We had the good fortune of connecting with Greg Burton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Greg, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The Vision Behind Milk + Cookies

Coming from a sports and entertainment background at Morehouse College, my mindset was clear: it was the NBA or nothing. But when reality set in that I wasn’t going to the league, I had to rethink my path—how could I turn passion into a career?

Beyond my talent in basketball, I had a natural gift for bringing people together. While most see partying as fleeting moments of fun, I saw it differently. To me, partying was a love language—a form of connection, community, and culture. It wasn’t just about the night; it was about the experience, the music, and the shared energy.

That passion led me to create Milk + Cookies—a festival concept unlike anything in the industry. It wasn’t just another event; it was a platform, a movement, a space where music, culture, and community could converge in a way that had never been done before. A national touring property highlighting the creative leaders of the cultural “deserts,” shining a light on the underrepresented and overlooked.

Fast forward 15 years, and Milk + Cookies is now producing some of the biggest talents and tours in the world. The journey has been anything but conventional, but that was always the plan. I live by the saying: I’d rather be the ocean than a fish in someone else’s

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What Sets Me Apart
What truly sets me apart is my creative vision and relentless drive to bridge communities while identifying emerging talent before the mainstream takes notice. I’ve always seen entertainment as more than just an industry—it’s a cultural ecosystem that thrives on connection, innovation, and foresight.

From the inception of Milk + Cookies, my mission has been to create a platform that not only entertains but also fosters community and discovery. Whether it’s curating experiences that feel organic yet groundbreaking or recognizing the next wave of talent before they reach their peak, I’ve made it a priority to stay ahead of the curve.

That mindset, combined with the partnership and brotherhood of Jhordan Gibbs, Kevin Reese, and Chase Freeman—who built ADE, a powerhouse in talent buying—allowed Milk + Cookies to become more than a festival. Under the ADE umbrella, it has evolved into a cultural movement, shaping the way music, art, and community intersect.

Ultimately, my passion lies in building something bigger than myself—creating a space where talent, culture, and people come together in ways they never have before.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Ultimate ATL Experience: A Week of Culture, Music & Vibes
If my best friend was in town and I was outside (not inside creating and reading), we’d go on a full-week party binge, hitting the best of ATL’s nightlife, food, and culture. Atlanta’s scene is unmatched—it’s a blend of deep-rooted culture, legendary venues, and hidden gems that make every night feel like an experience.

The Party Circuit

A Milk + Cookies Show/After Party – No trip is complete without experiencing Milk + Cookies—it’s where music, culture, and energy collide.
MJQ – A true underground staple, this spot is gritty, raw, and always a good time.
Holiday Bar – A vibe-heavy, intimate setting where you can catch some of the best DJs spinning.
Honorable Mention: The Enjoyment Rooms – If you know, you know.
Full-Week Itinerary

Monday: Magic City – ATL’s most iconic strip club. It’s more than just a club—it’s an institution where the music breaks first.
Tuesday: Koo Koo Room – A speakeasy-style lounge with a dope, intimate crowd and great cocktails.
Wednesday: MJQ – Midweek energy shift, dancing all night, no judgment, just vibes.
Thursday: El Bar – Small but legendary, this spot has been holding down Atlanta’s underground scene for years.
Friday: Tongue & Groove – A high-energy club with a mix of good music, stylish people, and non-stop motion.
Food, Culture & More

Culture & Creativity – A trip to the High Museum of Art, a stroll on the BeltLine, and maybe an event at The Trap Music Museum for a full-circle ATL experience.
Relax & Recharge – A chill day at Piedmont Park or a lowkey brunch at Le Petit Marche before gearing up for the next round of nightlife.
Atlanta is a city that thrives on culture, creativity, and connection. Whether we’re hitting the best parties, discovering new music, or just soaking in the essence of the city, every moment is an experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Acknowledgments & The Power of Partnership

None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of my parents—my biggest fans. Coming from a lineage of doctors, I was the first in my family to step into the entertainment industry, forging a path that was anything but traditional. But passion has a way of carving out its own destiny.

Beyond my personal drive, Milk + Cookies wouldn’t be what it is today without the partnership and brotherhood of Jhordan Gibbs, Kevin Reese, and Chase Freeman. These three visionaries built ADE, a powerhouse talent-buying company, and through their vision, I was able to bring Milk + Cookies under the ADE umbrella. This collaboration transformed it into more than just a festival—it became a cornerstone in arts and culture, a vessel for creativity, and a platform for talent to thrive.

Success is never a solo journey, and I’m grateful to be surrounded by those who not only believed in the vision but helped bring it to life.

Website: https://milkandcookiesfestival.com

Instagram: gkburton_milk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/milk-and-cookies-music-festival

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.