The Red and Black

Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: Out & About

Media Credit: JOSH D. WEISS Arvin Scott, a doctor of percussion at the University, cleans up after his percussion class for preschoolers Monday at Nuci's Space. [Click to enlarge]

Harry Potter had a "Room of Necessity" that magically transformed into whatever he needed whenever he needed it.

Athens musicians have one too - Nuci's Space.

A concert venue, practice space, library, coffeehouse and counseling facility, Nuci's Space serves as a resource and support center assisting Athens musicians.

This weekend, Nuci's Space celebrates its seventh anniversary since opening the doors in September of 2000.

"It's like living a prolonged dream," said Bob Sleppy, executive director at Nuci's. "To still be able to do what you want to do - it's quite remarkable," he said. "You're unsure if you're even awake."

Linda Phillips, founder of Nuci's Space, echoed Sleppy's sentiments.

"Every year we're open is a milestone," she said.

For Phillips, Nuci's Space is as unique as the person to which it is dedicated - her son.

On Thanksgiving Day in 1996, 22-year-old University student and promising musician Nuci Phillips shot and killed himself after a five-year battle with depression.

After Nuci's death, Phillips wanted to remember her son in a way that also would help those who shared his passion for music and perhaps his pain. Thus came the idea to create a place where musicians could find affordable health care and practice spaces.

"One of the problems Nuci always had was finding a place to practice his music," said Phillips.

She chose Nuci's location because of its proximity to downtown and the University.

However, the building had been unused for years.

Continued...

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