Recently, R.E.M.’s Mike Mills traveled to 1093 Boulevard Studios in Athens, GA to perform a new composition called “Concerto For Violin & Rock Band.” He played alongside his childhood friend and professional violinist Robert McDuffie and a few notable local musicians that included ex-Drive By Truckers guitarist John Neff, drummer Patrick Ferguson, and guitarist Wade Hester. The history behind the project is tied up in Georgia’s rich music history, which you can read up on here in a detailed post on R.E.M.’s website. Watch some excerpts from the performance below.

[Photo via R.E.M. HQ]