The votes are in: CityBeat’s Culture Maker of the Week is Alex Pham.

Pham was nominated by Xavier Henderson because “Alex, better known as AP, consistently brings a unique vibe to the city. He puts on parties at the top bars and clubs and sells them out!

His team of security, DJ, and production are always professional in giving the best experience to his audience. Need a good party with unique themes? Come to an AP party!”

Cincinnati culture doesn’t just happen. It’s built every day by artists, musicians, chefs, organizers, performers, business owners, neighborhood champions and wonderfully weird people who give this city its personality.

That’s why CityBeat has Culture Maker of the Week, a contest celebrating the people who make Greater Cincinnati more vibrant, joyful, thoughtful and alive, whether they’re working center stage or quietly making things happen behind the scenes.

Nominees are submitted by you, and our editors pick the three up for voting. Nominate a Culture Maker here!

The post Meet CityBeat’s Culture Maker of the Week: Alex Pham appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

Meet three Cincinnatians making the city more creative, connected and unmistakably itself, and then help choose the Culture Maker of the Week winner.

Cincinnati culture doesn’t just happen. It’s built every day by artists, musicians, chefs, organizers, performers, business owners, neighborhood champions and wonderfully weird people who give this city its personality.

That’s why CityBeat is launching Culture Maker of the Week, a new contest celebrating the people who make Greater Cincinnati more vibrant, joyful, thoughtful and alive, whether they’re working center stage or quietly making things happen behind the scenes.

Nominees are submitted by you (submit nominations here), and our editors pick the three up for voting. Read about this week’s contenders below, then cast your vote for the person you think deserves the title.

You can vote as often as you’d like until noon on Oct. 16. The winner will be announced Friday afternoon.

Emily Jane

Nominated by: Lauren Hughes

Why Hughes nominated Jane:

Emily Jane is a talented local fantasy fiction writer. Her recent books, Mr. Yay, American Werewolves, Here Beside the Rising Tide & on Earth as it is in Television, are all perfect for escaping the stress of life into a new world that expands your imagination beyond what you may expect to see coming.

She has a way of using her words to bring some goofy, carefree, childlike fun right into your adult life, and make it feel like you relate to it too! She is also personally a great friend, mom, gardener & community member. If you see her hosting a book event or attending a theme party, you know she will be dressed for the occasion …with accessories for others too! We appreciate Emily!

Roger Ruffen

Nominated by: Kyle Root

Why Root nominated Ruffen: Roger Ruffen, a former WWE referee from the 80s-90s, is also a former wrestler and current owner of the Northern Wrestling Federation (NWF). For 30 years, he has brought family-friendly professional wrestling to the greater Cincinnati area. Having grown up as a lifelong fan, he went from being a child earning money to pay for tickets to watch wrestling in person at the historic Cincinnati Gardens to eventually cutting his teeth in the business as a teenager and working in the ring there.

For over 40 years, he’s been involved with professional wrestling, and he’s still going strong, hosting weekly affordable live wrestling events while training the next generation of young talent at his training facility, BoneKrushers, hoping to make it big as he did! He’s trained notable international names including Abyss, Karl Anderson, Jillian Hall, Lord Crewe, current WWE superstar Lexx King FKA Brian Pillman Jr, and his wife and current NWA superstar, Big Mama. To this day, his goal is to spread the same joy he felt as a small kid to the children of Cincinnati through the action and drama of professional wrestling. In 2019, a documentary was released about his life in wrestling titled “I’m The Man: The Story of Roger Ruffen and the Northern Wrestling Federation”. He is an avid, lifelong Pete Rose fan and enjoys the taste of Cincinnati chili more than anything.

Ana Log Stix

Nominated by: Sydney Napier

Why Napier nominated Stix: Ana Log Stix is a local drag performer who has been incredibly active in Cincinnati’s LGBTQIA+ community for years.

Ana strives to bring the community together by way of outreach, hosting events that celebrate the community, ensuring we have a safe space to gather, and using her voice to educate people about the queer community and the very real struggles faced daily. Not only does Ana bring joy, but she also gives us a sense of hope that one day, we may attain true harmony without judgment.

Cast Your Vote

Vote once. Vote twice. Vote every time you reopen the tab. Then send this story to the group chat, neighborhood Facebook page, Discord server or overly competitive family member of your choice.

Know Cincinnati’s Next Culture Maker?

Nominations are always open. Tell us about an artist, DJ, chef, bartender, muralist, musician, organizer, educator, performer, community builder or other local human making Cincinnati a more interesting place. Nominate a Culture Maker here.

The post Vote for the CityBeat Culture Maker of the Week appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

The votes are in: CityBeat’s Culture Maker of the Week is Deej Ragusa.

Deej was nominated by Holly Brians Ragusa because “Deej is a talented local and soulful singer-songwriter who pours herself into her music. She’s intentional about working with and amplifying human talent and continually builds musical and meditative community. She’s a credit to the region, with exemplified authenticity and wide musical scope and vision.

She’s been performing at Arnold’s for six years every third Thursday and plays solo, duo, or full band gigs all over town at venues such as MOTR, Sundry & Vice, and Symphony Hotel. As a certified sound healer, she soothes souls with her resonant singing bowls and guided meditations. Deej is the future of music and a cultural icon of this region.”

Cincinnati culture doesn’t just happen. It’s built every day by artists, musicians, chefs, organizers, performers, business owners, neighborhood champions and wonderfully weird people who give this city its personality.

That’s why CityBeat has Culture Maker of the Week, a contest celebrating the people who make Greater Cincinnati more vibrant, joyful, thoughtful and alive, whether they’re working center stage or quietly making things happen behind the scenes.

Nominees are submitted by you, and our editors pick the three up for voting. Nominate a Culture Maker here!

The post Meet CityBeat’s Culture Maker of the Week: Deej Ragusa appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

Meet three Cincinnatians making the city more creative, connected and unmistakably itself, and then help choose the Culture Maker of the Week winner.

Cincinnati culture doesn’t just happen. It’s built every day by artists, musicians, chefs, organizers, performers, business owners, neighborhood champions and wonderfully weird people who give this city its personality.

That’s why CityBeat is launching Culture Maker of the Week, a new contest celebrating the people who make Greater Cincinnati more vibrant, joyful, thoughtful and alive, whether they’re working center stage or quietly making things happen behind the scenes.

Nominees are submitted by you (submit nominations here), and our editors pick the three up for voting. Read about this week’s contenders below, then cast your vote for the person you think deserves the title.

You can vote as often as you’d like until noon on Oct. 9. The winner will be announced Friday afternoon.

Alex Pham

Nominated by: Xavier Henderson

Why Henderson nominated Pham:

Alex, better known as AP, consistently brings a unique vibe to the city. He puts on parties at the top bars and clubs and sells them out!

His team of security, DJ, and production are always professional in giving the best experience to his audience. Need a good party with unique themes? Come to an AP party!

Jake Hicks

Nominated by: Justin Rue

Why Rue nominated Hicks: Jake has spent the better part of the last decade helping shape Cincinnati’s creative and music culture from the ground up.

Starting as a photographer, he documented the city’s artists, venues, musicians, athletes, and cultural moments, creating a visual record of Cincinnati’s evolution while working with hundreds of local and national talent. He later founded IWDWD Studios, which grew into one of Cincinnati’s most influential creative hubs, providing a home for photographers, filmmakers, musicians, brands, and entrepreneurs to collaborate, create, and launch new ideas.

He also founded Project Sonar, an independent underground events platform that helped redefine Cincinnati’s electronic music scene by producing large scale experiences in unconventional spaces and creating opportunities for a new generation of DJs, artists, and creatives. Through Sonar, thousands of attendees discovered local talent while helping establish Cincinnati as a growing destination for underground dance music.

Jess Lamb

Nominated by: Lauren Hughes

Why Hughes nominated Lamb: Jess Lamb is a Cincinnati staple. Between her majestic voice and powerful messages, she is also just a genuine person who connects deeply with everyone she comes in contact with.

Jess inspires us all with her own words and talents, and as a professional, she teaches the local kids / adults to find their own powers in writing and performing too! She and the other half of the creating friendship duo, Warren Harrison, have single-handedly changed countless lives in Cincinnati & beyond, and it all connects back to music.

Cast Your Vote

Vote once. Vote twice. Vote every time you reopen the tab. Then send this story to the group chat, neighborhood Facebook page, Discord server or overly competitive family member of your choice.

Know Cincinnati’s Next Culture Maker?

Nominations are always open. Tell us about an artist, DJ, chef, bartender, muralist, musician, organizer, educator, performer, community builder or other local human making Cincinnati a more interesting place. Nominate a Culture Maker here.

The post Vote for the CityBeat Culture Maker of the Week appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

The votes are in: CityBeat’s Culture Maker of the Week is Andrew Maloney.

Andrew was nominated by Holly Maloney because “If you’re looking for someone who makes Cincinnati feel like Cincinnati, Andrew is that person.

Around town, many people know him as ‘Mr. Cincinnati,’ and it’s a nickname he’s earned. Andrew doesn’t just talk about Cincinnati—he lives it every single day. He attends festivals, grand openings, neighborhood events and lives downtown, fundraisers, concerts, and community gatherings all over the city because he genuinely loves being part of what makes Cincinnati special.

What sets Andrew apart is his enthusiasm and authenticity. His excitement for the city is contagious. Whether he’s introducing someone to a hidden neighborhood gem, highlighting a local business, or sharing the stories of the people who make this city unique, he does it with joy, curiosity, and heart.”

Cincinnati culture doesn’t just happen. It’s built every day by artists, musicians, chefs, organizers, performers, business owners, neighborhood champions and wonderfully weird people who give this city its personality.

That’s why CityBeat has Culture Maker of the Week, a contest celebrating the people who make Greater Cincinnati more vibrant, joyful, thoughtful and alive, whether they’re working center stage or quietly making things happen behind the scenes.

Nominees are submitted by you, and our editors pick the three up for voting. Nominate a Culture Maker here!

The post Meet CityBeat’s Culture Maker of the Week: Andrew Maloney appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

Meet three Cincinnatians making the city more creative, connected and unmistakably itself, and then help choose the Culture Maker of the Week winner.

Cincinnati culture doesn’t just happen. It’s built every day by artists, musicians, chefs, organizers, performers, business owners, neighborhood champions and wonderfully weird people who give this city its personality.

That’s why CityBeat is launching Culture Maker of the Week, a new contest celebrating the people who make Greater Cincinnati more vibrant, joyful, thoughtful and alive, whether they’re working center stage or quietly making things happen behind the scenes.

Nominees are submitted by you (submit nominations here), and our editors pick the three up for voting. Read about this week’s contenders below, then cast your vote for the person you think deserves the title.

You can vote as often as you’d like until noon on Oct. 2. The winner will be announced Friday afternoon.

Linsey Kraeling

Nominated by: Laura Clapper

Why Clapper nominated Kraeling: Linsey started @TourDeCincinnati @linsinnati over a decade ago. She creates content all over the greater Cincinnati area. You will not find someone more passionate about shopping local and spreading the love of Cincinnati with each post.

Each week she publishes “the weekend rundown” highlighting local events and things to do each weekend. She also creates content @kidfriendlycincy that is all geared toward people looking for fun things to do with their kids around town. She’s a champion for all things Cincinnati as well as being an advocate for human rights. I can’t think of a better person to nominate.

Arielle (Arie) Betts

Nominated by: Hunter Bowman-Gibson

Why Bowman-Gibson nominated Betts: Arie is truly a culture maker for Cincinnati. By day, she is an Outreach & Engagement Lead at the University of Cincinnati student affairs office, where she empowers students to gain leadership experience and grow personally and professionally through programming and engagement events. She has also been a mentor and friend for countless other students and me as we navigated our college journeys. I specifically think of a trip to Washington, D.C., that was organized by her for a group of students I was involved with.

While there, we were able to meet with staff members of Greg Landsman, visit marketing and accounting firms, and explore cultural museums. This trip really helped me and other students grow our passion for business, and it wouldn’t have been possible without her. And by night she’s a killer DJ with a true passion and appreciation of the music scene in Cincinnati where she was born and raised. And every time she’s on stage her main goal is make sure other people are having a good time!

Deej Ragusa

Nominated by: Holly Brians Ragusa

Why Ragusa nominated Ragusa: Deej is a talented local and soulful singer-songwriter who pours herself into her music. She’s intentional about working with and amplifying human talent and continually builds musical and meditative community. She’s a credit to the region, with exemplified authenticity and wide musical scope and vision.

She’s been performing at Arnold’s for six years every third Thursday and plays solo, duo, or full band gigs all over town at venues such as MOTR, Sundry & Vice, and Symphony Hotel. As a certified sound healer, she soothes souls with her resonant singing bowls and guided meditations. Deej is the future of music and a cultural icon of this region.

Cast Your Vote

Vote once. Vote twice. Vote every time you reopen the tab. Then send this story to the group chat, neighborhood Facebook page, Discord server or overly competitive family member of your choice.

Know Cincinnati’s Next Culture Maker?

Nominations are always open. Tell us about an artist, DJ, chef, bartender, muralist, musician, organizer, educator, performer, community builder or other local human making Cincinnati a more interesting place. Nominate a Culture Maker here.

The post Vote for the CityBeat Culture Maker of the Week appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

The votes are in: CityBeat’s Culture Maker of the Week is Jamison Walker.

Walker was nominated by Robert Gaskins because “Jamison is an owner of the Decorated Body tattoo studio. The Decorated Body is an artist-owned and operated co-op that doesn’t take a commission on artists’ sales, unlike most tattoo studios. They also frequently have guests travel from all over the world to come to that studio to tattoo people in Cincinnati. He goes out of his way to coach multiple youth sports teams, host both tattoo events and, more recently, music events, bringing back the Kickback at Lucious Q. He has always gone out of his way to help bring up fellow artists and creators; he’s created many wonderful spaces for artists to express themselves and share their work. He consistently goes to events as a photographer, taking wonderful photos of the great events happening in Cincinnati.

On top of everything, Jamison is a genuinely kind person, a fantastic father, a role model, and a wonderful friend. We’re lucky to have him in Cincinnati.”

Cincinnati culture doesn’t just happen. It’s built every day by artists, musicians, chefs, organizers, performers, business owners, neighborhood champions and wonderfully weird people who give this city its personality.

That’s why CityBeat has Culture Maker of the Week, a contest celebrating the people who make Greater Cincinnati more vibrant, joyful, thoughtful and alive, whether they’re working center stage or quietly making things happen behind the scenes.

Nominees are submitted by you, and our editors pick the three up for voting. Nominate a Culture Maker here!

The post Meet CityBeat’s Culture Maker of the Week: Jamison Walker appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

Meet three Cincinnatians making the city more creative, connected and unmistakably itself, and then help choose the Culture Maker of the Week winner.

Cincinnati culture doesn’t just happen. It’s built every day by artists, musicians, chefs, organizers, performers, business owners, neighborhood champions and wonderfully weird people who give this city its personality.

That’s why CityBeat is launching Culture Maker of the Week, a new contest celebrating the people who make Greater Cincinnati more vibrant, joyful, thoughtful and alive, whether they’re working center stage or quietly making things happen behind the scenes.

Nominees are submitted by you (submit nominations here), and our editors pick the three up for voting. Read about this week’s contenders below, then cast your vote for the person you think deserves the title.

You can vote as often as you’d like until noon on Sept. 25. The winner will be announced Friday afternoon.

Sydne Blackburn

Nominated by: Jamie Black

Why Black nominated Blackburn: Sydne (AKA DJ Nymph) curates amazing events that support the Black/brown community, such as Alt Blk Hotties, and its creative support group which focuses on bringing femmes together to learn from each other and celebrate and aid each other in successful creative endeavors.

Sydne provides DJ and entertainment events that raise funds for charitable businesses, helps build and sustain local businesses, especially in OTR, and she collaborates with so many other musicians and creatives in the city to creative inclusive, unique and special occasions. She works hard to create and sustain community, and succeeds at doing so!

Andrew Maloney

Nominated by: Holly Maloney

Why Holly nominated Andrew: If you’re looking for someone who makes Cincinnati feel like Cincinnati, Andrew is that person.

Around town, many people know him as “Mr. Cincinnati,” and it’s a nickname he’s earned. Andrew doesn’t just talk about Cincinnati—he lives it every single day. He attends festivals, grand openings, neighborhood events and lives downtown, fundraisers, concerts, and community gatherings all over the city because he genuinely loves being part of what makes Cincinnati special.

What sets Andrew apart is his enthusiasm and authenticity. His excitement for the city is contagious. Whether he’s introducing someone to a hidden neighborhood gem, highlighting a local business, or sharing the stories of the people who make this city unique, he does it with joy, curiosity, and heart.

Luis Villalón

Nominated by: Liam Haehnle

Why Haehnle nominated Villalón: Luis is a cultural curator here in Cincinnati. Host of the pop culture podcast The Culture Clash, he has brought on guests featuring a swath of local personalities from drag icons like Lexie Lobe and Amaya Sexton to news anchors such as Tanya O’Rourke and Megan Mitchell.

Luis has created a platform to highlight artists and authors such as Jacob Hogue, author of “Cincinnati before Stonewall”. Along with the many events hosted by The Culture Clash in community spaces like Alien Records in OTR, Luis recently was the host of Cincinnati’s biggest costume party, “Gay Icons,” dubbed the Met Gala of the Midwest.

Cast Your Vote

Vote once. Vote twice. Vote every time you reopen the tab. Then send this story to the group chat, neighborhood Facebook page, Discord server or overly competitive family member of your choice.

Know Cincinnati’s Next Culture Maker?

Nominations are always open. Tell us about an artist, DJ, chef, bartender, muralist, musician, organizer, educator, performer, community builder or other local human making Cincinnati a more interesting place. Nominate a Culture Maker here.

The post Vote for the CityBeat Culture Maker of the Week appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

The votes are in: CityBeat’s Culture Maker of the Week is Maddi Phillips.

Phillips was nominated by Megan L. because “Maddi is a bartender at Fretboard Brewing and Trivia Host at Quan Hapa. She always takes the time to talk excitedly to her customers and guests, spreads infectious joy while doing her job well and makes sure everyone is comfortable and taken care of. Her trivia nights at Quan Hapa on Wednesday nights are a staple for many in the community each week and she never fails to brighten a day!”

Cincinnati culture doesn’t just happen. It’s built every day by artists, musicians, chefs, organizers, performers, business owners, neighborhood champions and wonderfully weird people who give this city its personality.

That’s why CityBeat has Culture Maker of the Week, a contest celebrating the people who make Greater Cincinnati more vibrant, joyful, thoughtful and alive, whether they’re working center stage or quietly making things happen behind the scenes.

Nominees are submitted by you, and our editors pick the three up for voting. Nominate a Culture Maker here!

Find the next round of voting here.

The post Meet CityBeat’s Culture Maker of the Week: Maddi Phillips appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

Meet three Cincinnatians making the city more creative, connected and unmistakably itself, and then help choose the Culture Maker of the Week winner.

Cincinnati culture doesn’t just happen. It’s built every day by artists, musicians, chefs, organizers, performers, business owners, neighborhood champions and wonderfully weird people who give this city its personality.

That’s why CityBeat is launching Culture Maker of the Week, a new contest celebrating the people who make Greater Cincinnati more vibrant, joyful, thoughtful and alive, whether they’re working center stage or quietly making things happen behind the scenes.

Nominees are submitted by you (submit nominations here), and our editors pick the three up for voting. Read about this week’s contenders below, then cast your vote for the person you think deserves the title.

You can vote as often as you’d like until noon on Sept. 18. The winner will be announced Friday afternoon.

DJ Prymtime

Nominated by: Samuel Bland

Why Bland nominated DJ Prymtime: DJ Prymtime is the official DJ for the Cincinnati Bengals, the Cincinnati Reds and FC Cincinnati. Prymtime provides the soundtrack for Cincinnati and represents Cincinnati on some of the biggest stages the city has to offer. Some people call him the busiest man in show business.

His weekends in the fall can consist of him being at Great American Ballpark on Friday night, TQL Stadium on Saturday evening, and ending the weekend at Paycor Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Prymtime is also a representative of the local music scene. He has great relationships with local music artists and plays their music all over the United States when traveling for gigs. Prymtime has been voted DJ of the year at the Cincinnati DJ Awards for the past two years, 2025 and 2026. When you think of Cincinnati DJs, Prymtime is the first name to come to mind.

Tracey Liu

Nominated by: Jaudon Green

Why Green nominated Liu: Tracey Liu is the owner and curator of the new cocktail bar “AfterLife”. She has opened her space to many talents and vendors, takes her time and really thinks of many ways to spread love and uplift the Cincinnati area.

She’s welcoming of all communities and walks of life. She is also an amazing friend to me. I believe, and I know, that Tracey is a huge contributor to our community, and she does it from the heart.

Jamison Walker

Nominated by: Robert Gaskins

Why Gaskins nominated Walker: Jamison is an owner of the Decorated Body tattoo studio. The Decorated Body is an artist-owned and operated co-op that doesn’t take a commission on artists’ sales, unlike most tattoo studios. They also frequently have guests travel from all over the world to come to that studio to tattoo people in Cincinnati. He goes out of his way to coach multiple youth sports teams, host both tattoo events and, more recently, music events, bringing back the Kickback at Lucious Q. He has always gone out of his way to help bring up fellow artists and creators; he’s created many wonderful spaces for artists to express themselves and share their work. He consistently goes to events as a photographer, taking wonderful photos of the great events happening in Cincinnati.

On top of everything, Jamison is a genuinely kind person, a fantastic father, a role model, and a wonderful friend. We’re lucky to have him in Cincinnati.

Cast Your Vote

Vote once. Vote twice. Vote every time you reopen the tab. Then send this story to the group chat, neighborhood Facebook page, Discord server or overly competitive family member of your choice.

Know Cincinnati’s Next Culture Maker?

Nominations are always open. Tell us about an artist, DJ, chef, bartender, muralist, musician, organizer, educator, performer, community builder or other local human making Cincinnati a more interesting place. Nominate a Culture Maker here.

The post Vote for the CityBeat Culture Maker of the Week appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.