A dozen or so years ago, when I was in my early 20s, a friend who shared a mutual love of music burned for me a CD of several of his favorite songs, each by a different artist. (A modern-day mix tape, if you will.)

I was on a quest for new music, and the thought of a CD filled entirely with foreign voices and lyrics thrilled me. I remember playing that CD on repeat, and I know that I liked several, if not all, of the songs he’d put on it. But now, all these years later, I remember only a single one from that CD—the plucky notes of a mandolin, the yearning violin melody, the singer’s thin, clear voice. The song was “The Lighthouse’s Tale” by a band called Nickel Creek, and that high, clear voice belonged to its lead singer, Chris Thile. Even all these years later, it’s one of my favorites to cue up, whether I’m in the car, cooking in the kitchen or in need of a mid-afternoon musical pick-me-up.

Needless to say, I was excited when I heard that Thile is coming to Atlanta’s Fox Theater on May 19, not with Nickel Creek, but in his still somewhat new gig as host of “Live from Here,” the legendary American Public Media variety show (it was formerly called “A Prairie Home Companion”). After all these years, I wondered, what would it be like to hear that voice in person? I’m excited to find out, but I also wanted to know more about the man himself, so I dispatched writer Jodi Cash, who talked with Thile about taking over the helm of the popular radio show and what he’s looking forward to about his Atlanta visit. You can read their conversation in our cover story.

In that same spirit of getting to know the personalities behind the music and lyrics we love, Cash also chatted with members of the local band Neighbor Lady about their journey, and Lia Picard talked to Decatur-based Coy Bowles of the Zac Brown Band about his favorite live-music venue in the city. I hope their stories will inspire you to go out this spring and enjoy live music, whether old favorite acts or new groups you’re just getting to know. Enjoy!

Lindsay Lambert Day
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF