Maximum Joy — Drennen Quinn
Listen to —
90s indie rock, post punk, new wave
Something like —
Folk Implosion, Risque, Joe Jackson, Liquid Liquid
Sugar Water — Virginia DeRosa
Listen to —
Intercontinental sonic indulgences in soul bops and drifters, psych of all ages. Heavy on the French, Brazilians, Brits, and Swedes
Something like —
Gwenno, Erasmo Carlos, Kamasi Washington, Dungen, Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso
Hothouse Bloom — Austyn Wohlers, A.V. Tapia and Geographic North
About —
A Cappella Books welcomes author and musician Austyn Wohlers to Commune in honor of her debut novel, “Hothouse Bloom.” Wohlers will appear in conversation with multimedia artist, writer and director A.V. Tapia.
The program is presented in partnership with Atlanta-based record label Geographic North and will feature a special guest DJ by Geographic North members following the author talk.
This event is free and open to the public. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Austyn Wohlers was born in Atlanta in 1996. Her other writing has appeared in The Baffler, The Massachusetts Review, Guernica, and elsewhere. She is also a musician, releasing music alone and with the band Tomato Flower. “Hothouse Bloom” is her first book.
A.V. Tapia is a multimedia artist, writer and former urban farmer. She has directed music videos for Deerhunter, Preoccupations, Pallas, and Austyn Wohlers, and contributed animations for the band Palm. Also a musician, her previous musical projects include four-piece rock bands, an experimental electronic pop duo, and solo noise performance. She reads, writes, and goes outside every day.
In the vein of Rachel Cusk, Han Kang, and Clarice Lispector, “Hothouse Bloom” follows a young woman who renounces her painting career and all her human relationships to become one with her late grandfather’s apple orchard.
The Wines of Joseph Roty – Clairmont Cork Club + Commune
About —
We're partnering with AJ Selections, Specialty Wine and the Clairmont Corkage Club to bring you a flight of three incredible selections of wine from the Domaine Joseph Roty located in Burgundy, France. We've created a few French-inspired small bites to pair and will play our favorite French Pop songs.
Bird — Austin “The Judge” Wheeler
Listen to —
Golden Era 1950s and 60s Jazz
Something like —
Miles Davis, Gil Evans, Max Roach, Red Garland
Bryan Collins — Happy Birthday John Coltrane
Listen to —
“My music is the spiritual expression of what I am — my faith, my knowledge, my being...When you begin to see the possibilities of music, you desire to do something really good for people, to help humanity free itself from its hangups...I want to speak to their souls.”
― John Coltrane
Something like —
John Coltrane!
Bluish — Puma Blue
Listen to —
A set by music artist Puma Blue of trip hop, jazz and ambient dub
Something like —
Portishead, Burial, Bill Evans, Nina Simone
ECOUTÉ — DJ Applejac
Listen to —
UK Soul, 70s Afrobeat, Rare Groove, Downtempo
Something like —
DJ Spinna, Shawn Escoffrey, Afronaught, Light Of The World
Muse – Late Night Tea
About Muse —
The space between what was, and what could be.
No big sign. No scripted greeting. Just a subtle glow at the edge of night and the new year, quietly pulling you in.
This is Muse Late Night Tea: a Muse’s version of a night cap as monthly late night tea pop-up that leaves the usual social cues outside and invites you to settle into something a little less predictable.
And the teas? They’re not just a menu—they’re small acts of rebellion. Herbal and cardamom blends that cut through the dark, floral infusions that ask you to slow down, sip, and notice what’s right in front of you.
No one’s rushing. Voices stay low, the night feels long, and you can just be. This isn’t about putting on a show. It’s about tasting connection on your own terms, rethinking what a late-night gathering can mean, and savoring the space between what was and what could be.
Celestial Spice — Loud Bark Deep Bite
Listen to —
Powerful voices from every corner with some funky, dreamy beats behind it all.
Something like —
Amy Winehouse, Caroline Polachek, Michael Kiwanuka, El Michel’s Affair
Stefania — Pretty Poison
Listen to —
Women-fronted Post-Punk and Dance
Something like —
Esg, Blonde, Bush Tetras, The Slits, Au Pairs, Pylon, Genuine Parts, Stacey Q
Pop Life — Chris Devoe & Chris Daresta
Listen to —
Sophisti-pop, 80s R&B, Disco, Dub, Synth-pop
Something like —
Sheila Chandra, Prince, Anna Domino, Orange Juice, Scritti Politti, Sade
Brownsville — Jeff Brown
Listen to —
A mix of soul, jazz and world music with an eclectic, feel-good vibe. Warm grooves, deep rhythms and sounds that move people without forcing the party.
Something like —
Ahmad Jamal, Madeline Bell, Black Radio, Maleet
All the Stars — Zopi Kristjanson
Listen to —
Crooners from the 1920s to present day performing jazz standards, Tin Pan Alley, soft rock and R&B.
Something like —
Sarah Vaughan, Johnny Mathis, Julie London, Billie Holiday, Cat Power
Reel to Reel Night — Mixes on Tape
Listen to —
The ultimate medium in high fidelity sound, reel to reel tape recordings. Commune partner Chris Devoe busts out his reel to reel player with custom mixes he’s recorded on tape. It sounds amazing, come check it!
Pop-Up – A Very Thick Pride Brunch
About —
A pop-up by Chef Jay of Mouth Feel Supper Club and THICC Burger:
Y’all know we had to get in on the Black Pride Weekend festivities! Somebody has to feed ya! Come #getTHICC with us on Monday, September 1st, 10:30a-3:30p. We've got the perfect menu to nourish your body after a long weekend of throwing that thang in a circle. Of course, we've got some good flavor for your ear provided by our resident DJ CeraJane. Wonderful World Coffee & Tea will be providing the brunchy drinks (non-alcoholic) Commune will be crafting delicious cocktails. Seating is first-come, first-served, so RSVP to lock in your time slot. Limited walk-ins. We’re taking over Olive & Pine for ATL Black Pride - you gon’ be there?!
Tickets are moving & seats are limited, don’t miss it! Get a ticket through Shotgun.
Something Wild — Millie De Chirico & Ben Cheaves
Listen to —
80s, new wave, world music, afro-beat, reggae, electro funk
Something like —
Jonathan Demme soundtracks & planning summer road trips
Ben Cheaves from Mary’s will be DJing too!
Suena Bien — Ralo
Listen to —
Afro-Cuban jazz, psychedelic disco, musica tropicale
Something like —
Irakere, Willie Colon, Mongo Santamaría, Lokkhi Terra, Eddie Palmieri
Synesthesia: Pink Floyd Echoes Immersive Watercolor Experience
About —
Music has the potential to transport you to another realm. In this immersive, guided watercolor journey, participants will be transported to another dimension through the use of sound, lighting and smell while listening to Pink Floyd’s “Echoes.”
This experience is both contemplative and playful. Through watercolor, participants will connect with sound in entirely new and unexpected ways. Participants will be able to not only hear the music, but also taste, see, smell, and feel it as they paint and listen.
Light snacks will be provided. Wine, cocktails and zero proof options will be available for purchase to add to the experience. You can also bring your own wine bottle of choice for a $20 corking fee.
Brought to you by Groundwork Creatives.
Atlanta Synth Club – Synth Social
About —
Whether you are an “old head,” or simply have a curiosity about analogue or midi-instruments, we encourage you to come out and mingle with other like-minded folks!!
This serves as a networking opportunity for Atlanta’s host of electronic musicians in a relaxed, down-to-earth environment.
ATL Synth Club’s dedication to all things synth (of the software and hardware varieties) has previously behind events such as MIDI Clock, Common Circuits, and Modular on the Spot… we are thrilled to have them here!
Pretty Cats – Sarah Mason & Michelle King
Listen to —
Three pretty cats play fun classic songs.
Something like —
Fleetwood Mac, Bee Gees, Sparks, Thin Lizzy, Mud
What’s Really Good? — Bruce Phillips
Listen to —
A night of intimate Soul, Brazilian grooves, Afro-Cuban rhythms, Jazz Fusion, and points in-between. Music to stir up the beauty within our souls.
Something like —
Roberto Roena y su Apollo Sound, Milton Banana Trio, Phyllis Hyman, Norman Connors
Bird — Austin “The Judge” Wheeler
Listen to —
Golden Era 1950s and 60s Jazz
Something like —
Miles Davis, Gil Evans, Max Roach, Red Garland
Live Jazz — Brian Hudson Trio
About —
Brian Hudson Trio is a jazz/fusion and funk trio headed by recording artist, drummer and musician Brian Hudson. Brian's trio and full band have performed at various venues around metro Atlanta for the past 7 years.
Members of the trio have performed with some of the most talented musicians in the world including with Kiefer Sutherland, Freddy Jones Band, Billboard Charting Smooth Jazz Artist Carol Albert, Memory Dean, Nnenna Freelon, Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Mamas and the Papas, Peter Fountain, Allen Toussaint, Hank Crawford, Bobby Watson, Buddy DeFranco, Jeff Clayton, Wycliff Gordon and many more.
A $12 Cover will be added to your bill to support the musicians
Double Feature – Wild Style/Style Wars
About —
Wild Style (1983)
Charlie Ahearn’s Wild Style is a fun snapshot of the South Bronx during the ‘80s. Featuring legendary DJ’s like Grandmaster Flash, Grandmaster Caz, and Fab 5 Freddy alongside now-renowned graffiti artist Lee Quiñones in the lead role, Ahearn’s film straddles the line between fiction and documentary, capturing the larger-than-life feel of art and music in New York at the moment of its making.
Style Wars (1983)
Style Wars is regarded as the indispensable document of New York Street culture of the early ’80s, the filmic record of a golden age of youthful creativity that exploded into the world from a city in crisis.
Pop-Up – Fried Chicken and Funky Sh*t
About —
A pop-up by Chef Jay of Mouth Feel Supper Club and THICC Burger
This isn’t just fried chicken.
It’s a love letter.
To street food in Thailand.
To KFC (the *Korean kind).
To lemon pepper.
To a really good gravy.
To the sauces, pickles, and sides that bring it all together.
It’s their homecoming.
Every dish on this menu is something they’ve tasted, loved, and couldn’t forget during their travels over the last decade. Some even made them shed a tear.
6 courses. (No substitutions)
This one’s for the fried chicken lovers, the flavor chasers, the REAL eaters!
Tickets are moving & seats are limited, don’t miss it! Get a ticket through Shotgun.
Two Steps — Mouse & Mull
Listen to —
A reflection of our varied music tastes. We will be leaning into 70s & 80s R&B fit for a dinner party and will slowly be transitioning into more danceable territory. Hopefully, this journey will end with Mouse’s extensive collection of Atlanta Bass.
Something like —
Roy Ayers, Sade, Leon Vynehall, Kilo Ali
Spinning Away — Taradactyl
Listen to —
Ethereal, textured and moody art rock, dream pop, sophistipop, art pop, avant garde & alternative
Something like —
Godley and Creme, Jenny Hval, Talk Talk, The Blue Nile, Cocteau Twins, A Certain Ratio
Live Performance — David Franklin Courtright
About —
David Franklin Courtright is an LA-based singer, songwriter, musician, poet, writer, and baker. Born in North Carolina and raised in Atlanta, David absorbed the eclectic range of musical influences the South had to offer, from Appalachian folk to Classic Rock Southern hip-hop.
While making music under Suno Deko, David had the chance to tour Europe with Wye Oak and Angel Olsen, and has toured and played shows with Hundred Waters, Mitski, Moses Sumney, How to Dress Well, and Julianna Barwick. In 2014, he played the inaugural FORM: Arcosanti festival in Arizona. He has collaborated with Alex Somers, Chrome Sparks, Nicole Miglis (Hundred Waters), and more.
We’ll listen to Courtright’s new release Brutal Tenderness and enjoy a live performance by him. No cover!
Classic Country Night — DJs Yee and Haw
Listen to —
DJs Yee and Haw are taking us on a journey through the heart of country music, from the authentic energy of the Bakersfield sound to the psychedelic explorations of cosmic and outlaw country. Expect twangy guitars, soulful vocals, and a whole lotta honky-tonk.
Something like —
Tanya Tucker, Waylon Jennings, Terry Allen, Merle Haggard
Tuesday Movie Night – Truth or Dare (1991)
About —
This is paramount Madonna: the exceptional behind-the-scenes tour doc, directed by Alek Keshishian, capturing her astounding, unprecedented “Blond Ambition World Tour” of 1990. Initially hired to shoot the tour’s kick-off in Japan for a promotional featurette, Keshishian convinced Madonna that the backstage drama and worldwide controversies swirling around the pop spectacle would make an astonishing, unforgettable document of her career’s most significant moment. He was right – Truth or Dare was the highest-grossing feature-length documentary upon its release and has since become a touchstone in the modern feminist and queer rights movements.
It’s her 65th birthday on August 16th!
Soul Power — Tony Chackal
Listen to —
Northern soul, rare soul, garage, surf and ye-ye at 45rpm
Chackal will be returning on September 13th at 5pm to give a talk on his article ‘Record Collecting As a Focal Practice,’ published in the British Journal of Aesthetics.
Rob Wonder — Treat Machine
Listen to —
Explorations in samples from the golden era of hip hop, along with disco and boogie. There will be a lot of surprises. The Suprise is the Prize.
Something like —
Funk, jazz, hip hop, disco