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Veeraja R

Director; Educator: Adults; Poet; Visual Artist; Visual Artist: Painting; Writer; Clinical/Scientific Editor; Scientist; Author

A doctorate from Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, author VeerajaR is an admired poet, artist, a well-published scientist and a consultant Clinical/Scientific Editor. She is also the Executive Producer of ‘Poets From The Neighborhood’ (PFTN) program that airs every Friday, since 2013, on Tennessee’s WC-TV (an educational Channel). Her poetry is well received internationally and she is a coauthor of the devotional titled “Resurrection Reflections.” VeerajaR has had poetry published in anthologies including “Filtered Through Time” and “Where The Mind Dwells – Contemplation.” Her published book titled ‘JOY OF BEING – Poetry for the Heart, Mind and Spirit’ is available at Parnassus, Eastside Story, St. Mary’s and St. Philip Book stores, Daisy King’s and Landmark Booksellers; at Grolier Poetry, Harvard Square, MA., and Amazon online. Exploring nature and traveling have been, and are, her other passions. Traveling halfway across the world, she has lived and taught in Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and has been a faculty researcher at medical schools in the US, including Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. Living in middle Tennessee–with her three children and husband of 27+ years, VeerajaR continues to write and paint in ‘awe’ of God’s gifts, nature and life around us!

Dj Rage

Musician

DJ Rage, the son of prominent Milwaukee Wi DJ, Larry K. Myles, first showed an interest in DJ?ing at the age of 15 via house parties held in Nashville, TN. In 1995 DJ Rage relocated to his hometown of Milwaukee, WI and continued to service house parties while shadowing various Milwaukee DJ?s such as Tony Neal & Doc B. In 2002 DJ Rage found himself back in the ?Ville shadowing DJ?s Derrick (?The Big DM?) Mason, Darryl Jaye, C-Wiz, C-Lo, Bryant D In 2003, DJ Rage established himself as a member of Dj Whoo Kid’s (50 Cent’s Dj) Collective The Shadyville Dj’s, Ludacris’ Dtp Dj’s and Nelly’s Derrty Djs. Dj Rage Holds Down The Crash Ya Car Old School Hip Hop And R&B;Mixshow On 92.1 Fm (92Q) In Nashville On Fridays From 6-7Pm Dj Rage Has Worked With / Opened For Kid Capri 2x, Young Jeezy, Rickey Smiley, Cedric The Entertainer, Silk, Angela Winbush, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Freddie Jackson And Has Worked At Numerous Venues In Nashville And Surronding Cities such as The Historic Ryman Auditorium, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Municipal Auditorium, The Wildhorse Saloon, The Rialto Theater In Atlanta To Name A Few. DJ Rage is known for his impeccable spinning styles, professional attitude, and friendly disposition. He has a great knowledge base of professional mixing and blending of music to keep audiences moving nonstop. Dj Rage Can Be Contacted at Twitter.com/Dj_rage , Facebook.com/TheDjRage, Myspace.com/Rage615 Or Ragedj@Gmail.com

Monica Ramey

Musician; Singer; Visual Artist

Monica is a native of Francesville, one of Indiana’s smallest towns. The youngest of three children, her father is a retired farmer and mother, a retired music teacher. As a child, Monica would sing and dance on stage with her mother’s high school show choir. At the age of 3, she stood on the grand piano at the school’s cabaret and performed Tomorrow from the musical, Annie. Thereafter, Monica went on to perform across the state in festivals, contests, private engagements and the Indiana State Fair. By the age of 11, she had become well known in Indiana after starring in several local and professional productions of the Broadway musical "Annie." As a teenager, she studied at the Los Angeles County High School of the Arts. In 1995, Monica was selected to become a member of the GRAMMY National All American High School Jazz Band and Choir. This break would become one of the most important opportunities in Monica’s life. While being one of 12 selected nationally for the choir, Monica had little jazz experience. While performing with some of the music industry’s finest, she discovered the impact of jazz music in her own life and in our society. The responsibility all performers have to its preservation and authenticity left a profound and lasting impact on her. While attending Indiana State University, Monica studied Music Performance and was a member of the ISU Jazz Singers. She became a favorite singer among many faculty members and even the President of the university. This led to many performances at university functions and sporting events. She interned for the NARAS Foundation in Los Angeles, where the preservation of jazz music became a focal point of her responsibilities. In 2000, she moved to Nashville to pursue her singing career, where she discovered the Nashville Jazz Workshop. The Nashville Jazz Workshop has given Monica the opportunity to study under some of Nashville finest musicians including Lori Mechem, Roger Spencer, Sandra Dudley, Beegie Adair, Jeff Steinberg, Ron Browning, John Arnn, Rod McGaha, Jim Ferguson, Roy Agee, Annie Sellick and Jeff Hall as well as create a family away from home. Monica has performed in several venues around Nashville including F. Scotts, Sambuca, Cafe One Two Three, Chappy’s, Raz’z, Family Wash, Kijiji’s, the Nashville Jazz Workshop and performs regularly for various private events. Currently, Monica is wrapping up production of her debut album, "Make Someone Happy", featuring the Lori Mechem Trio and special guest, Beegie Adair. This special project hosts many standard tunes with horn arrangements by Denis Solee and two original tunes by Lori Mechem, Beegie Adair and Hal Stephens. Produced by Lori Mechem, Roger Spencer and Sandra Dudley, the album captures the finest example of Monica’s musical capabilities at this point in her career. The album is scheduled to be completed in late 2009. When not studying or performing, Monica enjoys spending time by the pool with her Nashville friends, with her family in Indiana and volunteering at the Nashville Jazz Workshop.

Mary Margaret Randall

Director; Educator: Youth; Writer

One Voice Nashville Founder and Director, Mary Margaret Randall, has always been drawn to a good story – whether told from a neighbor or friend, or expressed in music, art, dance, film, or radio. During her time studying at the University of Alabama, Mary Margaret founded the Black Warrior Storytelling Festival, the first-ever local event focused on sharing stories from across the state of Alabama. For her Senior Project in the New College program at UA, Mary Margaret collected and recorded stories from foot soldiers of the Civil Rights Movement in her hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It was this project that revealed the power of storytelling to Mary Margaret and she has not looked back since. Mary Margaret made the move to Nashville following college and has fallen in love with the city and its commitment to the arts. She has worked with youth in programming at schools all around the city and is passionate about the crossroads between education and creativity. Mary Margaret has a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from Trevecca University and loves nothing more than to pull up a chair and listen.

Kate Ransohoff

Educator: Adults; Visual Artist; Visual Artist: Mixed Media; Visual Artist: Textiles; Writer

Kate Ransohoff, Artist Bio My career in visual art began in the 1960s as a modern abstract sculptor of wood and alabaster. Moments of crisis appeared in the 1970s concerning meaning and nature that culminated in a grand gesture to stop making art altogether, unless I could make it with meaning. Nine months later, having deemed myself successful, I continued painting and sculpting where the spiritual element became primary. I moved rapidly from acrylic painting to lost wax bronze sculptures. A search for understanding how the spiritual in art is expressed and how artists learn to convey spiritual matters turned into a multi-year investigation of various traditional arts. I continued to make and exhibit small bronzes. Increasingly, my life-long involvement with social issues of injustice and prejudice demanded attention and I decided to bring this to the fore in my art. In 2002, I stopped making bronzes. I embarked on ten years of creating two-sided works combining words, sewing, paper and fabric about various troublesome themes in the world. It is entitled, Quilt: Art To Mend The World. In 2010 I began the study and research that led to, and continued throughout, the making of African American Memorial/An Homage To John Hope Franklin. The work was completed in December 2014 and tells the story of the harms done to African Americans with the intention of beginning the healing of those harms for all Americans. In 2012 I exhibited the first pieces telling stories made completely with sewing and textiles. Along the way, I have co-founded one school and two not-for-profit artist run organizations, taught art to adults, consulted with corporations and authored a book about the creative impulse and the spiritual, entitled Elijah’s Palace. I received a B.A. from Goddard College in 1975 and a M.Ed. from Lesley University in 1980. www.arttomendtheworld.com

Lee Rascone

Musician; Singer; Songwriter

Singer, Songwriter and host of a Songwriter's Night in Nashville, Tennessee

Marisa Ray

Actor; Director; Visual Artist; Visual Artist: Book Arts; Visual Artist: Illustration; Visual Artist: Painting; Writer

Marisa Ray is a visual artist, in love with the world that can’t be seen. Like dreams on canvas, her paintings transport people to those untouched places so alive in hearts, but not quite attainable in reality. Whether it’s a secluded village, a magical tree house, or a whimsical bird, Marisa is intent on creating a romanticized version of life. “I’m committed to paint the images you can’t capture with a photo,” she says. “If I can make something others want to disappear into, then I have done my gift justice.” Working strictly in acrylics, Marisa uses a very limited palette to ensure strong color harmony throughout each piece. Sometimes employing as little as four colors, she personally mixes every shade and works to carefully balance the tones and “glow” of her paintings. One of her favorite techniques is dry brushing, where layers of color are blended and scrubbed to create a misty, magical look. She firmly believes that building the background first is paramount to the story her paintings tell. Marisa is mostly a self- taught artist, with some training in perspective from her grandfather, Harry T. Rainey. Although she is avid about studying her craft, she equally devotes as much time and attention to breaking the rules. “Keeping childlike wonder alive plays a huge part in the reception and success of my work. Art gets static if it’s all done by the book”, she says. To keep things lighthearted, Marisa regularly decorates her studio space with playful items and childhood momentums. As her artistic journey unfolds, Marisa says she is continually inspired by what is happening. “Watching the work evolve gives me great faith in the images to come. When I see how far I’ve come, I’m confident and excited about where I’m headed.” Her work can be seen in shows in and around middle Tennessee. She lives in Nashville with her husband and son.

Matt Reasor

Songwriter; Visual Artist; Writer

Matt Reasor is A Nashville native, A visual artist, & A songwriter. Art works have appeared in: Nashville Counts! -Holland Brown Books (2011), 9 off 8th at 6 (2008), The Nashville Art Party (2009), and Endada Arts Festival (2012) Songs have appeared on: CMT Crossroads, Jamey Johnson / Shooter Jennings (2010), Tonight Show with Jay Leno- NBC (2010), and Black Ribbons/Shooter Jennings-Black Country Rock/Rocket Science (2009) Made- Artisan Entertainment (2001) The Crew- Touchstone Pictures (2000) Writings have appeared in: All Music Guide American Songwriter, MoonRunnersCountry.com. FreightTrainBoogie.com, and Brown’s Diner men’s room Videos:

Doug Regen

Visual Artist; Visual Artist: Furniture; Visual Artist: Woodworking

I design and build site-specific functional furniture from reclaimed materials.

Erisa Rei

Singer; Songwriter

I am a singer/songwriter living in Spring Hill, TN with my family. I am currently recording my third project at Littleton Music Group in Columbia, TN.

Michelle Rideout

Visual Artist: Painting

Michelle Rideout has been drawing since she was a small child with her artist father, Tommy Thompson, as her favorite teacher. She has worked with many mediums over the years, but oil has become her favorite. While living in Chattanooga she studied watercolor with Carolyn Wright. She credits Wright with renewing her love of fine art and giving her the confidence to continue to learn and develop her craft. After moving with her family to the Nashville area she studied pastel with Pat Thompson of Franklin, TN. At the encouragement of her father she took a plein air workshop with Jason Saunders, a very talented local landscape artist and loved the challenge and excitement she felt with this new medium. After attending another workshop with Franklin artist Roger Dale Brown, oil would become her medium of choice. During the following years she continued to attend workshops and classes with several local artists such as Dawn Whitelaw, Kevin Menck, and Erin Martin. She also attended workshops with Jeremy Doss of Atlanta, GA, Casey Baugh of New York, and Linda St. Clair of Santa Fe, NM. In February 2010 Michelle was honored to have an exhibition of her paintings at Belle Meade Plantation Art Gallery in Nashville, TN. She was also honored to conduct an exhibition of her work at the Brentwood Public Library during October 2011, 2013 and 2016. Michelle graduated with a B.S. degree in graphic design in 1989 from the University of North Alabama, Florence, AL.

Tracie Grace Riesgo

Visual Artist; Visual Artist: Drawing; Visual Artist: Illustration; Visual Artist: Painting

Tracie Grace is a creative professional who specializes in fine art. Her clients include individuals, real estate agents and collegiate universities. She sells originals and prints of her artwork online and offline and accepts commissions. Contact her regarding prints and commissions at traciegrace.com.

Kaine Riggan

Actor; Director; Singer; Songwriter; Writer

Originally from Henderson, North Carolina, Kaine moved to Nashville in 1995 to pursue a career in country music. After a stint as a demo singer for Nashville songwriters, Kaine was cast in The Ryman Auditorium’s production of Smoke On The Mountain. His ability to sing, act and play a variety of acoustic bluegrass/country instruments took him all over the country as the painfully shy aspiring preacher Dennis Sanders in Connie Ray and Alan Bailey’s hit musical. This role also landed him center stage at The Grand Ole Opry, fulfilling a life-long dream. In 1999, he created his own production company, Nashville Stages, Inc. where he directed and produced tours of Always, Patsy Cline; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Nuncrackers. In 2002, Kaine and Nashville businessman Dave Jones re-opened the Lee Greenwood Theatre in Sevierville, Tennessee where they produced Always, Patsy Cline and a weekly country music celebrity showcase called Nashville Nights. Following the sale of the theatre, Kaine was named the Director of Performing Arts for the State of Tennessee. He is also the co-founder of the Senior Center for the Arts, a non-profit arts organization in Nashville which provides high quality, but affordable theatre to all ages. In just four years as FOunding Director of SCA, Kaine’s Nashville Dinner Theatre brand quickly became one of Nashville’s top performing arts venues with over 18,000 annual attendees. Proceeds from the theatre program went to providing music, dance, theatre and visual arts to active senior citizens throught the state. Also a playwright, Riggan’s first musical comedy Could It Be Love has enjoyed sold-out runs for three consecutive years, including a visit to the Ryman Auditorium in 2005. His second musical comedy, A Scattered, Smothered & Covered Christmas, was a collaboration with numerous successful songwriters including Randy Travis, Paul Overstreet and T. Graham Brown. Riggan serves on the board of The Donelson-Hermitage YMCA and was recently appointed by the Mayor for a three year term to the Metro Education Access Commission, which has oversight of Music City Arts Channel 9 and IQ10. In 2009, Kaine moved to Los Angeles where he now works for The Beverly Hills Performing Arts Center in Development & Marketing.

Jonathan Riggs

Actor; Composer; Educator: Adults; Musician; Singer; Songwriter

Hello there. It’s nice to meet you. And thanks for stopping by. I’m a session singer, actor, and songwriter. I sing pop / country background vocals, choral (music reading) sessions, and song demos. I lead Christian worship and I’m also a commercial actor represented by the Advantage Talent Agency. In addition to performing and creating, I teach chart and music reading at workshops and conferences. I’ve got a little book explaining the Nashville Number System that is used in professional recording studios. You can find information about it on the Diamond on the 1 website (DiamondOnThe1.com).

LynnMarie Rink

Musician; Writer

Artist, Storyteller & Motivational Entertainer – Find out more at www.lynnmarie.net

Javier Rivas

Composer; Filmmaker; Musician; Musician: Electronic; Singer; Songwriter; Visual Artist; Visual Artist: Video; Writer

A long time resident to Nashville Javier Rivas is the founder of Fantasman Records, an indie label based in Tennessee, a member of ASCAP as publisher and writer. Past experience include Theatre play, Film soundtracks and jingles for TV and Radio. Exavier is an all original music writer, influenced by music from the 60s to the present time and a pioner on guitar synthesis. His compositions include a wide variety of genres that range from Pop, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Latin and electronic guitar defined as Sci-Fi Rock. Streaming media Audio and Video Samples of his works at available at his website as well as Press Media and artist management info.

Seemi Rizvi

Dancer; Educator: Adults; Educator: Teens; Educator: Youth; Poet; Songwriter; Visual Artist; Visual Artist: Book Arts; Visual Artist: Crafts; Visual Artist: Digital Art; Visual Artist: Drawing; Visual Artist: Furniture; Visual Artist: Jewelry; Visual Artist: Murals; Visual Artist: Painting; Visual Artist: Photography

Seemi Rizvi 326 Belle Valley Drive Nashville,TN 37209 609-576-1477 seemihennaart@gmail.com Seemi Rizvi 326 Belle Valley Drive Nashville,TN 37209 609-576-1477 seemihennaart@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/SeemiBodyArt Featured Artist of Nashville: Art At The Air Port Work Experience Michealle Vanderpool Salon, Madyline Spa, The Loft at Music Row and Urban Oasis Since 2010 make up, hair, threading eyebrows, facepainting, Bollywood dance HennaTattoos etc. make up, hair, body art and Bollywood dance http://www.marypoza.com/about.html Hair and make up retouch for the video shoot https://www.facebook.com/151915039092/photos/pb.151915039092.-2207520000.1422488358./10152780385749093/?type=1&theater art on Adam's head. henna tattoo for the participant Voice (TV show) Education TCATN:? Licensed Cosmetologist December 2014 Tennessee Technological University ?Cookeville: Teaching course 2000 Karachi University:Master of Arts in International Relations? 1996 Positions:? CEO Salon SeeMe ,Seemi's Arterations,Seemi’s Henna Art ? was President Political Science Society,residential association?? ,vice president Partners in Prosperity, Literature Society?,concil member Pakistani American Association Of Nashville,head girl of spiritual center,team captain. Served Miss Tennessee,Macy,Vanderbilt,Watkins college,Opry land Hotel Converse shoes etc. https://www.facebook.com/SeemiBodyArt Featured Artist of Nashville: Art At The Air Port Work Experience Michealle Vanderpool Salon, Madyline Spa, The Loft at Music Row and Urban Oasis Since 2010 make up, hair, threading eyebrows, facepainting, Bollywood dance HennaTattoos etc. make up, hair, body art and Bollywood dance http://www.marypoza.com/about.html Hair and make up retouch for the video shoot https://www.facebook.com/151915039092/photos/pb.151915039092.-2207520000.1422488358./10152780385749093/?type=1&theater art on Adam's head. henna tattoo for the participant Voice (TV show) Education TCATN:? Licensed Cosmetologist December 2014 Tennessee Technological University ?Cookeville: Teaching course 2000 Karachi University:Master of Arts in International Relations? 1996 Positions:? CEO Salon SeeMe ,Seemi's Arterations,Seemi’s Henna Art ? was President Political Science Society,residential association?? ,vice president Partners in Prosperity, Literature Society?,concil member Pakistani American Association Of Nashville,head girl of spiritual center,team captain. Served Miss Tennessee,Macy,Vanderbilt,Watkins college,Opry land Hotel Converse shoes etc.

Karen Renée Robb

Educator: Adults; Educator: Teens; Educator: Youth; Musician; Musician: Percussion; Poet; Singer; Visual Artist; Visual Artist: Mixed Media; Visual Artist: Painting

After 25 years in Corporate America, working for the most amazing companies [Apple Computer, Digidesign (Pro Tools), Gibson Guitar, and Griffin Technology], Karen Renée felt a deep calling to use her unique musical talents, experience and marketing expertise to advocate for and participate in sound and music healing modalities. After leaving Nashville-based Griffin Technology in December 2012, she founded “The Music City Alliance for Sound & Music Healing,” a community of people dedicated to advocating for, participating in and spreading the “good news” about sound and music healing. “In a city rich in music and healthcare innovations it is time for us to raise the awareness of the power for sound and music to heal and transform people at depth. From birth to death the vibration of sound can be used to promote well-being, help to lead happier, healthier lives and can even assist in the process of dying. Let us become a beacon for the world, shining a light on new innovative and traditional methods of healing through sound and music. It just makes logical sense for the greater city of Nashville, this wonderful community of creative souls to bring the power of sound to a whole new realm.” Walking her authentic path she found inspiration in frame drum singing, toning and drumming. Introduced to the frame drum from a TEDx talk by Eliana Gilad in early 2013, she states “The first time I watched and listened to her sing into the drum, I knew that I was being called to do it as well. I believe there is an opportunity for a lot of people to resonate with it. I am facilitating “play-shops,” organizational workshops and private sessions to introduce others to the art and magic of the frame drum. It’s not just for drumming anymore and you don’t need to be a trained musician to benefit from it.” Her new venture called “Frame Drum Wisdom-Reclaim Your Voice For Healing” is helping people reclaim their voice, to speak their truth and create sounds that stir their heart and soul. She has touched the lives of people in transition through volunteering at Alive Hospice; awakened the voices of people of all ages, especially women; provided connection and vocal strength for people with Parkinson’s and Alzheimers; and currently facilitates weekly sound and drumming sessions at Voyage, a residential recovery center for women. The application for this frame drum wisdom is truly endless. Karen Renée has always had a deep desire to help connect people to the beauty that resides within and around them. This new path on her journey continues to expand her ability to touch people’s lives in a profound way. “I am energized by helping people find and embrace who they really are so they can shine their authentic, beautiful light into the world. We need all of our lights to shine brightly, now more then ever.” Karen Renée is available for live performance opportunities and recording. Frame drum singing is truly a unique, mesmerizing sound that can transform the energy of any room or audience.

Rose Robertsonsmith

Educator: Adults; Visual Artist; Visual Artist: Crafts; Visual Artist: Textiles

Combining colors and textures that create unexpected patterns, gives Rose’s traditional braided rugs a contemporary flair. Rose cultivated her craft in New Hampshire under the tutelage of juried League of New Hampshire artisan rug braiders. Using recycled wool, Rose is reviving a Colonial American craft, making work of art rugs that are “green” projects with purpose. Now, she is ready to share Barbara Fisher’s counted loop method of rug braiding with Nashville. Besides, teaching this art form, Rose creates custom rugs on a commission basis. Enjoy viewing her award winning rugs!

Kevin Rogers

Photographer

I am a photographer who looks for different points of view.

Kevin Rogers

Photographer

I’ve been creative since an early age. I was an art student/artist from childhood through adolescence, only to give up on creativity to become an adult. I sold my soul to the "Real World" and took the roads most often taken. In recent years I have rediscovered my passion for art through photography. I’m going back and traveling those roads I should have taken, the ones least often taken. I like the view often not seen. I like to look at things from different angles. The angles that most people would not think to look from. I see possibility in everything. I like nature and architecture the most. Kevin Rogers is a self-taught photographer living just outside of Nashville, Tennessee

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