The City Lights Collective

The Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus artistic director, Don Milton III, details their upcoming concert performance, "Songs of the Phoenix." Plus, Atlanta author Lynn Cullen discusses her new historical fiction book, "The Woman with the Cure."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indigenous sculptor Chase Kahwinhut Earles discusses his sculpture "Naw’-tsiʔ: Bear Effigy Vessel," located on the Eastside Trail in front of Ponce City Market. Plus, our series highlighting local musicians, "Speaking of Music," today features the "Techno-Goth-a-Billy" band, "Twisty Cats." And we listen back to our conversation with the creatives behind "Refuge," the documentary that highlights Clarkston, America's most culturally diverse square mile.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heath Franklin, Georgia State University professor of film, media, and theater, joins us for our series, "The Art of Teaching." Plus, we highlight multidisciplinary artist Carla Contreras in "Speaking of Art."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Broadway legend Melba Moore joins us. The acclaimed singer will receive her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this year. Plus, we'll hear about "Building Reflections: Contemplations in Collage," currently on view at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. And a first look at "Revival: Lost Southern Voices," a reading festival coming to the Decatur Library this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

City Lights music contributor Dr. Scott Stewart stops by with a Celtic music playlist in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Plus, we hear about Fly on the Wall's upcoming "Astro Show," and H Johnson joins us for H Johnson's Jazz Moment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joshua Spacht, a member of the neo-classical music ensemble Abilene, details their upcoming performance at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Plus, our series “Speaking of Art,” today features photographer Mark Alberhasky.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Renowned tenor Lawrence Brownlee details his new song cycle “Rising” and explains why he commissioned six acclaimed African American composers to set poetry from giants of the Harlem Renaissance to song. Plus, our series “Speaking of Dance” highlights comedic burlesque dancer Shellie Schmals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MJQ Concourse co-owners Ryan Purcell and Murphy discuss the dance club’s move to the iconic Underground space previously occupied by Dante’s Down the Hatch. Plus, photographer Tokie Rome-Taylor details her new exhibition, “Insight: the Body as Artifact, Archive, and Memory,” on view now at the Hammonds House Museum. And our series highlighting local comedians, “Speaking of Comedy,” features Mike Schatz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High Museum curator Stephanie Heydt details their new exhibition, "Joseph Stella: Visionary Nature," on view through May 21. Plus, our series, "Speaking of Art," highlights Fabian Williams, and Christian Cave of Caveman Wildlife joins us for "Expedition Atlanta."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NPR's Tiny Desk Contest is underway, and today we catch up with the men behind the desk, Bob Boilen and Bobby Carter. Plus, City Lights producer Summer Evans hits the red carpet for a conversation with the winner of this year's SCAD Icon Award, Sarah Michelle Gellar. And we premiere the newest branch of our "Speaking of" series, "Speaking of Y'allywood," today featuring costume coordinator Kenya Morgan.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meisa Salaita, director of the 2023 Atlanta Science Festival, details their events at the intersection of Art and Science. Plus, John Dickson, artistic director of Coro Vocati, discusses the Atlanta chamber chorus ensemble's upcoming "Dear People" concerts. And They Might Be Giants are playing the Eastern this Saturday, and City Lights senior producer Kim Drobes catches up with singer and accordionist John Linnell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef Palak Patel joins us to discuss the Hindu Festival of Colors, Holi, which marks the transition from Winter into Spring. Plus, Caoimhe Ní Chonchúir, the Consulate General of Ireland, and Geraldine Higgins, professor of Irish Studies at Emory University, detail St. Patrick's Day events in Atlanta. And our series, "Speaking of Music," highlights Nikki and the Phantom Callers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel expert Rick Steves stops by for our series, "ATL Up and Away." Plus, we boldly go where City Lights has never gone before and catch up with the one and only William Shatner. Then, Chris Brennaman, co-owner of "Infinite Realities: Comics, Games and More" in Tucker, and comic book artwork collector, Benno Rothschild share details on their upcoming showcase of Georgia comic artists. And our series, "Speaking of Art," highlights Arnold Butler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Alison Moritz and star performers Jack Swanson and Victor Ryan Robertson discuss the Atlanta Opera's new production of "Candide." Plus, a visit with Liz Stokes, lead vocalist for the indie-rock band The Beths. And, our series, "Speaking of Dance," highlights Alejandro Abarca.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emmy award-winning writer and director Stephen Ives details his new documentary, "Ruthless: Monopoly's Secret History." Plus, Dr. Ben Kruger-Robbins discusses Emory Cinematheque's film series "Camp Vibes, Queer Feelings." And music contributor H Johnson shares a song from jazz vocalist Gloria Lynne in our series, "H Johnson's Jazz Moment."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jazz musicians Joe Gransden and Louis Heriveaux detail the Rialto's upcoming Johnny Mercer Tribute Show. Plus, Marium Khalid of Sky Creature Productions and Michael Haverty of The Object Group discuss their new adult production of "Pinocchio" on stage at 7 Stages Theater March 3-12. And author De'Shawn Charles Winslow tells us about his new book, "Decent People," available now in hardback.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We kick off Women's History Month with the one and only Stacey Abrams! Plus, our series "Atlanta's Savory Stories." For March, food contributors Asata Reid and Akila McConnell discuss the female entrepreneurs who influenced our city's diverse cuisine. And our series highlighting local comedians, "Speaking of Comedy," features Angel Contreras.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Playwright Rachel Lynett, director Ibi Owolab and True Colors Artistic Director Jamil Jude discuss “Good Bad People” on stage at the Southwest Arts Center through March 12th. Plus, Atlanta fashion designer Kenya Freeman, owner of Sylvia Mollie Collections, details her new collection for Shein X. And City Lights producer Kim Drobes catches up with Atlanta Roller Derby skater Gucci Maim.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blues rock guitar legend Joe Bonamassa stops by ahead of his upcoming performance at the Fox Theater. Plus, Jon Ludwig and S. Renee Clark share details on “Duke Ellington’s Cat,” the new children’s production on stage at the Center for Puppetry Arts. And music contributor Von Phoenix gives his music recommendations in this month’s edition of Punk Black to Go.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Weiss, the President of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, discusses his new book, "Why the Museum Matters." Plus, the world's biggest bounce house is coming to the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds this weekend, and XL Events co-CEO Cameron Craig details the over 16,000-square-foot attraction. And our series "Speaking of Dance" highlights dance artist Julie Johnson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Angela Barnes discusses her NAACP Image Award-nominated "Atlanta" episode, "The Homeliest Little Horse." Plus, Georgia Symphony Orchestra music director Timothy Verville and cellist Okorie Johnson, better known as OK Cello, detail the world premiere of "Liminal: An Atlanta Concerto for Cello and Orchestra." The performance is part of the upcoming Georgia Symphony Orchestra concert, "You Shall Hear," at Marietta Performing Arts Center. And our series highlighting local artists, "Speaking of Art," features Dwayne 'Dubelyoo' Wright.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trey Clegg, founder of the Trey Clegg Singers, and John Hammond, interim head of programs at The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, discuss “Life Every Voice: a Black History Concert.” Plus, a look at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center’s production of “Women in Jeopardy” with director Topher Payne and actors Stacy Melich and Parris Sarter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Charles Parrott, Kennesaw State University associate professor in the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies and director of the KSU Tellers, joins City Lights for our monthly series, “The Art of Teaching.” Plus, Conrad Tao stops by ahead of his upcoming performances with the ASO, and the creatives behind “Now Dig This,” Max Amirdzhanov, Pietro DiGennrro and Randy Michael share the story behind their retro-vibe rock and roll TV show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Zaria Ware discusses her new book ““BLK Art: The Audacious Legacy of Black Artists and Models in Western Art." The book is look at the Black art masters and models who have been a part of the Western art world since its beginnings. Plus, we listen back to Lois Reitzes’ conversation with filmmaker Stanley Nelson regarding his PBS documentaries about abolitionists Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Playwright Katori Hall discusses her Pulitzer Prize-winning play “The Hot Wing King.” The show is on stage at the Alliance Theatre through March 5. Plus, renowned pianist and filmmaker Hershey Felder discusses his documentary “Musical Tales of the Venetian Jewish Ghetto." The film has its world premiere at the Atlanta Jewish Film Fesitval on February 20. We also hear from WABE’s H. Johnson about the master jazz whistler, Ron McCroby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Amanda Wansa Morgan and actor Mary Nye Bennett discuss their production of the rock musical “Next to Normal.” It’s is on stage at the Atlanta Lyric Theatre from Feb. 16th through 26th. Plus, music producers Zo! And Tall Black Guy sit down with City Lights producer Jeannine Etter to discuss their new album ahead of their show at City Winery February 18. And we spotlight Atlanta Americana musician Sid Jerr-Dan in our “Speaking of Music” series. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Yorker cartoonist Victor Varnado discusses his latest book, “The Anti-Racism Activity Book.” It’s in the format of a children’s puzzle and coloring book. Plus, former AJC reporter Bill Hendrick talks about his book, “The Atlanta Daily Intelligencer Covers the Civil War.” And we listen back to Lois Reitzes’ conversation with saxophonist Eddie Barbash.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitchell Alterman and Sam Lukens, founders of the new dating app “Hatched,” talk with City Lights producer Summer Evans. Plus, Push Push Arts opens their new space in College Park. We hear from the team about this new chapter and about their production of “Antigone.” Nabil Ayers also stops by to talk about his memoir, “My Life in the Sunshine.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Filmmaker George King and Atlanta musician and scholar Mausiki Scales speaks with Lois Reitzes about the new documentary “Thumbs Up for Mother Universe: Stories from the Life of Lonnie Holley.” Plus, we hear about the new Fernbank Museum exhibition “The Nature of Color.” And we spotlight Atlanta painter Wynter Bell as part of our “Speaking of Art” series. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert Battle, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre artistic director, talks about the dance troupe’s upcoming performances at the Fox Theatre. Plus, we spotlight Atlanta pop-rock band Glimmers in our “Speaking of Music” series. And a discussion with Merely Players Presents director Scott Rousseau about “Marry Me A Little” on stage at the Doraville Civic Center. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vaguely Specific Productions co-founders Jon Carr and Kevin Gillese join comedian and actor Marc Evan Jackson with details on their upcoming Valentine’s Day weekend interactive comedy improv show. Plus, the newest addition to the “Speaking of” series, “Speaking of Dance,” today features Leo Briggs. And artist and curator Karen Graffeo discusses the new show at Echo Contemporary, “The Necessity of Seduction.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Sam Green joins City Lights with details on “32 Sounds,” which screens at the Ferst Center for the Arts on Friday, February 10. Plus, we’ll discuss Aurora Theater’s production of “Kim’s Convenience” with stage director Rebecca Wear, and our series, “Speaking of Art,” highlights multimedia artist Crystal Jin Kim.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Curator and author Rosemary Cohane Erpf and artist Craig Drennen discuss Erpf's book, "Painting in the 1980s: Reimagining the Medium." Plus, Dan Flores, co-founder of the nonprofit, Art is King, shares their mission to help artists understand the business side of art. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel expert Rick Steves stops by with his monthly travel tip. Then, China Forbes of Pink Martini shares the band’s unique history ahead of their upcoming show at the Eastern. Plus, Sean Daniels, Tom Key and Matt Torney detail “The White Chip” on stage now at Dad’s Garage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artist Najee Dorsey details his new exhibition, “Leaving Mississippi,” on view now at the Black Art in America Gallery. Then, our series “Speaking of Comedy” highlights comedian Ty Colgate. Plus, we get a first look at the Actor’s Express production of “Urinetown,” and H Johnson joins us to listen to Jazz Guitarist Emily Remler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spelman College Museum of Fine Art’s executive director and co-curator Liz Andrews details their new exhibition, “Black American Portraits.” Then, health and wellness coach Carolyn Hartfield tells us about her guided hikes for seniors. Plus, a look at this year’s Alzheimer’s Music Fest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Roderick Red details his documentary “The Defenders,” screening at the year’s Morehouse Human Rights Film Festival and airing on WABE -TV as part of the “Atlanta on Film” series this coming Monday. Then, the next installment of our series, “Atlanta’s Savory Stories.” Food contributors Chef Asata Reid and Akila McConnell tell us about the food that fueled the civil rights movement. Plus, City Lights senior producer Kim Drobes brings us the story of a collaborative film between Morehouse College students and MTV.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mrs. Young Hae Kim, founder of K-Wave Outreach, details their upcoming inaugural event at Aurora Theatre. Plus, Donovan Wells, music and band director at Bethune-Cookman University, and Lindsey B Sarjeant, chair of the “HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands,” discuss the upcoming event at Mercedes Benz Stadium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Videodrome owner Matthew Booth shares the history behind the iconic Atlanta video store. Plus, DJ Applejack is featured on our series, “Speaking of Music,” and the creatives behind the Silver Scream Spook Show detail their upcoming performance and screening of King Kong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mambo Zombi partners Brandon Ley, Kysha Cyrus and Johnny Martinez share the story behind the unique theme bar. Plus, spoken word artist Ashlee Haze and cultural arts supervisor Corinne Sutherlin detail the upcoming Roswell Roots Festival. And our series “Speaking of Music,” features The Warsaw Clinic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artist Thelonious Stokes tells us about his upcoming “To the Last Page” exhibition, opening Friday at United Talent Agency’s Pullman Yards pop-up. Plus, our series, “Speaking of Art,” highlights multi-media artist David Batterman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director and choreographer Taryn Janelle and music director LeRell Ross discuss Synchronicity Theater’s upcoming production of “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters” with Bweela Steptoe, daughter of author and illustrator John Steptoe. Plus, Sierra King and Melissa Messina detail the new Atlanta Contemporary exhibition, “New Worlds: Georgia Women to Watch,” and we’ll hear about Kirkwood’s Lanta Gras Parade and Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Paxton, host of the PBS series “Legacy List,” details the upcoming fourth season, airing on WABE TV Sundays at noon. Plus, a look at Tio Lucho’s, the new Peruvian eatery from the chef behind the popular pop-up, La Chingana. And our series, “Speaking of Music,” highlights Mausiki Scales. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Co-curators Rachel Garbus and Samuel Landis detail the “Out Down South” exhibition, on view now at National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Plus, Amanda Marks shares her comedic inspiration, and music contributor Von Phoenix stops by with this month’s edition of Punk Black to Go.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Filmmakers Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein tell us about their Ken Burns documentary, “The U.S. & the Holocaust,” ahead of the upcoming WABE panel discussion at The Temple. Plus, Cory Atkinson, the co-owner of the Zero Co. Shop, and The Zero Proof CEO and co-founder Sean Goldsmith discuss “Dry January” with “City Lights” producer Summer Evans. And H. Johnson stops by to teach us about trumpeter Clifford Brown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Virtuoso clarinetist David Shifrin discusses his upcoming performance with the Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta. Plus, composer and librettist Amy Leventhal and stage director Lauren Morris tell us about “Our Sacred World,” an opera with dance, coming to the Cole Auditorium Fine Arts. And, our series, “Speaking of Art,” features abstract portrait artist Lauren Merceron.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Music legends Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. stop by ahead of their upcoming performance at the Rialto Center for the Arts. Plus, Kizzy Patel and Jesse Smith, 2 of the 5 restaurateurs behind Decatur’s Kimball House, celebrate their purchase of the 136-year-old train depot that houses their award-winning eatery. And artist Michael Heffernan combines poetry with visual art in his new Marietta Cobb Museum of Art exhibition, “Michael Heffernan: Wayfinding.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we premiere our new series, “The Art of Teaching,” and highlight Morehouse Professor David Morrow. Plus, director Kristine McIntyre details the Atlanta Opera's upcoming production of "Don Giovanni," and we shine a light on Joe Smith with our series, “Speaking of Comedy.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Filmmaker Tracy Heather Strain tells us about the new PBS “American Experience” documentary film, “Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space,” which airs on WABE TV on Tuesday, January 17. Plus, a listen to our interview with Out on Film director Jim Farmer and the creative behind the short “Reverend Falls,” recorded live at the Plaza Theater.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel expert Rick Steves returns to City Lights with details on his free, 22 nights of virtual travel events. Plus, our series “Speaking of Art” highlights Emily Llamazales.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.