Georgia Theatre's Grand Re-Opening

We've all watched anxiously as the beloved Georgia Theatre has risen from ashes after the devastating 2009 fire, eager to hear when the doors would open again. Summer 2011 was promised, and today the Athens Banner-Herald shared Theatre owner Wil Greene's announcement that by August 1, if not earlier, the house will be rocking.

Adding to the excitement is the lineup for the Grand Re-Opening celebration period: homegrown indie veterans The Glands on August 1, Chuck Leavell, Bela Fleck, Big Boi (from Outkast), Drive-By Truckers, Gillian Welch ... BE STILL MY HEART, this is a great two weeks of shows.

You can check out the full line-up and buy tickets on the Georgia Theatre's web site. Long live the Theatre!

LA Times features the Georgia Theatre

In last Sunday's LA Times, The Georgia Theatre fire and rehabilitation efforts were covered in a Hometown U.S.A. feature.

The article, (click here to view) profiles owner Wilmot Greene as he begins to rebuild the music venue that once played host to R.E.M. and the B-52's.

Among the things mentioned in the article, what I found most compelling was the reporter's comment that donations and fundraising ideas poured in even before Greene had time to set up the necessary legal apparatus to accept them.

Athens is always noted for its' music scene, parties, and football. But beyond that it serves as host to citizens (and students) who truly care about the history and preservation of their home (or home away from home).

It is nice to see that sense of concern was noticed by the LA Times reporter.