a space where up-and-coming artists could find center stage.

Established artists, stand-up comedians, and improv groups hosted everything from small-scale to sell-out events. Groups even hosted maker markets, start-up church services, and political rallies.

Before the lights go out, let’s take a look at the many ways Lakelanders enjoyed LKLD Live and when to catch their final live performance.

🛍️ Markets

Buena Market set up shop at LKLD Live many times to bring residents hand-crafted, locally made goods. Some events, like the Buena Art Bazaar, partnered with artists to benefit causes like the Red Tent Initiative.

🎸 Concerts

Local performers like The Legendary JC’s, 1969, Nightrain, Selwyn Birchwood, Someday Honey, 5 Lost Souls, and Leisure Chief played at Studio B this year alone. Additionally, a Ladies of Lakeland show featured female artists, including Noan Partly, Stephani Foster Richards, and Robin Brooke.

The venue also hosted dozens of tribute shows to bands and artists of the past, including Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Nirvana, Radiohead, Sublime, and Pink Floyd, to name a few.

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Someday Honey | Photo via @lkldlive

🧠 Lectures

From running sound to songwriting, LKLD Live gave locals the opportunity to teach and be taught by other Lakelanders.

Other ways LKLD Live loved to have fun

Lakelanders had the option to participate in the action or sit back, relax, and enjoy the show at open mic nights + improv shows featuring local groups like Swan City Improv, Unpland Improv + Studio Box,. For a laugh, Swan City residents could attend a comedy show or even test out their own jokes.

Lakelanders looking for something interactive could attend anything from Halloween parties to adult proms, not to mention the Murder Mystery dinner party + show earlier this year, and LKLD Live’s very own Dateapalooza.

You can attend the final LKLD Live show, “Nightrain,” a Guns N’ Roses tribute band, on Sat., Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.

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