DJ DEADPHONE is a foundational, multifaceted powerhouse, fusing a decade of mastery in Detroit's creative sphere across visual art, graphic design, and sound. A skilled producer and multi-instrumentalist, DEADPHONE is renowned as a DJ/selector whose choices compel the crowd to move while simultaneously inviting them to listen. He channels a deeper understanding of life through an extensive catalog of EPs and albums defined by diverse musical palettes and complex textures. His authoritative work recently earned a spot in the Metro Times 2025 list, "250+ Metro Detroit Acts to Add to Your Playlist." Backed by a roster of city-wide collaborators, DJ DEADPHONE brings a unified and deeply seasoned perspective to every project.

Givhan is a genre-bending vocalist, writer, and producer from the Westside of Detroit. Formerly known as Jaye Prime, she emerged on the Detroit music scene in 2013, performing frequently around the city and eventually producing showcases for her own work and that of other creatives. Givhan’s musical contributions have reached platforms such as the Grammys, Billboard Dance, BET Hip-Hop Awards, ESPN, Disney, and more. After an almost five-year hiatus, she returns with a melodic and compelling approach to storytelling and performance.

Detroit Ché is a recording artist, producer, model, and actress from Detroit’s Westside. She gained national attention after her standout BET 2014 Hip-Hop Awards Cypher appearance as Sprite’s first female “Hot 16” winner. Since then, she has become a leading voice in Detroit hip-hop, earning praise from Kendrick Lamar and opening for artists such as Waka Flocka, Curren$y, and YG. She has performed at major showcases, released seven projects—including her self-produced CHIZZY THE MIXTAPE—directs her own visuals, works in fashion, and continues inspiring creatives to stay authentic.

Niko Noir is a Detroit-born R&B artist whose music bridges soulful intimacy with modern storytelling. She is widely known for her velvet tone and emotional clarity. A graduate of Detroit School of Arts, Niko has developed the artistic discipline that continuously shapes her work. She has opened for R&B standout Kenyon Dixon and the legendary El DeBarge. Niko has made a digital and media impact, being featured in outlets such as The Detroit News, Metro Times, Michigan Chronicle, Channel 4 News, CBS, Detroit’s Hot 107.5, Kiss FM, and Hot 97.3 in Toledo, solidifying her place as one of Detroit's rising voices.

Rosemarie Wilson, a.k.a. One Single Rose®️, is an award-winning poet and playwright, spoken word artist, singer/songwriter, actress, and filmmaker from the east side of Detroit. She is the first poet to be filmed in Motown’s Studio A and the first Motown Mic Performance Artist of the Year. Rosemarie collaborates with musicians where poetry meets jazz, performing as Jazzetry, and delivers spoken word over house music under the moniker Queen Rose. For more information on One Single Rose®️, visit www.onesinglerose.com to explore her rose garden.

Reuel Jubilee is a Detroit-based poet, hip-hop artist, and author whose work blends spoken word, rap, and divine storytelling into immersive, profanity-free performances. Rooted in Detroit’s creative legacy, he crafts art that celebrates consciousness, community, and emotional truth. Through music, poetry, and live shows, Reuel builds spaces where audiences feel seen, inspired, and connected to their own purpose. His debut book, Thoughts Guided by Truth, along with his growing body of recorded work, showcases his mission: to use language as a tool for celebration and healing, uplifting his city through artistry, innovation, and authentic expression.

Brian Oscar, aka Wrcklés, is a New York–born, Detroit–based artist, producer, and DJ whose work blends electronic music, hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Caribbean influences. As the founder of Stableheed, he creates multimedia and community-driven projects focused on preserving and fostering expression. His personal work is heavily centered on afrosurrealism and intercultural dialogue. His DJ sets bridge Detroit and New York, using rhythm, texture, and groove to build connection and highlight the musical lineage of the dance and African diasporas. He has performed at cultural exchange events and alongside both local and international artists. Through exhibitions such as his Anthology series solo show performances, he explores storytelling, process, and the power of collective creativity.

Lolly Mariah is an eclectic, genre-bending neo-soul artist from Detroit, MI. Known for her siren-like vocals and low-key vibe, she blends soulful, jazzy, and electronic influences to create spiritual, sensual, and relatable lyricism. Her approach to music is passionate and purposeful, aiming to share important life lessons through her sound, reminiscent of artists like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Jhené Aiko, Chrisette Michele, and Jill Scott. Lolly Mariah’s welcoming persona, purple aura, reflective lyricism, and vibrant stage presence make her a well-rounded creative, mentor, and exceptional performer — ultimately, a STAR.

Bryce The Third is one of Detroit’s most authentic and impactful rising voices. More than a musical artist, he is an emotional engineer who blends performance art, storytelling, sharp lyricism, and community-building into a live experience that feels alive in every direction. Bryce doesn’t just tell his story; he creates space for audiences to find theirs. Step into his world, and you don’t just watch — you open, unfold, and move deeper into your own journey. If you’ve been to a show, you know. If you haven’t, you’re in for a groundbreaking experience.

I am a singer, songwriter, and self-taught producer from Detroit. Being the grandson of Grammy nominee Vanessa Bell Armstrong, I have been surrounded by music my whole life and developed a deep love for it. In 2020, I began creating my own music and discovered a passion for connecting with others through it. In 2024, I placed in a competition with the Motown Museum, which led to the opportunity to perform at the 2024 NFL Draft. I recently released new music and remain grateful for the profound impact music continues to have on my life.

Julianna Sanromán is a Mexican-American artist from Southwest Detroit whose work explores migration, memory, and the inherited effects of trauma. Through rice altars, transparent fabrics, and layered painting installations, she creates “living archives” that honor stories marked by displacement and tenderness. Her practice bridges personal ritual and communal healing, often drawing from traditions passed down by her mother and grandmother. Sanromán earned her BFA from the College for Creative Studies, where she was Valedictorian, and is pursuing her MFA at the University of Michigan Stamps School of Art & Design. Her work envisions futures for immigrants rooted in rest, imagination, and belonging.

Miriam Uhura is a self-taught painter from Highland Park, Michigan, whose work explores themes of cultural significance, family, community, and futurism. Her pieces often capture poignant, intimate moments, inviting viewers to engage with the layered meanings embedded within each image. Beyond fine art, Miriam is also a body artist, working as a piercer with Bloodline Dynasty. Whether on canvas or skin, her creations serve as a powerful testament to the transformative power of self-expression.

Victoria Bayagich is a Detroit-based artist, mother, and creative entrepreneur dedicated to creating spaces where art connects people and uplifts community. Motherhood has shaped her intentional and flexible approach to work, centering accessibility, mentorship, and support for women, non-binary, and BIPOC artists. She founded Watercolor Connections as a sustainable platform to support herself and other artists, blending live portraiture with digital engagement to build meaningful connections. At MCSDA, she combines creative and administrative leadership to amplify Detroit’s cultural landscape. Victoria’s vision is to make Detroit a national hub for artistic innovation, mentorship, and collaboration across street dance, music, and visual arts.

Pursuing art once felt out of reach—and still I painted, joined collectives, exhibited work, and forged meaningful connections with creatives. In 2020, while expecting a child, I left the corporate world to grow as an artist. In 2024, my son and I crossed the Cranbrook Academy of Art graduation stage, where I earned my MFA in Painting. I’m a Black and Jewish multidisciplinary artist and mother conjuring in Detroit. Exploring themes of brokenness, refusal, and fugitivity, I choreograph bones, shells, beads, soil, and colors into textures, gestures, and rhythms. I am examining the relationship between nature, culture, and ancestral wisdom as we collectively move toward uncertainty and, always, possibility.

Precious-Angel Jennings was born in, and currently lives in, Detroit, Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the College for Creative Studies in 2025. Jennings investigates the intersection of emotion, identity, and representation through lenses of creativity. Through layered figurative composition, color, and form, she explores the inner complexities of mental health and spirituality to tell a story beyond words. Using art as a tool for self-discovery, she invites her audience to embrace their own vulnerability and dive deeper into personal therapeutic introspection.

Sudani Shaah is an interdisciplinary artist born in Detroit, Michigan, with roots in Ypsilanti. Working primarily with fiber and craft-based materials, she creates textile works, sculptures, and digital collages that explore spirituality, Black feminism, nature, and identity. Shaah blends techniques such as dyeing, sewing, felting, and digital printing with sustainable and found materials, allowing each piece to emerge through experimentation. A recent BFA graduate from the College for Creative Studies, she views making as both research and storytelling—using texture, color, and imperfection to reflect the complexity of living in one’s body, mind, and cultural history.

Deja Milany (1996 born in Rockdale, GA; lives and works in Detroit, MI) received her B.F.A in Fiber Crafts from the College for Creative Studies, Detroit, MI in 2018 and a M.F.A in Fibers from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield, MI in 2022. Milany has been an artist in residence at the ACRE Artist Residency in Southwest Wisconsin & Womxn House Residency in Detroit, MI. She has also received the Red Bull Arts Microgrant in 2021. Her work has been displayed in a solo exhibition at the Interloper Galleries in Seattle, WA. She has also participated in several group exhibitions at the Yale University, Annex Gallery, Library Street Collective, Museum of Contemporary Arts Gala & more. She is currently a Secondary Craft and Fibers teacher at the University Preparatory Academy Art & Design High School. 

Brittini Ward is a Detroit-based multidisciplinary artist, storyteller, and founder of Eye N Eye. Her work exists at the intersection of art, memory, and community care. Through her Embodied Storyholding framework, she approaches each painting as a living narrative, translating ancestral memories, elemental energies, and lived experiences into visual form. Her exhibitions and performances invite audiences to listen deeply, reflect honestly, and connect with the spirit within every story. From canvas to ceremony, Brittini creates work that preserves legacy, sparks conversation, and nurtures collective healing.

Mara Magyarosi-Laytner is an artist, educator, and curator who employs multiple experimental lens-based methods to explore identity through a symbolic and poetic lens. Her work has been featured internationally, including exhibitions and festivals in the United States, Canada, Italy, France, and Hungary. Mara’s artistic and curatorial projects have been highlighted in numerous articles and periodicals, including Complex, Lenscratch, Float Magazine, and Detroit Metro Times. To support innovative and experimental lens-based artists, she co-founded and serves as co-executive director of NOVA24, an international photography and film festival based in Detroit, Michigan.

Torrence Jackson is a visual artist specializing in vibrant acrylic paintings and large-scale murals that explore identity, individuality, and community. Influenced by hip-hop culture, skateboarding, and graffiti, his work blends bold color, movement, and symbolism to express resilience, creative freedom, and self-confidence. Jackson creates with the intention of inspiring others—inviting viewers to step into uplifting, dreamlike spaces where imagination and personal truth coexist. Through his art, he hopes to spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and bring a sense of positivity and hope to those who connect with his work.

Sydni C. Warner, aka The Duey Dealer, is a Detroit-based seamstress and durag designer who turns the overlooked into the reimagined. Specializing in traditional Black hair protection products, she transforms bonnets and durags into wearable art, using both conventional fabrics like satin and velvet as well as everyday materials like newspapers and tobacco leaves. Her work blurs the line between functionality and fashion, pushing durags into spaces they were never expected to occupy. Through bold design and cultural storytelling, Sydni challenges the stigma around how and where we protect our crowns, reclaiming hair protection as an act of liberation.

LUFF was born from Erica Hobson’s lifelong passion for fashion and art. Frustrated by the underrepresentation of Black female designers in the industry, she set out to create a brand that champions originality, craftsmanship, and inclusivity. More than just a clothing line, LUFF is a movement—a celebration of bold design, individuality, and innovation. Each piece is handcrafted with care, using unconventional fabrics to create exclusive transitional wear that seamlessly adapts to your lifestyle. With a commitment to quality and longevity, LUFF designs are made to stand the test of time, both in style and durability.

Shenai Jackson is the founder of Liu Lux, a luxury apparel brand that inspires individuals to live life abundantly. She is a distinguished economic developer, serial entrepreneur, and native Detroiter. With over a decade of experience in entrepreneurship and economic development, Shenai is passionate about advancing small businesses through strategic partnerships, community resources, and investment pathways. A proud Michigan State University alumna, she is completing her Master of Urban Planning with a specialization in Economic Development at Wayne State University.

Blight Hernandez is a self-taught, multidisciplinary artist and the creator behind Detroit Conscious streetwear brand Be The Light. They transform unconventional textiles into soulful, one-of-one garments. Working with materials like burlap sacks, ties, home linens, and tapestries, Blight rebuilds overlooked fabrics into pieces that carry both spirit and street energy. Their work is handcrafted, intentional, and rooted in community healing and spiritual storytelling. Through poetic construction and intuitive design, Blight uses clothing as a vessel for consciousness, connection, and rebirth. Each piece becomes its own living story—a reminder that authenticity attracts its tribe and that Detroit creativity is forged from resilience, vision, and light.

Crystal Robinson is a Detroit-based fashion designer and the founder of Robinson Textiles. Her work blends fashion, community storytelling, and sustainable textile practices, drawing inspiration from the world around her and reshaping the way we see fabrics. She specializes in textiles, custom garments, and interactive fiber art installations. Robinson’s practice centers on accessible design, education, and capturing the emotional textures of everyday people through fabric.

Valdez Hodge is the visionary founder behind Dez Delmar, a modern streetwear brand built on bold ideas, premium craftsmanship, and relentless creativity. Since launching in 2017, he has transformed Dez Delmar into a movement that blends luxury-inspired design with everyday authenticity. Valdez is driven by originality, attention to detail, and the belief that clothing should empower confidence and self-expression. Every piece from Dez Delmar reflects his passion for quality, innovation, and style with purpose. As the brand continues to grow, Valdez remains committed to elevating fashion through unique designs, meaningful storytelling, and an uncompromising dedication to excellence.

I embraced being a designer by upcycling my late husband’s clothing to create pieces that connected our children to him, and it became my therapy. After his passing, I had to start life over and recognized that God had repurposed me for purpose. I’ve always been an advocate for recycling and being resourceful. I love blending fabrics and styles that stand out, and I’m grateful to work with others to tell stories through design. I use my skill sets as a voice for my perspective. It’s not only my passion but also my responsibility to inspire others to use their gifts.

Britney “Nerd” Epps is a Detroit-based visionary shaping culture through fashion, sustainability, and emotional wellness. As the creator of The House of Both Rows and co-founder of The Ether Detroit, Nerd transforms discarded and overlooked materials into intentional garments and immersive experiences that spark joy, reflection, and connection. Their work challenges traditional ideas of fashion by centering renewal, honesty, and the beauty found in reuse. Through storytelling, community care, and bold creative expression, Nerd invites people to fully embrace who they are, explore every emotion without shame, and discover their own path to happiness.

Majesty Hope Bland is a designer and fiber artist who reimagines traditional design methods and caters to individuals who desire to stand apart. Growing up in a large family, she was instilled with values rooted in faith, community, and resourcefulness—principles that remain central to her practice. Her work explores the development of new fabrications through traditional weaving and fiber manipulation techniques using discarded and recycled materials, contributing to a more circular economy. She creates garments and installations using bold color and texture to spark joy and amplify the beauty that already exists in the world.

Kohl DePaul is a designer and the owner of APT. 315. The studio primarily focuses on small-run and made-to-order pieces. Most items are produced in-house, with only a few exceptions. With an emphasis on dark wear, DePaul believes it’s important for people to recognize that cut-and-sewn pieces within this genre not only live but thrive in Detroit.

Chef Franchesca Lamarre is a descendant of Detroit's Black Bottom and a first-generation Haitian. She often highlights the inherent intimacy of food and gathering: “There’s a through-line between all Black diasporic food—we’re always throwing a lot of something into a pot that sits for a long time, and we’re all waiting to eat it. That’s super romantic,” she said in an interview with Jena Brooker, a food journalist at Bridge Detroit. She has been part of local projects like Kintomi and Hospitality Included, while also traveling to Chicago to assist with Connie’s Underground, an intimate dinner series by Chef Mariya Russell—the first Black woman in the U.S. to receive a Michelin star. In March 2024, Franchesca launched a Haitian food pop-up, Ayiti Spaghetti, which was awarded the 5th spot on Lyndsay Green’s—Detroit Free Press dining and restaurant critic—Top 10 Best New Restaurants and Dining List of 2025.

Amanda Saab is a chef, activist, and storyteller who uses food as a catalyst for connection and social change. Known for her MasterChef appearances and for founding Dinner With Your Muslim Neighbor and Chefs for Palestine, she builds bridges through shared meals and intentional dialogue. Amanda draws inspiration from her Lebanese heritage, as well as from cooking alongside her daughter and her favorite sous chef, Hannah. She champions a culinary world rooted in justice, generosity, and community, believing deeply in the power of food to heal and unite.

Karlyta Williams is the founder of Mockery Zero Proof, Detroit’s first non-alcoholic bottle shop and micro-bar. For over four years, she has been helping people reconnect with themselves through crafted zero-proof cocktails and immersive tasting experiences, without relying on alcohol. Her work sits at the intersection of flavor, wellness, and culture, centering joy, presence, and community. Whether hosting intimate tastings or large-scale events, Karlyta designs experiences that feel luxurious, inclusive, and deeply human.

Chef Mike Lewis is the founder of The Good Food Truck, a Detroit-based culinary brand known for fresh, hibachi-style meals made with skill, intention, and community pride. With a passion for elevating street food, Chef Mike blends bold flavors with high-quality ingredients to create unforgettable dining experiences for workplaces, events, and neighborhoods across the city. His mission is simple: to serve good food that brings people together.

Yum Village was born out of Chef Godwin’s Nigerian upbringing and the rich flavors of his youth. Alongside his brother, Chef Godwin launched Yum Village to share the vibrant tastes of Afro-Caribbean cuisine while honoring the diversity of Midwest communities. Guided by a mission to create social impact, Yum Village prioritizes paying living wages to its team and sourcing 85% of its ingredients locally to support the community. With three locations in Detroit, Cleveland, and Columbus, their journey reflects a commitment to quality, community, and culinary innovation.

Chef Jec, also known as Jec Whlgn®, was born and raised on the east side of Detroit, Michigan. An artist with food, he has been a chef for 10 years and owns a culinary consulting business, which has helped him open seven different restaurants in Detroit, Atlanta, and North Carolina. He recently opened Bloom in Southfield and is now focused on developing his own restaurant and other culinary ventures. His ultimate goal is to bring the first Michelin star to Detroit.

Rahsaan Andrews, born and raised on Detroit’s Westside, has spent over 15 years shaping the city’s hospitality culture. From starting at Rah’s No Reservations to working across multiple Black-owned restaurants, he has dedicated his career to elevating Detroit’s dining scene. His passion for expanding the palates of native Detroiters led him to develop signature events and, most notably, create Boblo Burger—a nostalgic, innovative concept inspired by Detroit’s history. Now accepted into the Container Program, Rahsaan continues to push boundaries, using food, storytelling, and culture to build memorable experiences that honor Detroit’s past while defining its culinary future.

Shell Shock’d Tacos offers a one-of-a-kind experience of Detroit-style, Latin-inspired street food—an escape from the ordinary. Founded by two Detroit natives during the pandemic, Shell Shock’d Tacos pushed past limitations, elevating simple food items into something truly delightful. With a menu of uniquely flavored dishes and welcoming service, they create memorable experiences for every guest.

The Ice Cream Detroit crafts small-batch, scratch-made ice creams and sorbets, blending classic, non‑liquor‑infused flavors with inventive signature varieties infused at under 0.5% ABV. Founded and operated in Detroit, every batch is churned using quality ingredients and selected spirits to create balanced, adult-forward desserts alongside timeless favorites. They offer flavor-making classes every second and third Monday, cater events, collaborate with local makers, and host tastings that invite conversation. Committed to creativity, responsible indulgence, and hospitality, The Ice Cream Detroit turns simple ingredients into memorable experiences—one handcrafted scoop or spoonful at a time, season to season, proudly serving Detroit and beyond.