R.E.M.’s 30th birthday bash in Athens will get assist from Atlanta artists

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If the excitement being generated on social media sites over the weekend is any indication, plenty of local music fans will be trekking up the Atlanta Highway on April 2.

The Melting Point in Athens is throwing R.E.M. a 30th birthday bash featuring performances by Atlanta’s own B-52’s vocalist Cindy Wilson and sets by Casper and the Cookies and Supercluster featuring Pylon vocalist Vanessa Briscoe Hay. Atlanta rockers, VieTNam are also on the bill.

The gig will also feature a performance by original R.E.M. producer Mitch Easter and legendary Athens knob turner and longtime band pal John Keane.

We hear that all the acts will be performing their favorite R.E.M. songs as well.

The Melting Point is taking great pains to point out that none of the R.E.M. boys are booked to make an appearance.

For music fans, it’s more an opportunity to celebrate the Athens music scene, still thriving with a new generation of artists, more than three decades after the B’s all but invented it with their first gig on Valentine’s Day, 1977.

Did we mention that tickets to the birthday concert are a measly $10 with proceeds going to charity?

Tickets can be purchased in advance online.
Natch, the event has its own Facebook fan page as well.

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