The reflection of memories acquired through a history of unprecedented musical excellence at the Georgia Theatre touched many hearts this summer. It was then that the concept of a music venue became more than merely an indoor stage and a bar; it became a realm of escape, a hiatus from the woes of the real world, and a sanctum for both musicians and an audience.

Though venues in Athens could exist solely for profit, many strive for a more humble, moral mission. One of the most humble of these can be seen at Nuci’s Space, a nonprofit resource center whose calling is to assist the emotional, physical, and professional well-being of musicians.

“I would definitely encourage everybody that doesn’t know much about [Nuci's Space] to pop in and check it out,” said local musician Lefty Hathaway.

From Friday through Sunday, First American Bank and Trust and Mule Train Records’ own Green Room Studios will host Athens’ second annual Mule Fest to raise funds for Nuci’s space. With an incredible lineup of over 30 musical performances encompassing a wide array of genres, art, standup comedy, and other activities for both children and adults, Mule Fest is proof that a fundraiser can both function as a source of entertainment and benefit many aspects of the local community.

Nuci’s Space, built in dedication to late University student Nuci Phillips (who suffered from clinical depression), offers services such as volunteer physicians for the uninsured, legal advice free of charge and direct financial aid for counseling.

“You really need a source to be able to go to for all kinds of different things, from music equipment to help with any kind of emotional problem that [musicians] have. They are always there for you,” said Betsy Franck, vocalist for The Bareknuckle Band, who will perform at Mule Fest on Sunday. “I think it should be on the flyer when people come to the University tour. I think it should be right beside the famous archives.”

Many of the acts featured on the bill plan to perform fresh, new material. The Lefty Hathaway band will flare the stage with a thunderous 10-piece brass band to feature songs from their upcoming album “Fleas, Flies, and Fodder,” while Trey Wright and his jazz trio will use saxophone improvisation to give a sample of their newest album “Thinking Out Loud.”

“Improvisation is very much a part of jazz,” Wright said. “One thing we try to do is use the improvisation to serve the tune, not the other way around.”

Along with improvisation, Wright brings a contemporary blend of rock to spice up the genre of jazz. “We all grew up listening to rock music, so our compositions have elements of rock that students can relate to,” he said.

Wright has several friends who have used Nuci’s Space for health and counseling and understands the value of playing for fundraisers.

Brad Downs of The Poor Bastard Souls believes when musicians join together to utilize their music as a form of aid and service, more people attend the concert.

“[A fundraiser] changes the willingness for an audience to pay,” Downs said. “For a benefit performance, they are willing to pay the money, regardless of who’s playing.”

Wright said the audience will be pleased with the caliber of music and satisfied to know money is going to a good cause.

“Music is definitely a healer,” he said.