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. 4. The winner will be announced Friday afternoon.
Brittany Marsh
Nominated by: Lauren Mongelluzzo
Why Mongelluzzo nominated Marsh: Brittany is a sommelier at Hart and Cru but she is so much more than that! She’s heavily involved in the community – whether that’s the Cincy Wine Club, curating the wine list at Sudova, sharing pictures of OTR on her Instagram account (@persistentlyroaming), sharing her home cooking adventures, hiking any and all trails in the area, or posting up at a local restaurant.
I love following along with Brittany to stay up to date on what’s cool and what’s coming. I snagged an early reservation at Roji because she was the first to share the intel on its secret launch! Not only does she have her ear to the ground, but she is an incredibly kind person who makes Hart and Cru feel like a friend’s place. She is a humble but mighty pillar of the Pendleton community.
Joshua aka “PH Dee” Jones
Nominated by: Mary Goodhew
Why Goodhew nominated Jones: I work with Josh at Hamilton County. He is a major leader in our organization and brings so much to inclusivity and support in a professional atmosphere. The educational programing he has spearheaded has broken down barriers and lifted voices for his coworkers supporting the marginalized communities.
Beyond his professional work, he performs as the infamous PH Dee. Josh is a major player in Cincy pride and what other way to show his value to our community the nominating him for the award during pride month. Josh is an all around A+ human being and deserves the recognition.
Devin Burgess
Nominated by: Mark Borison
Why Borison nominated Burgess: Devin’s musical output is phenomenal – his album roll out for “Heaux” in 2025 should be studied. A musical artist that is constantly reinventing themself and constantly pushing boundaries in a way no other local creative has.
Listen to any of their recent output on streaming platforms – here’s a live set he did at my Christmas party at Radio Artifact last year: https://www.youtube.com/live/6pWmKPwrms8?si=qRq-ou7DxRvVjQa0&t=6648. Get Burgess’ BandCamp here.
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. 4. 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.
