Both of Widespread Panic’s drummers will return to Athens, GA’s Georgia Theatre next month. Domino “Sunny” Ortiz will perform at the Georgia Theater on November 7 with his longtime friend Dr. Arvin Scott as part of Beat The Drum. All proceeds from the show will benefit Drumming For Success, a non-profit community-based program for youth ages 3-16 in Athens and the surrounding area. DFS provides free percussion classes and hand drums for all the kids while encouraging academic achievement, character building and creativity through personal goal accomplishment and group cooperation. Kids 12 and under can attend the upcoming Georgia Theatre show for free and door prizes will include a djembe hand drum.

A few days later, Ortiz’s fellow Panic drummer Todd Nance and his Romper Stompers will perform at the venue on November 13 as part of the multi-band event “Welcome to the Reconstruction – Athens Bands Play the Songs of R.E.M.” Other acts slated to appear at the event include: David Barbe and the Quick Hooks, The Corduroy Road, Futurebirds, Grogus, Jack Logan and Coventry Climax, John Keane and Nathan Sheppard, Kevn Kinney, Lera Lynn, Nanny Island,) Thayer Sarrano and 706.

Part of Athens’ tribute to native songs R.E.M, two other community events will take place in the college town on Monday, November 14: “Back Where We Belong,” a CD release party at the 40 Watt Club at 7:00 p.m. and “Toast of Chronic Town,” a sampling of Athens finest eateries and R.E.M. films at Cine at 5:00 p.m. Tickets to “Toast of Chronic Town” include admission to all three events. Proceeds from the event wiill benefit Community Connection of Northeast Georgia & Family Connection / Communities in Schools of Athens / Whatever It Takes.