South Arts awards $15,000 grants to 11 jazz artists for rural tours
Atlanta-based South Arts has selected 11 jazz artists and ensembles for the inaugural Jazz Road Rural Tours pilot, awarding each up to $15,000 to develop tours serving rural communities across the country.
The pilot is part of South Arts’ national Jazz Road initiative and is designed to expand access to live jazz while testing a collaborative approach to touring. South Arts and Jazz Road will work with the artists to develop tour routes, establish relationships with presenters, identify communities and create budgets for the tours.
The 2026-27 cohort includes Marietta-based musician Justin Varnes, along with Claudens Louis of Miami, Ella Mae Dixon of New York, Jahari Stampley of Chicago, Justin Jones of Wellington, Florida, Pedro José Pastrana of Oakland, California, Joshua Henderson of New York, Julius McKee of New Orleans, Sean Mason of Charlotte, North Carolina, Stephanie Chou of New York and Svetlana Shmuyian of Pound Ridge, New York.
The program has a particular focus on opportunities in the South and aims to bring live jazz to communities where residents may have limited access to performances. Artists were selected through a competitive review based on artistic excellence and personal or musical connections to specific rural communities.
GOLD grants open applications for outdoor learning projects
Georgia public schools and other organizations can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to expand outdoor learning opportunities for students through the Georgia Outdoor Learning Demonstration (GOLD) Grant program.
The Georgia Department of Education, in partnership with the nonprofit Environmental Education Alliance, will award approximately 20 grants this fall through funding appropriated by the Georgia General Assembly. Awards will range from $500 to $5,000.
Eligible applicants include Georgia schools and school districts, nonprofit organizations and public agencies. Grants can support outdoor learning spaces, student supplies, professional development for educators, field trips and other outdoor learning experiences.
The program is designed to support the launch, revitalization or expansion of outdoor learning opportunities for public school students statewide. The application deadline is Sept. 25 at 11:59 p.m.
Applications and the request for applications are available through the Environmental Education Alliance.
— Derek Prall
Party on the PATH returns Oct. 4 with music, tapas and silent auction
Livable Buckhead’s annual Party on the PATH will return Oct. 4 with live music, Spanish-style tapas and a silent auction benefiting the organization’s work on sustainability, greenspace, public art and other community initiatives.
The event celebrates PATH400, Livable Buckhead’s signature trail project. Nearly five miles of the 5.2-mile trail are now open, connecting neighborhoods, businesses, parks and transit. The section north of Loridans Drive is expected to be completed in early 2027, extending the trail into Sandy Springs. Connections to Peachtree Park and the Atlanta Beltline are expected to begin construction next year.
A VIP reception will run from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Johnson Lowe Gallery, featuring a discussion with Atlanta City Council member Thomas Worthy, Brookhaven Mayor John Park, Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch and Sandy Springs City Council member Mary Ford. The reception will also include cocktails, early silent-auction access and private gallery viewing.
The main event will run from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Eclipse di Luna, with tapas, drinks and live music from Atlanta Soul Band. General admission is $100, while VIP tickets are $125 and are available at Livable Buckhead.
— Derek Prall
ARTober Gwinnett returns for 10th year with new public art experiences
ARTober Gwinnett will return Oct. 1 for its 10th annual celebration of arts and culture, with new pop-up installations, interactive projects and community events planned throughout the county during October.
The monthlong celebration will include new Mini Art Galleries at Peachtree Corners Town Green, Suwanee Circle and Eye Candy Art Studio in downtown Duluth. Created by Gwinnett artist Max Eve, the galleries will invite visitors to take a piece of art, leave a piece of art or donate supplies for the next participant. They will remain in place through Oct. 31.
A temporary public art installation called “GROW HERE” will also debut Oct. 1 in Skin Alley in downtown Historic Norcross and remain through Nov. 8. The project, created with Dashboard and the City of Norcross, will transform an abandoned bank teller drive-through into an immersive garden featuring sculptural flowers, oversized grass forms and mirrors. The installation was designed by artist Lisette Correa, also known as ARRRTADDICT.
ARTober’s marquee event, “Not Your Mother’s Art Fest,” will return Oct. 16 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Slow Pour Brewing in Lawrenceville. The festival will feature live art demonstrations, hands-on workshops and other nontraditional art experiences. This year’s artwork was created by Atlanta-based art director, graphic designer and illustrator Broly Su.
— Derek Prall
Coca-Cola names Victor Ragland Vice President, East Region
Coca-Cola Bottling Company has appointed Victor Ragland to serve as Vice President of the East Region. He succeeds Crawford Jones, who was recently promoted to lead all three regions as Senior Vice President, Sales Operations and Commercial Capabilities.
Ragland brings nearly four decades of experience with Coca-Cola to his new position, having risen through the organization from a frontline role to divisional leadership.
A native of Lincoln, Ala., Ragland attended Jacksonville State University. Beyond his professional responsibilities, he is active in the community through organizations including the Masonic Order and 100 Black Men of Atlanta. He will continue to reside in Atlanta.
— Derek Prall
