✦ 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.

✦ Break out your Flux Capacitor because when this show hits 88 miles per hour, you're going to see some serious&hellip;. stuff.&nbsp; That's right, &ldquo;Back to the Future, The Musical&rdquo; is coming to the Fox Theater this September.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; 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.

Discover the best of Atlanta's arts and culture on The City Lights Collective from WABE. Short stories, rich voices, and innovative ideas, presented by a team of local contributors. From music and theater to spoken word, food, film, and festivals, this is the pulse of Atlanta’s creative world.

Discover the best of Atlanta's arts and culture on The City Lights Collective from WABE. Short stories, rich voices, and innovative ideas, presented by a team of local contributors. From music and theater to spoken word, food, film, and festivals, this is the pulse of Atlanta&rsquo;s creative world.

The City Lights Collective

Discover the best of Atlanta's arts and culture on The City Lights Collective from WABE. Short stories, rich voices, and innovative ideas, presented by a team of local contributors. From music and theater to spoken word, food, film, and festivals, this is the pulse of Atlanta&rsquo;s creative world.