Rendering of future Georgia Theatre

On June 19 a fire destroyed Athens’ historic Georgia Theater. The converted movie theater had long hosted performances by such acts as Widespread Panic, R.E.M., Derek Trucks Band and Sugarland. One of the more recent bands to make a home in the venue was the Zac Brown Band. Tonight that group will headline a benefit concert at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Numerous guest players will participate as well at the show, which will benefit the Georgia Theatre Rehabilitation Fund, handled by The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. Kid Rock, Little Big Town, Kellie Pickler, Joey and Rory, Oliver Wood and Shawn Mullins are among the acts who will participate. A DVD is being recorded which will go on sale next year, while concertgoers will eventually receive a free copy. The evening also will feature an auction, with items that include signed guitars from Kenny Chesney, Dave Matthews, Marshall Tucker, John Mayer and Styx, as well as a signed fiddle from Charlie Daniels and two tickets to Widespread Panic’s New Year’s Eve show along with a signed Halloween poster.