Azhar Bande-Ali (he/him) is a comedian, storyteller, and a 2024 Keepsake House Artist in Residence. Having experienced Keepsake House firsthand as an artist, he brings a deep understanding of its mission and the importance of creating intimate, supportive spaces for independent storytellers. He is the creator of Desi SNL, a live sketch comedy show that he writes, directs, and co-produces, now in its second sold-out run. Azhar has also been featured on The Moth and Story Collider, and his original work has won awards at Fringe festivals in New York City and Tucson. He brings to the board both creative insight and lived experience of the artist-centered community Keepsake House exists to support.

Jae Carelli (they/them) is a music director, voice teacher, and performing artist based in Brooklyn. They are currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Voice Pedagogy through the Voice Study Centre (accredited by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David), where their research and thesis focus on transgender voices. An active performer and creator, Jae wrote, produced, and performed an original solo narrative musical show, and released American Doll, a concept album exploring the seven core issues of adoption. Most recently they are thrilled to be directing the Songs of Resistance series with Keepsake House, organizing artists to ignite change. Learn more at www.jae-ci.com.

Jonah Dratfield (he/him) is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, educator and social scientist based in Brooklyn. He is dedicated to using art and writing to communicate diverse perspectives and emotions and bridge civic divides. His music draws from a wide array of influences, including traditional American folk music, jazz, and the Great American Songbook. He has performed throughout the Northeast, including The Writers Room at Meadowlark Festival 2025 produced by Keepsake House, and had his original songs performed by several notable jazz and orchestral ensembles. 

Justin (he/him), also known by his stage name Blue Jay, is a singer-songwriter and poet. His music journey started with classical piano, but now leans heavily into guitar-driven folk styles inspired by traditional Americana and contemporary indie works. His performances include The Writers Room at Meadowlark Festival 2025, produced by Keepsake House. As an adoptee, his writing often examines themes of identity and loss while taking a focus on place and memory. He has helped to produce several shows and open mics in the city and beyond, always excited by the opportunity to create supportive spaces for artists to present their work. 

Louis Apollon (he/him), also known by his stage name Louie Lou Louis, is a Haitian-American songster based in Brooklyn, NY who combines an uplifting musicality with a soothing, yet energizing vibe. Through life experiences and short stories, he celebrates human imperfection and engages audiences with an infectious positivity. With a unique blend of folk, jazz, and global music, he inspires joy and connection in any audience. He is a 2025 Keepsake House Artist in Residence and has performed and facilitated songwriting workshops across musical communities in the Northeast.

Mykola (he/him) is a Ukrainian-born singer, songwriter, and producer based in New Jersey and NYC. His dark, cinematic synth-pop explores themes of queer love, identity, and emotional resilience. An independent artist, Mykola writes and produces his own music and performs across NYC, bringing vulnerability and personal storytelling into his work.