Ricole Barnes is the Y Arts Center Site Director at the YMCA of Frederick County, Maryland, where he has been actively involved for over 20 years. A prominent figure in the local arts community, Ricole is also a hip-hop artist who performs as the frontman of the rock band daMOOD and co-founded the trip-hop duo Bikes.

In 2003, Ricole began working for the YMCA’s Before and After-School program to support his music production and studio time. His extensive experience in youth mentorship, coupled with his deep ties to the local arts scene, makes him an ideal fit for his current role. Ricole is dedicated to building strong relationships with young people, offering them inspiration and guidance through the arts.

As a key figure in Frederick’s arts community, Ricole has touched many lives with his passion for music and his unwavering commitment to mentorship.

George Koch began his journey in biology but soon discovered a deep passion for the visual arts, which led him to pursue degrees in both ceramics and design. Building on this artistic foundation, Koch established A. Salon, Ltd., an artist service organization that started as a collective of seven artists. Under his leadership, A. Salon revitalized unused spaces, transforming a vacant elementary school in Georgetown and a printing plant into vibrant arts centers. One of these, the Takoma Metro Arts Center, remains active today as the DC Arts Center.

Beyond his work with A. Salon, Koch also founded Artomatic, a creative space providing artists with a platform to exhibit their work. His commitment to fostering creativity and innovation is further highlighted by his TED Talk, where he discussed his pivotal role in developing The Center for The Creative Economy.

Joe Keyes has been immersed in the music scene since his middle school days as a DJ. It wasn't until 2009, approaching his 50s, that Keyes discovered his true calling with his band, Joe Keyes & The Late Bloomer Band. The group's distinctive vibe and sound have been tuned through years of theatrical, improvisational performances featuring extended solos and captivating vocal monologues. Drawing inspiration from music legends like Miles Davis, Gil Scott-Heron, Sun Ra, and early Parliament-Funkadelic, Keyes orchestrates the band's performances. Commanding the horns to navigating epic crescendos and delicate melodies, Keyes showcases his musical prowess and creative direction.