[On the morning of June 19, 2009], the landmark Georgia Theatre in Athens, Ga., caught fire and suffered major structural damage, including a collapsed roof.

Originally the first YMCA in the south turned old movie theater, the Georgia Theatre opened as a music venue in 1978 but closed in the early '80s. It reopened in 1989 and continued to operate for the next twenty years. The Theatre was a staple of Southeastern tours in the 1990s and 2000s, with bands such as Phish, R.E.M., the B-52s, the Police, Widespread Panic, Gov't Mule, Blues Traveler, moe., John Mayer, the String Cheese Incident, Medeski Martin & Wood, the Derek Trucks Band, and STS9 all stopping by.

Dave Matthews Band played at least eight shows at the Theatre in 1993 and 1994, which included a few rare song performances: Kind Intentions, a song recorded in the studio but never played at a show, was soundchecked before the 2.5.94 gig; the one-off song known as Me and Her made its only appearance at the 4.6.94 show; and the short-lived Get in Line was also played on 10.14.94. Recordings of most of the band's performances, including the 2.5.94 soundcheck, are available on dreamingtree.org.

On a positive note, the theater's owner hopes to rebuild and continue operating the venue. Perpetual Groove, who was set to play there tonight and tomorrow, will hold a benefit concert for the venue tomorrow night (June 20) at the Classic Center. Tickets may be purchased here.