The City Lights Collective

Atlanta author Van Jenson discusses his unique new sci-fi novel, "Godfall," and explains how he uses an out-of-this-world premise to highlight a divided country. Plus, Jacque Pritz takes the spotlight in our series, "Speaking of Dance," and we discuss the political thriller "Rogue Justice" with author and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooklyn-based artist Nehprii Amenii discusses her original puppetry experience, “Human,” a deep-sea story told from the perspective of a young seahorse. The show is on stage at the Center for Puppetry Arts through January 28th, and puppets by Amenii are on display in the Special Exhibition Gallery through April 28th. Plus, Mike Jordan and Sammie Purcell stop by for the latest edition of “How Do You Atlanta,” and renowned sculptor Martin Dawe shares his inspiration and process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Opera artistic director Tomer Zvulun and lead soprano Gabriella Reyes discuss their new “La Bohème” production on stage at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, January 20th through 28th. Plus, multi-instrumentalist and composer Jermery Wilms takes the stage in our series, “Speaking of Music.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Paula Poundstone stops by ahead of her upcoming standup show at the Buckhead Theatre. Plus, Soleil is spotlighted in our series, “Speaking of Poetry,” and Atlanta music journalist Chad Radford discusses Radfest 2024. The festival features post-punk, post-hardcore, and noise acts and happens this Friday at eyedrum.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Vallen, the organizer behind “Fighting for Freedom: Labor and Civil Rights in the American South,” discusses the exhibition, which is on view through October at the new GSU Library. Plus, “Queer Eye” star Jonathan Van Ness discusses what real beauty means ahead of his upcoming comedy performance at Symphony Hall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oglethorpe Museum of Art director Elizabeth Peterson-Jennings and exhibition lead docent and curatorial assistant Sophia Sobrino discuss “Estampas de la Raza: Contemporary Prints from the Romo Collection,” on view at the Oglethorpe Museum of Art through January 31. Plus, H Johnson stops by for “H Johnson’s Jazz Moment,” and Atlanta actor Adetinpo Thomas takes the spotlight in our series, “Speaking of ‘The Boom.’”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary singer-songwriter Judy Collins stops by before her Saturday show at the Buckhead Theater. Plus, Faith Carmichael, Okorie Johnson, and Katherine Dirga discuss “The NEXT Movement,” streaming now on WABE TV, and Emily Holden takes the stage in our series, “Speaking of Comedy.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyle Tibbs Jones, author and co-founder of “The Bitter Southerner, discusses their new children’s book, “Your Heart is Your Home.” Plus, dancer Ashlee Jo Ramsey-Borunov takes the stage in our series, “Speaking of Dance,” and “City Lights” producer Jeannine Etter shares where you can still ice skate in and around Atlanta this month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel expert Rick Steve joins us for “ATL Up and Away” with advice on planning your big trip to Europe in 2024. Plus, Travis Denton takes the spotlight in our series, “Speaking of Poetry,” and Contrapunto founder and contributing artist Carlos Solis discusses the collective’s new show, currently on view at the Hudgens Center for Art and Learning, in the Fowler Gallery and the Kistner Atrium, through January 20th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Paxton, host of the Emmy-nominated PBS series “Legacy List,” stops by to discuss what’s in store for Season 5, which premiers on WABE TV on Tuesday, January 16. Plus, Charity Hamidullah takes the spotlight in our series, “Speaking of Art.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Executive producers Ron Holsey and Loris Kramer discuss Season 2 of the animated Apple TV series “Interrupting Chicken.” Plus, comedian and event organizer Joe Petis details the “50 First Jokes” showcase at Wild Heaven Brewery on Saturday, January 6.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artist Anaitté Vaccaro discusses her permanent installation sculpture "The Perennial," which is on view at Little Tree Art Studios in Avondale Estates. Plus, we celebrate the life and legacy of jazz legend Les McCann with Atlanta pianist Joe Alterman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award-winning Atlanta poet and playwright Pearl Cleage discusses her newest play, “Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard,” coming to the Alliance Theater this fall. Plus, we learn about the use of music in film and television and highlight Nikki Marshall in our series, “Speaking of ‘The Boom.’”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor, writer, and director Colman Domingo returns to City Lights to talk about his starring roles in the new films, “Rustin,” and “The Color Purple.” Plus, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s concertmaster, David Coucheron, discusses being both violin soloist and conductor in their upcoming performances of Vivaldi’s masterpiece, “The Four Seasons.“See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois pays tribute to journalist, fashion model, and beloved friend Gail O'Neill. Plus, Muralist Jose Ray and SCAD SERVE executive director Dean Ballas discuss the new mural that now decorates the paths of Sara J. Gonzalez Memorial Park, and director Mukhtar Omar Sharif Mukhtar details the latest Cirque du Soleil production, "Echo," currently under the big top at Atlantic Station through January 21.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author and biblical scholar Jacob L. Wright discusses his new book, "Why the Bible Began: An Alternative History of Scripture and Its Origins." Plus, Eilis Crean takes the spotlight in our series, "Speaking of Art," and we hear about a new music studio created for the students of B.E.S.T. Academy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Scardino, founder of Dips Kitchen, discusses his new mobile eatery. Plus, Clay Barr, collector of the yads, or Torah pointers, details the Bremen Museum exhibition, “The Guiding Hand: The Barr Foundation Judaica Collection of Torah Pointers.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spelman College’s Dr. Cheryl Finley joins us for our series, “The Art of Teaching.” Plus, Chris Moten, AKA Trap Jazz, and No Words ATL organizer Ann Wood discuss the instrumental music festival on December 28, and artist Gabi Madrid takes the spotlight in our series, “Speaking of Art.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monica Obniski, the High Museum’s decorative arts and design curator, discusses the exhibition “Sonya Clark: We are Each Other.” Plus, we hear about NPR’s College Student Podcast Challenge, and choreographer Patsy Collins takes the spotlight in our series, “Speaking of Dance.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author and music historian John Hunter discusses his new book, “Maps and Legends: The Story of REM.” Plus, H Johnson features jazz bagpipe player Rufus Harley on the latest edition of H Johnson’s Jazz Moment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

City Lights shares holiday gift suggestions from local independent booksellers Matt Nixon of Acapella Books and Diane Capriola of Little Shop of Stories. Plus, Georgia’s Poet Laureate Chelsea Rathburn takes the spotlight in our series, “Speaking of Poetry.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gennadi Nedvigin, artistic director of the Atlanta Ballet, discusses the company’s immersive performance of “The Nutcracker” on stage at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre through December 26. Plus, we hear about the HBCU National Bands of The Year Championship, and Arma Benoit takes the spotlight in our series, “Speaking of Comedy.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trey Clegg, of the Trey Clegg Singers discusses their upcoming holiday concert, “Festival Sounds of the Season.” Plus, Joe Alterman stops by to share what’s planned for Neranenah’s 2023-24 lineup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chanda Bell, founder, and chief storyteller of The Lumistella Company, discusses the story behind their world-famous “Elf of the Shelf.” Plus, Ben Garden of the band Melodic Monster takes the spotlight in our series, “Speaking of Music.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Xiao Falig, operations manager of the Winter Lantern Festival, discusses the festival’s all-ages light-sculpture spectacular, on display through January 2 at Gwinnett County Fairgrounds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Sipp, co-curator of “Foundations and Futures,” discusses the exhibition, which celebrates the 35th anniversary of Hammonds House Museum. Plus, Alon Balshan, owner of Alon’s Bakery, shares some of his favorite Chanukah foods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director John Ammerman and writer Karl Harpur discuss Aris Theatre’s “CINDERELLA: A Christmas Panto,” on stage at The Academy Theatre in Hapeville December 15-23. Plus, Photojournalist Kate Medley takes us on a journey through the gas stations of the South in her new release, “Thank you Please Come Again.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel guru Rick Steves joins us for ATL UP and Away, plus photographer Jordan Putt takes the spotlight in our series, "Speaking of Art," and curator Nadia Scott discusses the Carlos Museum's exhibition "Crisscrosses: Benny Andrews and the Poetry of Langston Hughes."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Max Hines, chef of one of Atlanta's hottest new restaurants, "Breaker Breaker," joins us to discuss what Michelin really means for Atlanta. Plus, director Candy McLellan discusses Stage Door Theatre's production of "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," Queen Sheba takes the stage in our series, "Speaking of Poetry."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Theatrical Outfit artistic director Matt Torney and director Rosemary Newcott discuss “A Christmas Story” on stage at the Balzer Theatre at Herren’s through December 24. Plus, H Johnson joins us for the latest edition of H Johnson’s Jazz Moment, and we hear about “Graffiti Class ATL.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Academy Award-winning cinematographer Roger Deakins and co-author James Ellis Deakins discuss “Byways,” a book of Roger Deakins’ still photography, before their Atlanta signing event at the Plaza Theater. Plus, artist Virginia Derryberry details her solo exhibition, “Private Domain,” on view at the Marrietta Cobb Museum of Art, and Karen Kelly explains how the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is putting kids in touch with their emotions in the new exhibition, “Emotions at Play with Pixar’s ‘Inside Out.’”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Douglas A. Blackmon discusses his new documentary “The Harvest.” In the film, he looks back at how school integration transformed his hometown of Leland, Mississippi. Plus, we spotlight local artist OSKIADE Jaleel in our series “Speaking of Art.” Also, the “City Lights” team gathers to talk about holiday concerts happening in the month of December.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alliance Theatre co-artistic director Christopher Moses and High Museum director of education Andrew Westover discuss their collaboration for the High Museum exhibit “Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature” and the Alliance Theatre’s “Into the Burrow: A Peter Rabbit Tale.” Plus, we visit with Liz Roberts, the loyal shopper-turned-owner of Indie Craft Experience and hear about their upcoming Holiday Shopping Spectacular.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta radio legend Ryan Cameron stops by to discuss his new podcast series “Amplify Color.” Plus, we hear about the world’s largest known classic car junkyard located just an hour north of Atlanta, and artists Jean T. Guay and Joseph Guay detail Jean’s first solo exhibition, “Timelapse,” on view through January 7 at the Grant & Little Gallery in Grant Park.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gerontologist and author Dr. Eilon Caspi discusses his new children's book, "What I've Learned About Grandma's Memory." Plus, Ben Trickey takes the stage in our series, "Speaking of Music," and Tracie Revis of the Muskogee Creek Nation details some of Georgia's Indigenous landmarks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tattoo artist and business owner Miya Bailey discusses the “November Nights” group exhibition at Hidden Gallery in Castleberry Hill. Plus, Jewel Wicker, host of the WABE podcast “The Boom,” discusses the tentative agreement to end the SAG-AFTRA strike and what comes next for the Atlanta industry. Then, Eddie Coleman takes the stage in our series, “Speaking of Comedy,” and we hear about WABE TV’s Thanksgiving Day SOUNDS LIKE ATL concert film featuring the world-renowned Spelman College Glee Club.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We listen back to “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes speak with comedian and Dope Queen Phoebe Robinson about her book “Everything’s Trash, But That’s Okay.” Plus, comedian Dan Soder is performing at the Buckhead Theatre on Dec. 9. We revisit Reitzes’ conversation with him when he was in town in 2019. And Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, former president of Spelman College, discusses her biography of the artist Romare Bearden, “An American Odyssey: The Life and Work of Romare Bearden.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta media maven Mara Davis stops by with everything you want to know about Friendsgiving. Plus, artist Pilar discusses the new exhibition “Hyperobjects,” André 3000 talks to NPR’s Rodney Carmichael about his new album, and artist Steve Allan takes the spotlight in our series, “Speaking of Art.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Baking artist Robert Lucas, also known as “The Sweet Impact,” details his time as a coach on the Netflix series, “The Big Nailed It Baking Challenge.” Plus, Eric Toledo of Quiet Hounds takes the stage in our series, Speaking of Music,” and we hear from Atlanta drag superstar EllaSauras Rex ahead of the premiere of her new one-woman show, “Leaving Ellanta.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bobbi Hohmann, Fernbank's VP of Programming & Collections, details their newest exhibition, "Vikings: Warriors of the Sea." Plus, we hear about the new documentary from the AJC, "The South Got Something to Say," and Beate Sass and Moira Bucciarelli discuss their documentation of the history of the United Methodist Children's Home, currently on view at the Dekalb History Center.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Composers Alicia Svigals and Donald Sosin discuss their new original score to the silent film, “The City Without Jews.” Plus, artist and muralist George F. Baker III, A.K.A. GFB3, details his debut solo exhibition, “Little Reminders,” and we hear about the upcoming Atlanta premiere of “How to Ruin the Holidays.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artist and activist Charmaine Minnifield discusses “Praise House Project,” currently open to the public at the Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory. Plus, we learn about the Hindu holiday of Diwali and hear about this weekend’s Flamenco Festival. Also, Ariana Francesca takes the spotlight in our series, “Speaking of Poetry,” and H Johnson stops by for the newest edition of H Johnson’s Jazz Moment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MacArthur Fellow and Sphinx Organization founder Aaron P. Dworkin discusses his new spoken word album “The Poetjournalist.” Plus, we hear about the recent organ restoration at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church and an upcoming free concert by organist Maestro Hector Olivera, and the organization formally known as “Atlanta Celebrates Photography” is now the “Atlanta Center for Photography,” and we learn what this change means from the new executive director, Lindsey O’Connor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auburn Avenue Research Library administrator Victor Simmons and music and pop culture archivist Brittany Newberry detail Georgia State’s Hip-Hop archives. Plus, Adam Klein takes the spotlight in our series, “Speaking of Music,” and Atlanta Contemporary Executive Director and curator Veronica L. Hogan and Atlanta-based artist and curator Y. Malik Jalal discuss 50 years of Atlanta Contemporary. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel guru Rick Steves joins us for ‘ATL Up and Away’ and discusses using credit cards overseas, early bird specials, and November travel. Plus, eyedrum board chair Will Lawless, musician Bill Taft, and fire artist Charlie “Blackcat” Smith tell us about eyedrum’s upcoming 25th birthday celebration, and Ryan Walks, Talent Development Program manager at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and tubist Joshua Williams detail the TDP and detail their upcoming concert, “Talent Development Program Musicale: An Alumni Celebration” on November 18.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beverly Lee, founding member of The Shirelles, discusses the new book, “BUT WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW? An Oral History of the ‘60s Girl Groups.” Plus, Alex Spitzer takes the spotlight in our series, “Speaking of Dance,” and Atlanta Opera’s artistic director Tomer Zvulun details their production of Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” on stage at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre November 4 through 12.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jazz pianist Joe Alterman discusses his new tribute album to Les McCann and shares some valuable life from his best friend and mentor. Plus, we learn how NaNoWriMo encourages writers, why comedian Holden Schneider is comfortable saying anything on stage, and then event organizer Haya Baumstark-Ullom and harm reduction nurse Andy Gish detail the upcoming benefit concert for Georgia Overdose Prevention featuring a reunion performance from “The Judies.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor, author, and producer Henry Winkler joins us with stories from his new book, "Being Henry: The Fonz...and Beyond." Winkler will be in Atlanta on November 5 as part of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta Book Festival. Plus, artist Antonio Scott Nichols discusses "The Wayward Passage," on view at UTA Artist Space, and we hear about GSU Opera Theater's presentation of Buoso's Nightmare & Redemption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian, writer, director, and actor Bill Burr stops by ahead of his upcoming performance at State Farm Arena. Plus, photographer Richard Frishman and curator Louise Shaw discuss “Ghosts of Segregation: Photographs by Richard Frishman,” on view at the CDC Museum through next May.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“City Lights” celebrates Halloween with some real-life accounts of Atlanta Hauntings. Plus, we have a report on the upcoming ATL Jam, a visit with Mama Koku, and Curators Dr. Andi McKenzie and Pilar Tompkins Rivas share details on the exhibition, “You Belong Here: Place, People and Purpose in Latinx Photography.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.