Newspaper Page Text
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Fox’s ‘Revival’ concert to benefit other
historic theatres
By Collin Kelley
The Fox Theatre is set to host a
historic night on Saturday, May 13, as the
theatre celebrates 15 years of preservation
efforts through its outreach program the
Fox Theatre Institute (FTI).
FFosted again by Atlanta native
and famed musician Kevn Kinney, the
organizations
“Revival” benefit
concert will raise
money to preserve
and restore
Georgia’s historic
theaters and expand
its education arm
through an auction.
With
performances by
Collective Soul,
Mother’s Finest,
Drivin N Cryin,
Jet Black Roses and
other special guests,
this unique musical
event is inspired
by the power of
storytelling and
the role theaters
play in bringing communities together.
Tickets for “Revival” are on sale now at
foxtheatre.org.
FTI director Leigh Burns said
marking 15 years is significant for the
organization. “For us, it’s a time to reflect
on the impact we’ve made across Georgia
and the southeast.”
Burns noted that the last “Revival” —
held pre-pandemic in 2019 — raised more
than $120,000. She said FTI’s mission
to help save their historic theatres has its
origins in the “Save the Fox” campaign
from the 1970s that saved the venue from
demolition.
“We've assisted more than 70 theatres
and provided $2.7 million in funding,”
Burns noted, including helping the City
of Eatonton purchase the historic Pex
Theatre.
From the smell of the popcorn to
sitting in the same seat his grandparents
once did, Kinney recollects how strong
the memories created in a theater can be.
“There is no substitute for a theater full of
people from every walk of life laughing,
thinking and crying together,” he said.
“Art is the backbone of our society”,
said Collective Soul’s Ed Roland. “From
the beginning, historic theatres allowed
those arts to be portrayed through plays,
movies and music. It is so important that
we do everything we can to preserve these
meaningful buildings, so we can continue
to spread joy and creativity that we will
never forget.”
All concert attendees will be invited
to participate in a live “Fund-A-Mission”
auction driven by Atlanta’s Your
Rocktioneer from the Fox’s stage. This
live component will help raise money for
FTI’s educational arm, “Fox in a Box,” a
program that directly benefits students
throughout Georgia.
The auction includes notable items
and experiences such as a private behind-
the-scenes tour and dining experience
at the Fox Theatre’s famed Marquee
Club presented by Lexus, signed artist
memorabilia like Joe Bonamassa’s guitar,
and more.
“Revival’s” Fund-A-Mission sponsor
and Official Bank of the Fox Theatre,
Regions Bank, will generously match
what the audience is able to raise in this
interactive five-minute fundraiser. More
details on how to participate in each of
the auction activities are coming soon
and fans are encouraged to check the
event’s web page at foxtheatre.org for
more information.
Don’t forget to support live musicians and venues
Since we’re
officially post
pandemic
and Spring is
springing, it’s time
to enjoy the great
things our city
and state offer
— especially live
outdoor music.
There are
ample places to
listen no matter
where you live with local, national, and
international artists performing at venues
big and small.
You can see and hear real musicians
singing with their real voices while
playing real instruments instead of
digitally concocted tunes arranged in
someone’s playroom. Yes, it takes talent to
create digital tunes, but the thrill and feel
of watching a new or veteran artist play
live without the bells and whistles can’t
be beat. I saw a meme that said when it
comes to vocals on digitally generated
songs, autotune is Photoshop for singers.
Pretty clever.
Playing music and making music —
there’s a difference.
I started playing piano by ear at
age 4. I had a few years of real lessons,
but a young boy isn’t as interested in
learning Tchaikovsky while his friends
are doing boy things. I could have been a
better student, and I’m not blaming the
teacher, but she wasn’t good, or at least
good enough to make me want to keep
learning piano.
In the 5th grade, I took trombone
lessons, and I was decent enough to join
the band. But there was too much spit
and different positions for the same note,
which was confusing. For giggles, I tried
the tuba for a minute, but I wasn’t big
or strong enough to carry it. I was fine
sitting down.
My favorite brass instrument was
the trumpet, but my bottom lip was
too thick. None of the reed instruments
appealed to me either, but please
understand I love every single instrument
made.
In the 6th grade, I discovered my
main “instrument love.” That would be
anything percussion. I humbly say this,
I was pretty darn good, and I played all
the way through high school. The first
time I played the drum kit out front with
the band behind me, I was immediately
hooked and addicted to that feeling.
As far as stringed instruments, the
bass guitar worked best for me because
of only four strings. Six strings required
too much finger talent
on both hands, and
the chords completely
overwhelmed me. I
played bass in a cover
band, and keyboard in
another.
I inherited my
love of listening and
playing instruments
from my mother. She
spent the last 10 years
of her life in a very
nice retirement center
where she played
guitar and made
announcements into her early 90s. She
stopped because she didn’t want anyone
to think she was “showing off.” My
grandfather played the fiddle. Word is he
played in some pretty rough juke joints
but wasn’t allowed to tell us too much.
After I played in a few joints, I
realized I was better suited to play
original music by original artists using
my own instrument — my voice. Thank
you, Lord, for a wonderful career with
the correct instrument. During those
years I met and enjoyed many world-class
musicians and vocalists. The real deals.
Actor Jamie Lee Curtis has an
amazing idea for us senior citizens. All
major artists should do matinees! Start
the concerts at noon or 1 p.m. in the
afternoon so we can get our older selves
home and in bed at a decent hour. You’re
already set up for the evening, why not?
Fabulous idea! Follow her on social media
@j amieleecurtis.
FFere’s the thing: Get your behinds
out and spend a little money to support
local musicians and venues. Even if you
think it’s pricey, spend the extra coin for
their tickets and merchandise. That’s the
only way they make a living.
An evening out with music under the
stars can be a perfect Atlanta night.
FROM
THE
CRATES
KELLY MCCOY
6 | MAY 2023
RoughDraftAtlanta.com
