Martinsville, Virginia

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Rives Theatre Destroyed By Fire; Concerts Will Continue

On Sunday, Sept. 8th, the Rives Theatre was destroyed by fire. The building cannot be saved, but thankfully, no one was hurt in the blaze, and no other buildings were damaged. The Rives Theatre was built in 1928 as a playhouse, enjoyed more than 60 years as a movie theatre, and has served as Martinsville's primary indoor, live-music venue over the past 10 years. We are heartbroken to lose the Rives, which has been a mainstay in our community's cultural (and physical) landscape for nearly 100 years.

Organizers of events at the theatre - Arts at the Rives and its parent nonprofit company, Rooster Walk Inc. - are not sure what the future holds on the venue side of things. ART and Rooster Walk were leasing the building (we did not own it). We are just beginning the process of exploring our short-term and long-term options as we pursue the goal of continuing to bring amazing live music to Martinsville and Henry.

Countless individuals have reached out asking how and where to donate. All donations are tax deductible, and will be used to help Arts at the Rives' mission of bringing high-quality live music to Martinsville-Henry County during this transition period.

Donations can be made via check to "Arts at the Rives" and mailed to Arts at the Rives, PO Box 3067, Martinsville, Va., 24115.