For this episode Jessy Diaz returns to Spark! Join us as she catches us up on her career since her last episode as well as her upcoming Latin Jazz concert on Sept 14th!

Jessy Díaz is a highly motivated and energetic musician (singer, percussionist, musicologist, and teacher) with international exposure. Originally from Cuba, as a performer she focuses on the Latin jazz, cha-cha-cha, danzón, son, mambo, and bolero genres. Not only is she an excellent singer, she is also competent in playing a wide range of musical instruments. As a multi-instrumentalist artist and music teaching professional, she endeavors to give her all in each single performance and project and is fully committed to providing a solid education and instilling music appreciation in all her students. A well-rounded music professional, in addition to performing live on stage, working on several studio recording projects, and being a dynamic and energetic teacher, she is also a sought-after Cuban and Afro-Cuban music lecturer.Click the link below to RSVP for your free tickets!!

Latin Jazz ft. Jessy Díaz Tickets, Sat, Sep 14, 2024 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite

Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Loren Bray, Marketing and Admin Specialist

This week we sit down with Pamela D Stegall, founder and Executive Director of the Pamela D Franklin Cultural Center.

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from South Fulton Arts.

Today, we’re speaking with Stephanie Owens, Executive Director of NBAF!

As the Executive Director since 2019, Stephanie has led the organization in cultivating vibrant community-oriented programming. Before her role at NBAF, Stephanie served as the Executive Director of the P&J Foundation in Vallejo, CA, where she focused on empowering middle and high school students through education and mentorship programs. Beyond her professional endeavors, Stephanie has been actively involved in community initiatives, co-founding Anchor of Hope Ministry and serving as a Career Pathway Trust Consultant at Solano Community College.

Welcome back to Spark, a podcast from South Fulton Arts! --

Today, we’re speaking with Dr. Sylvia Carter, Founder and CEO of the Crossfire Movement and one of our 2024 Partners! 

After 30 years of being an educator, Dr. Sylvia Carter knew that a global non-profit organization that brings people together to positively impact the lives of impoverished women and children through education, mentorship and inspiring them to achieve their highest potential would be the game-changer. She believes in every community there is untapped potential that can make a community a better place. Whether it is leading a team on the mission fields of Kenya, teaching at-promise children, or breathing life into a woman's business, Dr. Carter works tirelessly to stand in the gap for those with limited access or society has forgotten.

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Hosted by Jennifer Bauer-Lyons

Produced by Aaron Rib

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Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from South Fulton Arts.

We have an extra special episode for you all, as we flip the roles and invite our own South Fulton Arts Executive Director Jennifer Bauer-Lyons to speak about directing our upcoming play reading, Tiny Beautiful Things!

With a diverse background in the arts and administration, Jennifer has directed over 80 plays and musicals nationwide, led organizations like GA Shakespeare and Horizon Theatre Company, and consulted for numerous non-profits. She holds an MFA in Theatre Directing and is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. Committed to community service, she volunteers with organizations like Catholic Charities of Atlanta and the Junior League of Atlanta, while also being actively involved in music, faith, and Greek life. 

Get your tickets to Tiny Beautiful Things by clicking any of the links below: 

May 10  @ East Point City Hall          

May 11 @  ArtsXChange    

May 17  @ Academy Theatre

May 18 @ Onward Theatre 

Hosted by Solana Ramírez-García

Welcome back to Spark, a podcast from South Fulton Arts! -- Today, we’re welcoming back to SPARK SFA friend and collaborator Clifton Guterman!

Originally from Iron City, Georgia, Clifton Guterman is an Atlanta casting director, acting coach, and director. Founder of Thrive Acting Hive and Clifton Guterman Casting, he formerly served as the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre's Artistic Assistant, as Casting Director and National New Play Network Producer in Residence at Actor's Express, and as Associate Artistic Director and Casting Director for eight seasons at Atlanta's Theatrical Outfit. Clifton has directed in Atlanta with Alliance Theatre, The Atlanta Opera, Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, and Theatrical Outfit. He has cast over 150 productions locally for companies such as Actor's Express, Agnes Scott College, Horizon Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, and True Colors Theatre Company. As an actor, Clifton has appeared on multiple Atlanta stages, Off-Broadway, and many top regional theatres across the U.S. He has appeared in several Atlanta-filmed movies, TV shows and commercials. Clifton holds a BA in Drama from the University of Georgia and an MFA in Performing Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design. He, his husband, and their son live in Cabbagetown, Atlanta.

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Hosted by Jennifer Bauer-Lyons

Produced by Aaron Rib

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/south-fulton-instit/support

Welcome back to Spark, a podcast from South Fulton Arts!

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Today, we have the pleasure of talking with an esteemed partner for the 2024 Create Program: multifaceted artist and community changemaker Immanuel Laidlaw. 

As a Jamaican American first-generation graduate of Morehouse, Immanuel has always held a profound commitment to narrative change and community empowerment. Overcoming homelessness, his resilience propelled him to establish a creative studio and launch a non-profit organization focused on the transformative power of art and storytelling.

Today, his documentary film Symmetry, in partnership with South Fulton Arts is fully in the works and will premiere later this year.

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Hosted by Jennifer Bauer-Lyons

Produced by Aaron Rib

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/south-fulton-instit/support

Welcome back to Spark! A podcast from South Fulton Arts

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Today, we're excited to chat with Atlanta actor, Brian Ashton Smith.

Brian is a multifaceted talent whose extensive career spans genres and media. His many credits in telveision and film include Cobra Kai, The Ms. Pat Show, Dolly Parton's Heartstrings, and The Evil Inside Her in which he starred opposite his wife Melissa and Oscar nominee Eric Roberts. Brian is a member of the Sketch Comedy groups Black AF and Critical Crop Top. He'll be performing in the role of Jackson Moore in our production of Smart People, which runs March 15th through the 23rd.

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Hosted by Jennifer Bauer-Lyons

Produced by Aaron Rib

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/south-fulton-instit/support

Welcome back to Spark! A podcast from South Fulton Arts

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Today, we have the honor of speaking with Atlanta Filmmaker, Writer, and Director: Ebony Blanding. 

As the co-founder of the art film house, House of June, Ebony has not only presented her films at esteemed educational institutions like Spelman College, Emory University, and John H. Hopkins University but has also left an indelible mark on prestigious film festivals including SXSW, Capetown International Film Festival, and the Atlanta Film Society.

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Hosted by, Jennifer Bauer-Lyons

Produced by, Solana Ramírez-García