A Fundraiser to Save The Mack Music Festival
Irvine, KY — River City Players (RCP), a division of Estill County 21st Century and a
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, will host the Music for The Mack: A Fundraiser to Save The Mack Music Festival on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from Noon to 10:00 p.m. at the Estill County Fair Barn, 38 S. Irvine Road, near the intersection of KY-52 and KY-89.
The festival is a major fundraising effort to help meet the required cash match for an upcoming Community Development Block Grant application and other expenses associated with restoring the theater. All proceeds will support the ongoing restoration of The Mack Theater, a local landmark built in 1939, located at 114 Main Street in downtown Irvine.
The Mack, closed since 1993 and purchased in 2016 by RCP, is being redeveloped as a cultural and economic anchor for Estill County. Once fully restored, the theater will serve as a hub for community activity, including a welcome center, live performances, concerts, art exhibits, small conventions, and public meetings. The recently restored Mack Lobby is already open three days a week as a Welcome/Visitor Center, art exhibit space, and meeting venue.
The Music for The Mack Music Festival will feature an outstanding lineup of regional musicians donating their time and talent to support the project. Scheduled performers include:
Grammy-nominated Geno Seale
Chelsea Nolan, James Abney, Cameron White, Tina Taylor, Jr. Williams, Reckless Strings, Brett Noland, Three Cent Nickel, Last Ride Band, Donnie Isaacs Band, Laid Back Country Picker, and Luna and the Mountain Jets.
*Artist lineup subject to change.
“Saving and redeveloping The Mack will benefit Estill and the surrounding counties culturally, economically, and through increased tourism,” said organizers with River City Players. “This festival is a celebration of community spirit and a major step toward bringing this historic venue fully back to life. We urge everyone who is interested in supporting The Mack and listening to some great music to join us for an evening of fun and unforgettable entertainment.”
For more information, contact Steve Young at 859-358-6877.
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