A'C.R.E.W.
THE A'C.R.E.W. FAMILY
Here to Keep You Entertained
DAVE (Pronounced Davie)
R&B Vocalist, Radio Show Personality, Public Speaker, Royalty Brand Ambassador, Creative Director and Songwriter
Dave “DAVĒ” Johnson, aka Mr. Freedom Papers, is a native of Cleveland, Ohio who came onto the R&B Scene, publicly in 2017 and hasn’t looked back since. If you ask him, he’ll probably tell you, on March 18, 2017, he found his purpose and his Freedom Papers. What started out as a wedding of a friend, turned into a personal Emancipation. Now just 3 years later, DAVĒ has released 5 projects including For Lovers Only, Roses, Meant For Me, and his world acclaimed piece, Shooting Star. Dave is an R&B Singer/Songwriter, On Air Personality, Royalty Brand Ambassador, Public Speaker and Entertainer.
DAVĒ has also formed an unstoppable group, made up of individual artists known as A’C.R.E.W. (Artists Creatively Recognizing Everyone's Worth) Together they have put on multiple shows under their moniker; Poetry vs R&B. The group consist of Singers, Poets, Models, Photographers, Comedians and Entrepreneurs. DAVĒ now has a clothing line collaboration with Royalty Clothing Company Founder and CEO, Steven Anthony, titled the Freedom Papers Collection.
As far as his music, he has been diligently working on his debut album “Freedom Papers”. No release date yet, but he is aiming to release the highly anticipated album in 2022.
Currently DAVE is doing everything necessary to take the next step in becoming a national recording artist and song writer. Since the release of Shooting Stars, Dave has dropped multiple singles. He has released the well-received singles of Destiny, Torn, Drip, and Looking for Love to name a few. He has now made himself available for every avenue of the music business, be it song writing and production collaborations or performances. In 2021 he was the only artist representing the United States in Dubai for the All-Africa Festival. When asked what his goal with his debut album is, he simply said: “To bring back the love.”
LOVETIES
Dominicque: Poet, A.C.R.E.W. Business Manager, Public Speaker, Model and Entrepreneur
Jamille: Poet, Radio Show Host, Creative Director, Hip Hop Artist and Entrepreneur
Natives of Cleveland, OH, Jamille and Dominicque Smith known as the spoken word poetry duo LoveTies, met in 2012. After dating for a year, Jamille proposed with a poetry piece he had written for her. Dominicque wrote a piece in response to him and it became their signature poetry piece SoulTies that led to the creation of LoveTies The Art of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The Smith’s were married on July 12, 2014.
In 2016 they officially became LoveTies LLC after performing on many stages together. They were blessed to share a stage with internationally known Jazz artist Najee, performed at the House of Blues Cleveland, the Player Networking Event in Los Angeles and will be traveling to Dubai to perform in the coming months. Their body of work is extensive and ongoing since the birth of LoveTies.
LoveTies just released their first debut album Patiently Waiting. It was produced, mixed, and mastered by Red Luxe Studios (Delvonte Tate) and David Munford. This project was released on October 15th, 2021. Patiently Waiting is an album that sets poetry to music with a Soul/R&B feel to it. In releasing the Patiently Waiting album, LoveTies has created a new lane for performance poetry sure to connect people with the art of writing on a whole different level. LoveTies won Poets of the Year in 2019 at the Legend Awards; as well as walked away with three awards for the Ohio Poetry Awards in the categories of Crowd Favorite, Best Poetry Group, and Best Feature of the Year in 2021. LoveTies was also awarded the ICON award at the B-Elite Pageants. This duo was also featured in Who's Who in Black Cleveland, Scene Magazine and Voyage Ohio Magazine.
This husband-and-wife duo became members of A'C.R.E.W. (Artist’s Creatively Recognizing Everyone’s Worth) through its first production in 2019 .
This couple has continued to grow in both love for one another and the beauty of spoken word poetry.
Val B. King
JAZZ and R&B VOCALIST and RADIO SHOW PERSONALITY
Val B. King, the granddaughter of blues legend B.B. King, has a clear, smooth sound that is influenced by gospel music, blues, jazz, neo-soul, soul, and R&B. In 2022 she released a remake of her grandfather's award-winning classic hit "Thrill is Gone", which hit number #1 on the Official U.S. Indie R&B Chart. Also in 2022 she released a full debut album titled "So Many Ways" Produced by Frank McComb. Her 2016 debut album, “Life, Love, Music,” was also inspired by her late grandfather. The album featured “The Legacy Goes On,” with heartfelt lyrics that she wrote “to honor all he did for me, his family and the world,” said Val in a Rolling Stone magazine article, which praised this premiere work of her musical career.
With the talented artist’s release of her single, “So Many Ways Than One,” she showcased her unique sound. It was publicly introduced on Cleveland’s 107.3 (The Wave WNWV). Val is currently working on her new album. It's the result of a dynamic collaboration with international jazz/soul singer, songwriter, and pianist Frank McComb.
Her latest single "Ooh You," features the incomparable Najee on flute and is produced by Frank McComb. The soothing sound of Val's vocals and Najee's flute mixes very well with the soulfulness of Frank's backing vocals. It really takes you on a smooth jazz ride.
Raised in Mansfield, Ohio, Val’s love for music started with family. Her father, who sang in church and with gospel groups, would often take her to see her grandfather in concert. She was captivated while watching him on stage and first sang for him during a family reunion at the age of 12. After this courageous performance, B.B. King lovingly referred to her as “his star” – encouragement which inspired Val to pursue a career in music.
She gained experience in high school by accepting frequent invitations to sing “The National Anthem” at sporting events and performing choir concert solos. As a student attending Bowling Green State University she sang in the university’s gospel choir. After graduation, Val joined the accomplished gospel group, Anointed One, where she reveled in the opportunity to sing with a group she looked up to as a teenager. Later, she partnered with producer Robert W. “JoJo” Hill, which further expanded her career.
In 2015, Val launched her first professional music project. Her grandfather was proud to see her following in his footsteps. Sadly, B.B. King died unexpectedly just one month after she began working in the studio. She cherishes their time together, including her visit the day before he passed away. Although the celebrated blues icon’s death was a great loss to her family and the world, Val knows that he wanted her to stay the course toward her dream of being a successful artist.
Well-respected among her peers, Val has shared the stage with several notable artists, including the classic, R&B group SWITCH, Emmy-nominated pianist Kofi Boakye and Frank McComb.
Val’s emerging career has received media coverage in Rolling Stone, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, as well as several Northeastern Ohio radio and streaming stations, such as The Majic Morning Show on Majic 105.7 (WMJI), 107.3 The Wave, The Gary Rivers Show on 1480 WHBC, The Jeff Brown Show and the Todd Allyn Show (both on FCB Radio Network), among others.
Britton Grace
Poet, Actor, Author, Songwriter and Comedian
Britton Grace is a native of Michigan but raised in Atlanta, GA.
He is an Actor, Spoken Word Poet, Author, Comedian, and Songwriter. I reflect divinity here to journey this realm and remind humanity of unity, love, oneness, and the purpose of connectivity/creativity through artistic expression. Britton has an extensive list of appearances through poetry, acting, and comedy.
He appeared in the stageplay Entercontainment and the movie Common Creed. You may have caught a poetry performance at Rhythm and Rhymes, Jam Sessions, Floetic Vibes, or one of the many productions put on by ACREW. He released his first poetry single Comprehensive, in 2021 on all music streaming platforms.
As an Author, Britton released his first book in 2019 titled Finding Grace Through Poetic Therapy. It is a poetry book about his journey through life and healing. It is a blueprint that captures cliff notes of the transformation within the soul that allowed him to discover himself through the trials, traumas, and tribulations of his life. This book also offers universal outlooks of truth about love, life, society, spirituality, and opinions about these realms. This book is intended to remind him to remain grounded as he evolves through his life journey. Britton aims to touch the Trinity of any individual who resonates for the greater good in healing. May the Source of Grace, Love, Truth, Creativity, and the Source of Divinity flow from this poetic testimony and help someone as it helped him.
While pursuing his love for poetry, Britton discovered a passion for comedy as well. He has performed both locally and nationally. He has featured at a long list of comedy shows and showcases from Happy Hour Comedy at the B Side in Cleveland to Kats Cafe in Atlanta, Georgia, to name a couple.
Whether Britton is making you laugh or touch your heart through poetry, his pen has a way with words to move you.
“A WRITER'S HEART”.
I am a writer! I am an INNOVATOR! I am a CREATOR!
I am the Ink, and the World is my notebook.
One page and one moment at a TIME, I fill the LINES Of Life with Art.
The Highs and lows, the Amber moments and even the shades of grey, the pain, the love, and the mysteries,
I will write them all for signature purposes.- Britton Grace
Liberty
Poet, Model, Reiki III Practitioner, Actress, National Slam Poet and Motivational Speaker
Nolana "Liberty" Price. Is an aspiring actress, motivational speaker, performance, and national
slam poet and runway model. Nolana is also a certified Holy Fire Reiki III Practitioner.
Liberty's greatest accomplishment is being a mother to two beautiful children, as well as a motivator and encourager, to most who cross her path. She has participated in local theatre productions, at Cuyahoga Community College, along with playing multiple roles in local short films. Nolana's passion lies within spoken word and the gift she knows is a blessing from God to share with the masses.
Nolana released her first debut album in 2022 titled "Turning Pages", produced by Full Circle Affiliates. She is also part of the 7 Kingdoms production company that seeks to support, uplift and promote 7 forms of art and entertainment.
She was nominated and won an award from Stiletto Boss, which identifies the accomplishments and contributions of women. Her motto "Love Is My Life's Testimony" are words that she not only believes but words her heart breathes.
Jeremy Holmes
Author, Poet, Basketball and Life Coach and Podcast Host
Jeremy Holmes is an Author, Poet, Basketball Coach, and Life Coach. In releasing his first book in 2019, Cheers to Fears, it captured the life of Jeremy Holmes and Jarrett Lockhart as former University of Pittsburgh basketball stars. Holmes and Lockhart share their experiences growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, and New York City, and their unlikely meeting as teammates on the University of Pittsburgh Men's basketball team. Authors "Lock" and "Rock" offer valuable insight into the lives of student-athletes and how to avoid some of the pitfalls in life and sports. This book provides a genuine and honest view of the resilience, dedication, and good fortune it takes to become a champion. Cheers to Fears has received a 4.8/5 rating based on reviews with powerful comments such as "I highly recommend this to coaches and athletes alike who wish to better their game and their life."
Holmes is a member of Ginn Elite Sports, a first-class organization full of leaders supporting young athletes interested in football, basketball, track, and cheer. Jeremy has been a guest speaker at Inspiring Minds in New York City, created an event called Locker Room Luncheon that consisted of a panel of coaches speaking about all matters of life and sports. In addition, Jeremy has been a guest on multiple radio shows, webinars, and podcasts and currently has a podcast of his own called E-Check.
Recently Jeremy has decided to tap into another creative space that he embraced in 1999. That would be a love for poetry. He has always been a writer in some form, but joining the A'C.R.E.W. family has embraced putting his writing to performance art. His first appearance with the group was in 2019, when they had their first production. Between his creative skills, entrepreneurial and networking experience, and passion for the arts, he has been a driving force in the growth of the A'CREW family. Jeremy strives to change, enhance, and improve the lives of those he is around, whether through mentoring, as a life coach, public speaker, or through spoken word. In his own words, "It's not about WHEN you leave the game, it's about WHAT you leave the game."
Coco Vonne
Model, Radio and Red Carpet Host, Social Media Influencer, Brand Ambassador, Entrepreneur and Fashion Connoisseur
Coco Vonne, the owner of Coco Curves and Beauty, is a plus-size walking billboard for all things beauty starting from the inside out! She has modeled on many runways, graced several websites, and models for He Loves Curves Boutique, a local Cleveland boutique. Though she wears many hats, one is a fashion connoisseur who spends time coaching and styling clients for their photoshoots or events.
Coco's motto of #loveyourself encourages and uplifts women, girls, and men of all walks to embrace, believe in themselves, and accept who they are right now in this moment. Her confidence is not based on the size of her body but on the power of embracing self-loving thoughts. --
Coco Vonne is a brand ambassador for Brassy Bra and has traveled nationally to model in events such as Crusade of Curves. Coco is also a radio and red-carpet host as one of the radio voices for CSE Posse, a local Cleveland radio show. Additionally, she has been featured by Forever 21 Plus, Miss Jessies Curls, Plus Model Mag, Luxekurves, and National Plus Guide.
This beauty has received her first nomination for Model of the Year for the Ohio Entertainment Awards for 2021. As a part of the A.C.R.E.W. family, Coco orchestrated her first production of Forbidden Vows, which was a sold-out show. She also consults and coordinates ideas for dressing and styling the team for productions.
Lee Lee
Model, Poet, Instructor, Entrepreneur, Actress and Esthetician
Kenleeta "Lee Lee" Armstrong is an actress, fashion model, Esthetician, instructor, and entrepreneur. Known to everyone as Lee Lee, she has modeled for numerous Cleveland-based clothing and shoe boutiques. As an actress, she featured in a play of an award-winning playwright and has become a favorite of ACREW fans with her witty, sarcastic lines and quick comical responses during productions.
Lee Lee is also a licensed Esthetician and instructor. In addition, she provides instruction to students to prepare them for state board licensure. As an entrepreneur, she started a business called Lotus Flower Bomb LLC. Her business offers facials, chemical peels, full-body waxing, and massage therapy. She is currently in the early stages of creating a skincare line to focus on health and beauty maintenance for people of color.
In pursuing her many endeavors, Lee Lee embraced the late great Muhammad Ali quote, "What you're thinking is what you're becoming."
Racquel "Microphone Diva" Armstrong
Public Speaker and Educator
Racquel Armstrong, also known as “The Microphonediva,” has been performing over 15 years. As a member of A’CREW, she has most notably played “The Lady in Red” in their Harlem Nights spinoff series of Poetry vs. RnB. She has curated many arts-based events and has used her work to spark dialogue around social justice issues, most notably performing at the National Conference on Constitutional Reform in Trinidad & Tobago.
Racquel is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta and she has released two studio albums, “Definition of a Diva” and “Love Lessons” and will be dropping a third project in 2022 “Dear Black Girl”, inspired by her work as an educator.
Outside of her art, Racquel is a school administrator and the recipient of several awards. She is the Co-founder of Ohio Gap Closers and is currently pursuing her PhD. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Wellesley College in Urban Studies-Economics, a Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Business Administration from the Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University.
WoeJay Simpson
Anwar Winfield is recognized in the performance arts community as Woejay Simpson. He is known for his talented hip-hop style, lyrics, and music performances. Woejay is no novice to simultaneously displaying his high energetic and smooth presence on and off the stage. He began his hip hop journey in high school, which led to winning multiple talent shows and a bright future in the world of Hip Hop.
After releasing his first album, We All In, in 2002, he moved on to becoming a Battle Rap Champion in 2003. He also participated in a battle featured on Cinemax. This experience was the beginning of endless doors of opportunity opening up for him.
WoeJay has acquired a considerable following with multiple music releases. You can find him and his music on various platforms along with multiple YouTube videos. His recent projects include Hyena Gang and hit single I'm Free featurin Val. B. King. WoeJay has performed on numerous stages and events. He had the honor of featuring in an international show in Japan.
Woejay is also an actor and member of the collaborative R & B group WAVĒ, as well as a member of the collective .A'C.R.E.W. He has a passion for music, cooking, and his family.
Jayden Fomby
Production Manager, Playwright and CEO of 7 Kingdoms
Jayden Fomby is a young visionary, whose primary goal is to create a space for fellow creative minds to gather and pursue their dreams through music, modeling, fashion, creative arts, poetry, and acting.
In August of 2022, Jayden put on his first full fashion show production entitled the "The Coronation" This was a sold-out event and a huge success. Attendees were raving about the show days after.
Jayden has worked with many designers and worked as part of the production team for multiple fashion shows, including directing and producing his own High School Fashion Show, all while furthering his higher education and working towards his degree in Business Management.
Jayden continues to follow his passion as the production manager for A'C.R.E.W; and he is a part of the B-Elite Pageants team; as well as managing various local artists.
Special Production Appearances
A'C.R.E.W. is a family that extends beyond Cleveland; as well as includes special guests' appearances by other artists. We love to share the stage with other talented artists and like minded individuals.
Brandon Landrum (B. Landrum)
International Singer and Songwriter, Producer and Entrepreneur
Kev Blaze
Singer, Songwriter, Entrepreneur and Producer
Wesley "Wallstreet Wes" Robinson
Poet, Activist, Photographer, Filmmaker, Videographer and Comma Club Ambassador Poet,
Tira "Free" Heard
Poet, Author and Entrepreneur
Courtney "Eboni Redsoul" Trice
Poet, Model and Vocalist
