Friday, October 19, 2007
Pulled this from the Athensmusic.net weekly email.
On Sunday, October 21, 2007, the Athens Historical Society will present R.E.M. in Perspective: An Athens History. The event will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the historic Seney-Stovall Chapel at 201 North Milledge Avenue in Athens, Georgia, where R.E.M. just finished recording its latest studio album.
The program will feature two previously unscreened vintage videos of R.E.M. and two panel discussions, as well as rare video clips relating to Athens compiled from R.E.M.’s own archives and recent performance footage.
The featured videos include an R.E.M. practice session recorded at Wuxtry Records in Decatur prior to the release of their first record, and an early performance at the 688 Club in Atlanta. The video of the practice session, filmed by Wuxtry Records owner Dan Wall, is the earliest known footage of R.E.M. playing together as a band.
Biographer Tony Fletcher, author of Remarks Remade: The Story of R.E.M., will open the session with his observations on Athens’ place in R.E.M.’s history. A follow-up panel will discuss R.E.M.’s Athens musical and artistic roots. Panelists include producer John Keane, music blogger Frank White, Wuxtry Records owner Dan Wall, Athens music historian Paul Butchart, former manager of The B-52’s Maureen McLaughlin, with music journalist Mark Mobley, as moderator.
A second panel will examine R.E.M.’s social, civic, political, economic and preservation impact on Athens and the world beyond. Scheduled participants are former Athens mayor Gwen O’Looney, community activist Tim Johnson, historic preservation advocate Smith Wilson, former 40 Watt Club co-owner and founder of Flagpole magazine Jared Bailey, Weaver D’s restaurant owner Dexter Weaver, with Athens historian and preservationist Milton Leathers, as moderator.
The program is being taped for later broadcast and video release. Seating is limited. The event is ticketed but free of charge. To reserve a ticket, email Athens Historical Society or call (706) 789-3452.
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