BY MELISSA RUGGIERI
There doesn’t need to be a compelling reason to celebrate one of the most treasured venues in Atlanta.
But this weekend, the Fox Theatre will be the recipient of public affection during the free Fox Theatre Block Party to celebrate and remember the “Save the Fox” campaign of 1974-75.
From noon-6 p.m. Sunday, a smorgasbord of entertainment including performances from Francine Reed, Alchemy and Tribute…A Celebration of the Allman Brothers Band, will take place at the intersection of Peachtree Street N.E. and Ponce de Leon Avenue.
Both streets at the intersection will be closed to vehicle traffic; the main entrance will be at Peachtree Street N.E. and 3rd Street N.E. As parking is extremely limited, MARTA and ride-share options are recommended.
In 1974, the future of the Fox, which opened in 1929 as a movie palace, was in jeopardy due to declining ticket sales, poor upkeep and a changing city landscape.
A “Save the Fox” campaign ignited immediately, with high profile concerts from Southern rock mainstays Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers Band helping to draw attention to the cause.
Citizens raised $1.85 million to restore the landmark venue, and in 1975, the Fox was spared destruction. In May 1976, the building was deemed a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
On Sunday, festivities will also include tours of the Fox, family-friendly activities and food and beverages (for purchase).
Here is the schedule of live events (times are subject to change):
- Noon – The Fox Theatre ROCK THE BLOCK Party Parade featuring The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable!
- 12:15 p.m. – DejaBlue Grass Band (Georgia Natural Gas Main Stage)
- 1 p.m. – Orquesta MaCuba (Georgia Natural Gas Main Stage)
- 1 p.m. – Jonathan Gale Band (97.1 The River Acoustic Stage)
- 1:45 p.m. – Dad's Garage Theatre Company (97.1 The River Acoustic Stage
- 2:15 p.m. – Francine Reed (Georgia Natural Gas Main Stage)
- 2:30 p.m. – Kristin Tinsley (97.1 The River Acoustic Stage)
- 3:15 p.m. – Dad's Garage (97.1 The River Acoustic Stage)
- 3:30 p.m. – TRIBUTE … a celebration of the Allman Brothers Band (Georgia Natural Gas Main Stage)
- 4 p.m. – Alchemy (97.1 The River Acoustic Stage)
- 5 p.m. – Bogey & The Viceroy (Georgia Natural Gas Main Stage)
Follow the Fox at www.fb.com/foxtheatreinstitute and visit www.foxtheatre.org/fox-theatre-institute/ for more information.
Check out the AJC's Fox Flashback Photo Gallery.
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