BY MELISSA RUGGIERI
Four decades after the venerable Fox Theatre was “saved,” its legacy as one of the crown jewels of Atlanta will be celebrated again.
On June 7, the venue will produce the “Fox Theatre Block Party,” a free gathering featuring music from Francine Reed, Bogey & the Viceroy, Orquesta MaCuba, and Tribute – A Celebration of the Allman Brothers Band.
The celebration, which will take place from noon-6 p.m.at the intersection of Peachtree Street N.E. and Ponce de Leon Avenue, is a thank you to supporters. 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.
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.
The June festivities will also include tours of the Fox, food and drink and other activities.
Social media Q&A's will lead up to the block party, with winners randomly chosen to score prizes including drink and food vouchers for the block party, 40th anniversary "Save the Fox" merchandise, Fox Theatre tour vouchers, and more.
Follow the Fox at www.fb.com/foxtheatreinstitute and visit www.foxtheatre.org/fox-theatre-institute/ for more information.
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