It is Nuci’s Space’s 9th anniversary today and they are celebrating. Located just a five minutes’ walk from North Campus, Nuci’s Space is a haven for musicians, especially students.

It began after Nuci Phillips, senior at the University, committed suicide in 1996. He was a musician and suffered from depression.

“He had a counseling appointment set up, but the soonest appointment they had was a month later, and Nuci died before he made it,” Bill Sleppy, 9-year employee of Nuci’s Space, said.

Nuci’s mom, Linda Phillips, set out to create an active memorial. “We wanted something really special, and we got it. I’m a nurse and have always been interested in mental health, and Nuci’s older brother is a musician also. I wanted to combine our family’s two loves in this project,” Linda said in a phone interview. A determined mother can accomplish anything.

Nuci’s Space offers two services to its patrons. First, it has rehearsal rooms for rent by the hour.

“Nuci always talked about how he wanted a safe, affordable place to practice,” Linda said.

Its rooms are priced at $6 for a smaller room and $8 for a larger room per hour.

Second, it offers advocates for musicians to get help they need and quickly.

Linda says, “They are not therapists. We want to be non-clinical. They are just very informed, caring people who want to help musicians struggling with depression or anything else.”

These advocates are willing to talk with musicians and set them up with a therapist if they want that will best fit their needs.

Their hope is that once musicians feel comfortable in the space to practice and meet the employees, they won’t be afraid to ask for help.

“We want students!” Linda said. “Nuci was a student, so that is where my heart is,” she adds.

From 1990 when Nuci’s Space’s doors opened until this past August, Linda drove six days a week from her home in Atlanta to Athens.

“I’m very people oriented so it’s been a great way to pour myself out. I get to be a mother figure to these kids,” Linda said. She has only recently stepped back to ensure it can run without her.

Bill Sleppy and Will Kiser are two long-time employees at Nuci’s Space; they are two of the advocates available.

“Every year we have added to the number of people we get to help, and that’s just amazing,” Kiser said.

“We love the Athens music scene, especially because everyone shares a common goal and are willing to help each other. Nuci’s Space is a place to realize that goal,” Sleppy adds.

Nuci’s Space is celebrating tonight by throwing themselves a birthday party from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

“We made a little blue book of goals when we started, and we have accomplished everything and more,” Linda said.

Tonight will be filled with commemorating Nuci Phillips and rejoicing in those who have been helped through his mom’s dream. Many of Nuci’s family members will be in attendance. It is an open house and not just for musicians. In fact, they want first-time visitors.

There will be food provided by local restaurants, live music and a silent auction containing signed memorabilia from bands such as R.E.M., Widespread Panic, John Mayer, Justin Nozuka and the Drive-By Truckers to name a few.

In addition, they will be hosting their annual S.P.A.C.E. race Saturday, October 24, at 9 AM. It is a 5k starting on Sanford Drive, and all are encouraged to show up and run. The money raised will go directly to Nuci’s Space and their mission of suicide prevention and community education.

Nuci Space is located on the corner of Williams and Oak St. For more information on the party and 5k race, visit www.nuci.org.