The Alma Experience: Music, Theatre, and the Conversations That Brought Us Together During Ent-Tech Atlanta

Mari “Marz” Poydras of Channel Seven pouring every ounce of passion into the mic at Palate Atlanta Tasting Room.

Two evenings at Palate Atlanta Tasting Room brought warmth, creative energy, and meaningful connection to Ent-Tech.

Some of the most memorable moments of the Ent-Tech (Innovation & Discovery Expo) happened when the day’s work gave way to music, theatre, wine, and conversation. Across our Wednesday opening celebration and Saturday evening gathering at Palate Atlanta Tasting Room, The Alma Experience offered a welcoming space to enjoy extraordinary talent, reflect on what we had experienced, and get to know one another more deeply.

Held on September 30 and October 3, the two social evenings brought a beautiful balance to the inaugural entertainment tech expo. Wine tastings on both nights helped set an intimate, relaxed tone, while the performances gave guests plenty to celebrate—and much to talk about.

Joining us from Hampton Roads, Virginia, Channel Seven delivered an intimate musical session that revealed both the dynamic nature of their music and their chemistry as a couple. Christian “Coop” Johnson and Mari “Marz” Poydras brought a sense of ease and connection to the room that made the experience feel personal. Their musical partnership was a joy to witness.

Atlanta-based vocalist LyriQ LaShay onstage, where her expressive voice and evident love of singing come into focus.

LyriQ LaShay brought her own expressive presence to the experience, complementing Channel Seven beautifully. The three artists worked so well together, creating a musical exchange that felt warm, generous, and alive. It was one of those experiences in which the relationships among the performers became part of what the audience enjoyed.

The theatre presentations brought another dimension to the gatherings. The reading of My Father’s Dream invited guests into an interactive experience with the story and the questions it raised. Written by Anthony R. Page and S. Denise Couba and directed by Kaylee Jade Warfield, the production featured Deja Holmes, Talib Henderson, and Sunday Sabbath. Its contribution to the evenings reflected the power of intimate theatre to bring audiences close to a story and into conversation with one another.

Adira De La Croix 6.0 became a particularly powerful catalyst for discussion. Written by Anthony R. Page and directed by Olubajo Sonubi, with performances by Tamara Austin, Anastasia Wilson, and Darryl Dillard, the play prompted a conversation that continued for nearly an hour about AI’s impact on our relationships.

Performers and participants in the overall Alma Experience during the Ent-Tech Atlanta Innovation & Discovery Expo. From left: Anastasia Wilson, Tamara Austin, LyriQ LaShay, Olubajo Sonubi, Brion Gibson, [name pending], Christian “Coop” Johnson, and Mari “Marz” Poydras. In front, from left: [name pending], [name pending], [name pending], and Darryl Dillard.

Throughout the week, artificial intelligence had been a subject of professional and cultural inquiry. In this setting, the conversation became deeply personal. Guests considered what its growing presence might mean for how we connect with one another and understand our own humanity. The response demonstrated how a theatrical experience can create room for a sustained, thoughtful exchange about changes already entering our lives.

Brion Gibson and Act A Fool added another engaging perspective through a special presentation of their interactive, technology-integrated approach to improv theatre. Their work brought spontaneity and audience participation into the evening, giving guests another way to experience the relationship between emerging technology and live creativity.

Our gathering also benefited from the perspective of special guest Tallulah Patricia, founder of AfroSwissters, who joined us from Zurich, Switzerland. Inspired by her visit to Atlanta, she wrote an essay reflecting on the experience and shared perspectives from it during Saturday evening’s gathering, ahead of her departure on Sunday morning.

Her contribution carried a spirit of cultural diplomacy, adding international context and depth to the discussions inspired by the performances. Through her reflections, the room could consider Atlanta through the eyes of a visitor who had spent the week participating, listening, and connecting. We are especially grateful to Tallulah for the thoughtfulness she brought to the activities throughout the week and for sharing what the experience meant to her.

Tallulah Patricia, founder of AfroSwissters, who also appears in the award-winning Swiss film Je Suis Noir.

Together, these evenings expressed the spirit of The Alma Experience: conversation, connection, and community taking shape through shared cultural experiences. Music created intimacy. Theatre opened questions. Improv invited participation. The wine tastings and welcoming setting gave people time to settle into the exchange.

Our sincere thanks to Channel Seven, LyriQ LaShay, the teams behind My Father’s Dream and Adira De La Croix 6.0, Brion Gibson and Act A Fool, Tallulah Patricia, and our hosts at Palate Atlanta Tasting Room. To everyone who attended, listened, participated, and shared a perspective: you helped make these evenings a joyful and meaningful part of Ent-Tech.