City Lights with Lois Reitzes

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.

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 information.

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

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 privacy information.

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.

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.com/listener for privacy information.

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.