The City Lights Collective

Playwright Amina McIntyre discusses her new play “How to Make a Home,” which is currently showing in living rooms across Atlanta as part of the “Shows in Homes” series from Out of Hand Theater. Plus, Dr. Scott Stewart stops by for the latest installment of our “Music in Media” series, and actor French Stewart talks about his new film, “Bob Trevino Likes It.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Eric J. Little discusses “Topdog/Underdog” on stage at Actor’s Express through April 19th. Plus, Gayle Lewis takes to the small stage for our series, “Speaking of Comedy.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster David Coucheron reflects on 50 years of ASO broadcasts on WABE. Plus, Yakou Daniel N'Guessan takes the spotlight for our series, "Speaking of Music. " Photographer Rick Diamond looks back on his 50-year career, and we'll hear about DakhaBrakha, the Ukrainian music group performing at City Winery on March 25.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Thandiwe DeShazor and actor Jason Jamal Ligon discuss “Immediate Family,” which is on stage at Out Front Theatre through March 29th. Plus, Versaille Jones takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Dance.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artist Amanda Williams details "We Say What Black This Is," the new exhibition at Spelman College Museum of Fine Art through May 24. Plus, Kosmo Vinyl shares the story behind Sandy Posey's 1966 hit, "Born a Woman. "Kim Sonderman, executive director of the Southeast Regional Sea Turtle Network, and film director Eleanor Church discuss the "Changing Tides Ocean Film Festival," coming to Georgia State's Cinefest Film Theatre on March 22.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta educator Jacqueline Howard discusses “Ms. Gussie’s Place,” her YouTube show for children with disabilities. Plus, csndra takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Music,” and comedian Gilbert Lawand details his new AppleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Saturday, March 22, Pasaquan is hosting the "Keepin' the Song" concert to celebrate the intersection of music and visual art. Performers include Subsonics, W8ING4UFOs, Token Hearts, and Pylon Reenactment Society. Charles Fowler, the caretaker of Pasaquan, and Buffi Aguero, Subsonics drummer, and co-founding member, discuss why the seven-acre folk art paradise created by artist Eddie Owens Martin is the perfect match for a day of music. Plus, Promo Ray takes the spotlight for our series, "Speaking of Dance," and literary contributor Alison Law joins us for the latest installment of "Bookmarked."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Farmer, director of the Out on Film Festival and Tam O’Shaughnessy, longtime partner of astronaut Sally Ride discuss “Sally” which screens for the Out on Film Spring Festival at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema on March 18. Plus, the annual Bonsai Show returns to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens this weekend, H Johnson stops by for the latest installment of “H Johnson’s Jazz Moment,” and director Lisa Adler and lead actor Carolyn Cook detail the new play “I Carry Your Heart with Me,” which opens at Horizon Theatre tomorrow and runs through April 5.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maestro Robert Spano celebrates 50 years of Atlanta Symphony Orchestra broadcasts on WABE ahead of his upcoming performances with the ASO on March 20, 22, 27, and 29. Plus, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s former principal clarinetist Laura Ardan reflects on her time working with Robert Spano.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Hobbs and Travis Sharp, co-writers of “Hot Jambalaya,” discuss the new comedy-mystery-musical, which is on stage at Dad’s Garage through March 21. Plus, Anna Richardson, artistic director at Théâtre du Rêve, details their upcoming production of “Émelie: The Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight,” which is on stage March 12 through 23.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor and comedian Ben Schwartz stops by before his upcoming improv comedy show at Cobb Energy Centre on March 15. Plus, filmmaker Jarrett Ray discusses his new documentary, “Displaced but Not Erased,” which screens at the DeKalb History Center on March 13.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elisabeth Remy Johnson celebrates 50 years of Atlanta Symphony Orchestra broadcasts on WABE. The ASO Principal Harpist performs the GRAMMY Award-winning Harp Concerto by Atlanta School composer Jennifer Higdon on March 20th and 22nd. Plus, we learn about the three new solo exhibitions on view at Echo Contemporary and hear about Aris Theatre’s relaunch of “Cailini,” an Atlanta-based Celtic Woman Tribute Band.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meisa Salaita, Atlanta Science Festival co-founder and co-executive director, discusses the connections between art and science at this year’s festival, which runs from March 8-22 at various venues. Plus, Kosmo Vinyl tells us about Nina Simone’s “My Baby Just Cares for Me” for the latest installment of “Kosmo’s Vinyl of the Week,” and Karen Kelly, director of exhibits and education at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, details “XOXO: An Exhibit about Love and Forgiveness,” on view through May 4.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel expert and PBS host Rick Steves stops by for the latest “ATL Up and Away installment.” This month, Steves discusses European efforts to curb climate change. Plus, Lauren K Watel takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Poetry,” and vocalist Milton Suggs details his upcoming performance, “New Orleans Songbook: A Jazz at Lincoln Center Production” at the Rialto Center for the Arts on March 8.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trailblazer ballet dancer and Ballethnic dance coach Lydia Abarca Mitchell and author Karen Valby discuss Valby’s new book “The Swans of Harlem: Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and their Reclamation of a Groundbreaking History.” Plus, Associate Professor Jeff Albert, the interim chair of the School of Music at Georgia Tech, details this year’s Guthman Musical Instrument Competition, and filmmaker Johnathan Banks, along with South Fulton Arts executive director Jennifer Bauer Lyons, talk about “Say Yes to Destiny” which pays tribute to Alice Lovelace and screens at the Academy Theatre on March 6.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Film Society executive director and theater owner Chris Escobar, along with Laura Hennighausen, facilitator of Arts Capital Atlanta and director of strategic philanthropy at Purpose Possible, discuss the coalition advocating for investment in Atlanta’s arts. Plus, we hear about Atlanta’s many Listening Rooms, where music isn’t just played; it’s experienced.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Filmmaker and director Oren Rudavsky discusses “Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire,” which screens this week as part of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. We hear how Atlanta Smart Academy is celebrating Black History Month with a student concert, Dr. Scott Stewart joins us for our series, “Music in Media,” and we learn about “Science Jazz Hands,” a semi-regular comedy night in the Atlanta area where local scientists, engineers, and medical professionals perform standup sets. Plus, Curatorial coordinator Rebecca Melsheimer details the interactive exhibition “Fury: The Power of Nature,” which is on view at the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville through January 2026, and we hear about this year’s TEDx Atlanta Conference, which features two members of Atlanta’s artistic community, GFB3 and Chantelle Rytter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabbi Micah Lapidus of the Temple of Atlanta and Ebenezer Baptist Church member and vocalist Melvin Myles discuss their new music and upcoming performance at Eddie’s Attic on March 15. Curator Tony Casadonte, gallery director at Lumiere, and co-curator Judith Thompson, wife of the late photographer and director of the Harold Feinstein Photography Trust, detail “A Soldiers View,” which is on view at the National Infantry Museum in Columbus, GA, through March 16. Plus, Beth McKibben, Editor-in-Chief and Dining Editor at Rough Draft Atlanta joins us for the latest episode of “The Beverage Beat.” This month, Beth shares the history of the Manhattan cocktail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Curator Michael Rooks details “Thinking Eye, Seeing Mind: The Medford and Loraine Johnston Collection,” which is on view at the High Museum of Art through May 25. Plus, Donnita Hathaway, daughter of legendary soul singer Donny Hathaway and Robert King, Jr., writer and actor in the new musical revue "The Voices of Donny Hathaway," discuss the show, which is on stage at AMC Performance Company through March 2.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary singer Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers details his first new album in over a decade, “Straight from the Heart.” Plus, Connor Lyons takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Comedy,” and filmmaker Paul Phelan discusses his new IMAX experience, “Elephants: Giants of the Desert,” screening daily at Fernbank Museum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Stephenson, director of the new film “Midas Man,” discusses the biopic, which screens as part of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival on February 23, March 1, and March 3. Kosmo Vinyl talks about Everything but the Girl’s “Hatfield 1980,” DreTL details his time on the Netflix series, “Rhythm and Flow, plus we hear about “The Specific Stroll,” an analog immersive exhibit celebrating Edward Gorey on his 100th birthday,” which opens at Mother Lode ATL on February 22.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Avery Sunshine, winner of this year’s Grammy for “Best Progressive R&B Album,” discusses her upcoming performances at City Winery. Plus, Soul Food Cypher founder Alex “Cost One” Acosta and Cypher member Rio Nkosi discuss the intersection of art and community outreach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef, TV host, and author Alton Brown discusses his new book, “Food for Thought,” and his upcoming Atlanta show, “Alton Brown Live: Last Bite,” at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on February 20. Chaz Bear of Toro y Moi details his new album, “Hole Earth,” ahead of his show at the Tabernacle on February 21, and author Tripp Whetsell shares the story of Norman Lear in his new book, “Norman Lear: His Life and Times.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Fahamu Pecou and Esohe Galbreath discuss the upcoming “Flowers and Seeds” event at the African Diaspora Museum of Atlanta, or ADAMA, which celebrates both established and rising artists of color. Plus, H Johnson stops by for the latest edition of “H Johnson’s Jazz Moment,” and we get an early start on Valentine’s Day and talk with Atlanta-based matchmaker Tennesha Wood, founder of “The Broom List,” the first and only matchmaking firm dedicated to pairing successful Black professionals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Photographer Chris Aluka Berry discusses his book “Affrilachia: Testimonies” and his exhibition of the same name, which is on view at Mason Fine Art Gallery through February 28. Plus, Dr. Scott Stewart stops by for the latest installment of our series, “Music in Media.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre’s interim artistic director Matthew Rushing and choreographer Hope Boykin discuss Ailey’s upcoming performances at the Fox Theatre. Plus, Atlanta Jym Davis, better known as “False Face,” joins us to discuss his upcoming solo art exhibition, “Final Form,” which opens at Reinhardt University’s Fincher Visual Arts Center on February 12.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Playwright Zora Howard discusses the world premiere of “BUST,” coming to the Alliance Theatre from February 13 through March 16. Corian Ellisor takes the spotlight in our series, “Speaking of Dance.” John B. White Jr., life director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, celebrates 50 years of ASO broadcasts on WABE. Fantastic Negrito reflects on the 10th anniversary of NPR’s “Tiny Desk Contest” ahead of his upcoming Atlanta show at the Masquerade on February 23.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raymond Carr, puppeteer and founder of Ninja Puppets, and Jason Hines, artistic director of the Center for Puppetry Arts join Lois for a conversation about “The Muppet Movie,” recorded live at the Plaza Theater for “City Lights Cinema.” Plus, Author Zaria Ware discusses her book, “"BLK Art: The Audacious Legacy of Black Artists and Models in Western Art.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Matt Torney and actor Andrew Benator discuss the Atlanta premiere production of “The Lehman Trilogy,” presented by Theatrical Outfit and the Bremen. The show opens today at the Balzer Theatre at Herren’s and runs through March 2. Jon Ludwig, former artistic director of the Center for Puppetry Arts, talks about the new Disney plus documentary “Jim Henson: Idea Man,” and Kosmo Vinyl stops by. Later, pianist and Ensemble Vim co-founder Choo Choo Hu and MOCA GA archivist and Director of Collections and Exhibitions Stacey Savatsky, detail the second annual “Spark” showcase at MOCA GA on February 10.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

True Colors artistic director Jamil Judea and director Ibi Owolabi detail their new production of “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” coming to Southwest Arts. Plus, PBS travel expert Rick Steves joins us for “ATL Up and Away,” and conductor Jonathan McPhee discusses the music behind the Atlanta Ballet’s upcoming production of “The Rite of Spring.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Victoria Christopher Murray discusses her new book, “Harlem Rhapsody.” Plus, we talk to Grammy-nominated R&B artist Ruben Studdard ahead of his performance at the Roswell Roots Festival, and we learn about the budget cut to Fulton County’s arts and culture funding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emory Film and Media professor Dan Reynolds and Goodrich C. White Professor & Interim Chair in the Film and Media department Matthew Bernstein detail Emory Cinematheque's free film screening series, "Film on Film." Plus, H Johnson stops by for the latest edition of "H Johnson's Jazz Moment," SCAD Fash curator Rafael Gomes discusses their new Sandy Powell exhibition, "Dressing the Part: Costume Design for Film," which is on view through March 16.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drag queen Brigitte Bidet discusses her upcoming one-woman show, “Chick with a Schtick,” on stage at City Winery on February 9. Plus, Dr. Scott Stewart stops by for the latest installment of “Music in Media,” and we hear about a new Artist-in-Residence opportunity with Public Art Futures Lab.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Musicians and sound engineers Dr. Tommy Joe Anderson and Fyodor Cherniavsky share some of their favorite Atlanta Symphony Orchestra memories and celebrate 50 years of ASO broadcasts on WABE. Plus, Rahbi takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Music,” and Rough Draft Atlanta’s senior editor and dining editor, Beth McKibben, joins us for our next installment of “The Beverage Beat.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charlotte-based artist and photographer Micah Cash discusses his new photography exhibition, "Waffle House Vistas," at the Georgia Museum of Art through June 1. Plus, Anthony "Firefly" Gasaway, Jr. and Joy "Kuma" Rowe of the FyreNation Crew take the spotlight for our series, "Speaking of Dance," and actor and musician Dua Saleh stops by ahead of their upcoming concert at Vinyl.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grammy award-winning singers Rebecca and Megan Lovell of the band Larkin Poe discuss their new album, “Bloom.” Plus, we hear about an upcoming concert celebrating Milt Gabler and Commodore Records, and we celebrate the life and legacy of David Lynch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Nickel Boys” director and co-screenplay writer RaMell Ross discusses why he shot the award-winning film entirely from a first-person point of view. Plus, actor Linseigh Green discusses her extraordinary achievements in theater and advocacy, artist and music enthusiast Kosmo Vinyl stops by for “Kosmo’s Vinyl of the Week,” and violinist Jason Anick and pianist Jason Yeager detail their new collaborative album, “Sanctuary.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bestselling author Abbott Kahler discusses their new book, “Eden Undone: A True Story of Sex, Murder, and Utopia at the Dawn of World.” Plus, actor James Morrison details his new one-man play that chronicles the struggles of a parent whose son is battling brain cancer and artistic director Yao Lu tells us about the Magic Eastern Ensemble’s upcoming Lunar New Year concert, “Journey Through Time.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Mark Valdez discusses the Alliance Theatre’s world premiere stage adaptation of the Newbery Award-winning picture book “Doctor De Soto.” Plus, H Johnson stops by for “H Johnson’s Jazz Moment,” artists Savonna Nicole Atkins and Rachel Gant detail their new exhibition, “Through Windows and Across Parks,” and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra principal oboist Elizabeth Tiscione joins us to celebrate 50 years of ASO broadcasts on WABE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton joins ‘City Lights’ ahead of her upcoming performance at Spivey Hall on January 19. Plus, Choreographer Frankie Mulinix discusses the art of Butoh dance, Dr. Scott Stewart joins us for our series, Music in Media, and gallerist Shawn Vinson details the joint grand openings of The Sun ATL and One Contemporary Gallery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta actor and artist Danielle Deadwyler discusses her new film “The Piano Lesson,” which is streaming now on Netflix. MJQ co-owners Murphy and Ryan Purcell discuss the iconic club’s last days on Ponce de Leon Avenue and its upcoming grand opening in Underground Atlanta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a special live show, Lois Reitzes and Rose Scott reflect on 10 years of City Lights and Closer Look. On January 12, 2015, both shows launched as a part of WABE’s format shift to news and talk radio. The hosts share stories from the first decade on air and how they continue to amplify Atlanta.   Guests include longtime contributors and friends of both programs:   Camille Russell Love, longtime City of Atlanta Dir. of executive director of the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs Hank Klibanoff, journalist, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and a Peabody Award-winning podcast host of Buried Truths Nsenga Burton, founder and editor in-chief of the award-winning news site The Burton Wire Chris Escobar, owner of the Tara and Plaza Theatres and executive director of the Atlanta Film Society   Plus,  performances from poet Jon Goode, comedian Mark Kendall, poet Adán Bean, and violinist Alice Hong.   Explore more Closer Look and City Lights from the last 10 years at wabe.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second hour of our 10th Anniversary Special, Lois Reitzes and Rose Scott revisit memorable interviews and stories from the last decade, including conversations with actor Colman Domingo, civil rights icon Xernona Clayton, choreographer Hope Boykin, REM frontman Michael Stipe, as well as Closer Look’s investigative series on Atlanta traffic and the unhoused.     Explore more Closer Look and City Lights from the last 10 years at wabe.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta History Center director of community collaborations, Dr. La’Neice Littleton, and Judge Brenda Cole discuss the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at Atlanta History Center on January 18. They’ll participate in a panel discussion on women in the Civil Rights era. Plus, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s principal flutist Christina Smith joins us to celebrate 50 years of the ASO on WABE, and artistic director Tomer Zvulun details the Atlanta Opera’s plans to transform the historic Bobby Jones Clubhouse into a home for opera and the performing arts.   Did you know that both "City Lights" and "Closer Look" are turning 10 this month? It's true, and we'll be celebrating with a special anniversary show. We'd like to include your voice in the show, so please leave us a message at 678-686-0354 and let us know what "City Lights" means to you. And don't forget to tune in on January 13 for a combined special with Closer Look from Noon-2 pm, on WABE 90.1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former U.S. poet laureate Rita Dove discusses her upcoming performance of “The Bridgetower,” her poem to be recited in concert with the Emory Chamber Music Society on January 17 at the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts. Plus, we hear about Iggy Pop’s “The Passenger” on “Kosmo’s Vinyl of the Week,” and we’ll learn how “The Frisky Whisker” in Underground pairs a listening room and art gallery with a couple dozen really cool cats.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel expert and PBS host Rick Steves joins us for the latest edition of "ATL Up and Away." This month, he explains how research can help make your trip more rewarding. Plus, artist Honey Pierre updates us on the effects of Mint Gallery's sudden closure this past summer. Antoine Gibson takes the spotlight for "Speaking of Music," and Emmy-nominated actor and comedian Matt Walsh discusses his upcoming improv show at Aurora Theater. Did you know that both "City Lights" and "Closer Look" are turning 10 this month? It's true, and we'll be celebrating with a special anniversary show. We'd like to include your voice in the show, so please leave us a message at 678-686-0354 and let us know what "City Lights" means to you. And don't forget to tune in on January 13 for a combined special with Closer Look from Noon-2 pm, on WABE 90.1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emory University film experts Matthew Bernstein and Eddy Von Mueller discuss the centennial anniversary of Columbia Pictures. Plus, Pauline Johnson takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Comedy,” and Rough Draft Atlanta’s Beth McKibben joins us for the latest installment of “The Beverage Beat.” This month, she explores Atlanta’s many zero-proof and N/A options for your home bar and local tavern. --- Did you know that both "City Lights" and "Closer Look" are turning 10 in January? It's true, and we'll be celebrating with a special anniversary show on January 13. We'd like to include your voice in the show, so please leave us a message at 678-686-0354 and let us know what "City Lights" means to you. And don't forget to tune in on January 13 for a combined special with Closer Look from Noon-2 pm, right here on WABE 90.1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra executive director Jennifer Barlament joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to discuss the annual Martin Luther King Celebration Concert, which will be broadcast on WABE on January 20 at 8 p.m. The ASO and Ebenezer Baptist Church, along with special guests, partnered to present this beloved concert. Plus, Atlanta artists Grace Kisa, Corrina Sephora, and Sabre Esler discuss their new exhibition at Gallery 72 titled “Beyond the Cosmos.”  We also listen back to curator Kimberli Gant discussing the High’s exhibition, “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys.”   Did you know that both "City Lights" and "Closer Look" are turning 10 in January? It's true, and we'll be celebrating with a special anniversary show on January 13. We'd like to include your voice in the show, so please leave us a message at 678-686-0354 and let us know what "City Lights" means to you. And don't forget to tune in on January 13 for a combined special with Closer Look from Noon-2 pm, right here on WABE 90.1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100. He was a Nobel Peace Prize winner, Georgia governor, humanitarian, and devoted family person. In 1982, he founded The Carter Center with his beloved wife, Rosalynn, and through that organization they have provided humanitarian aid across the globe. Carter was also a poet in addition to his extensive list of achievements. “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes spoke with Carter in 1995 about his first poetry collection “Always a Reckoning.”  Plus, we listen back to Lois’ conversation with the filmmakers behind “Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President.” And we revisit the documentary “Carterland.”  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Curator Rafael Gomes details the SCAD FASH exhibition "Imane Ayissi: From Africa to the World," which is on view through February 23. Plus, "Jimmy Carter: Rivers and Dreams" co-author Jim Barger Jr. discusses President Jimmy Carter's love of fly fishing.Did you know that both "City Lights" and "Closer Look" are turning 10 in January? It's true, and we'll be celebrating with a special anniversary show on January 13. We'd like to include your voice in the show, so please leave us a message at 678-686-0354 and let us know what "City Lights" means to you. And don't forget to tune in on January 13 for a combined special with Closer Look from Noon-2 pm, right here on WABE 90.1 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.