The City Lights Collective

Literary expert Alison Law and Lois Reitzes kick off the “Bookmarked” series by discussing Banned Books Week and Decatur Book Festival. Plus, we hear from psychedelic/soul band Khruangbin ahead of their Atlanta concerts at the Fox Theatre and The Eastern. We also listen back to Lois’ conversation with Executive Producer John Zaller about “Titanic: An Immersive Voyage” at Exhibition Hub Art Center in Doraville. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jazz musician Will Scruggs details his plans to open the Phoenix City Jazz Club in Decatur. Plus, we’ll hear about the Computer Museum of America. The museum is in Roswell, Georgia, and executive director Rena Youngblood joined us to discuss their Apollo 11 exhibition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year, the students at Global Village Project are celebrating their achievements in music with the release of “Imagine a Circle: The Global Village Project Songbook.” The songs are written by and with GVP students, and selections will be performed at a celebration concert on September 28th at the Oakhurst Center for Community. “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes spoke with Global Village Project Director of Music Programs Elise Witt and Hannah Edber, Director of Education at Global Village Project ahead of the concert. Savory Stories hosts Akila McConnell and Chef Asata Reid continue their conversation on BBQ in Atlanta. Plus, we listen back to Lois Reitzes’ conversation with artist Gyun Hur about her Flux Project exhibit, "Our mothers, our water, our peace.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachel Parish and Sarah Cameron Sunde explain the story behind their upcoming “Atlanta to the Atlantic” Flux Project installation. Terminus Modern Ballet co-founders Rachel Van Buskirk and Tara Lee discuss changes and a forthcoming farewell performance. Plus, artist Greg Mike details the new ABV gallery space in East Atlanta, and we hear about the High Museum’s upcoming “Access for All” day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomer Zvulun, Atlanta Opera artistic director, and Dr. Carlos del Rio, infectious disease expert from Emory University School of Medicine, discuss the Atlanta Opera’s “Bohème Project.” Plus, hear about the “Pianos for Peace” project; musician John Michael, also known as Ralph Laurie, takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Music,” and we learn about the Urban Regatta in Castleberry Hill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jimmy Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, tells us about “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song.” The eclectic concert will be held at the Fox Theatre on September 17. Plus, playwright Topher Payne and actor Amanda Cucher discuss “The Attala County Garden Club” at OnStage Atlanta September 13- 28, and we hear about “Off the Wall,” a film projection coming to the façade of 725 Ponce de Leon Ave.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded live at Monday Night Garage, Lois speaks with Monday Night Brewing founders Jeff Heck and Joel Iverson. In the last 13 years, their company has evolved from a backyard post-work meet-up into an award-winning national beer company that we see in grocery stores, gas stations, bars, and restaurants. Then, we learn about the art and craft of brewing beer with brewmaster Peter Kiley and he walks Lois through some of Monday Night’s signature brews.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Challenge the Stats founder Angelica Hairston, and musician Jessy Diaz discuss their Latin Jazz Concert on September 14 at 3121 Norman Berry Dr, East Point, GA 30344. Comedian, writer, and performer Will Amato details “The Parlor Show,” coming to Dynamic El Durado on September 13. Plus, we hear from executive director Kara Walker about this year’s Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival, and we get ready for Hispanic Heritage Month with an all-Spanish-speaking production of “Ana en el Tropico.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Theatrical Outfit artistic director Matt Torney and Dominion Entertainment executive producer Robert John Connor discuss their new production of “A Raisin in the Sun,” which opens on September 11. Plus, we hear from artist and founder Peter Ferrari about this Saturday’s upcoming “Forward Warrior” mural festival. Artists Amberly Hui Hood and Helen Choi share details on “Home Away from Home,” their new exhibition on view at Roswell Cultural Arts Center, and we get ready for Hispanic Heritage Month with an all-Spanish speaking production of “Ana en el Tropico.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nikki Bedi, host of “The Arts Hour” on BBC World Service, discusses “The Arts Hour on Tour,” which comes to WABE studios this Saturday. Tabernacle Choir president Michael O. Leavitt details their upcoming collaborations with Spelman and Morehouse colleges. Plus, we hear about Scraplanta’s expansion to Adair Park and the Cosplay Medics of Dragon Con.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Award-winning performer Shuler Hensley discusses directing the upcoming production of “The Music Man” for City Springs Theatre Company, which is on stage at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center September 6-22. Plus, food historian Akila McConnell and chef Asata Reid from the WABE podcast “Savory Stories” share the culinary history of barbecue, and playwright Bill Balzer and director Lynna Schmidt talk about the “Two Drink Minimum,” which is on stage September 6-22 at the Academy Theatre in Hapeville.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel expert Rick Steves stops by for the latest ATL Up and Away installment. Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta’s artistic director, Will Ransom, shares what’s in store for their new season. Plus, Muralist Nicole Merizalde, writer, poet, and artist Constance Collier-Mercado, and information on the first annual East Lake Music Fest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Playwright Bill Balzer and director Lynna Schmidt talk about the play, “Two Drink Minimum.” A story of a mother entering dementia while her son struggles to keep their relationship grounded. Plus, we hear from Rough Draft Atlanta assistant editor Sammie Purcell and AJC senior editor Mike Jordan about this weekend’s festivals and activities. We also listen back to Lois Reitzes’ 2017 conversation with actor and comedian John Cleese ahead of his appearance at Dragon Con. And we highlight Atlanta actor, producer and writer Mary Emily Deal in our series “Speaking of the Boom.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this “City Lights” episode, we discuss what you’re not supposed to discuss outside of Write Club. Write Club. One of the co-founders, Nicholas Tecosky talks about this unique literary battle where local writers duel through dynamic reading. We hear from WABE’s music contributor, Dr. Scott Stewart, about the late summer films coming out and their soundtracks. We revisit my 2019 conversation with author Cathleen Schine about her book “The Grammarians.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We celebrate 100 years of the activist and writer James Baldwin by revisiting Lois Reitzes’ 2018 conversations on “If Beale Street Could Talk.” She spoke with director Barry Jenkins and actor Colman Domingo, who portrays Joseph Rivers in the film. Also, we listened back to Reitzes’ conversation with author Robert Jones Jr. about his 2021 novel, “The Prophets.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alonzo Bodden details the upcoming “Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me” stand-up comedy show at Symphony Hall. Plus, we hear how Anne Byrn brings history and insight to her new book, “Baking in the American South.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alliance Theatre artistic director Tinashe Kajese-Bolden discusses “The Mountaintop,” which is on stage at the Alliance from August 30 through September 22. Plus, Lila Ramani of the band Crumb joins us ahead of their August 25 show at the Buckhead Theater, and we speak with the CEO and founder of Eclipso Atlanta, Antoine Lieutaud, about their new VR offering, “The Horizon of Khufu.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathleen Bertrand, executive producer of the Bronzelens Film Festival, discusses the event, which runs from August 21 to 25 and is hosted at various Atlanta venues. Plus, food historian Akila McConnell and chef Asata Reid from the WABE podcast Savory Stories discuss the culinary history of America’s favorite lunch food, the sandwich, and Atlanta author Parul Kapor details her new book, “Inside the Mirror.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beth McKibben, senior editor and dining editor at Rough Draft Atlanta, discusses the many theme bars in Atlanta. Plus, Sally Faulkner, principal of the design firm Faulkner + Locke, details “The Art of Signia,” and Chef Demetrius Brown shares his vision as the new co-owner of the restaurant Bread and Butterfly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta drag queen Tyra Rex discusses "Shamilton!" The parody musical is on stage at City Winery on August 22, 24, 25, and 28. Plus, celebrated outdoor photographer Peter Essick explores the unnatural world of construction sites for his new book, "Work in Progress," and we hear about MOCA GA's Working Artist Project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Quilt Festival co-founder O.V. Brantley and Dr. Arshley Emile, who directed the new documentary “Stitch,” discuss the film and the festival which is running through September 8.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor Colman Domingo discusses his starring role in the new film, “Sing Sing.” Plus, Erin Drakeford takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Art,” and Dr. Scott Stewart talks about the scores of Westerns for “Music in Media.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta jazz trumpeter Joe Gransden shares how he tracked down his prized Trans Am 30 years after selling it. Plus, Artist Treyvian Dowell takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Art.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Music producer John Snyder joins us for our new series, “Notes and Narratives.” This month, Snyder shares stories about his time working with jazz alto saxophonist and composer Paul Desmond. Plus, “Cabaret” is on stage at Actor’s Express, and artistic director Freddie Ashley explains why the musical continues to be relevant.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Essential Theatre artistic director Peter Hardy and managing director Jennifer Kimball discuss Essential Theatre Play Festival’s 25th anniversary, from Aug 9-Sept 1. Plus, H Johnson stops by for our series, “H Johnson’s Jazz Moment and we hear about the upcoming Mighty Shorts Film Slam.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Najee Dorsey, founder and CEO of Black Art in America, discusses the second annual Atlanta Fine Art Print Fair, running from August 9 to 11. Plus, food historian Akila McConnell, from the WABE podcast “Savory Stories,” shares the history of the Georgia Peach, and we hear about The Try Guy’s “Eat the Menu” tour, which comes to the Buckhead Theater on Thursday, August 8.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel guru Rick Steves stops by for our monthly series, “ATL Up and Away.” This month he gives advice on how to ensure that happy travels are healthy travels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Playwright Aaron Levy and director Megan Cramer discuss Destination Theater’s “The Student Body,” which opens at Galloway School’s Chaddick Theater on August 9. Plus, Jeff Fallis takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Poetry.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Playwright Pearl discusses “Something Moving: A Mediation on Maynard,” which opens August 2 at the Alliance Theater. Plus, today is National Pinball Day, and we learn the story behind the celebration and why the game was once illegal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petite Violette co-owners Anthony and Michael Gropp discuss the restaurant’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations. Plus, Dr. Scott Stewart stops by for the latest installment of “Music in Media.” This week he discusses the scores of some of the hottest video games. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The documentary series "The National Parks: America's Best Idea," directed by Ken Burns, chronicles the creation of National Parks and follows the stories of those who worked and continue to work to make them a reality. We revisit Lois's 2020 conversation with writer and producer Dayton Duncan. Plus, artist Hyland Mather joins us to discuss his new eye-catching public art installation at Colony Square in Midtown, "Nice Time."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claire Haley, VP of Special Projects at the Atlanta History Center, discusses their exhibition "Telling Stories: 'Gone with the Wind' and American Memory." We also listen to Lois's conversation with author ReShonda Tate about her book, "THE QUEEN OF SUGAR HILL, A Novel of Hattie McDaniel."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artist Gyun Hur discusses her new public art installation “Our mothers, our water, our peace.” Plus, H Johnson stops by for the latest episode of “H Johnson’s Jazz Moment.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer, editor, and unapologetic author ally Alison Law discusses some of her favorite picks from this year’s “Bitter Southerner’s Summer Reading Roundup.” Plus, Brandon Nicole takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Music.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Playwright Bekah Brunstetter and Horizon Theatre co-artistic director Lisa Adler discuss “The Game” onstage at Horizon Theatre through July 28. Plus, food historian Akila McConnell and chef Asata Reid from the WABE podcast “Savory Stories” detail some of the iconic franchises that got their start in the ATL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Zaller, executive producer of Exhibition Hub Atlanta Art Center in Doraville, details their new exhibition, “Titanic: An Immersive Voyage.” Plus, multi-hyphenate artist Shonali Bhowmik discusses her latest album, “One Machine at a Time,” ahead of her upcoming Atlanta performances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlantan Raymond Carr, puppet captain on the new Netflix series “Eric,” discusses his time working on the psycho-drama thriller. Plus, watercolor artist Shannon Kelly takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Art.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Curator Gonzalo Parodi and exhibition director Rafael Gomes detail “Entering Modernity: 1920s Fashion from the Parodi Collection,” which is on view through August 25 at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion and Film. Plus, Brijean Murphy and Doug Stewart stop by before their July 23 show at Center Stage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ArtsATL’s new editor-in-chief, Cinqué Hicks, stops by and shares his vision for the media outlet. Plus, She Pharaoh takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Poetry,” and playwright Nikki Toombs discusses the children’s play “The Next King,” which is on stage at The National Center for Civil and Human Rights on Saturday, July 20.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Curator Mary Agrusa discusses “Movie Cars,” the new exhibition, which is on view at the Savoy Automobile Museum through August 4. Plus, Dr. Scott Stewart stops by for the latest installment of our “Music in Media” series. Today, he continues his highlights of scores to this summer’s blockbusters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conductor Lina González-Granados discusses “To See the Sky” ahead of WABE’s Sunday, July 21 broadcast of her performance with the ASO. Plus, artist, designer, and curator Adam Crawford takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Art.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Pete Candler discusses his new travel memoir, “A Deeper South: The Beauty, Mystery, and Sorrow of the Southern Road.” Plus, we’ll hear about the “Open Mic Shootout,” coming to Eddie’s Attic this Friday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monica Obniski, the High Museum’s decorative arts and design curator, discusses “Panorama,” their new outdoor piazza installation. Plus, WABE’s H Johnson joins us with music from jazz organist Shirley Scott, and we listen back to Atlanta actor and artist Danielle Deadwyler detailing her time filming the HBO series “Station 11.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Visual and performance artist Tim Youd discusses his solo exhibition “Georgia ReTyped,” which is on view at Atlanta Contemporary through October 6. Plus, we listen back to Lois’s 2016 conversation with author Dawn Tripp. Her novel, “Georgia,” explores the life and love of artist Georgia O’Keefe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta artist Donald Billinkoff discusses his new exhibition, “Art Alchemy,” which is on view at Gallery 72 through July 26. Plus, we listen back to Lois’s conversation with author Julia Franks. Her book, “The Say So,” examines society’s treatment of women with unplanned pregnancies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karen Kelly, director of exhibits and education at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, discusses their new interactive exhibition, “Animationland,” open through September 8. Plus, The Breathers are spotlighted for our series, “Speaking of Music.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Shane DeLancey discusses the new production of “Jersey Boys,” which is on stage at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center from July 12 through August 11. Plus, sculptor and artist Huelani Mei and Bobbi Hohman, VP of Programming and Collections at the Fernbank Museum, detail the outdoor sculpture exhibit “Forest Forms” at Fernbank through September 29.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Scott Stewart stops by for the newest installment of our series, “Music in Media.” This installment highlights the scores of some of this summer’s biggest blockbuster films. Plus, we listen back to Alexandra Petri discussing her book, “Alexandra Petri’s US History: Important American Documents (I Made Up),” and we hear Atlanta-based food culture reporter Kim Severson discuss the very important topic of hot dogs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel guru and PBS host Rick Steves joins City Lights for our monthly series, “ATL Up and Away,” with advice on booking fall travel. Plus, City Lights producer Summer Evans shares ideas for family staycation fun, and comedian Paul Ollinger takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Comedy.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Louise Shaw, curator at the CDC Museum, and contributing artist Richard Nielsen discuss “Stand and Witness: Art in the Time of COVID-19.” The collection of topical works in painting, poetry, prose, performance, and video is on view at the David J. Sencer CDC Museum through October 25. Plus, Candle House Collective founder Evan Neiden details “Lenox Mutual,” the newest offering from the remote theater company, designed for an audience of one, performed over the telephone in an interactive choose-your-own-adventure style, and then we hear why the Atlanta Track Club officials say they’ll double the entertainment along the route of this year’s AJC Peachtree Road Race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.