On Friday, September 13, the Fox Theatre Institute (FTI) hosted an unforgettable evening celebrating the state’s historic theaters and FTI’s tenth year of preserving and supporting Georgia’s most significant historic resources. This festive fundraiser, hosted by Kevn Kinney, included a memorable reunion of R.E.M. members Bill Berry, Mike Mills and Peter Buck. Bill Berry’s son, Owen, also joined the performers for a monumental showdown. Other performances included sets by Drive-By Truckers, Drivin N Cryin, Dodd & The Councilmen and Atlanta-native Michelle Malone.

“We’re incredibly thankful for the patrons and performers who helped us raise more than $100,000 to help empower historic venues,” said Chief Operating Officer of the Fox Theatre, Adina Erwin. “As many Atlantans know, it is the passionate patrons here in this city that helped keep the Fox Theatre alive back in the 1970s. Revitalizing that passion and passing that support on to other theaters throughout the state of Georgia is what the Fox Theatre Institute is all about.”

From visiting as an audience member to headlining numerous shows, Kevn Kinney, lead singer of Atlanta rock band Drivin N Cryin, has shared an incredible journey with the Fox Theatre. As narrator of the evening, Kinney welcomed performers and special guests to share their own stories about how performing arts venues have made a significant impact on their lives while sharing some of his most cherished memories from Georgia’s cultural centers. Kinney also auctioned an autographed guitar live on stage, helping raise $1,700 for the Fox Theatre Institute.

Concert attendees also had the opportunity to participate in three different auctions, including the live “Fund-A-Mission” hosted by ‘Your Rocktioneer.’ During this live component, ‘Your Rocktioneer’ alone raised more than $5,000 in five minutes for FTI’s educational arm, “Fox in a Box.” This program teaches students throughout Georgia about the communal history of the Fox Theatre and challenges them to think about the importance of communities banding together to protect what’s significant to them. Revival’s “Fund-A-Mission” sponsor and Official Bank of the Fox Theatre, Regions Bank, generously matched the funds raised during this interactive five-minute fundraiser, helping raise a total of $10,000.

Fans also participated in a silent auction with a number of coveted items, including 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. In addition, Marquee Club attendees were granted exclusive access to bid on six different prizes during a live auction with ‘Your Rocktioneer.’ Items ranged from priceless experiences like a private, four-course dinner for 12 on the Fox Theatre stage to signed memorabilia.

Once threatened and saved by caring community members itself, a strong sense of togetherness, empathy and insight remains visible through the work of the Fox Theatre Institute. Founded in 2008, the Fox Theatre Institute has committed more than $1.3 million dollars throughout Georgia and provided historic theaters with preservation guidance, professional development, collaboration opportunities and strategic planning. The Institute also manages Georgia Presenters, a statewide booking consortium, which helps spark collaboration among dozens of accomplished arts presenters.