2026 Featured Artists
Meet the incredible performers sharing the journey with us.
Ricky Nye
Boogie Woogie & Blues
Inducted into the International Boogie Woogie Hall Of Fame. Voted Blues Artist of the Year in CityBeat Magazine’s CEA Awards. Voted Best Local Musician in CityBeat Magazine’s “Best Of Cincinnati” Reader’s Poll.
Known for its rollicking, foot-stomping jubilance, the boogie-woogie sound erupted from the American South during the late 1920s. Ricky brings that fire to every performance.
Bill Tonnis
Singer & Chaplain
Bill shares the unconditional love of God through singing, speaking, writing, and spiritual care. Bill’s path is grounded in the Christian mystical tradition. He is a follower of the way of Jesus but embraces all religions that preach love as the way.
Bill’s heartfelt ministry includes chaplaincy, jail ministry, contemplative practice, and spiritual care visits.
Annie Donnellon
Soprano & Comedian
Classically trained soprano with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Northern Kentucky University. Annie has starred in productions of Romeo & Juliet, The Glass Menagerie, and Pilgrim’s Progress, and performs stand-up comedy showcasing Chronic Songster Syndrome.
Her solo album A Sacred Collection truly demonstrates her heart to serve God.
Dave Hawkins
Americana Singer/Songwriter
Touring and recording professionally since 1975. Americana, roots rock, folk, and Celtic-crossover. Since his early career playing college folk clubs around Columbus, Ohio, Dave has expanded his core repertoire to Americana — an amalgam of non-corporate country, roots rock, and folk.
Brenda Folz
Folk Rock & Jazz Vocalist
Cincinnati-based singer-songwriter and vocalist known for her work across classic folk rock, jazz standards, and contemporary acoustic music. Brenda has captured hearts with her beautiful voice for decades.
She has performed with many of the area’s top musicians and covers Joni Mitchell like she’s Joni Mitchell.
Bishop Todd O’Neal & House of Joy Choir
Rev. Todd E. O’Neal accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at Rockdale Baptist Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, which his parents helped found in 1954. Inspiring, heartfelt, and talented — the House of Joy Choir creates joy, just as the name indicates.
Initiating the House of Joy Choir, they have a long tradition of performing music that moves the soul.
Drums For Peace
Community Drumming
Since 1989, Drums For Peace has been sharing the joys of music and community building in the Cincinnati region. The group consists of musicians, storytellers, and craftsmen.
The core group is Baba Charles Miller, Steve Hayes, Johnny Ruzsa, Kathryne Gardette, and Charlie Ali Schweitzer. Other musicians join on certain occasions.
Paulette Meier
Singer/Songwriter & Peace Educator
Paulette Meier is a singer/songwriter whose strong alto voice has stirred hearts and opened minds for over 30 years in the pursuit of a peaceful, just, and sustainable world.
Her work as a peace educator led to her award-winning CD, Come Join the Circle: LessonSongs for Peacemaking, still used in classrooms and families around the country.
Currently she is an active leader in the Cincinnati Singing Resistance chapter, formed to add communal song to protest actions in the wake of violent actions by I.C.E. towards immigrants and refugees.
Pierson-Young Project
Christian Music, Prayer & Reflection
Created by Greg Pierson and Stephan Young, the original Christian music of The Pierson-Young Project is a combination of music, prayer, praise, and reflection; delivered in a variety of genres.
The pair use their gifts as musicians, singers, and songwriters to assist others in deepening their faith experience.
The Moxie Band
The Moxie Band was founded in 1990 by Donna Rose Moxness Lawson and her late husband, guitarist Jim Lawson. Since drummer Gus Thierry also passed away, the remaining members of the band are Donna (vocals), Mike Barrett (bass) and Larry Bloomfield (harmonica).
Mike Breen of CityBeat said of their 2014 album, “Expert chops. Smooth, groove-based arrangements.” Mr. Rhythm Man of the former WNKU said, “Bluesy, jazzy, and rock-solid.
donnarosemusic.com
Michael Johnathon
Emcee · Folk Singer/Songwriter
American folk singer-songwriter, producer, author, and playwright with 20 albums and 5 books. He has performed with symphony orchestras and in coffee houses, completed a motion picture script, created three volunteer organizations, and tours nationwide.
Michael has been incredibly gracious in supporting our efforts for years. So grateful for his continued presence and good will.