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 Y...

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...

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,...

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...

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.