The ATL Arts Collective

Joel Byars, MomoCon 2026 & Atlanta Jazz Fest | The ATL Arts Collective

✦ Joel Byars ✦ Momocon ✦ Atlanta Jazz Festival ✦ Derrick Stroup ✦ Art News ✦ Best Bets ✦   Welcome to The ATL Arts Collective: Weekly Atlanta Arts Scene Roundup   Welcome to The ATL Arts Collective, powered by ArtsATL. This is your new home for stories from the local Atlanta arts and culture scene, with reporting from ArtsATL writers, conversations with local artists, and voices from across our creative community. Each week, Kim Drobes will be joined by a rotating co-host: someone you may already know, or someone you’re about to be very glad you met. And today… Joel Byars! Joel Byars (photo by Joel Byars Connext Media) ✦This Week’s Featured Guest Co-host: Comedian Joel Byars Comedian and podcaster, Joel Byars [https://www.joelbyarscomedy.com/], has been voted Atlanta’s Best Clean Comedian. He’s also the host of the award-winning Hot Breath! Podcast, [https://www.youtube.com/@HotBreathPod/videos] where he’s interviewed over 400 comedians, about their craft. Joel believes comedy is a way to bring people together, and he’s partnered with organizations like the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society to spread joy and laughter to those who need it most. (courtesy of MomoCon) ✦MomoCon 2026: Anime, Gaming, and Animation in Downtown Atlanta Momocon 2026 kicks off tomorrow, bringing together fans of anime, gaming, comics, and animation. The event turns downtown Atlanta into something almost cinematic with the unmistakable energy of people finding joy in the things they love most. Having grown steadily for over 2 decades, the convention attracted almost 60 thousand attendees last year. Arts Reporter Brittany Makins [https://www.artsatl.org/more-than-mere-spectacle-momocon-celebrates-its-21st-anniversary-in-atlanta-launches-collaboration-with-japans-wonder-festival/] has more. Atlanta Jazz Festival (photo by Terence Rushin) ✦ 49th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival at Piedmont Park Memorial Day weekend in Atlanta belongs to Jazz. From May 23 through May 25, Piedmont Park will be the home of the 49th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival [https://atljazzfest.com/]. At the center of it all is Adriane Jefferson, the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. She just celebrated her one-year anniversary in the role, and it’s clear she’s set on not just keeping the lights on, but elevating the entire house. Her first fully curated Jazz Fest lineup includes acts like the Roots and PJ Morton and aims to draw music lovers from across the region to experience the latest and greatest in jazz culture.  Derrick Stroup (Photo by Todd Owyoung NBC) ✦Atlanta Comedy Spotlight: Derrick Stroup Live at Center Stage Atlanta Fresh off his debut Netflix special titled Nostalgic [https://www.netflix.com/title/82084417], comedian Derrick Stroup is quickly becoming a household name on both his own tours and touring sold-out arenas with Nate Bargatze. Born in Alabama, he has southern roots and relatable humor, making him a must-see comedian coming to Atlanta this month. Just one year ago, the comedian was performing in the side room of an Atlanta comedy club, and now he is headlining two shows at Center Stage on May 27th and 28th. The 28th is already sold out, so save your seats for the 27th on Derrick’s website [https://www.derrickstroup.com/] before they’re gone. When I recently talked with Stroup, we began by discussing the last time we’d seen each other.  CTR Culture Studios ✦Local Art News Briefs & Weekly Best Bets ArtsATL senior editor Isadora Pennington keeps her ear to the ground and each month brings us her Arts News Brief [https://www.artsatl.org/news-briefs-ctr-culture-studios-announces-first-tenants-arts-and-wellness-programming-greg-mike-to-lead-art-program-at-medley-gfb-iii-chosen-for-jazz-fest-design-patrick-eugene-included-in-scad-f/]. Today, her stories include the new CTR Culture Studios [https://www.instagram.com/ctrcultureatl/] and GFB3 [https://www.instagram.com/gfb3/] designing the art for this year’s Atlanta Jazz Festival. ✦ ArtsATL’s executive editor Shane Harrison stops by with his picks for this week's Best Bets. This week, his mix includes the return of Hot Jambalaya [https://www.horizontheatre.com/plays/hot-jambalaya/], The American Astronaut [https://www.plazaatlanta.com/movie/plazadrome-the-american-astronaut/]for Plazadrome, and Shakespeare Out of a Hat [https://www.shakespearetavern.com/on-stage/company/shakespeare-out-of-a-hat-the-tempest-one-night-only/].   Special thanks to today’s sponsors: The Atlanta Opera [https://www.atlantaopera.org/production/twilight-of-the-gods-2026/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23806893586&gbraid=0AAAAACfvzP6HB6UtTsn0WWn_er4X5FR5X&gclid=CjwKCAjw5NvPBhAoEiwA_2egfmzSM2Q99JmQEQXMcY2lzKrDN-BnHKLbI1dYB9-NlwP8DYLI2y6hKxoCLHwQAvD_BwE] Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University [https://rialto.gsu.edu/]   Join us on social at @artsatlanta and @atlartscollective. Let's lift the artists shaping Atlanta together. Show up, spread the word, and be part of the community. And if you’re able, consider donating [https://patron.podbean.com/atlartscollective] to the ATL Arts Collective. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps this show going strong for years to come.   Our theme music is K Michelle Dubois [https://www.instagram.com/kmdmusic8/]' Hit the Deck from her album Astral Heart [https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lBgobMXr47g2_PZNz7r7zwl9H0HNSs4vo], courtesy of Wicked Superb Records.  The ATL Arts Collective is part of the Wordplay Collective podcast family. Check out our sister show, In Pieces with R Land [https://www.inpieceswithrland.com/], for conversations with artist R. Land.  Thank you for listening!    00:00:00 Welcome to The ATL Arts Collective 00:01:15 Atlanta Comedian Joel Byars 00:02:10 Episode Preview: Guests & Segments 00:03:23 MomoCon 2026 Event Preview 00:07:18 Getting to Know Joel Byars 00:16:50 49th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival Lineup 00:27:30 Derrick Stroup Live at Center Stage Atlanta 00:41:18 Atlanta Arts News Brief & Weekly Best Bets 00:49:13 Closing

Bonus! Anna Jensen & Kevn Kinney Interview: Let’s Go Dancing Art Exhibition | The ATL Arts Collective

*Please note the exhibition is on view through May 23, but the concert has passed* Drivin N Cryin Frontman Kevn Kinney & Artist Anna Jensen Uncut Interview    Last week, we discussed the incredible "Let’s Go Dancing" art exhibition running at The Sun ATL [https://vinsonart.com/the-sun-atl/] gallery in Atlanta. Created by acclaimed Atlanta artist Anna Jensen [https://www.instagram.com/annajensenart/], this monumental project serves as a profound visual response to the classic songs of Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductee Kevn Kinney [https://www.instagram.com/kevnkinney312/], who is also Jensen's husband.    The scale of this project is unprecedented: 100 of Kinney’s songs (spanning his solo work and his legendary career with rock band Drivin N Cryin) have been reimagined by 100 different collaborating musical artists. Jensen has since painted a unique, corresponding canvas for every single track. She is releasing the massive tribute music project through her own independent label, Tasty Goody Records. [https://www.tastygoodyrecords.com/]   We couldn't fit the full interview into our standard weekly broadcast, so we are throwing open the vault. Please enjoy this full, uncut conversation with Anna Jensen and Kevn Kinney as they break down the intersection of visual art, Southern rock history, and creative partnership.                                                                00:00 - Welcome & Special Bonus Episode Introduction 05:19 - Selecting 100 Kevn Kinney Songs & Painting Every Track 05:57 - Launching Tasty Goody Records: Distribution & Vinyl Workload 27:08 - Supporting Music Charities & Community Impact 28:30 - Where to Stream the Music, Buy Art & Order Merch 30:44 - Let’s Go Dancing Art Exhibition Dates & Closing Sign-off

Amy Sherald at High Museum, Kevn Kinney & Jessi Kirtley | The ATL Arts Collective

✦ Summer Evans ✦ Let’s Go Dancing ✦ Commonplaces ✦ American Sublime ✦ Jessi Kirtley ✦ Best Bets ✦   Welcome to The ATL Arts Collective, powered by ArtsATL. This is your home for stories from Atlanta’s arts scene, with reporting from ArtsATL writers, conversations with artists, and voices from across the creative community. Each week, Kim Drobes will be joined by a rotating co-host: someone you may already know, or someone you’re about to be very glad you met. And today…Summer Evans!    Courtesy of Summer Evans ✦  Summer Evans [https://www.instagram.com/summer.tells.stories/] is a freelance journalist and multimedia storyteller based in Atlanta. She has a background in public radio and has built her career covering the city’s arts, culture, and community stories. Currently, she works as a freelance social media content producer for Rough Draft Atlanta [https://www.instagram.com/roughdraftatl/], creating daily newsletter recap reels to reach audiences. As a photographer, she has over 10 years of experience in visual storytelling, including weddings, couples, brands, families, and photojournalism. When not working on stories, she enjoys outdoor activities with her husband, two kids, and dogs.   Kevn Kinney and Anna Jensen talk with Kim at The Sun ATL (Photo by Kim Drobes) ✦ Kevn Kinney Live at The Sun ATL: Let’s Go Dancing Art Exhibition Let’s Go Dancing [https://vinsonart.com/exhibitions/45-anna-jensen-let-s-go-dancing-paintings-celebrating-the-songs-of-kevn-kinney-drivin-n/works/], the new exhibition at The Sun ATL [https://vinsonart.com/the-sun-atl/] by Atlanta artist Anna Jensen [https://www.instagram.com/annajensenart/], is a profound visual response to the songs of Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductee, and Drivin N Cryin’s frontman, Kevn Kinney [https://www.instagram.com/kevnkinney312/], who also happens to be Jensen’s husband.  What began as a 60th birthday surprise video during the COVID-19 lockdown has grown into a monumental project: 100 songs reimagined by 100 artists, each with a corresponding painting for the track. Jensen produced the whole affair and started Tasty Goody Records [https://www.tastygoodyrecords.com/] in order to put the music out into the wild.  It’s truly a love letter for the ages. To celebrate, Kevn Kinney is performing amongst Jensen’s paintings at the Sun ATL tonight [https://vinsonart.com/events/13/], with special surprise guests, and a few tickets are still available. Kim recently visited the exhibition and spoke with Jensen and Kinney about the massive undertaking.   Author and Distinguished University Professor of Georgia State, Josh Russell. (Photo by Adam Forrester) ✦Author Josh Russell’s New Essay Collection: Commonplaces What started as ten-cent photocopies in a college library has transformed into a lifetime of capturing the world’s strange and wondrous connections. Georgia State professor and author Josh Russell’s new essay collection,Commonplaces [https://thediagram.com/merch/product/russell-print/], explores the intersections of life’s challenges with everyday beauty. Literary critic Rachel Wright [https://www.artsatl.org/josh-russells-essay-collection-commonplaces-connects-life-challenges-with-everyday-beauty/]brings us this story.   Amy Sherald Portrait (photo by Kelvin Bulluck) ✦ Amy Sherald’s "American Sublime" Exhibition at the High Museum of Art Painter Amy Sherald’s American Sublime [https://high.org/exhibition/amy-sherald-american-sublime/]exhibition is currently on view at the High Museum. While the world may know the artist for her iconic portrait of Michelle Obama, Atlanta knows her as one of our own. Born in Columbus and trained right here at Clark Atlanta University, Sherald’s return to the High feels like a full-circle moment, especially since this is the final stop of the exhibition’s national tour. Co-host Summer Evans recently visited the High to see the exhibition and discuss the work with the museum’s assistant curator of modern and contemporary art, Angelica Arbelaez.   Kirtley (far right) and her "Operation Mincemeat" castmates (Photo by Emilio Madrid) ✦ Roswell Native Jessi Kirtley Makes Her Broadway Debut Jessi Kirtley never missed performing in a school musical from elementary to high school, and now, the Roswell native is living her dream and performing on Broadway. Theatre correspondent Sally Fuller [https://www.artsatl.org/broadway-dreams-come-true-for-roswell-native-and-operation-mincemeat-star-jessi-kirtley/]brings us her story.   Trey-Wright (photo by Keith Taylor) ✦ ArtsATL Weekly Best Bets with Shane Harrison ArtsATL’s executive editor Shane Harrison brings us his picks for this week’s Best Bets [https://www.artsatl.org/9-essential-atlanta-arts-events-this-weekend-59/]. Today, his mix includes your chance to indulge in European films, some free jazz performances, and a bunch of neighborhood festivals.     Special thanks to today’s sponsors: The Atlanta Opera [https://www.atlantaopera.org/production/twilight-of-the-gods-2026/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23806893586&gbraid=0AAAAACfvzP6_29EGBPoeoRNNegTuRerAg&gclid=Cj0KCQjwh-HPBhCIARIsAC0p3ccTP2PHnpbeJESyaF_Sxl9wh15Ea8cNXBes3hnFHx13RBxHLjxQl_waAh04EALw_wcB]    Join us on social at @artsatlanta and @atlartscollective. Let's lift the artists shaping Atlanta together. Show up, spread the word, and be part of the community. And if you’re able, consider donating [https://patron.podbean.com/atlartscollective] to the ATL Arts Collective. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps this show going strong for years to come.    Our theme music is K Michelle Dubois [https://www.instagram.com/kmdmusic8/]' Hit the Deck from her album Astral Heart [https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lBgobMXr47g2_PZNz7r7zwl9H0HNSs4vo], courtesy of Wicked Superb Records.  The ATL Arts Collective is part of the Wordplay Collective podcast family. Check out our sister show, In Pieces with R Land [https://www.inpieceswithrland.com/], for conversations with artist R. Land.  Thank you for listening!   00:00  Special Sponsor Message & Show Support 00:22  Episode Introduction & Weekly Welcome 01:43  Meet This Week's Co-Host: Journalist Summer Evans 02:12  Inside the Kevn Kinney & Anna Jensen Art Exhibition 13:37  Gallery Event Details & Exclusive Bonus Episode Announcement 14:28  Local Media Catch-up: Summer Evans on Life & Storytelling 20:02  Author Josh Russell Talks "Commonplaces" Essay Collection 25:49  Interview: Amy Sherald’s "American Sublime" at the High Museum 38:07  Theatre Spotlight: Jessi Kirtley's Journey from Roswell to Broadway 46:34  Weekend Event Picks: ArtsATL Best Bets with Shane Harrison 51:18  Studio Credits, Show Donations & Next Week Preview

Black Girl’s Guide to ATL, No Words L5P Festival & Georgia Prop 1007 | The ATL Arts Collective

✦ Shanita Miller ✦ Proposition 1007 ✦ No Words ✦ The New South ✦ Déjà Vu ✦ Spoke and Word ✦ Best Bets ✦   Welcome to The ATL Arts Collective, powered by ArtsATL. This is your new home for stories from Atlanta’s arts scene, with reporting from ArtsATL writers, conversations with artists, and voices from across the creative community. Each week, Kim Drobes will be joined by a rotating co-host: someone you may already know, or someone you’re about to be very glad you met. And today…Shanita Miller!   photo credit: Rebecca Carmen ✦  Shanita Miller is an Atlanta native and the visionary founder of the Black Girl’s Guide to Atlanta [https://www.instagram.com/blackgirlsguideatl/]platform. As a community & lifestyle influencer, she’s on a mission to highlight women and black-owned businesses in our city and beyond. She’s also an event coordinator and curator, and her 90 thousand-plus followers know she’s the real deal. Shanita recommends checking out: Juci Jerk [https://juci-jerk.menu-world.com/] The Betty [https://thebettyatl.com/happenings] Hambidge [https://www.hambidge.org/] Rep. Todd Jones, Rep. Kim Schofield and Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver on the Georgia House floor on March 12 discussing HR1007. (Photo courtesy of Georgia House of Representatives)  ✦ Georgia Prop 1007: Redefining the Arts as Mental Healthcare We’ve all heard the legend of Mister Rogers testifying before the Senate. The soft-spoken man in a cardigan argued that twenty million dollars was a small price to pay for the 'inner life' of a child. The defense of public broadcasting framed the arts not as a luxury but as a necessity for a healthy mind. And for decades, that’s been the battle cry: please, don't cut the arts. But here in Georgia, the conversation just underwent a radical shift. Lawmakers recently passed Proposition 1007, which redefines the very purpose of a stage or a symphony, moving the arts out of the 'leisure' column and directly into the world of mental healthcare. Arts reporter Jordan Owen [https://www.artsatl.org/georgia-house-resolution-links-mental-health-and-art-as-legislative-policy/] has more.    Photo by Ben Garden ✦ No Words Festival Takes Over Little Five Points This Saturday, No Words [https://nowordsatl.com/] returns, and this time, it’s a free festival and takeover in Little Five Points. It’s a day where the lyrics are stripped away to make room for pure, unadulterated instrumental sounds. The day includes music, art, dancing, film, and a parade. Joining us now to help us navigate the jam-packed event are Ann Wood, the architect of the 'No Words', and Kelly Stocks, President of the L5P Cultural District and a lifelong guardian of the neighborhood's legacy. Hi Kelly and Anne!     photo credit: Rebecca Carmen ✦ The New South Collective: Spotlighting Minority Chefs In 2024, a group of young Black chefs came together to launch a collective that creates a space for collaboration, creativity, and support for minority chefs. They not only wanted to showcase the depth of southern cuisine but also to put the food and talent of minority chefs in the spotlight. Today’s guest co-host, Shanita Miller, talks to the chefs of The New South [https://www.instagram.com/thenewsouthatl/] Collective.   photo credit Mitali Singh ✦ Déjà Vu Exhibition at Spalding Nix Fine Art We’ve all had that fleeting sensation-the feeling that a moment, a color, or a shape is something we’ve encountered before, even if we can’t quite place where. At Spalding Nix Fine Art, the new exhibition Déjà Vu [https://spaldingnixfineart.com/show/spalding-nix-fine-art-deja-vu] leans into that mystery. It's a presentation of four shows featuring artists working in abstraction, connected by their explorations of movement, memory, and the intangible. Arts reporter Mitali Singh [https://www.artsatl.org/at-spalding-nix-fine-art-deja-vu-presents-the-ephemeral-through-four-artists-eyes/] took a walk through the gallery to see how these artists are blurring the lines between the seen and the unseen. ✦ Spoke & Word: Bike-Themed Storytelling Weekend Whether you feel like life is just one big uphill climb or a flat, easy road, there is a new bike-themed storytelling event that wants to hear from you. Mercy Montgomery, the founder of Spoke and Word [https://www.atlantacyclingfestival.com/2026-festival/spoke-wordworkshop], says the idea for this bike-themed storytelling weekend has been a long time coming. ✦ArtsATL Weekend Best Bets with Shane Harrison ArtsATL’s executive editor Shane Harrison stops by with his picks for this week's Best Bets. [https://www.artsatl.org/9-essential-atlanta-arts-events-this-weekend-58/] Today, his mix includes a lantern parade in Sandy Springs, multiple arts festivals, and comedy with Rickey Smiley.   Special thanks to today’s sponsors: The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra [https://www.aso.org/] The Atlanta Opera [https://www.atlantaopera.org/production/twilight-of-the-gods-2026/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23806893586&gbraid=0AAAAACfvzP6HB6UtTsn0WWn_er4X5FR5X&gclid=CjwKCAjw5NvPBhAoEiwA_2egfmzSM2Q99JmQEQXMcY2lzKrDN-BnHKLbI1dYB9-NlwP8DYLI2y6hKxoCLHwQAvD_BwE] The ArtsXchange [https://www.artsxchange.org/] Swan Coach House Gallery  [https://www.swangallery.org/]   Join us on social at @artsatlanta and @atlartscollective. Let's lift the artists shaping Atlanta together. Show up, spread the word, and be part of the community. And if you’re able, consider donating [https://patron.podbean.com/atlartscollective] to the ATL Arts Collective. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps this show going strong for years to come.    Our theme music is K Michelle Dubois [https://www.instagram.com/kmdmusic8/]' Hit the Deck from her album Astral Heart [https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lBgobMXr47g2_PZNz7r7zwl9H0HNSs4vo], courtesy of Wicked Superb Records.  The ATL Arts Collective is part of the Wordplay Collective podcast family. Check out our sister show, In Pieces with R Land [https://www.inpieceswithrland.com/], for conversations with artist R. Land.  Thank you for listening!     00:00 Special Sponsor Message & Show Support 00:21 Opening and Weekly Welcome 02:55 Georgia Prop 1007 Report: Arts as Mental Healthcare 13:42 Co-host Shanita Miller & Black Girl’s Guide to Atlanta 22:28 No Words Festival Preview: Little Five Points Music & Parade 32:49 Culinary Feature: The New South Collective Chefs 39:21 Déjà Vu Abstract Exhibition at Spalding Nix Fine Art 45:54 Spoke & Word Bike-Themed Storytelling Weekend 47:42 Weekend Event Picks: ArtsATL Best Bets 52:25 Closing Remarks, Studio Credits & Next Week Preview

Bonus! Lois Reitzes & Niki in the Garden: Bloum Cardenas on her grandmother's legacy | The ATL Arts Collective

Lois Reitzes has questions for Bloum Cardenas about Niki de Saint Phalle’s Iconic Art   Acclaimed Atlanta broadcasting legend Lois Reitzes returns to the microphone with an exclusive interview featuring Bloum Cardenas, the granddaughter of legendary French-American sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle.   In this bonus episode, Cardenas shares intimate family insights into her grandmother’s personal memoirs, the powerful feminist themes driving her career, and the world-famous, colorful "Nana" sculptures. They also discuss the global legacy of the artist's historic monumental works, which have captivated local art lovers on display at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.   Listen in as they trace Niki de Saint Phalle's creative journey, her high-profile friendships with contemporary art icons like Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg, and the ongoing mission of the Niki Charitable Art Foundation to protect her radical creative legacy.   Episode Timeline & Chapters   00:00 Introduction & Special Art History Bonus Episode 00:22 Behind the Scenes: How Bloum Cardenas’ Interview Was Recorded 01:11 Exploring Niki de Saint Phalle's Memoirs: Writing vs Visual Artwork 02:59 Feminism, Gender Politics, and the Origin of the Nanas 06:55 The Famous Nana Sculptures: A Global Structural Overview 07:25 The Hon Exhibition 1966 Stockholm: The First Monumental Nana 09:29 Famous Art Circles: Friendships with Jasper Johns, Rauschenberg & Oldenburg 11:34 Niki Charitable Art Foundation: Mission, Archives & Creative Stewardship 15:07 Closing Remarks, Studio Credits & Local Art Community Updates