MUSIC NEWS- Local Athens, GA police report that a major fire erupted at the landmark Georgia Theatre in Athens, GA this morning, a concert venue that helped break many now popular bands including REM, Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic and the B-52s. It's been reported that the fire began around 7am Friday, 6/19/09. The converted movie theater was destroyed in the blaze. Former Athens Mayor Doc Eldridge said he saw a huge plume of black smoke when he arrived at his nearby office in the downtown business district. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

In 2008 national touring acts such as the North Mississippi All-Stars, Galactic, Robert Earl Keen, Sister Hazel and Ghostface Killah played at the Georgia Theatre. Eleven acts were scheduled to appear next weekend as part of the annual AthFest music festival. Festival organizers are looking for alternative venues and hope to find a place for the bands to play. The Morton Theater and the Classic Center were among venues under consideration .

From- Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

UPDATE- The Morton Theatre will be used for all AthFest events.