The City Lights Collective

✦ Creative digital technologies have no doubt expanded the art of animation for filmmakers, yet there's still nothing like the wow-factor of a fully handmade film. Director, writer, and animator Sebastian Soler crafted, placed, and shot every frame of his new Action-Thriller "Spanish Moss," a traditional stop-motion work he emphatically calls a "labor of love." The edge-of-your-seat adventure is filled with danger, romance, humor, thrills, and, of course, Legos. "Spanish Moss" screens followed by a Q&A with the creatives at the Tara Theatre on August 29th, and the filmmaker recently joined City Lights Collective co-host Kim Drobes to explain how 29 thousand handcrafted frames became a feature-length film.

✦ Today on "In Their Own Words," we highlight blues guitarist Buddy Red. This is where they tell us who they are, what they do, what they love, and a few things you might not see coming. What things? Who knows, there's only one way to find out.

✦ The Center for Puppetry Arts is launching a new beta program this fall to bring puppets into Atlanta-area classrooms. WABE arts reporter Summer Evans shares more.

✦ When you think of movie censorship, you might picture blacked-out scenes, controversial ratings, or headlines from the 1980s. But what if I told you that the roots of film censorship in America go back over a century—and that Atlanta played a starring role? We're diving into the world of film censorship- starting in 1897, Maine, and winding to 1960s Atlanta. We'll meet the people who shaped what Atlantans could and couldn't see on screen and uncover the strange, often absurd criteria that determined what was safe for public eyes. City Lights Collective member Victoria Lemos has more on this bit of Atlanta history.

✦ You know as well as I do that there is always a plethora of things to do in Atlanta, and we have earned the title of "The Cultural Capital of the South." Mike Jordan, senior editor at the AJC, and Sammie Purcell, associate editor at Rough Draft Atlanta, know this well, too. They join us weekly to share a few of their picks for your weekend entertainment. Today, their mix includes a gem show, a reminder to see Ain't No Mo, and the Atlanta Alt rock fest.

✦ Hip Hop is a male-dominated genre and industry. For a woman to make a name for herself and carve out a slice of the rap pie is no small feat. From Sha-Rock, The Sequence, Roxanne Shante, MC Lyte, Salt N Pepa, and Queen Latifah up to Megan Thee Stallion and Doechii, it's been quite the climb. Vocalist, M.C., Producer, mother, wife, and Lawyer, Stacy Epps has a name that has echoed through the halls of hip hop for more than two decades. She's shared the stage and booth with legends and has become a legend herself. Ahead of her new album, “FlowHeart,” which will be released tomorrow, August 22nd, she sat down with City Lights Collective Co-Host Jon Goode to discuss music, life, and her winding journey through both.

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✦ Break out your Flux Capacitor because when this show hits 88 miles per hour, you're going to see some serious…. stuff.  That's right, “Back to the Future, The Musical” is coming to the Fox Theater this September.  Bob Gale, co-writer of the original movies who helped bring to life Marty McFly and Doc Brown, has adapted the story for the stage, giving these beloved characters a whole new dimension.  City Lights Collective producer Josh Thane sat down with Gale, along with Atlanta native and cast member Cartreze Tucker, to talk about translating this cinematic classic into live theater magic.

✦ Quilting has a long, rich history that crosses many different cultures and eras. For African Americans, creating quilts served not only as a means of survival and communication but also as a tool to share stories and showcase their artistry. O.V. Brantly created the Atlanta Quilt Festival 17 years ago to preserve and promote African American quilting and textile art. The juried exhibition has grown to over 100 quilts on display at the Southwest Arts Center and is on view through September 6. WABE arts reporter Summer Evans went down to check out these vibrant pieces of artwork.

✦ City Lights Collective member Shane Harrison spends his days at ArtsATL looking for cultural events to share with readers. He joins us weekly to share highlights, and today his mix includes The Weeknd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, A Strange Loop at Actor's Express, and two shows that highlight the silver screen at The Booth Western Art Museum.

✦ Visual artist and music enthusiast Kosmo Vinyl bought his first LP when he was nine. He spent the next several decades immersed in music and began his professional career at London's pioneering indie label, "Stiff Records." In 1979, Kosmo started working exclusively with "The Clash," who were once billed as The Only Band That Matters, and stayed by their side until the punk icons disbanded in 1986. Over the years, Kosmo's record collection became legendary. In 2014, he began posting about his favorite releases on social media for his series, "Kosmo's Vinyl of the Week," and he joins us weekly to share the stories behind the records he treasures. This week, he shares the story behind "Roadrunner" from The Modern Lovers.

✦ Known for his vibrant, retro-inspired illustrations, Atlanta-based artist Derek Yaniger's work is a delightful blend of mid-century modern aesthetics, vintage comic book style, and rock 'n' roll culture. His art often features bold lines, striking colors, and a playful sense of nostalgia, making him a standout in the world of contemporary illustration.

Yaniger's journey has taken him through a variety of creative industries, from ad agencies to Marvel comics to Cartoon Network. He has a special place in his heart for Atlanta's pop culture convention Dragon Con and has collaborated on artwork that combined the ethos of the convention with his signature style. You can see Derek and his art next week in the Comic and Pop Artist Alley at Dragon Con, and he recently joined City Lights Collective Co-host Kim Drobes to discuss his artistic process, influences, and his attachment to our city's longest-running fan-based convention.

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✦ Atlanta has increasingly become known for film production. Its ever-growing footprint is undeniable. Also undeniable is the growth of events, occasions, and festivals that celebrate and elevate Atlanta's films and filmmakers. One such event is the BronzeLens Film Festival, which is happening at Tara Cinema, August 20 through the 24th. BronzeLens turns sixteen this year, and it is clearly in the driver's seat. City Lights Collective co-host Jon Goode sat down with the festival's executive producer Kathleen Bertrand to discuss the festival's past, present, and future.

✦ The Aabaha Arts and Theater Festival aims to spotlight the rich culture and history of Indian Theater while showcasing a variety of artistic expressions. City Lights Collective producer Josh Thane has more on this eclectic gathering.

✦ Known for their infectious melodies, sharp lyrics, and electrifying live shows, New Zealand's "The Beths" have carved out a global following with their unique blend of power-pop and indie rock. At the heart of the band is lead singer and guitarist Elizabeth Stokes, a former jazz student whose songwriting has helped define the band's unmistakable sound. Their newest album, 'Straight Line Was a Lie,' comes out on August 29, and the band will return to Atlanta for a show at Variety Playhouse at the end of October. Ahead of the show, we listen back to our 2022 conversation with Stokes when the Beths were touring for the album, "Expert in a Dying Field."

✦ Atlanta has long been overlooked and underappreciated as a culinary destination in the U.S. But the "South has something to say, "and it's not just that we have amazing fried chicken and barbecue. Our diverse culinary options got the attention of the popular food magazine, Bon Appétit. And this month, they released an entire article titled "How to Eat Atlanta." WABE arts reporter Summer Evans spoke with Pervaiz Shallwani, the writer of the article and editor at Bon Appétit, about his restaurant choices.

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✦ At one point, it seemed like music fell into clear boxes. Hip Hop, R&B, Rock, Soul, Gospel, Heavy Metal, and so on and so on. As time moves forward, however, so many young artists grab their influences from such disparate and diverse places that the lines either blur or the boxes disappear completely. Take Atlanta artist Teddy Oso. Is his music hip hop, or is it R&B, or is it Soul? The answer is yes. City Lights Collective Co-Host Jon Goode caught up with Teddy Oso to discuss his career and his new album Once Upon a Time in Phoenix.

✦ City Lights Collective members Jasmine Hentschel and EC Flamming, the creatives behind Atlanta's visual art print magazine, "GULCH", want you to get out and engage with the city's art scene. Each week, they spotlight five standout happenings, and today, they'll talk about: winding down summertime at the mystical South River Art Studios, building giant piñata sculptures for Living Walls's quinceañero celebration, and congratulating Atlanta Printmaker's Studio on an impressive 20 years in operation.

✦ Peter Essick is no stranger to capturing the world around him. Outdoor Photography magazine named Essick one of the 40 most influential nature photographers. For over twenty-five years, he was a frequent contributor to National Geographic Magazine. And now, he's documenting the ever-evolving city around him: Atlanta. In Essick's book "Work in Progress," he photographs construction sites from his drone—examining the various textures, colors, and environmental impact of development.  When WABE arts reporter Summer Evans spoke with Essick, he began by discussing his inspiration for the book. 

✦ Alicia Bognanno is the frontwoman of the Nashville-based rock band Bully. Known for her searing vocals and razor-sharp songwriting, Bognanno channels a mix of vulnerability and defiance into music that resonates with fans of punk and grunge alike. Bully plays the EARL this Wednesday, August 20, and when Bognanno joined City Lights Collective member Jacob Smulian, she explained how her relationship with her audience has changed over the years.

✦ The Mosaic Quartet, an all-women of color classical music ensemble, performs a free outdoor concert on September 13. WABE arts reporter Summer Evans has more.

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✦ Brunching in Atlanta is practically a sport, and many of us don't know how to play. There are strategies involved—arrive early to beat the rush of a crowd, or maybe you're a diner that prefers to make reservations. Regardless, you'll need good stamina to make it through bottomless mimosas and rich portions of pancakes and bacon. BUT in this economy, who has the money to drop $80 to $100 on breakfast food and drinks every weekend? In our new mini-series, "Brunchin' on a Budget," we look at several delicious AND affordable brunch spots in Atlanta. On today's installment WABE Arts Reporter Summer Evans heads to Castleberry Hill to visit No Mas Cantina.

✦ The Little 5 Points Alliance hosts its annual People Make the Place event on Sunday, and this year, awards will be presented to community members who focus on elevating the arts in the area. City Lights Collective Co-host Kim Drobes has more.

✦ A star is on the rise with the new music act "Star Forest." It's a colorful squad of animated creatures who deliver good vibes and positivity through the expansive Star Forest media ecosystem of music videos, catchy tracks, interactive experiences, and even a podcast. Some say it's like "Gorillaz" for kids – one thing's for sure, it's ambitious, joyful, inclusive, and downright psychedelic. "Star Forest" is launching its debut live event, "Cosmic Campfire," at Sandy Springs Cinema on August 16th, and the creator of the "Star Forest," Genevieve LeDoux, recently spoke with City Lights Collective producer Josh Thane to learn more.

✦ You know as well as we do that there is always a plethora of things to do in Atlanta, and we have earned the title of "The Cultural Capital of the South." Mike Jordan, senior editor at the AJC, and Sammie Purcell, associate editor at Rough Draft Atlanta, know this well too. They join us weekly to share a few of their picks for your weekend entertainment. Today, their mix includes a vintage expo, a brewery anniversary party, and a bioluminescent event at the Georgia Aquarium.

✦ Atlanta is a place of remarkable history, and the new audio-intensive project "Tales of Downtown Atlanta" shares that history alongside some creative storytelling. Part podcast, art exhibit, and old-school mix tape, "Tales of Downtown Atlanta" aims to become an audiovisual anthology of Atlanta. The project features short stories written, voiced, and visually amplified by notable Atlantans who offer a spirited tour of our historic downtown locations. Sundiata Rush, the creative behind "Tales of Downtown Atlanta," recently joined City Lights Collective co-host Kim Drobes to elaborate on his vision of stirring civic engagement and introducing the world to Atlanta's soul.

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✦ Once a month in Grant Park, there is a night of music where community appears, and genres disappear. A night where no one, not even the musicians, knows what's going to be played. Collaboration and discovery are the name of the game when The Biological Misfits are on the bandstand. The Biological Misfits were put together by Craig M Garrett and featured the late great Malcolm Jamal Warner on bass. City Lights Collective Co-Host Jon Goode sat down with Craig to discuss music, community, and, of course, Malcolm.

✦ After raising 27 million dollars, Fernbank Museum of Natural History is set to embark on a two-year transformation, the biggest since it opened over 30 years ago. WABE arts reporter Summer Evans has the story.

✦ What do you dream of when you dream? That line comes up multiple times in Atlanta-based author Van Jensen's novel, "Godfall." And the answer, well, if you're Jensen, you dream of a unique story premise so compelling that it will start a bidding war for the TV rights. “Godfall” follows the story of David Blunt, the sheriff of a small Nebraska town during the time leading up to, and following, what should have been an extinction event – a miles-long object falling from space destined to crash into the Earth. That idea alone doesn't seem so unusual. However, when you discover what the gigantic object from outer space IS, then the book orbits into a world of its own. When City Lights Collective co-host Kim Drobes spoke with Jensen, the author explained how the idea for the novel originated.

✦ City Lights Collective member Shane Harrison spends his days at Arts ATL looking for cultural events to share with readers. He joins us weekly to share highlights, and today his mix includes surreal shadow puppetry and the Center for Puppetry Arts, Jimmie Vaughan of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and some Canadian Comedy at Atlanta Symphony Hall.

✦ Visual artist and music enthusiast Kosmo Vinyl bought his first LP when he was nine. He spent the next several decades immersed in music and began his professional career at London's pioneering indie label, "Stiff Records." In 1979, Kosmo started working exclusively with "The Clash" and stayed by their side until the punk icons disbanded in 1986. Over the years, Kosmo's record collection became legendary. In 2014, he began posting about his favorite releases on social media for his series, "Kosmo's Vinyl of the Week," and he joins us weekly to share the stories behind the records he treasures. This week, he tells us the story behind The Elgins' "Put Yourself in My Place."

✦ If you're looking for a close-to-home adventure, you might consider the North Georgia Mountains. Karen Warren is a long-time journalist and resident of the area, and her book, "100 Things to Do in the North Georgia Mountains Before You Die," outlines places to visit, restaurants to try, and day trips to take. When WABE arts reporter Summer Evans spoke with the author, Warren explained the inspiration behind the book.

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✦ We live in a time where women's rights, visibility, and autonomy are under assault and being eroded daily. Writer Trenton Judson has decided to write a film that challenges and flies in the face of these attacks. Enter, Bad... well, the second word also starts with a B and rhymes with Mitch. So, for the sake of FCC-monitored radio, let's call the film BB. Enter BB, an independent vigilante film with a strong female lead that looks to challenge stereotypes, perceptions, and even your definition of the second B.

✦ "In Their Own Words" is our segment where creatives tell us who they are, what they do, what they love, and a few things you might not see coming. What things? Who knows, there's only one way to find out. Today, poet Deanna Repose Oaks takes the spotlight.

✦ LA star power thrives in Atlanta, as actor Kat Graham can attest. An Atlanta transplant since 2017, Kat starred in TV's megahit series "The Vampire Diaries" throughout its 8 seasons: she's also a dancer, author, musician, and recording artist with four studio albums. Now, the multi-talented performer stars in - and executive produces - the new Lifetime original movie "If I Run." It's based on a novel by Terri Blackstock about a suspenseful murder mystery with Graham's character falsely accused, on the run, and surviving on faith. WABE arts reporter Summer Evans spoke with Graham about this new film.

✦ This Saturday, August 16, the Star Bar in Little Five Points is hosting a benefit for Upbeat, an Atlanta nonprofit that helps musicians in need. City Lights Collective co-host Kim Drobes has more.

✦ There's been a lot of chatter lately about proposed budget cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, but what is the actual impact of these cuts on working artists, arts institutions, and the communities they serve? Who are the human beings whose livelihoods are at risk? City Lights Collective member Kelundra Smith recently spoke with Heather Infantry, CEO of The Giving Gap, to find out.

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✦ Have you ever watched Ferris Bueller's Day Off or The Wizard of Oz and thought, "Where are all the Black characters?" Dad's Garage is answering that burning question in their show "Blackground," which is on stage through September 27. WABE arts reporter Summer Evans sat down with Jon Carr, the artistic director of Dad's Garage and one of the show's participants to learn more.

✦ City Lights Collective members Jasmine Hentschel and EC Flamming, the creatives behind Atlanta's visual art print magazine, "GULCH", want you to get out and engage with the city's art scene. Each week, they spotlight five standout happenings, and today their mix includes: SCAD in 4D with Atlanta Photography Group, Trees Atlanta, and Lost in the Letters collaborating to bring us stories of Atlanta's canopy, and a global group show at ABV's headquarters in East Atlanta.

✦ WABE's Sounds Like ATL documentary series explores the vibrant Atlanta music scene. Each week, it either introduces or reintroduces you to a local artist, sharing their creative process and a few live performances. You can watch, dance, and sing along to new episodes every Wednesday on the YouTube channel, @WABE ATL. Here's a preview featuring Rex Evans.

✦ Originating over 50 years ago in Mexico City, Circus Vazquez has presented death-defying acts and mesmerizing entertainment since 1969. Their all-human cast of performers has come together from locations around the globe, including Italy, Africa, and even Ukraine. The Circus is returning to Atlanta on August 22, and they'll be pitching their tent at Plaza Fiesta on Buford Highway through August 24. When City Lights Collective co-host Kim Drobes caught up with ringmaster and performer Yan Vazquez, and aerialist Valeria Koshova, Yan began by explaining why his grandfather originated the Circus over 5 decades ago.

✦ When you think of iconic Georgia foods, pecan pie, peach cobbler, or boiled peanuts might come to mind. But a deeper dive into the state's culinary history reveals a much richer—and sometimes surprising—story. Taste the State Georgia: Distinctive Foods and Stories from Where Eating Local Began.   offers just that. Co-authors Dr. David Shields and Chef Kevin Mitchell take readers on a delicious trip through the state's food history—one recipe, one story at a time. City Lights Collective producer Josh Thane spoke with the duo about the dishes that define Georgia and the deeper stories they tell.

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✦ Grease is the word, and it's also the film we're screening for our next City Lights Cinema event. Join us at the Plaza Theater next Saturday, August 16, at 4 pm for a movie plus shenanigans. We'll have a couple of competitions ahead of the screening – one for the hand jive - the ridiculous patty-cake type routine that the entire graduating class at Rydell High does during the school dance, and we'll also be hosting a costume contest! So, throw on your favorite dancing shoes, leather jackets, and blue jeans and meet us at the Plaza Theater on August 16. Get your tickets now at WABE dot org slash events.

✦ Atlanta Influences Everything, as espoused by Tory, Ian, and Bem, speaks to the fact that what is local in Atlanta is national and even international. This is evident in the work of Korean American filmmaker Crystal Jin Kim. Her latest short film, Threadbeat Dad, was shot in Atlanta but is poised to reach the world. Kim joins City Lights Co-host Jon Goode, from her filmmaking residency in Jeju, South Korea, to discuss the film and her journey as a filmmaker.

✦ Brunching in Atlanta is practically a sport. There are strategies involved—arrive early to beat the rush of a crowd, or maybe you're a diner that prefers to make reservations. Regardless, you'll need good stamina to make it through bottomless mimosas and rich portions of pancakes and bacon. BUT in this economy, who has the money to drop $80 to $100 on breakfast food and drinks every weekend? In our new mini-series, Brunchin' on a Budget, we feature several delicious AND affordable brunch spots in Atlanta. On today's premiere installment, WABE Arts Reporter Summer Evans heads to Decatur to visit Pastries A Go Go.

✦ When we think of the European Master of Art, Atlanta might not be the first connection we make, but this story aims to revisit that assumption. Enter Athos Menaboni, an Italian-born artist, who moved to Atlanta in the 1920s. While here, he painted ceilings, murals, and even airplane interiors for Coca-Cola executives. But his most profound passion? Birds. From cardinals to crows, he painted them not just with scientific accuracy but with reverence. It led to him and his wife, Sara to publish Menaboni's Birds, a book now considered a Southern classic. City Lights Collective member Victoria Lemos shares more on this bit of Atlanta history.

✦ Are you a fan of music photography, but craving something more than a casual stroll through an exhibit? How about being surrounded by over 1,200 iconic images of rock legends, projected onto 40-foot-high walls, all synced to a high-octane soundtrack played through a state-of-the-art sound system?  Amplified: The Immersive Rock Experience, now showing at Atlanta's Illuminarium, takes visitors on a full-body journey through the history of rock and roll. Created in partnership with Rolling Stone, the show blends legendary soundscapes with cutting-edge visuals to celebrate the artists and moments that defined generations. City Lights Collective producer Josh Thane sat down with creative director Brad Siegel to learn more about the making of this immersive experience.

✦ In our series, In Their Own Words, we check in with our artistic community. This is where they tell us who they are, what they do, what they love, and a few things you might not see coming. What things? Who knows, there's only one way to find out. Today, we hear from Atlanta actor Christopher McDonald, who recently appeared in Superman.

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✦ In good art, there is often beauty, offense, challenge, common ground, and that special little something that stays with you long after you've experienced it. When City Lights Collective co-host Jon Goode went to The Balzer theater to see the True Colors theater's presentation of "Ain't No Mo," by playwright Jordan E Cooper, he didn't know what he was in for but left knowing he'd just seen some good art.

✦ The 8th annual "Middle Age Cabaret: Cougar Club is a sizzling mix of burlesque, comedy, aerialists, and more. WABE arts reporter Summer Evans takes you to the cabaret.

✦ When thinking of foods that are deeply rooted in the American South, Grits might immediately come to mind. City Lights Collective members and food contributors Akila McConnel and Chef Asata Reid have the story behind the creamy porridge's history, AND how grits became a classic Atlantan dish.

✦ Alex "Cost One" Acosta lives at the intersection of art and community outreach. His non-profit organization, Soul Food Cypher, uses freestyle rap and lyricism as tools for empowerment. By showcasing the positive aspects of rap through cypher events and tournaments, the organization provides lyricists with a nurturing environment where their voice and artistry can grow.

This year marks the 13th anniversary of their first freestyle cypher, and their next event is August 24, at Create ATL in Adair Park. When Soul Food Cypher founder Alex Acosta and Cypher member Rio Nkosi recently spoke with City Lights Collective Co-host Kim Drobes, Acosta painted a picture of a typical Cypher event.

✦ Visual artist and music enthusiast Kosmo Vinyl bought his first LP when he was nine. He spent the next several decades immersed in music and began his professional career at London's pioneering indie label, "Stiff Records." In 1979, Kosmo started working exclusively with "The Clash" and stayed by their side until the punk icons disbanded in 1986.

Over the years, Kosmo's record collection became legendary. In 2014, he began posting about his favorite releases on social media for his series, "Kosmo's Vinyl of the Week," and he joins us weekly to share the stories behind the records he treasures. Today, he tells us the story behind X-Ray Spex's "Germ Free Adolescents."

✦ City Lights Collective member Shane Harrison spends his days at Arts ATL looking for cultural events to share with readers. He joins us weekly to share highlights, and today, his mix includes Monster-rama, The Black Martial Arts Cinema Double Feature at the Plaza, and a flute quartet at the Supermarket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.