City Lights with Lois Reitzes

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 Smith joins us to celebrate 50 years of the ASO on WABE, and artistic director Tomer Zvulun details the Atlanta Opera’s plans to transform the historic Bobby Jones Clubhouse into a home for opera and the performing arts. Did you know that both "City Lights" and "Closer Look" are turning 10 this month? It's true, and we'll be celebrating with a special anniversary show. We'd like to include your voice in the show, so please leave us a message at 678-686-0354 and let us know what "City Lights" means to you. And don't forget to tune in on January 13 for a combined special with Closer Look from Noon-2 pm, on WABE 90.1 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Underground pairs a listening room and art gallery with a couple dozen really cool cats. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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-nominated actor and comedian Matt Walsh discusses his upcoming improv show at Aurora Theater. Did you know that both "City Lights" and "Closer Look" are turning 10 this month? It's true, and we'll be celebrating with a special anniversary show. We'd like to include your voice in the show, so please leave us a message at 678-686-0354 and let us know what "City Lights" means to you. And don't forget to tune in on January 13 for a combined special with Closer Look from Noon-2 pm, on WABE 90.1 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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-proof and N/A options for your home bar and local tavern. --- Did you know that both "City Lights" and "Closer Look" are turning 10 in January? It's true, and we'll be celebrating with a special anniversary show on January 13. We'd like to include your voice in the show, so please leave us a message at 678-686-0354 and let us know what "City Lights" means to you. And don't forget to tune in on January 13 for a combined special with Closer Look from Noon-2 pm, right here on WABE 90.1 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Grace Kisa, Corrina Sephora, and Sabre Esler discuss their new exhibition at Gallery 72 titled “Beyond the Cosmos.” We also listen back to curator Kimberli Gant discussing the High’s exhibition, “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys.” Did you know that both "City Lights" and "Closer Look" are turning 10 in January? It's true, and we'll be celebrating with a special anniversary show on January 13. We'd like to include your voice in the show, so please leave us a message at 678-686-0354 and let us know what "City Lights" means to you. And don't forget to tune in on January 13 for a combined special with Closer Look from Noon-2 pm, right here on WABE 90.1 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 his extensive list of achievements. “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes spoke with Carter in 1995 about his first poetry collection “Always a Reckoning.” Plus, we listen back to Lois’ conversation with the filmmakers behind “Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President.” And we revisit the documentary “Carterland.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, and we'll be celebrating with a special anniversary show on January 13. We'd like to include your voice in the show, so please leave us a message at 678-686-0354 and let us know what "City Lights" means to you. And don't forget to tune in on January 13 for a combined special with Closer Look from Noon-2 pm, right here on WABE 90.1 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 “Murder on the Polar Express,” a drag holiday comic mystery on stage at Out Front Theatre through December 22. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 due to mental health, relationships, career choices, or parenthood. The story is told by seven Black millennial women from Atlanta, including herself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 currently on view at Fernbank Museum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Plaza Theatre on December 15. Frontman Mike Mantione and filmmaker Marc Pilvinsky discuss “Weirdo: The Story of Five Eight” with “City Lights” managing producer Kim Drobes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 focused on using art to enhance STEM education. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/listener for privacy information.

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 some of the many upcoming Atlanta holiday concerts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 information.

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 composers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.