Athens band Cosmic Charlie became hometown heroes last week, when the Boone, N.C., club they were playing in caught fire. The popular hangout for students from Appalachian State University held between 75 and 90 people Thursday night when an area behind the stage went up in flames, according to reports from WSOCTV.com. Firefighters credited both the band and the management for helping everyone get out safely - there were no injuries. But unfortunately the band members lost all of their equipment, save for John Miley’s slide for his guitar. Reports drummer Kane Stanley, the band is awaiting word on an insurance settlement.

So when you see those guys around town in the coming weeks, give them a pat on the back and wish them well with replacing their equipment. See the story at www.wsoctv.com/news/15853446/detail.html.

John Collins just woke up. It’s 4 p.m. The bass player for Canadian power poppers The New Pornographers (playing tonight, Georgia Theatre) had slated a phone interview for two hours earlier, but he makes no apologies. The band, he says, is having lots of fun during its 15-show tour in April. “I’m having a really good time,” Collins says with just-woke-up gravely voice. “The shows are all quite full.” This makes him happy. “It’s good to be good and liked,” he says. “I prefer it.” Read the full story…

Listen to Myriad Harbour by the New Pornographers:

The Heidi Hensley Band
7-9 p.m., Ashford Manor Bed and Breakfast, Watkinsville
Fronted by singer-songwriter Heidi Hensley, whose vocals are the star of the show, this band mixes alt-country, folk and modern rock to create a sound that brings to mind Lilith Fair. Hensley belongs alongside Sarah McLachlan and The Indigo Girls. Bring picnics, blankets and beverages to make yourself at home on the lawn of Ashford Manor for tonight’s show. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 and all proceeds benefit Boybutante. www.heidihensley.com or www.myspace.com/heidihensleymusic. - Trisha Klein

Music Business Program Showcase
5-7 p.m., The Melting Point
The University of Georgia’s Music Business Program’s student-run record label will host a free showcase tonight featuring Blue Flashing Light, Ponderosa, Gift Horse, Olympus Mans, Josh Fletcher & 6 Shot Romance, Beyond Tomorrow, The Cubs and Rockinwood at the Melting Point. Reports Bruce Burch, administrative director for the program, the first two years of the showcase have seen one band - Manchester Orchestra - sign with a major label and land a slot on David Letterman, and another - Dead Confederate - open for R.E.M. That’s a pretty nice track record indeed. After the music, Dallas Austin, a songwriter and producer who’s worked with Madonna, Gwen Stefani and TLC, will lead a seminar titled “The Block: I’m a Writer” from 7:15 to 8:30. For more information, go to www.meltingpointathens.com. - ABH staff

The New Pornographers, Okkervil River
10 p.m., Georgia Theatre
Big time power pop from Canada. The New Pornographers formed in 1997, almost immediately recorded the classic “Letter From An Occupant,” and it was on. Their three full-lengths received wild critical and public acclaim, and they continue to enjoy bigger (and taller and smarter) audiences. The folk-indie-rock of openers Okkervil River is also wildly popular. Could be a sell-out. - AMdC Staff

• 40 Watt: Marc Brousard, Angie Aparo.
• Ashford Manor: The Heidi Hensley Band.
• Caledonia: Patrick Carey, Gravel Undertone, Lazer/Wulf, Nexusnul, Shitty Candy.
• Farm 255: Dan Bollinger, Corduroy Road, Drakkar Sauna, Man I’m Hungry, Nuclear Spring, Richard Sherfey, Timber.
• Flicker: Mark Kaczmarek, Craig Lieske.
• Georgia Theatre: New Pornographers, Okkervil River.
• Little Kings: The Flowers of Evil, Plum Tuckered, Jenny Woodward.
• Melting Point: Beyond Tomorrow, Blue Flashing Light, The Cubs, Gift Horse, Joshua Fletcher & the Six-Shot Romance, Olympus Mans, Ponderosa, Rockingwood, Trey Wright Trio.
• No Where Bar: Three Foot Swagger.
• Tasty World: Gift Horse, Part Bear, Ponderosa.
• Wild Wing Cafe: Blue Cotton.