The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fox Theatre Institute celebrates 10 years
‘Revival’ concert features Drive-By Truckers, Drivin N Cryin and more.
For a decade, the Fox Theatre Institute has assisted cultural institutions stretching from Atlanta to Tybee Island to Rome to Washington, North Carolina in restoring and improving their infrastructures.
On Friday, the Fox Theatre, which spearheads the nonprofit arm, will host the 10-year anniversary celebration with a Georgiacentric concert dubbed, “Revival: Celebrating Georgia’s Historic Theatres.”
The FTI has staged concerts in previous years to acknowledge its collaborations, but they took on a “roadshow” feel in smaller
cities. This event, said Leigh Burns, director of the Fox Theatre Institute, “is 15 times the size” of previous efforts and the first time the concert is being held at the Fox.
The lineup boasts DriveBy Truckers, Drivin N Cryin, Dodd and the Councilmen featuring R.E.M.’s Bill Berry, Michelle Malone and other guests who might swing by to sit in for a song.
In culling the lineup, Burns built on the excitement of DNC frontman Kevn Kinney, who will also host the production.
“Kevn really wanted to be a part of it. He has such fond memories of the Fox, and he started the ball rolling,” said Burns. “We’re setting it up more like a variety show. Kevn will talk a lot, and we’ll have a film about the Fox Theatre Institute. It’s more of an eclectic-type show.”
Burns is also using the concert as a platform to applaud supporters and partners. In recent years, FTI provided assistance to 7 Stages and the Plaza Theater in Atlanta, worked on the revitalization of the Academy Theatre in Hapeville and is currently aiding the restoration of The Grove Theatre near Grove Park.
“The show is a way to say thank you and also pause and reflect about the places we see live music and understand the preservation of (these venues),” Burns said. “The Fox was once days away from demolition and generations of Atlantans don’t know that story.”
All proceeds from auction items will benefit FTI, as will a portion of ticket sales from the concert.
Fans can participate in a silent auction currently available online and access the auction portal by texting “REVIVAL” to 243725. Items include all-access passes to the Atlanta Film Festival, a chef ’s dinner for two at Staplehouse and tickets to Jazz Fest at the Plaza paired with a one-night stay at The Lodge on Lake Oconee.
Those who register will be automatically entered to win a pair of tickets to see the Avett Brothers in November, including access to the Marquee Club and a stay at the Georgian Terrace the night of the show. The silent auction will end Sept. 13 at 11:59 p.m.
A live auction — the “FundA-Mission” — will take place on the Fox stage Friday night to raise money for FTI’s educational component, “Fox in a Box,” which teaches Georgia students about the history of the Fox Theatre.
Patrons of the Marquee Club — admission is a $55 add-on or free for members — will have exclusive bidding access to six items, such a private four-course dinner for 12 on the Fox Theatre stage and signed memorabilia, prior to the concert’s 7 p.m. kickoff and an hour after its conclusion.
“The Fox Theatre has survived urban blight, had a fire … all the problems other theaters have had, we’ve had them, too,” Burns said. “The Fox Theatre Institute just wants to pay it forward and use our good luck and success to help others.”