1. Arts and culture events to look forward to.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is returning to Atlanta Feb. 16-19. WABE’s “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes will be speaking to Artistic Director Robert Battle in advance of the troupe’s return. Feb. 4 is the HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. And “Black American Portraits” is coming to Spelman College Feb. 8 – May 15.
2. Trend alert number 1!
Look for more themed cocktail bars to emerge in Atlanta, much like Mambo Zombi, By Weight & Measure and Ranger Station (a “secret” bar in Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall) did in 2022.
3. United Talent Agency opening its Atlanta gallery.
UTA, which represents some of the most elite professionals in the entertainment industry, opened its Atlanta office last year. This year, the agency will open its gallery UTA Artist Space, expanding its presence here and reinforcing Atlanta’s stature as an entertainment stronghold.
4. Trend alert number 2!
As commercial rent prices continue to rise, expect more old school Atlanta establishments to close their doors and more pop-up establishments to come into existence.
5. New and expanded “City Lights” series to listen for.
We will expand our “Speaking Of…” series to include a wider range of Atlanta creatives. Currently we have “Speaking of Art,” “Speaking of Music” and “Speaking of Comedy.” This year, we’ll debut “Speaking of Writing,” “Speaking of Theater,” “Speaking of Dance” and “Speaking of Y’allywood.” We will continue our bi-monthly series “Atlanta’s Savory Stories.” And we are launching “The Art of Teaching” series in January and “Travel Tips with Rick Steves” in February.
