Don’t ‘worry,’ Brian Bates’ new comedy special delivers

A man with a microphone in front of a blue curtrain

We at New South Essays have made it our mission to keep you informed of events that both reflect and impact contemporary Southern culture. Such a moment occurred last night (July 24, 2026) when Nashville stand-up comedian Brian Bates dropped his long-awaited, highly-anticipated 30-minute special “Worried” on the Nateland YouTube channel. (Oh, and did I … Continue reading Don’t ‘worry,’ Brian Bates’ new comedy special delivers

Living clean or clean living

A graphic showing cleaning bottles, rubber gloves, wash cloths and a scrub brush in a sparkling kitchen

Maybe it’s just me, but I cannot avoid “clean” these days. Everyone is wanting to go “clean” these days. I’m not always the most “with it” middle aged dude, according to my teenager, so I’m not sure what “clean” means. Do you? No matter how you define "clean" in the New South, I'm into it. … Continue reading Living clean or clean living

Aaron Weber serves up quality comedy with ‘Signature Dish’

A man with a beard wearing a light blue T-shirt

Widely known as the “Mark Twain of Lilburn,” I have an appreciation of stand-up comedy as an art form and humor more generally as a quality that enhances life. I am aware of my readership, so from time to time I enjoy performing a public service and letting you in on a comedian whose work … Continue reading Aaron Weber serves up quality comedy with ‘Signature Dish’