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. 23. The winner will be announced Friday afternoon.
DJ Nova
Nominated by: Triniti Florence
Why Florence nominated Nova:
Nova is a Cincinnati-based DJ who turns sounds into good times full of connection, vibes, and community. Since DJing, Nova has brought people together through music at various events and parties, and she always has the best sounds and transitions and knows how to play for the people.
Other than being truly musically talented, she is also a kind and warm soul to be around and connect with. She knows how to play for all crowds but still keeps her originality and authenticity, and she has also brought other opportunities to those around her in the community. Nova was the first person who offered me a paid opportunity to be in a promo for an event she’s throwing this summer, despite paying for all these things out of her own pocket, and I feel that reflects the way she cares about the other creatives in her community.
Marty Weldishofer
Nominated by: Greyson Hill
Why Hill nominated Weldishofer: He is the owner of a notorious wine bar and restaurant in College Hill called Marty’s Hops and Vines. He is the nicest person.
He will come out and talk to you and make sure everything is perfect. He’ll hug even if he doesn’t know you too well. He will dance if there’s music and really make the vibes so welcoming. He remembers my name and my family’s and personally welcomes us, and we only go once a month. He always has a lively spirit, and I have NEVER seen otherwise!!
Dillon Briscoe
Nominated by: Cody Walker
Why Walker nominated Briscoe: Dillon Briscoe exemplifies what it means to be a Cincinnati community organizer in the creative space. He hosts and runs Keep it Open Cincy productions, an organization that puts on Cincy’s premier open mic every Wednesday in Mt. Lookout, a monthly dating show (Between the Curtains), live music events that showcase Cincinnati artists, as well as a monthly comedy show, “Comedy off the Vine” at Valley Vineyards that is arguably the best independent stand-up comedy show in the country.
Dillon’s friendly and welcoming demeanor has created an environment in Cincy where creativity can flourish, musicians can meet to collaborate and form new bands, and everyone feels right at home. He never stops working and he’s driven by the love he has for the Cincinnati creative community. He’s also an excellent drummer and has played with several Cincinnati bands.
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.
You can vote as often as you’d like until noon Oct. 23. The winner will receive a featured CityBeat story, recognition across CityBeat’s social channels and eternal neighborhood bragging rights.*
*Not legally binding, but spiritually true.
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.
