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Live Wire Athens, a much anticipated local bar and music venue, formally opens its doors on Thursday, Feb. 5, giving new life to the space that formerly housed New Earth Athens. 

Starting at 8 p.m., Live Wire will celebrate its grand opening with a lineup of progressive rock and reggae featuring Passafire, Trogdor, Lullwater and Roots of a Rebellion. True to the grand opening spirit, the first 100 people in the door will be given $10 gift certificates. A food truck on site will provide the grub. 

Live Wire's roots are in Savannah, the hometown of owners Daniel, Brenden and Andrew Robertson. The venue recently moved with the Robertson brothers from its West River Street post to downtown Athens.

227 W. Dougherty St. has undergone a facelift since New Earth closed in December. New stage production equipment and interior aesthetics are just a few of the improvements that have been made to the space. Additionally, says Daniel Robertson, Live Wire is available for private event rentals.

"We want Live Wire to be a place where local musicians can feel at ease and comfortable," says Robertson.

A piece of New Earth will live on at the new venue through familiar weekly events such as the Wednesday Spill the Milk open mic, hosted by Caroline Aiken, and the Myriad Interactive Arts and Music Exhibition on the first Tuesday of each month.

Live Wire will also be implementing some new recurring events, including a weekly Ike Stubblefield Hammond organ showcase and the monthly "Wallflower" comedy series.