The City Lights Collective

Hammonds House artistic chair and curator Halima Taha details the new exhibition, “Rhythm of Resilience: The Artistry of Sam Middleton,” which is on view through August 18. Plus, Georgia author Stephen Hundley discusses his new novel, “Bomb Island,” and curator Tony Casadonte shares the history behind “Visions of Society: The Photographic Insight of Ruth-Marion Baruch,” which is on view at The Breman Museum through September 1. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta-based 2024 Guggenheim fellow Jessica Blinkhorn discusses her future artistic plans. Plus, food historian Akila McConnell and chef Asata Reid from the WABE podcast “Savory Stories” discuss the culinary history of Chinese food in Atlanta, and we listen back to Lois’s conversation with legendary Atlanta broadcaster Monica Pearson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mellow Mushroom co-founder Marc “Banks” Weinstein discusses the 50-year history of Atlanta’s hometown pizza chain. Plus, singer and multi-instrumentalist Benjamin J. Davidow takes the spotlight in our series, “Speaking of Music,” and Munir Meghjani and David Perdue detail the next installment of Comedy and Conversations, which takes place at the Margaret Mitchell House at Atlanta History Center Midtown this Thursday, June 27.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ray Kim, cellist and former member of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, and former musical director Jere Flint discuss the 50th anniversary of the ASYO. Plus, we hear about this week’s Southern Fried Queer Pride Festival, taking place at various locations around Little Five Points.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef Deuki Hong and journalist Matt Rodbard discuss their new cookbook, “KOREAWORLD,” and their upcoming celebratory dinner at Chai Pani on June 25th. Plus, we listen back to Lois’s 2021 conversation with author and cultural historian Caseen Gaines about the 1921 history-making musical, “Shuffle Along.” Gaine’s book is “Footnotes: The Black Artists Who Rewrote the Rules of the Great White Way.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mo Rocca, the beloved “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” panelist and CBS Sunday Morning correspondent, recently joined City Lights host Lois Reitzes on stage at First Baptist Church of Decatur for a conversation about his latest book, “Roctogenarians: Late in Life Debuts, Comebacks, and Triumphs.” The event was recorded in front of a live audience and presented by WABE, Georgia Center for the Book, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, and A Cappella Books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artists Reginald C. Adams and Fabian Williams detail the “Absolute Equality” Juneteenth Mural Project. Plus, children’s book author Allison Hill discusses “Lolly the Left-Out Lobster,” and Quasi drummer Janet Weiss and multi-instrumentalist Sam Coomes stop by ahead of their upcoming show at the EARL on June 22.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fahamu Pecou, founder of the African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta, discusses their new exhibition, "A Shield Against the Darkness: The Art and Scholarship of Pellom McDaniels III," which is on view through June 28. Plus, Atlanta-based fashion designer Christian Allana details her involvement in the new incubator program from the fast-fashion company Shein called "Shein X Rescued." The program has designers use deadstock materials to help reduce global carbon dioxide emissions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Music producer John Snyder discusses his role as project coordinator for the New Orleans Jazz Museum expansion. Plus, WABE’s H. Johnson stops by for the newest edition of our series, “H Johnson’s Jazz Moment,” and Sally Westmoreland details the upcoming Elizabeth B. Stephens International Organ Competition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multi-instrumentalist and producer Kabir Sehgal discusses his new album, “Guitar Spring: Music for a New Season,” as well as his many collaborations, including his meditation album with Lil Jon. Plus casting director Clifton Guterman takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of the Boom,” we hear about the upcoming “No Tables, No Chairs” event, and artist Artemus Jenkins details his new exhibition at Hidden Gallery, on view through the end of June. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Ty Autry and featured playwright and performer Chayton Pabich Danyla discuss the first inaugural Lavender Fest at Out Front Theatre from June 19th through 23rd. Plus, we hear about Cooper Music School’s DIY musical instruments; Michelle C. takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Music,” and “A Room of Her Own: Women Studio Artists from AXC’s 40-Year History.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former news anchor, actor, and author Mark Pettit discusses his new memoir, “ANKRBOY.” Plus, guitarist Mdou Moctar and bassist/producer Mikey Coltun join “City Lights” ahead of their June 13 show at Terminal West, and Laura Flusche, executive director of Museum of Design Atlanta, details their new exhibition, “Al Dente: The Design of Pasta.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monica Campana, executive director of Living Walls, and Drew Borders, curator of the new Living Walls public mural project “I Am Mine / We Are Ours,” detail the artwork on the underpass at Arizona Avenue and Dekalb Avenue. Plus, composer Marcus Norris and librettist Adamma Ebo discuss the world premiere of their new opera, “Forsyth County is Flooding with the Joy of Lake Lanier,” on stage at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center on June 15, guitarist Quinn Sullivan stops by ahead of his upcoming Atlanta performance, and we hear about the non-profit “Books for Africa.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tugboat the Queen and Ginger Minj discuss “The Golden Gals LIVE” on stage at Out Front Theatre through June 16. Plus, Michael Myerz takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Music,” author Lisa Frank details her new book, “MYCO-TOWN: A Magical Mushroom Fantasy Novel,” and we learn about a new audiobook project that aims to raise money for Ukraine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erika Miranda, the founder of Cafecito Productions, and Brooke Sonenreich, founder and organizer of ATLFilmParty discuss their event “A Night of Latine Filmmakers” at the downtown Switchyards. “City Lights” producer Summer Evans speaks with retired Airforce Staff Sergeant Stacy Pearsall about her PBS series “After Action.” Plus, we listen back to Lois Reitzes’ conversation with Atlanta farmer Jamila Norman discuss her HBO Max series “Homegrown,” which is now in its fourth season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two new exhibitions are now on view at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center in Madison, Georgia; that of Atlanta’s congressman John Lewis, and the prolific painter and multimedia artist Benny Andrews. Andrews produced a series of portraits called the John Lewis Series, currently on loan from the National Center for Human and Civil Rights. The works are being shown through next April as part of the Andrews Family Legacy Project and a permanent exhibition of art, writings and other archival collections from Benny, George “The Dot Man,” Raymond and other members of the remarkable Andrews family. The Atlanta Music Project’s Summer Series is a training camp where young musicians can learn alongside professional players, including world-class virtuosos. AMP’s co-founder, Dantes Rameau, and artist-in-residence Titus Underwood discuss the upcoming Summer Series and Underwood’s masterclass. We also hear from WABE music contributor Dr. Scott Stewart in our series “Music in Media.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel aficionado, TV host, and guidebook author Rick Steves shares his insights on incorporating live music into your travel itinerary. This is part of “City Lights’” recurring series “ATL Up and Away: Travel Tips with Rick Steves.” Plus, Jonathan Rockefeller, the creator of the show “Sesame Street the Musical” discusses why he wanted to bring the show to the Center for Puppetry Arts June 5-August 4. We listen back to Lois Reitzes’ conversation with Dope Coffee co-owners and co-founders Michael and Michelle Lloyd. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist, theatre critic and playwright Kelundra Smth and actor Tanya Freeman discuss the play “The Wash.” A story about the Atlanta Washerwomen’s Strike of 1881. Plus, we listen back to Lois Reitzes’ 2020 conversation with Dr. Eric Cervini. He’s the author of: “The Deviant’s War: The Homosexual vs. The United States of America.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta author Aisha Saeed discusses her new children’s book “Zuni and the Memory Jar.” We hear about this weekend’s events with the hosts of How You Do Atlanta. WABE jazz and blues host H. Johnson talks about saxophonist Louis Jordan. Plus, the Canterbury Choristers’ musical director, John King Carter, discusses their production of the one-act opera “Trial by Jury.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flying Carpet Theatre Company artistic director Adam Koplan and music director Greg Sudmeier discuss their upcoming concert, “There’s No Business Like Show Business: A Tribute to Irving Berlin”, which will be held at the Breman Museum on June 2. Plus, Chattahoochee Nature Center’s events supervisor, Fabiola Clermont, shares this year’s line-up at the 25th annual Flying Colors Butterfly Festival. We hear from Atlanta poet Aurielle Marie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Amanda Washington and playwright Pearl Cleage discuss the new production of “Blues for an Alabama Sky,” which opens tomorrow at Actor’s Express and runs through June 23. Plus, we hear about the Atlanta high school student who placed second in this year’s “Next Narrative Monologue” Competition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lauren Tate Baeza, curator of African Art at the High Museum and the creator of the new Atlanta Beltline artist residency, discusses the new exhibition “LagosAtlanta: Sister City Rising.” Plus, Andrea Jurjevic takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Poetry.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Theatrical Outfit director Matt Torney and actor Tess Malis Kincaid discuss “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf,” which is on stage at the Balzer Theater at Herren’s through June 16. Plus, Dr. Scott Stewart discusses popular scores of currently streaming hits, singer-songwriter Parker Smith takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Music,” and we hear the story of Jacob Ruppert’s “All Day High Five.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Camille Russell Love, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, details the 2024 Atlanta Jazz Festival, happening this weekend at Piedmont Park. Plus, Artist Gregor Turk and Druid Hills Presbyterian Church session member Eric Dusenbury discuss the new public art installation “Assembly,” which is on display on the church’s front lawn through April 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Improv actor, writer, and comedian Kevin Gillese discusses his new solo show, “7 Minutes in Kevin,” which is on stage at Dad’s Garage through June 8. Plus, we celebrate Jazz 91.9 WCLK’s 50th anniversary with station manager Wendy Williams and singer Alexandra Jackson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multimedia artist Judy Pfaff details her new exhibition, "A Walk in the Park," which is on view at the Johnson Lowe Gallery through June 28. Plus, we hear about the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony's upcoming concert, "Year of the Dragon," and H Johnson stops by for the latest installment of "H Johnson's Jazz Moment."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kerry Lee, co-artistic director of the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company, discusses her contributions to this year’s National Council on the Arts. Plus, The High Museum’s photography curator, Gregory Harris, details the new exhibition “Truth Told Slant,” which is on view at The High through August 11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claudia Einecke, the High Museum’s Curator of European Art discusses their new exhibition, “Dutch Art in a Global Age,” which is on view through July 14. Plus, Emma Burke takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Dance,” and we learn how art organizations can apply for the new grants from the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Children’s book author Audrey Galex discusses her new book, “Turtle Rocks,” plus, Thievery Corporation’s Rob Garza stops by ahead of their upcoming performance at the Tabernacle on May 18. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artist and activist Charmaine Minniefield discusses the new Beacon Hill Praise House. Her latest installation and exhibition, part of “The Praise House Project: Standing on Hallowed Ground,” is open in Downtown Decatur and will be displayed through the summer. Plus, Collin Kelley takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Poetry,” and Methane Studio co-founder Robert Lee details the upcoming Wig Wag music and art festival, which happens Saturday May 18 in Avondale Estates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta media personality Mara Davis shares suggestions for celebrating Mom. Plus, author and talent manager Pamela Warner, mother of actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, discusses her new book, “A Parent’s Guide to Managing Showbiz Kids,” and Atlanta Queer Arts Alliance founders Jim Farmer and Paul Conroy share details on “AQuAA Splash,” a panel discussion happening on May 15 at Out Front Theatre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Dawn M. Simmons and actor Marshall W. Mabry IV discuss the new “Fat Ham” production on stage at the Alliance Theatre through May 19. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Botanical Garden’s President and CEO Mary Pat Matheson and Senior Horticulturist Jim Smith discuss their new exhibition of living plant sculptures, “Alice’s Wonderland Returns.” Plus, we hear about a block party from the Atlanta Center for Photography this weekend, and filmmaker Will Feagins details his new documentary, “City of Kings: Atlanta.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moving in the Spirit’s, co-founder and artistic director Dana Lupton and poet Alice Lovelace discuss their collaborative dance performance “Journey on the A-Train: A Jacob Lawrence Story,” on stage May 8 at the Rialto Center for the Arts. Plus, we’ll hear about the Red Clay Comedy Festival, which begins this Thursday at various venues in East Atlanta. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Music Director Laureate Robert Spano returns for a two-week residency this week. The longtime leader of the ASO discusses his upcoming performances with the symphony. Plus, the 14th annual Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade returns this Saturday, and we visit with the event’s creator, Chantelle Rytter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Scott Stewart stops by to help jump-start our “May the 4th be with You” celebration. Plus, we hear about “The Palmetto Portrait Project,” and WABE’s H Johnson discusses Cannonball and Nat Adderley for our series, “H Johnson’s Jazz Moment.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Choo Choo Hu, pianist and founding member of ensemble vim, discusses the "spark" series launch concert and party on Monday, May 6, at MOCA GA. Plus, we hear about a notable change coming to Terminus Modern Ballet, and Maireg Chernet takes the spotlight for our series, "Speaking of Comedy."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artist Kei Ito discusses his new solo exhibition, "Staring at the Face of the Sun," at the Georgia Museum of Art at UGA through July 14. Plus, food historian Akila McConnell and chef Asata Reid from the WABE podcast "Savory Stories" discuss coffee and Atlanta's connection to the history of the beverage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Out Front Theatre Company artistic director Paul Conroy, alongside playwright and performer Charles Busch, discuss “Psycho Beach Party” on stage May 2nd through 18th. Plus, artist Aaron Artrip takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Art,” and filmmaker Bill Horace joins “Arts, Beats and Lyrics” co-founder Dwayne “Dubelyoo” Wright to detail their new documentary, currently streaming on Hulu. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York Times bestselling author Amor Towles discusses his new collection of short stories, “Table for Two.” Plus, Wiley from Atlanta takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Music,” conductor John Morrison and violinist Adelaide Federici detail the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concert, “Celebrating the Maestro,” and we hear about the inaugural Decatur Children’s Book Festival. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomer Zvulun, the Atlanta Opera's artistic director, discusses their "Die Walkürie" production, which will be presented at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre from April 27 through May 5. Plus, Theatre du Reve's outgoing director, Caroyln Cook, stops by to discuss her 30 years with Atlanta's premiere Francophone theater company.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conductor and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Music Director Nathalie Stutzmann details the ASO’s next season. Plus, Dr. Scott Stewart joins us to discuss the scores of video games for our series, “Music in Media, and then artists Karl Kroeppler and Vincent Rinehart and poet Dana Gioia discuss their collective exhibition “The Poet and the Painters” on view April 26 through May 23 at the Roswell Visual Arts Center.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Escobar, owner of the historic Plaza and Tara Theatres, details the 2024 Atlanta Film Festival and Creative Conference. Plus, Carlos Carvajal takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Comedy, and “Challenge the Stats founder and acclaimed harpist Angelica Hairston and spoken word artist Adán Bean discuss “Voices Amplified: An Evening of Poetry and Song,” coming to the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta this Saturday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Radio personality and philanthropist Frank Ski details his new ambient concept album, “Climate Change.” Plus, contemporary moment artist Emily Christianson takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Dance,” and Joann Cebulski and Patricia Pichardo from the Seed & Feed Marching Abominable discuss their 50th anniversary ahead of their upcoming performance at the Inman Park Parade and Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevn Kinney of the band Drivin' n Cryin' discusses hosting the Fox Theater's 4th annual "Revival" benefit concert on April 28. Plus, H Johnson stops by for the latest edition of "H Johnson's Jazz Moment," and cellist Roee Harran details The Temple Chamber Players' upcoming April 21 concert.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois visits art scholar and curator Naomi Beckwith, the recipient of the High Museum’s 2024 David C. Driskell Prize. Plus, we’ll hear about Oakland Cemetery’s light and art celebration, “Illumine,” and Shannon Mulvaney and Jacob Blaisdell of Decatur’s Ella Guru Record Shop discuss Record Store Day and how limited exclusive releases can be problematic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founding Ying Quartet member Phillip Ying and award-winning double bassist Xavier Foley discuss their upcoming April 21st performance at Spivey Hall. Plus, Katie Chaple takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Poetry,” and food historian Akila McConnell and chef Asata Reid from the WABE podcast “Savory Stories” discuss Michelin stars and what they mean for Atlanta restaurants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scotty Crowe, VP of audio at WABE, discusses the new all-ages storytelling podcast, “The Podcast Where They Read Stories.” We also hear about the 16th annual Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards, “The Shulers.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor Clelia Murphy, director Simon Gibney, and playwright John Murphy discuss “Goodnight Delia” on stage at Aris Theatre through April 21. Plus, we hear about “Heart Strings,” an original experience promising to forge human connections, coming to Pullman Yards this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian and former Daily Show correspondent Roy Wood, Jr. discusses the National Center for Civil and Human Rights fundraiser, “Power to Inspire.” He’ll be hosting the event at the Eastern on April 17th. Plus, Mike Jordan and Sammie Purcel stop by with suggestions for weekend activities, including the new exhibition, “Al Dente, The Design of Pasta,” opening Friday at the Museum of Design Atlanta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.