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, 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 Sept. 11. The winner will be announced Friday afternoon.
Brince Etter
Nominated by: Brince Etter
Why Brince nominated himself: Brince Etter is an award-winning poet, rapper, and 3rd-grade ELA teacher at Idea Public Schools (Price Hill).
Hailing from the historic East Price Hill neighborhood, his impact has been unprecedented, inspiring local youth through hip hop and poetry, hosting after-school programs in various Cincinnati branch libraries, and giving kids the space to express themselves through literature and spoken word.
“Nudge” Adam Medley
Nominated by: Jennifer Garrett
Why Garrett nominated Medley: He is heard rocking the airwaves in Cincinnati on 102.7 WEBN every day on the overnight and has his own local show Sundays at 11 p.m. showcasing local bands and artists called Native Noise.
He is a beacon in our music scene and has been for the past 15 years. He’s a great guy! Well-spoken, he loves helping out with anything anyone asks of him. Ask any local rock band if Nudge is awesome, and you’ll get some amazing stories; he has many he’d love to share, I’m sure.
Maddi Phillips
Nominated by: Megan L
Why L nominated Phillips: 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!
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 Sept. 11. 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.
