Heard First Creatives

We're beyond excited to celebrate the power and creativity of women with Reify and Heard First! We're officially introducing our Amethyst cohort for 2025–2027, featuring the incredible talents of DJ Lisha, Meme B. Jones, Zami Maré, and Jazz McKenzie.

Heard First is dedicated to investing in creatives professionally and personally as we continue to build community, push forward local cultural development, and bridge the gap between corporations and creatives.

Over the next two years, we’re committed to providing these solo artists with professional and artistic development and ensuring they have the fundamental tools and support to thrive.

And yes, new original music is on the way! Stay tuned—this is just the beginning!

A huge shoutout to B Nicole Photography for capturing the vision, LUX Bru for hosting us, and Patrice Blanks-Johnson for lending her expertise to posing our artists.

And the nominees for the GROOVE STARTER award are...

1. Andrew Downer
2. Brandon Pair
3. Devron Ard
4. Malik Adams
5. Pat Jamar

These musicians love to improvise and experiment during rehearsals, often turning scheduled practice time into spontaneous and fun jam sessions.

Thank you to The Nameless Group and Worship 94.5 for sponsoring this award.

And the nominees for MOST VERSATILE are...

1. Brandon Cohn
2. Brandon Pair
3. Darien Bryant
4. Darius Seay
5. Mario Maitland
6. Pat Jamar
7. Timothy Battle
8. Tomy Gé

These musicians are highly skilled in multiple instruments or roles, and able to adapt to different musical styles and settings with ease, making them a valuable asset in any situation.

Thank you Love Jones Live and B Nicole Photography for sponsoring this award. See you September 26th!