Lori McKinney
Co-founder/executive director
Lori is a songwriter, creative place-maker and community development rockstar. After studying theater at JMU and University College, London, and experiencing life-shaping world travel, she felt called to return home to WV, build community around the creative arts and produce events which would bring people together and inspire change. Lori searched for collaborators and hit the jackpot when she found her soul mate, Robert. The two flowed together though their shared passion of music and desire to build a better world. Choosing to plant roots in Lori’s hometown of Princeton, together they founded Culturefest World Music & Arts Festival and Option 22 in ’04, formed the RiffRaff Arts Collective in ’06 and All Together Arts Week in ’09. In ’12 she and Robert teamed with members of the community to create Princeton Renaissance Project, a multi-faceted downtown development effort. She feels blessed with an amazing team of creators and a mutual space in which to create, encourage and inspire one another and the community. Robert and Lori, joined by Option 22, now tour the region inspiring and empowering community transformation with their original multi-media production, Create Your State.
Robert Blankenship
Cofounder/creative & technical director
Robert is co-founder of RRAC and a multidisciplinary artist excelling in photography, video, music, sound engineering, lighting, and design; he is a renaissance man. His work extends in countless directions building the vast scope of activities the collective produces, as well as creative endeavors through he and Lori's production enterprise LLyniuM entertainment. He has designed and engineered our gallery and performance spaces, and is the technical mastermind behind Culturefest World Music & Arts Festival, The Downtown Countdown, Create Your State and all of our programming. His visionary and technical genius engineered our virtual broadcasts; these online events have garnered praise for their high tech and pioneering creativity.
Enjoy this video featuring Lori and Robert within the neighborhood, courtesy of the
Jordan Furrow
Creative Programs & Production Assistant
Jordan is a multi-facted artist, musician, writer and creator, and has been involved with The RiffRaff in a variety of ways for over a decade. Growing up in Beckley, W.V., Jordan Furrow discovered his passion for music when he got his first drum set at the age of 13. Soon after and for years to come he gradually picked up bass, guitar and many other instruments to solidify his status as a multi-instrumentalist. Having played with various bands in his local scene and abroad, he gained knowledge of many genres and still continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with music. After moving to Seattle to play with other musicians for a few years, he's returned to his roots in the wild and wonderful mountain state to continue his sonic journey. Bands and musicians he's played with over the years include Option 22, The Kind Thieves, Isaac Hadden, Jonah Carden, Yaima, Luness, members of Big Something, and many others. Jordan helps with a variety of programming, including the art gallery, events, and media creation.
Melissa McKinney
Youth development director
Melissa has been a music educator for over 20 years, inspiring youth to find their voice and make a difference through music. She founded Stages Music School in 2008, bringing an incredible force of energy and activity to downtown Princeton, and teaching young artists to use their voices to make a positive impact on the world. She created The One Voice Project anti-bullying and empowerment concert tour to uplift youth, and provide artist development for young musicians including the popular teenage rock band The Change. A powerfully gifted vocalist and songwriter herself, she has performed on countless stages, and is currently recording an album of her original musical works. She is also a resident teaching artist with LEAF Global Arts. She serves as youth development director for RRAC.
Ary'an Graham
Gallery Manager & Programs / Production Assistant
Ary'an Graham is a rock star musician, drum teacher, and college student. She was the first student at Stages Music School, and now, at 21, she teaches drum lessons at the school that shaped her. For the past five years she has been touring the East Coast with The One Voice Project, an anti-bullying and empowerment tour, and she's also an advocate for Free2Luv, a national nonprofits who's mission is to end bullying. Ary'an plays drums with Option 22 and, for the past 13 years, has been playing music with bass player and best friend Kayla Lynn. Ary'an also tours with Create Your State, inspiring and empowering community transformation through the arts. Ary’an manages the Art Boutique and assists with all aspects of the collective, from event production to assisting in the gallery. She is an integral part of the youth development aspects of RRAC and The One Voice Project.
James Hart
Director of stages music school
A Princeton native and graduate of Concord University with a B.A. in Music, James has built a reputation not only as a dynamic performer, but also as an influential teacher and mentor—he serves as the lead instructor at Stages Music School, where he trains the next generation of musicians.
His original songwriting is thoughtful, emotionally resonant, and musically rich. James’ song “Compassion and Contrast” was a featured piece We Need to Talk project, RRAC’s creative initiative funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, highlighting voices that spark dialogue and healing through art.
Ryan Perkins
Manager of The dream bean
A fixture in Princeton’s music scene for over 15 years, Ryan is known for his captivating songwriting and guitar work. Whether carving out his own sound or reworking classics, he brings an effortless authenticity to the stage. Offstage, he keeps the coffee flowing as manager of The Dream Bean.
A graduate of Concord University with a major in geography, Ryan is passionate about language, learning, philosophy and examining the human condition. When he's not making the perfect latte or managing the workflow at The Dream Bean, you can find him playing his guitar, writing a song, working on his novel, practicing French language with friends overseas, or playing Magic the Gathering with friends.