Season 4 Episode 4
May 17, 2025 / 2:30PM
Live performances by:
CeeKaynayway
CeeKaynayway, born in Queens, New York, is a versatile artist whose music reflects her multicultural background and experiences. Raised by parents who fled war-torn Liberia, she moved to Liberia in 2008 after her father's passing and later returned to the U.S. for university. Ceeknayway’s journey into music began at the age of 22, drawing from her parents’ deep love for jazz, soul, African, and soca sounds. She made her debut at a 2014 benefit concert for Ebola relief, which marked the turning point in her career as a performer. Now 29, Ceeknayway has collaborated with talented artists like Jaredo, Prince Li, and Jaiisb, weaving together influences from artists such as Jill Scott, Tiwa Savage, and Sza into her work. Her latest single, Normah, is a heartfelt exploration of love, humility, and the complexities of relationships, showcasing her growth as an artist and her ability to connect with listeners through emotional depth and powerful storytelling.
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Featured artist:
Dinah Myers Schroeder
Dinah Myers-Schroeder earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. She graduated with four years of formal training, majoring in Environmental Design with a focus on Furniture and a minor in Sculpture. Dinah resides in Wheaton, Maryland, where she raised her three children full-time and is now working on her own development as an artist. Mrs. Myers Schroeder has created public art for the Arts and Humanities Council of DC and Montgomery County (AHCMC). Her most current public art projects Harmonic Hands of Change can be seen at the Department of Health and Human Services in Rockville, MD and The Soulful Panes can be seen on the windowpanes of the new Parks and Planning building in Wheaton MD. Most recently, she received the FY24 and FY23 Artists and Scholars grants from AHCMC for professional development. Dinah was able to take classes with the grant, have her work professionally photographed, and worked alongside a designer to create her website. She used the FY24 grant funds to develop a new body of artwork. Her art is in shows that celebrate diversity and inclusionary projects. Dinah's professional goals include finding opportunities for artists of color to showcase themselves in mainstream venues. She believes representation is imperative to developing young minds to appreciate diversity. Mrs. Myers-Schroeder's love for family motivates and inspires her life and radiates throughout her art. Whether she is creating sculptures, drawings, paintings, or digital pieces, her artwork is bold, vibrant, and full of texture.
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Season 4 Episode 1
Live performances by:
Samuel Prather
Samuel Prather is an exciting multi-instrumentalist born and raised in Washington DC. Sam has developed a reputation in the local music scene performing and producing with all types of acts. He's equally comfortable in Jazz, Funk, Gospel, Brazilian, Latin, Neo-Soul, and R&B. He has shared the stage with Shania Twain, Raul Midon, Fred Yonnet, Hugh Masekela, Cyrus Chestnut, and Pharoh Sanders to name a few. He won a student downbeat award in 2012 for his work with the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, and his 2019 record was the #2 album of the year according to CapitalBop.com. He has his own entertainment company and currently leads his own critically acclaimed ensembles.
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Featured artist:
Matt and Alexandra
At the heart of their work, Matt and Alexandra are passionate about creating unique, handcrafted pieces that celebrate the beauty of nature and the power of sustainable practices. Together, they blend their skills and creativity to craft products that are not only functional but also tell a story of care and craftsmanship.
Matt is the founder of Bare Designs, where he transforms recycled, local wood into functional art. From cutting boards to coasters, charcuterie boards to unique trails, each piece is carefully made with love for the environment. Matt's focus on using locally-sourced wood gives each creation its own personality and texture, ensuring that no two pieces are alike. Through his work, Matt strives to bring nature's beauty into homes, with products that are both practical and stunning. Alexandra, the artist behind Nunkui, draws inspiration from her roots in the Amazon of Ecuador. She creates handmade candles that fill spaces with warmth and natural fragrance, while her unique seed jewelry is crafted from the rich biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest. By using seeds, nuts, and other sustainable materials, Alexandra's designs reflect the deep connection she feels with the land she calls home. Her creations not only honor the beauty of nature but also help preserve it, with a portion of proceeds supporting conservation efforts. Together, Matt and Alexandra's shared love for nature and their commitment to sustainability is the foundation of their work. Whether it's Matt's handcrafted wood designs or Alexandra's eco-friendly jewelry and candles, each piece is a testament to their dedication to making the world a more beautiful, sustainable place—one handcrafted creation at a time.
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Season 4 Episode 2
Live performances by:
Manu Alta
Peruvian musician Manu Alta, brings an amalgam of his passion for performing and songwriting to provide listeners with an authentic and relatable sound. After moving to the US in 2019 he’s played in multiple bands of various genres from pop and jazz to r&b and hard rock. Manu currently uses his time in the DMV area to connect with local artists while also and developing his first solo project.
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Featured artist:
Busayo Shittu
My name is Busayo Shittu, and I am the founder and creative director of Bibiré International, a clothing company inspired by African culture. As an African immigrant, I have always viewed clothing as more than mere fashion; it serves as a means to remain connected to our heritage, exude confidence, and showcase individuality. Upon moving to the U.S., I noticed how women, particularly African immigrants, utilized social gatherings as a form of therapy—a way to bond, uplift each other, and celebrate life despite adversities.
This insight motivated me to establish Bibiré, a brand that not only crafts elegant, sophisticated, and timeless apparel but also fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment. At Bibiré, we dedicate ourselves to designing luxurious yet comfortable African-inspired garments—boubous, kaftans, and statement dresses— that enable women to look and feel their best, whether attending a wedding, a religious event, or a casual gathering with family and friends. Each piece we create tells a story, weaving together elements of heritage, culture, and contemporary elegance. We meticulously choose rich fabrics, intricate embellishments, and distinctive silhouettes that embody the beauty and strength of the women who wear them. My aspiration is to empower women to embrace their identities, shine with confidence, and experience the healing power of community through fashion. Bibiré transcends clothing; it celebrates our identities, our origins, and the strength found in unity. Whether you are dressing up for a special event or indulging in self-care through fashion, Bibiré is here to help you feel effortlessly elegant while honoring your roots.
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Season 4 Episode 3
May 3, 2025 / 2:30PM
Live performances by:
Tolu BaloBased in the DMV, Tolulope Oluwatobi Balogun, or Tolu Balo, is a dynamic force in the music scene. This gifted artist excels as a vocalist, songwriter, producer, guitarist, drummer, and all-around performer. His music blends a variety of genres to create a unique and captivating sound that resonates with a wide audience. Beyond music, he is deeply passionate about community engagement, youth development programs, visual arts, soccer, modeling, personal mentoring, fitness coaching, and spirituality. With a catalog that includes many singles and three EPs, Tolu Balo is a constantly evolving creator.
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Featured artist:
Teri Weefur
Through her brand, The Farmed House, Teri Weefur blends her Liberian roots with modern design. A creator at heart, Teri draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of her homeland to digitally design vibrant, African-inspired gift wrap, unique angel ornaments, and beautifully crafted angel dolls. Alongside her passion for crafting and creative writing, she navigates the fast-paced world of tech, bringing innovation and creativity into every aspect of her work. As a proud mom to a 25-year-old son, Teri balances her professional life with family, infusing her art with stories of tradition and love.
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The 2025 season of The Artist Vibe is supported
in part by funding from:
The Montgomery County Government
The James Mensah Agency
Starbucks Aspen Hill
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Contributions from members of the Community
The James Mensah Agency
Starbucks Aspen Hill
&
Contributions from members of the Community
Community Partners
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