June 28, 2025 / 4:00pm - 8:30pm

OkCello: LIVE

Performance by Okorie “OkCello” Johnson

Special Event
Performance

We are excited to present "OkCello: LIVE", featuring two dynamic musical experiences by acclaimed cellist Okorie Johnson.

4pm - OkCello presents… The Offering

A fully improvised, concert experience, designed as a gift of sound and intention for the audience. The experience consists of four acts in close succession: I. Improvisation/ Meditation; II. Offering; III. Co-Creation; and IV. Living Sound.

An intensely intimate and memorable experience.

7:30pm - OkCello Live

OkCello presents an intimate concert experience of new and classic works as part of his ever-expanding sonic landscape.

Bios

Okorie “OkCello” Johnson

Okorie “OkCello” Johnson, an Atlanta-based cellist-composer, looper, improviser, and storyteller, has been featured on the Tamron Hall Show, has been a recipient of The Kennedy Center Office Hours Artist Residency, and was accepted as a sound installation artist for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 2022 Biennale.

He is a co-composer and performer of a cello concerto Liminal, an Atlanta Concerto, which world premiered in February of 2023 with The Georgia Symphony Orchestra, he has scored a documentary for the Atlanta Journal Constitution named Imperfect Alibi, which won a regional Emmy, and he also scored a children’s theatre show for the Alliance Theatre named Head to Toe, which won a Suzi Bass Award.

He has opened for Maxwell and recorded and/or performed with India. Aire, De La Soul, and Big Boi of Outkast. He has 3 studio albums - Liminal, Resolve, and Beacon - and a Christmas EP, An Ok Christmas. This fall, Okorie will be releasing a brand-new album, continuing his journey of pushing the boundaries of the cello and storytelling through music. With a sound that blends deep-rooted traditions with innovative sonic landscapes, the upcoming project promises to further explore the emotional and spiritual resonance of his artistry. Fans can expect a powerful and immersive listening experience that reflects his evolving creative vision. His work centers on themes and expressions of the African Diaspora, while also exploring the phenomenon of musical prayer.

Drawing upon his experience as a teacher and writer, OkCello immerses his audiences in vivid stories and songs, creating a richly layered, transcendent concert experience, while also working with companies and educational institutions to leverage the power of music and storytelling to help solve problems and create community.


Upcoming Program Events

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September 5 / 7:30pm Contemporary Talks

Closing Exhibition Reception and Artist Talk with R. Land

Moderated by Kim Drobes

Free

Celebrate the closing of "Landmarks: Inside the World of R.Land "with a special evening featuring acclaimed Atlanta artist R. Land in conversation with Kim Drobes, Executive Producer and Co-Host of The City Lights Collective on WABE. For nearly three decades, R. Land has captivated audiences with his unconventional, instantly recognizable style—an artistic voice once described as combining “the approach of Keith Haring, the enthusiasm of Disney, and the vision of Finster.” From large-format paintings and iconic street installations to his ubiquitous “Loss Cat” project, Land’s work defies categorization while shaping the cultural fabric of Atlanta and beyond. Guiding the conversation is Kim Drobes, a seasoned broadcaster and storyteller who has spent her career championing creativity and human connection. Together, they’ll explore Land’s artistic journey, community-driven projects, and his lasting influence on Atlanta’s art and identity. Following the talk, raise a glass at our closing reception bar as we toast the exhibition, the artist, and the city that inspires his work. This event is free and open to the public.

September 6 / 6:00pm Special Event

SHAPESHIFTER

Presented by Commune

Ticketed

SHAPESHIFTER Atlanta Contemporary x CommuneATL Tickets: $20 SHAPESHIFTER conjures notions of evolution, adaptation, and transformation—changing forms and shifting perspectives. This collaborative program with Commune explores the tension between hedonism vs. spirituality, the shifting “value” of musical forms—from spiritual jazz to punk, ambient to dance—and the constant striving toward something new. Commune is a place for people to connect around music, food, drinks, and culture. Enjoy a thoughtful program of DJ sets, live performances, film & lectures in a room designed for sound. Pair that with cocktails and wine from small producers, and a rotating menu of cosy continental food, freshly baked bread, and desserts.

September 27 / 10:00am Special Event

Somatic Sound: Contemporary Yoga

Lead by Sydney McCall

Register

This is more than just a yoga class—it's an exploration of rhythm, breath, and energy. As Sydney guides you through a mindful flow, while DJs shape the soundscape in real-time, creating a fully sensory, meditative environment designed to ground the body and expand the mind. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just beginning your practice, Flow State invites you to embrace the process—investigate, explore, and move with intention. Bring your mat, an open mind, and get ready to vibe.

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