ATLANTA, GA  – The Fox Theatre Institute (FTI), a dynamic Atlanta-based outreach program created by The Fox Theatre, will showcase three theater restoration projects during its fourth annual THEATRE REVIVAL TOUR. The three-day tour, taking place May 12-14, aims to boost awareness for each historic venue while celebrating local community efforts to preserve these local landmarks.
The tour will feature two FTI grant recipients for 2016: The Miller Theater in Augusta, and the Madison Morgan Cultural Center in Madison, as well as highlight the City of Vidalia’s efforts to restore The Pal Theatre. FTI awards grants allow for substantial restoration, preservation and future planning for Georgia’s historic theatres – all of which foster sustainable growth for the communities they serve.
At each destination on the THEATRE REVIVAL TOUR, FTI will host a free concert, featuring the homegrown five-piece musical group, the Packway Handle Band, which has its roots in Athens, Georgia.  Gearing up to hit the studio and record a new album, the Packway Handle Band recently participated in its second consecutive voyage aboard Kid Rock’s annual Chillin’ the Most Cruise which led to the band joining the 2015 Cheap Date Tour with Kid Rock and Foreigner.
They will be at The Pal Theatre (May 14, 6:00 PM) – This multi-phase project, scheduled to begin late summer 2016, will include the overall restoration of both the exterior and interior theater, including lobby, restrooms and adjacent spaces.  Spearheaded by the Vidalia Convention & Visitors Bureau, the renovation will provide downtown Vidalia with a historic movie theatre and live entertainment options feeding into the local restaurant and retail economy.