John Boyega ✦ Joel Byars’ Comedy Weekly ✦ “A Shakespeare Happening” ✦ Sacred Harp ✦ The Beverage Beat

✦ English actor and producer Jon Boyega gained international recognition for his role as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy; however, that was not Boyega's first dip into science fiction. His debut feature-length film, 2011's "Attack the Block," and his most recently released film, "They Cloned Tyrone," both use the science fiction comedy genre to explore deeper social issues. Boyega appeared at Dragon Con over Labor Day weekend, and City Lights Collective co-host Kim Drobes caught up with him to discuss his passion for acting, his role as a film producer, and his love for Atlanta.

✦ City Lights Collective member and award-winning Atlanta comedian Joel Byars is one of the hardest-working people in the business. He hosts many comedy events around town, and his podcast, "Hot Breath Pod," aims to uplift his fellow comedians. Byars joins us weekly to share his picks for this week's must-see comedy, and today his mix includes a couple of big-name touring stars and a local treasure returning home to play the Fox Theater.

✦ There's no better place for Shakespeare than an outdoor theatre, and this fall, the Atlanta Shakespeare Company launches "A Shakespeare Happening," the first-ever free public Shakespeare festival in DeKalb County, taking place in the picturesque neighborhood of Avondale Estates.  Alongside the theatrical performances, there will be live music and workshops for all ages. The first day of festivities is this Saturday and begins with "Tempest Jr.," an adaptation of "The Tempest" for young audiences. WABE arts reporter Summer Evans recently discussed the series with festival creator Nicole Sage, and Atlanta Shakespeare Company associate managing director Katie Grace Kirby.

✦ Long before modern choirs and vocal coaches, there was Sacred Harp—a uniquely American way of singing that turned everyday people into music-makers. This powerful and historic tradition dates back to the early 1800s and continues to thrive today, bringing together communities in spirited, four-part harmony. The 120th convention of the United Sacred Harp Musical Association comes to the Foundry at Puritan Mill on September 13 and 14, 2025. It is expected to be the largest gathering in a generation, drawing hundreds of singers from across the US and beyond. City Lights Collective producer Josh Thane sat down with Matt Hinton, a longtime Sacred Harp singer and scholar, to learn more about this enduring and uniquely American form of group singing.

✦ Atlanta's vibrant world of cocktails and zero-proof beverages thrives in our bars and restaurants as well as our local distilleries and non-alcoholic bottle shops. Few may know this world better than Beth McKibben, editor in chief and senior dining editor at Rough Draft Atlanta. Beth's expertise is invaluable as she continually explores our city's elevated beverage programs and examines the latest trends in mixology. She joins The City Lights Collective monthly for "The Beverage Beat," and this month, McKibben discusses what she calls "transitional cocktails," sips to savor during our fake-fall slash second summer season—also known as September in Atlanta.

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