The City Lights Collective

Author Scott Ellsworth discusses his latest book ““The Ground Breaking: An American City and Its Search for Justice.” The book takes a deep dive into the truth of the Tulsa Race Massacre and its subsequent coverup. Plus, summer reading recommendations from writer and A Capella bookseller Matt Nixon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Executive director Jamie Badoud and deputy director Ife Williams share how the Hambidge Center for Creative Arts and Sciences nurtures creatives in a natural setting. Plus, a listen back to our conversation about Joanne Lee Molinaro’s cookbook, “The Korean Vegan.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 45th annual Atlanta Jazz Festival is this weekend! Camille Russell Love, the executive director of the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and jazz pianist Joe Alterman join us with details. Plus, Seth Hopkins, executive director of the Booth Museum in Cartersville, shares the story behind their current exhibition, “Through the Years: Kenny Rogers’ Photographs of America.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony award-winning director Kenny Leon and actor/writer Thomas Lennon tell us about the musical “Trading Places.” The world premiere performance opens tonight at the Alliance Theater. Plus, photographer Dale Niles and collector Andrea Noel discuss their collaboration "What Lies Within," a photo book that documents the eclectic collector's world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian, journalist, author and actor Faith Salie stops by to share stories from her book, turned one-woman show, turned Audible original, "Approval Junkie."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer-songwriter John McCutcheon is nothing short of prolific. His 42nd album “Leap!” will be released later this year, and his last release, “Bucket List,” is currently available for streaming. The musician joined Lois to share details on the flood of creativity he experienced during quarantine and the simple pleasures of being still. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chantelle Rytter, creator of Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade and Miranda Kyle, the Program Manager for Arts and Culture at Atlanta Beltline discuss this year’s “The Art on the Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade.” Plus, Cinema Italy president and artistic director Claudio Di Persia talks about The Italian Film Festival, which is being screened at the Plaza Theatre May 26th through the 29th. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

French-Algerian guitarist and vocalist Pierre Bensusan details his long-awaited release, “Azwan.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Filmmaker Deanne Borshay Liem details "Geographies of Kinship." The powerful documentary explores the rise of Korea's global adoption program and the personal histories that are often lost in the process. Plus, our series "Speaking of Music" features Scotty Hoffman from the Atlanta band, Small Reactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grammy-nominated singer Somi shares the inspiration behind her new album, “Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba.” Plus, our series “Speaking of the Arts” features sculptor and cross stitch artist, Huckleberry Starnes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor and comedian David Cross details how growing up in the Atlanta suburbs influenced his comedy. Plus, music contributor Von Phoenix shares his monthly recommendations with Punk Black to Go. And photographer Anne Berry and book designer Laurie Shock show the emotional depth of primates in their new book, “Behind Glass”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Camila Alves McConaughey takes on picky eaters with her children’s book, “Just Try One Bite.” Plus, Atlanta artist and curator William Downs shares details on Eyedrum’s new exhibition, “Stars and Feelings.” And our series, Film Crew Files, features Special Effects Technician Cary Foreman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Atlanta Fringe Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and executive producer Diana Brown and artist Flora Le detail plans for the festivities. Plus, publisher, designer and editor Henry Owings teaches local music history through the medium of concert flyers with his new book, “Plus 1 Atlanta.” And a celebration of the life and legacy of cellist Christopher Rex with Atlanta Symphony Concert Master David Coucheron.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artist and sculptor Kevin Box details his new exhibition “Origami in the Garden” on view now at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Plus, our series “Speaking of Music” highlights garage rocker Rod Hamdallah. And we catch up with Marina Skye, the set designer behind Atlanta’s Trap Music Museum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Good Eats” host Alton Brown stops by. The James Beard and Peabody award-winning chef will give an author talk and book signing at Variety Playhouse this Wednesday, May 11. Plus, composer and pianist Maria Thompson Corley and soprano Maria Clark share the story behind their new album “Soul Sanctuary.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Photographer Cam Kirk explains why he created a local photo tour that includes a community clean-up. Plus, artist and activist Charmaine Minniefield tells us about her new exhibition, "Indigo Prayer: A Creation Story." Then, Joe Alterman stops by to share what's in store for this month's Sounds Like ATL at City Winery. Lastly, "Speaking of the Music" features Brenda Nicole Moorer, and "Speaking of the Arts" highlights Riki Prosper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Filmmaker Tabia Lisenbee-Parker shares the story behind "Seeds of Resilience," a series highlighting Black agrarians' experiences in Atlanta. Plus, the traveling living room performance, "Calf" from Out of Hand Theater.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we debut “Atlanta’s Savory Stories.” Our new food series highlights local eats, home recipes and the history behind some of our city’s favorite dishes. Contributors Akila McConnell and Chef Asata Reid launch the reoccurring segment with a discussion of Atlanta’s Chinese American food community. Plus, “The Wake: A New Play with Old Irish Songs” is coming to Shakespeare’s Tavern this Sunday, and we speak to playwright Vynnie Meli, music director Scott DePoy and director Mira Hirsch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our series “Speaking of the Arts” features character designer and concept artist Cameron Moore, aka Yo-Yo Cam. Then, we’ll hear about “Cassie’s Ballad,” the new outdoor immersive theater experience coming to the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance. And finally, the premiere of our new series, “Film Crew Files,” today features Set Decoration Buyer Sara Riney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Filmmaker, writer, actor and artist John Waters shares inspiration and welcome insanity from his new novel, “Liarmouth – a Feel Bad Romance.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York Times food writer Eric Kim shares family stories from his debut cookbook, “Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home.” Plus, our series of artists in their own words, “Speaking of the Arts,” features muralist Elaine Stephenson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Librettist Mark Campbell shares the story behind Atlanta Opera's "The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs." Plus, a creative writing course goes sideways in Academy Theater's new production, "Seminar." And the Atlanta History Center has a new exhibition of portraits highlighting America’s immigrants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adrienne L. Childs shares her reaction to winning this year’s David Driskell Prize. Plus, we hear about “Rising to the Tap,” a collaboration between Adam Koplan of the Flying Carpet Theater Company and tap virtuoso Andrew Nemr.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“The Pink Unicorn” is coming this week to the ART Station in Stone Mountain. Plus, City Lights producer Summer Evans takes us on a tour of “Illumine” at Oakland Cemetery. And, our series “Speaking of Music” features the Atlanta band Moloq.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrated jazz pianist Benny Green stops by ahead of his upcoming Norman Granz tribute show. Plus, we hear how Trellis Horticultural Therapy Alliance is helping people outgrow their limitations with adaptive gardening.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Modernist art takes on new meaning at the Illuminarium’s new immersive Georgia O’Keefe experience. Lois speaks to Illuminarium CEO Alan Greenberg and author of “Georgia O’ Keefe: One Hundred Flowers,” Nicholas Callaway. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia gubernatorial candidate, voting rights activist and author Stacey Abrams recently wrote her first children’s book. “Stacey’s Extraordinary Words” is a love letter to books and perseverance. Plus, we find out what’s in store for this weekend’s Inman Park Festival.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The filmmakers behind “Close the Loop” detail their upcoming Carter Center screening. Plus, a look at improv comedy through the eyes of a child with Dad’s Garage youth production, “Wowie Zowie.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Award-winning actor Shuler Hensley shares the story behind the upcoming “Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards.” Plus, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Record Store Day 2022 with Criminal Records owner and co-founder of Record Store Day, Eric Levin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preserve manager Robert Astrove shares the story behind Arabia Mountain – the four hundred-million-year-old natural wonder just east of our city. Plus, our series of artists in their own words, “Speaking of the Arts” features Vando. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grammy Award-winning musician Ben Harper stops by ahead of his upcoming performance at the Amplify Decatur Festival. Plus, Chris Escobar, owner of the Plaza movie theater, shares his excitement for the upcoming Atlanta Film Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we celebrate World Art Day and discuss two exciting exhibitions currently on view in our city: “Full Circle” at the Museum of Design Atlanta and “André Kertész: Postcards from Paris” at the High Museum of Art.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Young adult author Aisha Saeed. Her new book, "Omar Rising," tells the story of a boarding school student who learns to "rise up" when dealing with a broken system. Plus, Miguel Zenón, Grammy-nominated jazz alto saxophonist, shares details on his upcoming collaborative performance with the Georgia State University Jazz Band.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alison Arngrim, the former child star who portrayed Nellie Oleson in “Little House on the Prairie,” stops by ahead of her upcoming one-woman show. Plus, we’ll hear about the Atlanta premiere of “The Wolf at the End of the Block,” currently on stage at Theatrical Outfit. And our series “Speaking of Music” features Abby Wren of Wren and the Wravens. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gregory Harris, the High Museum of Art’s curator of photography, discusses the legacy of Lucinda Bunnen, noted Atlanta arts advocate and photographer. Plus, author and Washington Post columnist Tamar Haspel’s new book, “To Boldly Grow,” teaches us how to find joy, adventure and dinner in our backyards. And our series Speaking of the Arts features Mike Stasny. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exhibition director Annabelle Mauger takes us behind the scenes of the “Imagine Picasso” immersive experience. Plus, Cat Power stops by ahead of her upcoming show at Variety Playhouse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chamber pop duo Takénobu share details on their upcoming “Sounds Like ATL” performance at City Winery. Then, author Kim Fay tells up why her latest release, “Love & Saffron,” is a novel of friendship, food, and love. Plus, some Atlanta Roller Derby history with skaters Gucci Maim + Switchblade Siouxsie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Horizon Theater brings “The Light” to the stage, and Lois talks to director Marguerite Hannah and actor Cynthia D. Barker. Plus, Reeves House Gallery in Woodstock explores the intersection of art and technology with their current exhibition, “Coded Realities.” Then, City Light’s senior producer Kim Drobes further examines the subject with the host of the “Tech Cast” podcast, WABE’s Emil Moffatt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Organist Jens Korndörfer stops by ahead of his upcoming concert with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Plus, we’ll hear from the founders of Zilch Market, a non-alcoholic pop-up bar. And director Ibi Owolabi and actor Vallea E. Woodbury share the story behind “Intimate Apparel,” on stage now at Actor’s Express.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lewis Black stops by ahead of his Saturday show at Cobb Energy Centre. Plus, the co-founders of Ballethnic Dance Company share the story behind "The Leopard Tale," coming this weekend to the Alliance Theater. And our series "Speaking of the Arts" features experimental ethnographer Artemus Jenkins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two different local artists have created two amazing Atlanta maps! Joseph Veazey tells us about "The Atlanta Rap Map," and George F. Baker the Third, also known as GFB3, shares the story behind his “Atlanta Black Arts Map.” Plus, Skye Estroff takes us on a Foodie Road Trip.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta artist and distinguished Georgia State University professor Pam Longobardi shares her environmental love and concerns in her new exhibition, “Ocean’s Gleaning.” Plus, jazz trumpeter and singer Joe Gransden tells Lois about his upcoming summer jazz camp at Callanwolde Arts Center. And our series “Speaking of the Arts” features multidisciplinary artist Sachi Rome.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teenage MET Opera ambassador Layla Felder shares her excitement about “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.” The opera is airing Friday on WABE TV, from PBS “Great Performances.” Plus, our series “Speaking of Music” features singer-songwriter Yang. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conductor Nathalie Stutzmann shares what’s in store for the new Atlanta Symphony Orchestra season – her first as ASO Music Director. Plus, singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Gabriel Kahane and the story behind his choice to spend a year off the internet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Rachel May and actors Sara Elizabeth Wallis Haliya Roberts detail Synchronicity Theatre’s “Legacy of Light.” Plus, the story behind “Pretty Pants Bandit,” coming to the Georgia Ensemble Theatre, and Speaking of the Arts featuring fine art photographer Jody Fausett.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Award-winning actor Alan Cumming and NPR’s “All Things Considered” host Ari Shapiro stop by ahead of their upcoming performance of “Och and Oy! A Considered Cabaret.” Plus, Cecil Baldwin from the hit fiction podcast “Welcome to Night Vale” shares details on the live touring show, “The Haunting of Night Vale.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Giwayen Mata brings their rich African celebration to 7 Stages with “I Am ATL Woman.” Plus, Lois learns about Blue Heron Nature Preserve’s artistic collaboration with Atlanta Public Schools and 3D digital artist Cait Lamas shares her inspiration in “Speaking of the Arts.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rapper Omerettà the Great debates the true nature of Atlanta geography with her hit single “Sorry Not Sorry.” Plus, the Edgewood String Quartet invites us to “Dinner with Picasso,” and Dance Canvas brings their diverse choreography to the Ferst Center at Georgia Tech.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian and filmmaker CJ Hunt was filming the New Orleans City Council’s vote to remove four confederate monuments. But when that removal is halted by death threats, CJ sets out to understand why a losing army from 1865 still holds so much power in America. "The Neutral Ground" is a documentary about memory, monuments and how to break up with the confederacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes speaks with Andrew Aydin. He co-authored the graphic book “Run” with the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.