Director Mark Valdez discusses the Alliance Theatre’s world premiere stage adaptation of the Newbery Award-winning picture book “Doctor De Soto.” Plus, H Johnson stops by for “H Johnson’s Jazz Moment,” artists Savonna Nicole Atkins and Rachel Gant detail their new exhibition, “Through Windows and Across Parks,” and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra princi…

Mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton joins ‘City Lights’ ahead of her upcoming performance at Spivey Hall on January 19. Plus, Choreographer Frankie Mulinix discusses the art of Butoh dance, Dr. Scott Stewart joins us for our series, Music in Media, and gallerist Shawn Vinson details the joint grand openings of The Sun ATL and One Contemporary Gallery. See o…

Atlanta actor and artist Danielle Deadwyler discusses her new film “The Piano Lesson,” which is streaming now on Netflix. MJQ co-owners Murphy and Ryan Purcell discuss the iconic club’s last days on Ponce de Leon Avenue and its upcoming grand opening in Underground Atlanta. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

In a special live show, Lois Reitzes and Rose Scott reflect on 10 years of City Lights and Closer Look. On January 12, 2015, both shows launched as a part of WABE’s format shift to news and talk radio. The hosts share stories from the first decade on air and how they continue to amplify Atlanta. Guests include longtime contributors and friends of b…

In the second hour of our 10th Anniversary Special, Lois Reitzes and Rose Scott revisit memorable interviews and stories from the last decade, including conversations with actor Colman Domingo, civil rights icon Xernona Clayton, choreographer Hope Boykin, REM frontman Michael Stipe, as well as Closer Look’s investigative series on Atlanta traffic a…

Atlanta History Center director of community collaborations, Dr. La’Neice Littleton, and Judge Brenda Cole discuss the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at Atlanta History Center on January 18. They’ll participate in a panel discussion on women in the Civil Rights era. Plus, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s principal flutist Christina Smi…

Former U.S. poet laureate Rita Dove discusses her upcoming performance of “The Bridgetower,” her poem to be recited in concert with the Emory Chamber Music Society on January 17 at the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts. Plus, we hear about Iggy Pop’s “The Passenger” on “Kosmo’s Vinyl of the Week,” and we’ll learn how “The Frisky Whisker” in Under…

Travel expert and PBS host Rick Steves joins us for the latest edition of "ATL Up and Away." This month, he explains how research can help make your trip more rewarding. Plus, artist Honey Pierre updates us on the effects of Mint Gallery's sudden closure this past summer. Antoine Gibson takes the spotlight for "Speaking of Music," and Emmy-nominate…

Emory University film experts Matthew Bernstein and Eddy Von Mueller discuss the centennial anniversary of Columbia Pictures. Plus, Pauline Johnson takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Comedy,” and Rough Draft Atlanta’s Beth McKibben joins us for the latest installment of “The Beverage Beat.” This month, she explores Atlanta’s many zero…

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra executive director Jennifer Barlament joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to discuss the annual Martin Luther King Celebration Concert, which will be broadcast on WABE on January 20 at 8 p.m. The ASO and Ebenezer Baptist Church, along with special guests, partnered to present this beloved concert. Plus, Atlanta artists…

Former President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100. He was a Nobel Peace Prize winner, Georgia governor, humanitarian, and devoted family person. In 1982, he founded The Carter Center with his beloved wife, Rosalynn, and through that organization they have provided humanitarian aid across the globe. Carter was also a poet in addition to hi…

Curator Rafael Gomes details the SCAD FASH exhibition "Imane Ayissi: From Africa to the World," which is on view through February 23. Plus, "Jimmy Carter: Rivers and Dreams" co-author Jim Barger Jr. discusses President Jimmy Carter's love of fly fishing. Did you know that both "City Lights" and "Closer Look" are turning 10 in January? It's true, an…

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 …

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 …

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…

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 P…

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 foc…

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/listen…

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 s…

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 informati…

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 composer…

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 infor…

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.” …

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 priva…

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.Av WABE

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.c…

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 Bec…

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…

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.Av WABE

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 omnys…

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.Av WABE

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,” wh…

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…

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 ar…

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.Av WABE

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/lis…

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 Jan…

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 omnystu…

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 vibran…

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 …

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 Ch…

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 histo…

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, th…

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.…