WABE FM's Lois Rietzes Dedication to the Arts

By Holley Calmes

In 1979, a young woman recently graduated from Indiana University’s School of Music, began her employment at Atlanta’s classical music station, WABE FM. From 1982 to 2017 her low, melodious voice soothed listeners as she hosted “Second Cup Concert.” Then, expanded formats placed her as host of the station’s “City Lights” in 2017. She has served as the station’s Director of Programming and then Arts and Cultural Programming since 2007. But Lois Rietzes is so much more than that.

Generations of listeners have grown up considered her their personal voice of Atlanta’s arts. She is more than a representative of WABE’s “brand,” she is one of Atlanta’s Arts treasures. “Being on air as long as I have, people have come to associate me with the arts in Atlanta,” Reitzes explains. “That is something for which I am most grateful.” This gratitude came with a front row seat to witness Atlanta arts’ history.

“Maynard Jackson showed support for the arts by establishing a Bureau of Cultural Affairs which continues till this day,” she says.

Reitzes lists the opening of Spivey Hall, the establishment of the Atlanta Opera and the arrival of Tomer Zvulun, plus annual Alvin Ailey productions as artistic milestones. “Also, Kenny Leon took the Alliance into another realm, and his successor, Susan Booth is a visionary.”

“I hope Atlantans realize the treasures we have in local theatre here, with the likes of True Colors Theatre Company, Theatrical Outfit, Horizon Theatre, and Actor’s Express,” Reitzes states.

How Atlanta keeps the arts thriving is another subject.

“Everything begins with education,” says Reitzes. “The arts must be a major part of school criteria, and money is a factor. Funding for arts education must become a high priority.”

As an example, Reitzes explains, “Finland has one of the most robust music scenes of any country, and reading music is required for graduation from high school there.”

Reitzes’ mission now is to keep Atlantans on top of the arts through her “City Lights” show. She sees her career as a way to reinforce and encourage local arts.

“News is essential,” she says. “It’s essential for artists, especially performers, to stay connected with their audiences. We complete their work. Performing artists must have audiences, and many are feeling desperate now.”“My producers and I look for a wide range of people and topics to cover. In addition to the main artistic disciplines, we also like to cover culture-related topics such as comedy and food. If I could interview Mel Brooks, I’d be over the moon!

Henry Winkler and Lois Reitzes, Photo by Summer Evans

“I hope I have helped listeners discover a love for music,” Reitzes reflects. “Ideally, in 10 years, I hope that all the music, theatre, dance and literary events we currently have will still be around and will have expanded thanks to public support. I hope audiences will be more diverse in representation and that there is a wider range of programming.”

Photo by Summer Evans

Okorie Johnson, also known as “OK Cello” being interviewed by Lois Reitzes. Photo by Summer Evans