11 Good Things from Atlanta musician Andy Gish of The Yum Yum Tree

Andy Gish is the bassist and vocalist for Atlanta band The Yum Yum Tree, but she’s also a registered nurse and harm reduction advocate. The Yum Yum Tree will play Criminal Records’ 35^th Anniversary Festival in Little Five Points on August 15. Their set is at 3 p.m. inside the Little 5 Pub.

1. Georgia music: I am so proud of the music that comes from Georgia. We have a long history of making some pretty amazing and unique music. From Athens to Cabbagetown, I appreciate the legends that paved the way. I wouldn’t have become the artist that I am without them.

2. Atlanta indie bands: The whole world should know that some really phenomenal indie music comes from this city. Some of my very favorite bands of all time come from this town, most of them relatively unknown. PLS PLS is an Atlanta band that should be heard across the country.

3. Women in music in Atlanta: There are some really incredible women making music in this town, many of whom have been making music here since the ’90’s. We have really talented, wise women continually creating and refusing to stop re-inventing themselves as artists. Aileen Loy makes her own instruments. Michelle DuBois released a great new album last year. Monica Arrington (nerdkween) is the biggest secret Atlanta has ever had. But this is just a few — not only are they continually creating new art, but they’re also extremely supportive of each other’s projects.

4. Atlanta history: There’s just so much to mention, but here’s one example: Driving down the center of Atlanta, you see a huge mural of John Lewis on one side of the highway and MLK’s Ebenezer Baptist Church on the other, flanked by the Carter Center just down the way. Things happen here. They always have.

5. Puppetry: I’m not sure any other city in the U.S. could have birthed a place like the Center for Puppetry Arts, with its expansive, inventive programming both for kids and adults. It has fostered really talented artists such as Raymond Carr, Jason Hines and Michael Haverty, just to name a few.

6. Boston terriers: The dichotomy of attitude and irresistible cuteness. Once you have one, you will always have one — or two.

7. Taquería del Sol: I’ve been standing in that line come rain or shine for over 25 years. If you know, you know. If you don’t — go! Veggie bean and salsa trio for the win!

8. The EARL: The East Atlanta Restaurant and Lounge is still my favorite place to see both local and national bands. It hasn’t changed much in the 26+ years I’ve been going there. Its facade is understated, and the sound is great. The food is good, too! Everyone is welcome.

9. Little Five Points: This is the neighborhood that made me stay in Atlanta, and I lived here for close to 20 years. Anything goes, everyone is welcome and you never know what to expect. It offers so much: The Star Bar creates community within the arts, music and comedy scenes; Elmyr’s Migas Burrito is consistently yummy; plus two veteran record stores — Criminal Records and Wax ‘n’ Facts. There is always something going on, and L5P always feels like home.

10. Georgia overdose prevention: I have the honor of leading an incredible organization that passed Georgia’s Medical Amnesty Law — “Don’t Run, Call 911!” Before working for this organization, I was a volunteer for 10 years. We now have more than 100 volunteers who distribute naloxone/narcan to people at risk across the state. Together, we’ve saved over 15,600 lives from fatal overdose — that we know of. It’s the most amazing thing I have ever been a part of.

11. The Georgia recovery community: I don’t identify as a person in recovery, but I am a person with lived experience and I’ve lost loved ones to overdose and substance use. Every day I work shoulder to shoulder with the Georgia Council for Recovery and people living their recovery out loud. I’m constantly in awe of how a community of peers has made Georgia a safe and supportive place for people seeking recovery — whatever that means to the individual seeking it. When visiting other places, I take for granted that not every state has this community.