Sara Colée

Sara Colée is a growing force in the world of branding and experiential art direction, recognized for her dynamic approach to live events and commitment to inclusivity. With a global perspective honed through years of living in iconic cities like London, Sydney, Montreal, San Francisco, and more, she brings a unique blend of cultural influences to her work.

As the Co-creator of CLT Loft Sessions, Sara has played a shared role in continuing to shape the cultural landscape of Charlotte, NC. Her brainchild, Stella Creative, stands as a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, while the FairPlay Music Equity Initiative, of which she is a co-founder and board member, showcases her dedication to fostering a more equitable music industry.

Having returned to her roots in Charlotte seven years ago, Sara has been on a mission to build more diverse and inclusive platforms across the Carolinas. Her commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices is woven into the fabric of her career. Specializing in live events, brand strategy, and communication, Sara consistently pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the creative realm.

friday jones™

friday jones is an American a.rtist c.reative e.ntrepreneur (ace) raised in the Carolinas. As a music artist friday creates inspirational, Afrofuturistic Americana music. Her signature genre-blending style is whimsical and soulful with an emphasis on lyricism, storytelling, and epic production, painting masterful worlds of experience with her theatrical performance art.

friday has managed to successfully produce music and leverage her years of professional experience to help fellow aces develop magnetic brand experience. In 2021, she founded friday’s dope llc, a visionary arts, media, and entertainment conglomerate headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina that is leading the way in creating impactful artistic experiences that inspire healing, growth, and manifestation for artists and art lovers alike.

As an arts advocate and member of the local arts and culture community, friday is a resident of The VAPA Center as well as the Programming Committee Secretary, ASC Advisory Council Member for the City of Charlotte - at large, ARTS+ Programs + Technology Committee Member, and an ASC Cultural Leadership Training Alumni. friday is deeply committed to building an inclusive, thriving cultural hub that empowers artists in the Queen City.

Joseph Quisol

Joseph Quisol is a multifaceted artist, producer, and advocate dedicated to creating inclusive, equitable music ecosystems. Known professionally as Quisol, his work spans genres and media, including performance, music production, event curation, visual art, design, facilitation, and nonprofit leadership.

A Harvard University graduate with a Master's in Education, Quisol has been instrumental in bridging the arts and education, contributing to international research projects and community initiatives. His mission is to expand Charlotte’s local music scene by fostering collaborations that drive economic growth and regional tourism. Quisol envisions the city’s diverse music culture as a powerful catalyst for economic empowerment, and he is committed to curating innovative partnerships that elevate Charlotte's artistic and cultural influence.

Claudio Ortiz

An interdisciplinary creative who’s motivated by the potential impact his art and the art of others has on the community. While blending styles, genres, and influences to catalyze human connection and interactions that may otherwise not happen, he sees the roll of accessible music and art as cornerstones to meaningful societal progress.

Harvey Cummings II

Charlotte native, award winning saxophonist, pianist, songwriter, and producer. Harvey has performed for President Barack Obama, had music featured on Cartoon Network’s "The Boondocks" and commercials for Allen Edmonds. He is a North Carolina Central University graduatewith two degrees in music.

DJ Fannie Mae

“A purveyor of deep, infectious southern sh*t mixed with feel-good energy.” That’s how Fannie Mae describes herself as a DJ. Originally from North Carolina, Fannie has spent her life writing songs, spinning records, and being an advocate for the arts.

Hank Patterson

An entertainment consultant of 6 years at East Coast Entertainment, the largest full-service entertainment agency in the country, booking entertainment and producing custom events coast-to-coast and around the globe.

Michelle Hamilton

Michelle is currently the Managing Director at Carter, Advancing Philanthropy Worldwide. She previously held the role of Interim President & CEO the Charlotte Symphony, an orchestra bucking the trend in its belief that sharing music should be a right and not a privilege.  She has held leadership roles with the Houston Symphony, Dayton Philharmonic, the Arts Council of Fort Worth and Tarrant County and Crisis Assistance Ministry.  Michelle splits her weekends between Symphony concerts and Charlotte’s excellent jazz scene.

Braxton Winston

Braxton Winston II served as an At-Large member and Mayor Pro Tem of Charlotte City Council until December 2023 with a goal of developing a city that is more equitable, accessible, and interconnected. He was first elected in 2017 and re-elected twice. 

As North Carolina’s next Commissioner of Labor, Braxton will combine his experience in municipal leadership with his experience as a labor leader to build coalitions of our communities to keep North Carolina a place people want to come to live and work. We can connect the diversity of strengths in our rural and urban communities to work together for the common good of North Carolina's workforce and business communities. 

Alexis Jo Bruce

Music manager, vocal coach and owner of Charlotte Star Room - a boutique music development & corporate video production studio. Alexis takes a very hands-on approach in offering services catered to independent artists, focusing on everything from their musical content to branding and marketing.