Sad news out of Athens, Ga.: The Georgia Theatre, a converted movie house that opened as a music venue in the ’70s, caught fire this morning and was heavily damaged, according to reports. (The fire was so severe that interrupted electrical service to Athens’ downtown area.) The Theatre was scheduled to host many shows during next week’s Athfest, as well as concerts by Jenny Lewis and Idolator pal Lucas Jensen’s band Venice Is Sinking in the coming weeks. Building owner Wilmot Greene is optimistic, however, saying that because the exterior walls seem to be OK a gut renovation of the space is possible. [Athens Banner-Herald; HT Lucas]

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