The City Lights Collective

Composer Carlos Simon details his new album with the National Symphony Orchestra, “Four Symphonic Works.” Plus, we talk to lead singer Alicia Bognanno ahead of her upcoming Atlanta show with her band Bully, and H Johnson stops by for the latest edition of H Johnson’s Jazz Moment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grammy-nominated soul singer-songwriter Anthony David is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his breakthrough album, “3 Chords and the Truth.” He shares reflections and discusses the evolution of his artistry. Plus, Dr. Scott Stewart joins us for the latest installment of “Music in Media,” and playwright Ryan Landry and director Paul Conroy detail “Murder on the Polar Express,” a drag holiday comic mystery on stage at Out Front Theatre through December 22.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Mimi Zieman’s new memoir, “Tap Dancing on Mount Everest,” shares the literal and figurative mountains she has overcome in her life. Plus, Atlanta-based filmmaker Ashli J. Washinton has a new documentary out titled “Relatable.” In it, she examines the ways in which Black women often feel isolated in their own unique experiences. Whether that is due to mental health, relationships, career choices, or parenthood. The story is told by seven Black millennial women from Atlanta, including herself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Music contributor Dr. Scott Stewart joins us to discuss the impact of musical experiences on child development, sometimes called “The Mozart Effect.” Plus, SCAD professor Paige Gray details the new “Wicked” movie, we pay tribute to recently departed Atlanta actor Chris Kayser, and we talk to Paleo artist Rob Gaston about “Armored Animals,” which is currently on view at Fernbank Museum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Beard award-winning Atlanta chef, cookbook author, and AJC columnist Virginia Willis recently released a revised version of her 2008 cookbook, “Bon Appetit, Y’all!” She shares the special updates in this new edition with “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes. Plus, a new documentary spotlighting Athens rock band Five Eight will be screened at the Plaza Theatre on December 15. Frontman Mike Mantione and filmmaker Marc Pilvinsky discuss “Weirdo: The Story of Five Eight” with “City Lights” managing producer Kim Drobes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Book enthusiast Alison Law stops by for our recurring series, “Bookmarked.” Law knows that giving holiday gifts to bookworms can sometimes be overwhelming, so she’s created categories of literary lovers to help you shop for your favorite reader. Plus, Atlanta artist Dr. Bojana Ginn discusses her recently ended residency with Georgia Tech, which focused on using art to enhance STEM education.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug Widener, President and CEO of the Piedmont Park Conservancy, joins us to celebrate the 120th anniversary of Piedmont Park, and we learn what the future holds for one of our city’s most important green spaces. Plus, we hear about some festive holiday productions coming to Atlanta theaters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toni Tipton Martin and Morgan Bolling discuss their new book, “When Southern Women Cook.” Plus, we hear about local winners of the NPR Student Podcast Challenge, and Thurston Moore is coming to Atlanta on December 10, and we catch up with the Sonic Youth co-founder ahead of his book event and screening at the Tara Theater.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Stipe, visual artist and former REM lead singer, discusses his new exhibition, “Even the Birds Gave Pause,” which is on view at Jackson Fine Art through January 18. Plus, Lauren Doriahna takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Poetry,” H Johnson shares stories about jazz pianist Red Garland, and Team City Lights gathers to detail some of the many upcoming Atlanta holiday concerts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conductor Robert Spano joins us to celebrate 50 years of Atlanta Symphony Orchestra broadcasts on WABE. Plus, “Edgewood Heavy” takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Music,” and Dr. Scott Stewart discusses the scores of some late Fall blockbusters currently in theaters and streaming on TV.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PBS host and travel expert Rick Steves discusses spending the holiday season in Europe for our series, “ATL Up and Away.” Plus, photographer Sheila Pree Bright discusses her latest exhibition, “Breathe,” and muralist and painter Matthew Evans takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Art.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tré Seals, co-creator of “Characters: Type in Action,” details the new exhibition at the Museum of Design Atlanta. Plus, Pylon Reenactment Society takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Music,” and cellist Juliana Soltis shares the inspiration behind her new record, which features classical works by underrecognized American women composers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WABE's "Savory Stories" podcast hosts Akila McConnell and Chef Asata Reid discuss Thanksgiving's complex history and how it became a national holiday. We also listen to several past "City Lights" conversations with chefs, restauranteurs, and cookbook authors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conductor Nathalie Stutzmann discusses the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s live recording of Dvořák’s timeless “Symphony No. 9, From the New World,” which airs on Thanksgiving Day on WABE 90.1. Plus, we hear about a new residency opportunity for Atlanta artists that could result in free rent for 18 months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Photographer Cyril Bailleul discusses his exhibition, “789 Ponce de Leon Avenue,” which is on display at Clermont Lounge through the end of the year. Plus, Rebecca Harman takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Dance,” and Mike and Sammie stop by with suggestions for weekend entertainment on the latest installment of “How Do You Atlanta.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Playwright Milo Cramer and director Matt Torney discuss “Business Ideas,” which is on stage at Alliance Theatre through December 15th. Plus, Dr. Scott Stewart stops by for the latest installment of Music in Media, and we explore a new trend that combines dining and entertainment – also known as “Eatertainment.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colah B. Tawkin discusses her WABE podcast, “Black in the Garden.” Plus, Steven Jones takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Comedy,” and local distilleries are the focus of this month’s “Beverage Beat with Beth McKibben.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef, educator, and food stylist Maricela Vega discusses Latin Restaurant Weeks, which run through November 30. Plus, we hear about ABV’s Outer Space Project and talk to musician Kabir Sehgal about his work on “Last Sunday in Plains: A Centennial Celebration,” the new tribute album that sets President Jimmy Carter’s words to music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halima Taha, the curator of the Hammonds House Museum, discusses the new John Rhoden Sculpture Garden. Plus, the design team of Esrawe and Cadena details “Los Trompos,” the new interactive installation at Woodruff Park, and we hear about the Southern Arts Relief Fund.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and principal flutist Christina Smith details her upcoming performance of C.P.E. Bach’s Flute Concerto in D Minor on November 14 and November 16 at Atlanta Symphony Hall. Plus, “Resident Alien” star Sara Tomko discusses Indigenous representation alongside ethnic ambiguity, and artist Melvin Toledo and curator Madeline Beck detail “The Stars of America,” which is on view through December 3 at the Mezzanine Galleries at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Fahamu Peacou details his new solo exhibition, “We Didn’t Realize We Were Seeds: We the Roses,” on view through November 23 at Johnson Lowe Gallery. Plus, Smith-Gilbert Gardens Education and Exhibits manager Vanita Keswani and “Opossum and the Season Stone” lead instructor and playwright Nicole Adkins detail the children’s interactive play, and we hear about the “First Voices Festival,” a month-long celebration of Indigenous cultures in Little Five Points.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef Deborah VanTrece discusses her new venture as host of the FYI Network show “Global Soul Kitchen.” Plus, author Neesha Powell-Ingabire shares the history behind her new book, “Come by Here, A Memoir in Essays from Georgia Geechee Coast”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cellist Kyril Zlotnikov of the Jerusalem Quartet discusses their upcoming performance at The Temple on November 11. Plus, Internet Islands takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Music,” and we speak with graffiti–style writer VAYNE ahead of his first solo show, “All Over the Place,” which opens at Cat Eye Creative on November 9.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.

Travel expert and PBS host Rick Steves shares tips for traveling with children on our series, “ATL Up and Away.” Plus, we hear about the 92nd annual production of "Heavenbound,” coming to Big Bethel AME Church this weekend, and actor Caty Bermark and director Justin Kalin discuss Out Front Theatre Company’s production of the musical “Hairspray,” which is on stage through November 9.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura Ardan, principal clarinetist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for 39 years, joins us to kick off our new series celebrating 50 years of ASO broadcasts on our station. Plus, we learn about a free series of theatrical readings coming to 7 Stages Theater, and Mike Jordan joins us to recap his experience hosting the 2024 Atlanta Michelin Guide ceremony.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Film scholar Matthew Bernstein discusses "Young Frankenstein." The conversation was recorded live at the Plaza Theater as part of the "City Lights Cinema" series. Plus, we hear about the ATL Style Writers Jam coming to the Atlanta Beltline this weekend, "The Noorologist" takes the spotlight for our series, "Speaking of Poetry." We get details on artist Alexi Torres's new solo exhibition, "Unbrainwashable," at Brenau University's Castelli Gallery through November 9.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor Colman Domingo joins us to discuss his latest movie, “Sing Sing.” Plus, the Illustrated takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Music,” and we hear about the Atlanta Opera’s production of “The Magic Flute.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Blake Nelson discusses his new film, “Bang Bang,” and being honored with the “Flannery O’Connor Award for Storytelling” at this year’s upcoming Rome International Film Festival. We also hear about the “Improv for Writers” workshop at the Plaza Theater and looked at this weekend’s “Chomp and Stomp” festival in Cabbagetown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Producer and music educator John Snyder joins us for another episode of “Notes and Narratives.” Today, he features American jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck. Plus, Multidisciplinary artist Shanequa Gay discusses her new exhibition, “Psalms for Black Girls,” which is on view at the Emma Darnell Aviation Museum and Conference Center through January 18, 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sundiata Rush, the creative behind “Tales of Downtown Atlanta,” discusses his audio-rich project that combines history with innovative storytelling. Plus, we’ll get to know Avondale’s Waffle House Museum, built on the land once home to the chain’s first location.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artist Jeffery Gibson and collector Jordan Schnitzer discuss “Jeffrey Gibson: They Teach Love,” which is on view at KSU’s Zuckerman Museum of Art through December 7. Plus, music contributor Dr. Scott Stewart joins us for the newest installment of “Music in Media,” today, he highlights music from your favorite Halloween movies and shows.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin W. Tucker, the High Museum of Art’s Chief Curator, discusses “Georgia O’Keeffe: My New Yorks,” which opens on Friday and runs through February 16. Plus, Katie Coleman of “Run Katie Run” takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Music,” and we premiere “The Beverage Beat with Beth McKibben,” our new series that examines Atlanta’s vibrant world of cocktails and zero-proof beverages.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Botanical Garden President and CEO Mary Pat Matheson discusses the new “Atlanta Garden Gateway Project,” which will expand the Botanical Garden footprint by 8 acres and open onto a Beltline Plaza. Plus, Ray Sweatman takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Poetry,” and Sculptor Allison Armour details her installation, “The Eye,” at the Alta Porter on Peachtree complex in Brookhaven.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Core Dance artistic director Sue Schroeder discusses “Braiding Time, Memory and Water,” an outdoor performance on October 19th at Powers Island on the Chattahoochee River. Plus, H Johnson stops by for the latest installment of “H Johnson’s Jazz Moment,” and we speak with soprano Chelsea Lehnea ahead of her performance at Morningside Presbyterian Church on October 20th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Symphony Principal Oboist Elizabeth Tiscione discusses her upcoming performances of "The Flower Clock" by Jean Francaix alongside her ASO colleagues. Plus, comedian Nate Rowland is in the spotlight for our series, "Speaking of Comedy. "Food historian Akila McConnell and chef Asata Reid from the WABE podcast "Savory Stories" detail the history of food and politics, and filmmaker William Feagins Jr. talks about his YouTube documentary series "Our Voices, Our Lives." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Children’s book author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh, alongside playwright and lyricist Jessica Rosa Espinoza, discuss their live puppetry adaptation of “Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant Story.” The production is on stage at the Center for Puppetry Arts through October 20. Plus, we’ll kick off the Halloween season with Chantelle Rytter, the creative behind the “Where the Weird Things Are” upside-down parade, coming to the Old Forth Ward this Saturday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Producer, director, screenwriter, and comedian Judd Apatow discusses “Judd Apatow and Friends.” The live comedy showcase is on stage at Variety Playhouse on November 3. Plus, film director Nicholas Ma details his new documentary, “Leap of Faith, which screens at the Tara Theatre on October 18.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia State University student Imani Okwuosa and GSU Artist-in-Residence Tom Luse discuss the student-created film “Rejuvenation,” which is available to stream on Tubi and Amazon Video on Demand. Plus, Nilüfer Yanya details her most recent album and her creative process ahead of her October 11 show at Terminal West.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Curator Kimberli Gant discusses the new exhibition at the High Museum of Art, “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys.” Plus, Dr. Scott Stewart joins us for the latest edition of “Music in Media,” curator Faron Manuel details the downtown Atlanta digital art installation “Local Stories,” and we hear about the new mural “Aging Is Living: Celebrating Legacy and Community.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MacArthur Fellow, social entrepreneur, multimedia artist, and founder of the Sphinx Organization, Aaron Dworkin, discusses his new memoir, "Lessons in Gratitude." Plus, we celebrate Whole World Improv Theater's 30th anniversary and we hear about the No Words Music Festival, which takes place at multiple Atlanta venues October 11-13.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Eve Byrd and Georgia state representative Kim Schofield discuss the “Healing Arts Atlanta” conference and event series, which takes place at multiple Atlanta locations through October 11. Plus, independent rock artist Tron Austin takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Music,” and master woodworker and sculptor Doug Pisik walks us through his new exhibition at Mable House Arts Center in Marietta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Playwright Lloyd Suh and actor Keiko Agena discuss “The Chinese Lady,” which is on stage at the Alliance Theatre through October 17. H Johnson stops by for the latest edition of “H Johnson’s Jazz Moment” with the story behind The Ink Spots. William Bell enters the National R&B Hall of Fame and Catfight! band members Katy Graves, Jennifer Leavey, and Stacy Kerber detail (cat)FIGHT! FOR YOUR RIGHTS. The benefit concert is on Saturday, October 5, at Eyedrum Art and Music Gallery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Rachel May discusses Synchronicity Theatre's production of "POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive." Plus, hospitality in the service industry is the focus of this week's Savory Stories, and we hear from the Art Farm at Serenbe's executive director, Madalynn Mentor, with details on "Celestial," the new production from Paris cirque troupe "Les Farfadais."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Barry Carroll, former NBA player, author, and artist, discusses his upcoming conversation with the Decatur Book Festival’s 2024 keynote speaker, Joyce Carol Oates. Plus, director and producer Michael McNamara details his documentary “Catwalk: Tales from the Cat Show Circuit,” screening at KSU on October 7, and travel expert Rick Steves stops by for the latest installment of our series, “ATL Up and Away.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For two decades Muscogee Nation has been fighting for their ancestral tribal land. We hear from Raelynn Butler, the secretary for culture and Humanities for the Muscogee Nation, and attorney Mary Kathryn Nagle regarding a lawsuit against the Poarch Band of Creek Indians over their handling of sacred land dating back to 2012.Plus, a shelter-in-place advisory is now in place for more than 90,000 people in Rockdale County following a chemical fire at the BioLab plant in Conyers, Georgia. Air quality surveys done by the Environmental Protection Agency have detected levels of chlorine. Show host Rose Scott checks in with WABE’s environmental reporter Marisa Mecke and Dan Whisenhunt, the founder and editor of Decaturish.com, for the latest details. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Voting Rights Activist and author Stacey Abrams discusses the third installment of her children’s book series “Stacey Speaks Up.” Stacey Abrams will be the Kidnote speaker at the Decatur Book Festival on Saturday, October 5th at 10am. Plus, we hear from the co-writers of The Lion King, both the animated film and the stage version, Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi. The Lion King musical is coming to the Fox Theatre Oct. 2-20. We also revisit Lois Reitzes’ discussion with author Anne Byrn regarding her most recent cookbook, “Baking in the American South.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“In the Beginning” is a new group art exhibition at Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville. It brings together an international assembly of artists whose work explores fundamental human identity and the ways our cultures distinguish themselves. “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes speaks with Nairika Cornett, the museum's executive director. Plus, we hear about “SITE” at The Goat Farm Art Center on Oct. 5. Atlanta Art Fair director Kelly Freeman and Atlanta curator Karen Comer Lowe discuss the inaugural celebration at Pullman Yards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes speaks with Atlanta Art Week founder Kendra Walker about the annual event, which brings together a community of galleries, patrons, collectors, artists, and art industry professionals from all over the city. It takes place September 30th through October 6th. Plus, Atlanta artist Pilar discusses her new exhibition at the Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson airport, “Portals.” And WABE music contributor Dr. Scott Stewart shares a new episode of “Music in Media.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal discusses his new children’s book, “Veto, the Governor’s Cat,” written in honor of his late wife, Sandra. Plus, Lois speaks with Pam Morton, director of the Arts & Authors program at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, and Olivia Aston Bosworth, director of “The Curious Cardinal,” which is showing at the MJCCA on Sept. 29. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.