Live celebrity chefs demonstrations and curated talks produced by
Tobias Truvillion
Outside of acting/producing, Tobias is a Health Life Enthusiast. He has been a Vegan for the past 7 years. He has made it his mission to work with others to make the community aware of a healthier lifestyle through cooking and eating superfood, sea moss, as well as practicing Yoga and other health related fitness regiments.
Dedicated to youth development and empowerment, he is a philanthropist and longtime youth media arts instructor in Newark, New Jersey. Tobias supports the legacy of dear friend Rodney Gilbert, through supporting his efforts at the Advantage Arts Program for Youth at the Dr. Marion A. Bolden Center. He has worked wholeheartedly to serve as a vessel of inspiration to hundreds of inner-city high school-age students. Although Tobias’ students often admit how much he inspires them, he says his students inspire him much more.
Jazz Smollett
Jazz is an award-winning creative content producer, host, chef, designer, and tastemaker, currently serving as the Executive Producer and host of CleoTV’s hit lifestyle series, “Living By Design.” With a successful 15-year career as a TV producer, writer, and lifestyle host, Jazz has built a strong reputation for her storytelling skills and ability to connect with both interview subjects and audiences. She has worked on various projects, including producing behind-the-scenes content for films like “Little” and “Candyman,” as well as serving as Showrunner/Executive Producer for TVOne’s “Urban One Honors.”
In 2016, Jazz transitioned to being in front of the camera, pitching and selling a show to Food Network, which led to her co-writing a cookbook and eventually hosting “Living By Design.” The show, which has completed three successful seasons, showcases Jazz and her brother redesigning spaces and celebrating with meals. Jazz is also expanding her reach with the launch of her lifestyle brand, Dreaming of Juniper, and her new column, “Dinner Party,” in Macro Media’s newsletter, Uprising.
Chef JJ
Chef JJ Johnson developed a passion for culinary at the tender age of seven. While growing up between New York City and the Poconos, PA, he quickly became inspired by the flavors and cultures of his diverse upbringing. Chef JJ’s culinary philosophy centers on showcasing the diversity and richness of the African diaspora while also challenging traditional cuisines. Recognized by Eater as one of the New Guard of Power in NYC Dining, JJ’s brand of creating cultural connections through food is a hallmark of his hospitality group- Ingrained HospitalityConcepts, LLC. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including a James Beard Foundation Award for the best American cookbook for Between Harlem and Heaven. He has also been featured on multiple television shows, including Food Network’s Chopped, Netflix’s Street Food, and Selena+ Chef on HBO Max. Fieldtrip, his quick-casual rice bowl shop, highlights the future of food. Johnson strongly advocates for sustainability, working with local farmers and producers to source the freshest ingredients for his dishes. JJ believes some of the most dynamic cultures are linked to rice, and with America being a diverse nation, we all grew up within a “rice culture.” Today, he is a community champion. His passion for food justice and equity drives him to raise awareness within the food industry, using his platform to create change. JJ continues to push boundaries in the culinary world, with plans to develop more restaurants that celebrate and share the vibrant flavors and cultures of Africa and the Caribbean. Through JJ’s expertise, he continues to unite communities and show the world that rice isn’t just a staple; it is the backbone of culture.
Chef Keith
Chef Keith began his career in a front-facing capacity, working for Sodexo on-site at Pfizer. His first restaurant job was at the Gramercy Park Hotel. Working alongside chefs in Danny Meyer’s Maialino, “Chef Keith” learned upscale methods and cooking that he
still employs to this day. Chef Keith then took his skills to the Dominick Hotel in SoHo. By the end of his tenure, he was the Executive Sous Chef. From there it was to The Village Club at Lake Success and the Paramount Country Club, where he employed a
more catered, hands-on approach to food. Subsequently, Chef Keith led the New York Marriott Marquis’ mass production kitchen, overseeing thousands of meals for events, restaurants, and gatherings. Chef Keith takes pride in building a team in a kitchen. He tests new culinary ideas, invites feedback from others and builds restaurant experiences for many happy customers. The dishes he makes today are a product of years of perfecting his craft. Throughout his tenure, Chef Keith has won many accolades,
including “The Big Apple Award,” the top prize for hotels in New York City. Chef Keith attended the New York Restaurant School, currently known as The Art Institute of New York City, graduating with a degree in Culinary Management and Hospitality. A Queens kid, he’s happy to be back in his home borough.
DJ Exeqtive
DJ Exeqtive is a pioneer in the music industry, renowned for his ability to deliver an exceptional music experience that keeps crowds on their feet. As one of the leading DJs in the game, he has a keen understanding of what people want, consistently staying ahead of the curve with the latest trends. Whether performing at events in New York City, Atlanta, or on international stages, Exeqtive has captivated audiences, earning a reputation that resonates strongly, especially among Brooklyn natives. His influence and talent have made him a household name in the DJ scene, recognized for bringing energy and excitement wherever he performs.
Beyond the turntables, Exeqtive’s reach extends into the world of celebrity events, where he has DJ’d for high-profile names like Tyler Perry’s BET actors Devale Ellis, Crystal Renee, KJ Smith, Rihanna, Dwight Howard, Cardi B, Fabolous, JadaKiss, and Nipsey Hussle. His appearances on Oprah’s OWN, Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta, and VH1 with Safaree, Remy Ma, and Papoose further highlight his prominence. Exeqtive’s skills have earned him spots on top radio stations such as Sirius XM, NYC’s 107.5 WBLS/Hot97, and iHeart Radio’s Boston Jamn945 & Atlanta’s 105.3 The Beat. He has also created his own platform, “The Exeqtive Suite Show,” where he showcases upcoming and star talent, solidifying his status as a top-tier DJ and a brand name in the industry.
Ashley Keiko
Ashley Keiko is a versatile saxophonist, composer, singer/songwriter, and entrepreneur with a rich background in classical piano and alto saxophone. Her talent has taken her to major stages, including New York City’s Apollo Theater and Wollongong University in Australia. She has also performed for prominent figures like Steve Harvey and appeared on the nationally syndicated TV show, Family Feud. Recently, Ashley toured across the country with Grammy-nominated musician El DeBarge, performing at prestigious events such as the Hyatt Newport Beach Summer Concert Series and the ONE Music Festival. In 2020, she released her debut album, “Pursuit of Harmony,” showcasing her smooth jazz saxophone tones across various genres, along with her newly debuted serene vocals.
In addition to her performance career, Ashley holds a Master’s degree in Music and Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance from The New School. She also studied abroad at The Arts College at Xiamen University in China, where she explored the intersection of culture, language, and the arts. Ashley’s passion for music education led her to expand her music academy, Keiko Studios, in 2018, opening a storefront location dedicated to providing music education to communities with limited access. Her academy has garnered media attention, including features on Now This News and PIX 11 News, and has been recognized by her alma maters for its impact on music education.
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