RM Playmakers Announced
By Melissa Howsam & Lauren Kruchten
Play doesn’t just happen—it’s engineered. Enter RM’s inaugural Playmakers award—spotlighting the very people who make Raleigh play hard. Read: the curators, bookers and space shapers putting fun on the map.
These visionaries don’t just spark joy—they foster connection and turn ordinary spots into extraordinary moments. Meet Raleigh Magazine’s cast of Playmakers raising the bar on Raleigh’s fun factor.
Trey Roberts
Guided by a credo of cultivating joy, celebrating culture, and igniting connection
Where there’s sparkle, high energy and a flair for imagination, there’s Trey Roberts. Since moving here from hometown Hollister, NC, the Raleigh Pride & GAG! Raleigh co-founder and Triangle Native American Society outreach manager has tapped into Raleigh’s playful, inclusive side, living out his MO of building joy, honoring culture and sparking community. Think uniting statewide Indigenous tribes at the Dix Park Inter-Tribal Pow Wow, pulling world-class drag talents to varied venues, and—in an ode to his roots—collaborating with Raleigh Arts to honor Native Americans in regalia around DTR. “I want to be remembered as someone who brought people together and made Raleigh a little more joyful,” says the WPU grad. “Whether through queer parties, Indigenous celebrations or just everyday connections, I hope the spaces I create make people feel seen, included and celebrated.”
Meet dead or alive: Beyoncé—I’m known as the biggest fan in NC. Random tidbit: I had a brief cameo in Madonna’s MDNA Tour DVD during “Open Your Heart.” Default binge for a laugh: Sex and the City, King of the Hill or (hate-watching) And Just Like That… How you play now: I love going out dancing… so I typically end up at Legends with friends or enjoying parties like The Arena at Kings.
Jennifer Martin
The brains behind Brewgaloo—aka NC’s largest (and nationally lauded) craft beer fest
Jennifer Martin knows how to keep the city buzzing. As executive director of Shop Local Raleigh, she’s spent 15 years fueling the city’s biggest traditions—from Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo and Falling for Local to Jolly Raleigh, the Raleigh Christmas Parade and more. Her signature touch? Showcasing local businesses, artists and makers while fueling connections that give the city its pulse. Off the event stage, the self-described “determined, dedicated, energetic” community builder brings the same verve—logging miles, grinding out Megaformer and Barre workouts, catching country concerts and football games, or hunting hidden gems at local shops and restos. Guided by mentors like former Parade Director John Odom who told her “you gotta have fun, girl,” she thrives on connection, creativity and a little bit of chaos—always with a laugh. Whether orchestrating Raleigh’s biggest parties or chasing her own adventures, she hopes to be remembered as a passionate, fun-loving changemaker who builds traditions people flock back to again and again.
Passion projects: Bullmastiff and mastiff dog rescue, thrifting and flipping, and finding a really good deal Currently binging: The Mentalist What you wish you knew at 20: Wear sunscreen. Time does go faster, so slow down. Document it all because the older you get, the harder it is to remember. Lift with your legs, not your back. Top life tip: “If everyone loves you and likes you, then you aren’t fully doing your job right. It’s tough to have to tell people no sometimes.” (St. Louis Area Boy Scouts Executive Terry Schwarck)
Zack Medford
Planting pockets of fun throughout the city, the hospitality titan sparks fun with every move.
The embodiment of “work hard, play hard,” Medford is Raleigh’s mayor of fun—credited with reigniting Fayetteville Street nightlife via Isaac Hunter’s Tavern and nostalgia-charged dance spot Coglin’s, and later fueling its post-pandemic comeback as founder of the NC Bar & Tavern Association. An NC State alum, he’s transformed the northeast DTR pocket into a veritable playground of music, markets and games with auto parts store-turned-beer garden Tap Yard. And putting “fun on wheels,” he extends play across the city with The Great Raleigh Trolley’s jubilant joyrides—NTM high-energy events from onesie crawls to fests. A child at heart, he even blends playfulness into philanthropy through active roles in Jingle Ball, toy drives and “playful fundraisers that channel good times into good deeds.” A consummate collaborator, he mixes wild, fun and hospitality into the perfect community cocktail—and hopes to be remembered for “bringing people together from all walks of life to have fun, relax and enjoy each other’s company,” he says. “That’s what it’s all about for me.”
Top life tip: It’s not how many times you get knocked down—it’s how many times you pick yourself back up. Random tidbit: I once starred in season 3, episode 8 of Lizard Lick Towing, where I attacked tow truck driver Bobby out front of Rialto. Fave way to play as a child: Hot Wheels… I’d race them around, crash them and shoot them over jumps for hours on end. Go-to food spot: I absolutely love sneaking out for a dinner date at Stanbury. Who fuels your playful side? My kids are always showing me how to have fun and not take life so seriously. They keep me grounded and endlessly inspired.
Lucy McInnis
Flipping the script on ”serious“
Downtown play ringmaster Lucy McInnis—aka creative program director for Downtown Raleigh Alliance—stands on the notion that just because something matters, doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Having spent years making “Raleigh one giant recess,” she’s collabed with a host of local creatives to bring to life Raleigh’s Smallest Park, the Rainbow River at Market Plaza, Live After 5, Feminist First Friday, and the topiary dinos and interactive large-scale musical instruments scattered across DTR. A lifelong player at heart, she brings the same spirit from childhood plays into record roulette at The Pour House, karaoke nights at home and booking lanes at OnPoint shooting range—proving that play has no age limit… and with a little sparkle, collaboration and a creative vision, your wildest dreams can come true “Creating spaces for people to connect, in a world where authentic connection feels scarce, is what I hope to be remembered for.”
Passion project: I am writing an adult children’s book called All My Friends Are Pregs! as a way to help express normalization for women choosing to have children—or not!—in a fun, multigenerational way. I also founded Crowded Table Club, a group for women and women-presenting people to make new friends in the Triangle. Go-to local retail: House of Rebellion and Needle & Thread Co. Meet dead or alive: ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic Current binge: Armchair Expert and Fisk on Netflix
Sig Hutchinson
Channeling his love of cycling into a movement that makes wellness feel like play
A true visionary for the Triangle, former Wake County Commissioner Sig Hutchinson has spent his career transforming how we move, connect and play. Best known for championing greenways and trails, he has transformed his love of cycling into a legacy of access, wellness and community—most recently through the 10-mile Triangle Bikeway linking Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding communities. Whether pedaling the Neuse River Greenway, strolling Umstead with wife Nancy, or fueling up at Players Retreat, Hutchinson embodies his mantra: “We can make it happen—together.” Ever positive, he mixes creativity with purpose to make the outdoors Raleigh’s ultimate escape—with the hope he’ll be remembered not just for building more trails and greenways, but for his contagious energy, love of friends and belief in turning vision into reality.
You in three words: Visionary, creative, positive Playing around Raleigh? NC Museum of Art and the Neuse River Greenway Default binge: The Daily, The New York Times What you wish you knew at 20: It gets better; follow your dreams—you’re going to have a great life and wonderful wife!
Nancy McFarlane
Raleigh’s former mayor is helping forge the city’s ultimate playground.
Former Raleigh Mayor and current Dix Park Conservancy Board Vice Chair Nancy McFarlane is just getting started. Having secured over 250 acres of green space from the state to fuel Raleigh’s biggest play hub (and the city’s largest park), the Arlington, VA, native is still at it—raising funds and shaping projects like the already national draw Gipson Play Plaza. “I had a woman thank me once for our parks,” reminisces McFarlane of the single mother working two jobs. “She told me she could not afford to take her children on vacations, but they could spend the day in one of our parks and make wonderful memories.” It’s proof that play doesn’t just entertain—it transforms. And when McFarlane isn’t building the future of Raleigh as a great place for all, she’s making time for her own kind of fun at local faves like Vivace, Margaux’s and Main & Taylor.
You in three words: Curious, compassionate, busy Currently reading: James by Percival Everett How you play now: I love to hear live music, dance and play with my dog. Top life tip: When someone encourages you to try something you never thought you could, it may be that they see something in you that you never saw in yourself.
Jordan Scott Huggins
Sspends his days flipping everyday spaces into stages where people can come together,
connect and escape.
“Have fun—and don’t bomb.” So goes the MO for all-around funny man Jordan Scott Huggins, the Raleigh Comedy Festival founder & executive producer who lives for a good laugh—and spends his days reshaping everyday spaces into stages where people can gather, connect and escape through humor. Always upbeat and loud (his words), the creative visionary is dedicated to making the city more hilarious, playful, connected and culturally vibrant by linking up with local artists, venues and sponsors to “build something bigger than just a single comedy show.” A vision born over shots of Rumple Minze (like most good ideas) at Neptunes Parlour, the premiere fest pulled hundreds for a giggle with 50+ rising comedians from around the country across 19 shows and six venues. “I see comedy as a tool for community-building and making Raleigh a place where fun is part of our everyday life—not just something for entertainment,” says Huggins.
Playing around Raleigh? Chavis Splash Park, State Farmers Market, Rebus Works, Pine State Coffee Meet dead or alive: Robin Williams Lasting legacy: Selfishly and professionally, I want to perform stand-up on The Tonight Show. Top life tip: “The bad news is that this doesn’t matter. The great news is that this doesn’t matter. So just have fun.”
Rachel Landen
Turning up Raleigh, one place at a time
Letting the music play in every corner of the city, Rachel Landen is redefining how people jam in Raleigh. What began as her inviting artists she admires into offbeat spaces (think Atlantic Gardening and Oak City Cycling) has grown into Band on the Roof—a stripped-down unique series where audiences and artists connect in ways bigger stages can’t deliver. Even if it means breaking the so-called cardinal rule of “don’t make friends with the rock stars,” she’s all in. From curating lineups and shaping the story to teaming with local hosts and vendors, the Henderson native pours herself into every detail with one mission: sparking joy and fostering connections through unforgettable experiences. Offstage, find the sonic storyteller catching a show at Slim’s, laughing at a comedy set, hitting the tennis court, or blasting The War on Drugs through her earbuds. With music as her muse—serving heart, hustle and a killer playlist—Landen is proving there are endless ways to keep Raleigh listening.
Fave way to play as a child: Writing stories and poems, putting on magic shows or pretend cooking shows, painting, building secret gardens, running lemonade stands, and starting little clubs What you wish you knew at 20: Write things down and take more pictures—you think you’ll remember it all, but you won’t. Oh, and drink some water. Retail haunt: Deco—it’s my go-to for gifts, and they have the best cards. Meet dead or alive: Warren Zevon. I recently read his biography and, with ‘Desperadoes Under the Eaves’ as one of my favorite songs, I’d love to hear his stories firsthand.
Danny Rosin
Spinning live music into a force for social change
For 25 years, the Brand Fuel and Band Together co-founder has infused Raleigh with joy, creativity and connection. Turning live music into a platform for social change, the UNC grad has raised $14+ million for more than 160 local nonprofits while drawing 72,000 attendees. Wielding unforgettable experiences citywide—from being invested in unconventional events like Hopscotch and SPARKcon’s MusicSPARK to co-creating “Have you met my friend…” Singles Pitch Nights to building a thriving community of 800+ nonprofit leaders—Rosin’s work mixes levity, imagination and creative mashups to make Raleigh a more united, playful city. A lifelong performer at heart—once an Evel Knievel-inspired wannabe stuntman—he now channels that energy into mountain biking the Greenway, catching live shows at venues like The Pour House and Lincoln Theatre, or creating moments where strangers become friends. Rosin hopes to be remembered simply as a good human: bringing joy, connection and a spark of play to everyone he meets.
Random tidbit: I have a list of over 7,000 fictitious band names I’ve curated over the past 16 years. Retail haunt: Unlikely Professionals—the underground, social, gifting retailer does not give a damn what you think + THC drinks and vinyl. Go-to food spot: A Place at The Table is where there’s great food, dignity for all and more hugs per capita than in any cafe on Earth! What you wish you knew at 20: Triple down on optimism, rebellion, curiosity and empathy.
Niall Hanley
Pouring heart and soul into spaces to craft adult playgrounds for all
When it comes to crafting adult play places in Raleigh, Hibernian Hospitality Group owner Niall Hanley doesn’t stick to a rulebook. “Most of these spaces will tell you what they want to be,” says the proud Irishman. The self-described pub builder, food hall wrangler, golf-garden dreamer and Guinness record-holding horticulturist has followed that ethos to manifest local hot spots like Hibernian Pub, Raleigh Beer Garden, Watts & Ward, Hop Shots, Morgan Street Food Hall, and Botanical Lounge—to name just a few. And watching people frequent them brings him as much joy as they bring to regulars and newcomers alike. It’s fitting for someone who’s just as at home exploring the city as he is building up its fun factor. Whether grabbing dinner at Madre, Peregrine, or Crawford and Son; snagging plants from Logan’s or the State Farmers Market; hitting the shooting range; or salsa dancing, “invariably Guinness and the pub will get visited at the end of the night.”
Fave way to play as a child: Out the door building forts and shite, then home at dark… until you were big enough to work! Top play places you take guests: Obviously I hit all my spots… because they are brilliant! But a Canes game is great craic for out-of-towners to see—especially from Ireland. It’s a great buzz. Default binge: Peaky Blinders What you wish you knew at 20: Enjoy the journey. And f*** the begrudgers!
Nick Neptune
Maestro of good times & great ideas
If Nick Neptune is involved, you know it’s a certified good time. A maestro of culture, community and fun, the Good Times Assurance Co. founder and owner has spent over a decade building and strengthening connections—ideally, he says, through crafting experiences meant to make lasting memories. Celebrating Raleigh through music, art, food, drink and play, Neptune’s name is behind some of the city’s most jovial events—from 2015’s Recess Raleigh (in partnership with Capital Club 16 and Helping Hand Mission) to Southeast Raleigh’s inaugural block party, the Haywood Street Hustle & Hoedown. Not just a behind-the-scenes visionary, the former director of outreach and community engagement for Dix Park Conservancy is a true man about town. Find him playing tennis at local parks, soaking up live jazz at Moon Room or Neptune’s, noshing at Players Retreat, catching a friend’s DJ set at Videri or La Veladora, browsing at Unlikely Professionals or Edge of Urge, or even duking it out at Natural Science’s weekly table tennis club—because wherever Nick goes, fun follows.
MO: Good people make for a good party! Let’s invest in our people—and places that celebrate and center their human experience. Fave way to play as a child: I would create elaborate adventures spanning my entire home for my action figures that were clearly inspired by The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia and Star Wars. Fun fact: I own over 20 Monopoly board game sets. I grew up playing (it’s my mom’s favorite), and by the time I was in college… I clearly developed a bit of an obsession. Default binge for a laugh: Seinfeld, Bob’s Burgers, SNL
David Meeker
Mind behind Raleigh’s most magnetic spots and moments
When it comes to making Raleigh more playful, Meeker is a mastermind. The visionary behind some of the city’s most engaging spaces and experiences—from Trophy Brewing to the Turkey Trot and Run for Love to reimagining the trio of houses on the “bend” of Morgan that has quickly become a community backyard—the Raleigh native breeds hometown pride. When he wants to show guests a good time, he gravitates toward Dix Park, Pin Point or Red Hat. Otherwise, find him hangin’ at Willco (“the new back patio is a great addition,” he muses), browsing So & So Books, reading Homelessness Is a Housing Problem or binging Owen Wilson’s Stick. But—more of a worker than a player, his vision is simple: “The more connected our neighborhoods are, the more fun they are.” A naturally optimistic and responsive leader, the partner in Trophy Brewing, Elm Partners and Carpenter Development aspires to be remembered as “a community person who was always there to help when asked.”
Random tidbit: In college at Rice University, I was our dorm’s chug captain at our annual Beer Bike event. Who fuels your playful side? Nick Wilson [partner at Elm]—he’s always doing something fun. Passion project: Expanding Healing Transitions—I’ve been on the board and construction committee for several years now. How you blow off steam: My wife Kimberlie and I like to work out and then have a Trophy beer or two. Makes us appreciate what we are involved with.
Cameron Laws
Unlocking the city as a canvas for creative imagination
“Play belongs to everyone”—that’s the mantra of Artsplosure Creative Director and Raleigh native Cameron Laws. For over a decade, the Wolfpack alum has transformed the city into a sandbox of imagination, from interactive art installations like Rainbow River and Art Putt to Sleepy Fest, music videos for Watchhouse and Chatham Rabbits, and even orchestrating the acorn drop and fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Beyond creating experiences, the savvy, inspired Pisces is dedicated to elevating local artists, giving them platforms to shine while sparking wonder and connection throughout the city. A born tinkerer and adventurer, she spends her free time binging paranormal pods, riding her 1979 Yamaha dirt bike, tinkering with her V12 BMW 850, and collabing with friends on film and music projects. “I believe everyone deserves to experience art, inspiration and wonder,” she says. “That’s why I focus on bringing creativity into public spaces and elevating Raleigh’s local artists—transforming the city into a place where imagination belongs to all of us.”
Fave way to play as a child: In the dirt! … It’s amazing how much fun you can have with a little imagination and acres of fields, creeks and wilderness to explore. Meet dead or alive: I want to have a margarita—or six—with Sabrina Carpenter. I really love the creative direction of her work! Go-to food spot: Ajja! Creativity and playfulness are woven into every aspect. Lasting legacy: More than my own work, I want my legacy to be the opportunities I created for others to shine. What you wish you knew at 20: Your 20s are cool, but you’ll have the time of your life in your 30s.
Britt Thomas
Champions the idea that “play is the heartbeat of a thriving city”
“Play is serious business”—just ask Raleigh native Britt Thomas, chief activation officer of Marbles Kids Museum & IMAX Theater for over 25 years. It doesn’t just connect us—it keeps us healthy, creative and resilient, no matter our age. Having dedicated decades from her early days at Playspace through her Marbles era to sparking imagination, discovery and learning through play and championing playful spaces where families can connect and thrive, the UNC alum believes “play is the heartbeat of a thriving city,” she muses. “I see every day how play builds community and brings people together.”
Top play places you take guests: DTR fests, Red Hat & Walnut Creek concerts + Umstead Park trails Lasting legacy: I hope to be remembered as a go-getter who made Raleigh more joyful and connected by advancing the power of play—especially for kids and families—and for helping Downtown thrive as a vibrant, welcoming place for all. Top/bottom life tips: Best: The opportunities are often the ones that scare you a little. Worst: Don’t rock the boat. Retail haunt: NOFO @ the Pig Random tidbit: I was in Vatican City when the first Pope from the U.S. was elected. Default binge: The Pitt What you wish you knew at 20: Don’t be in a rush—take time to enjoy the ride, the people beside you and the joy along the way.
Stephen Mangano
Trailblazer turning Raleigh into a playground of possibility
If you build it, they will come—and Raleigh has indeed shown up and showed out for DTR’s Conlon Family Skatepark, thanks to the vision and effort of Stephen Mangano’s Skate Raleigh. As president and co-founder of the nonprofit advocating for more skating opps, the New York native is a bona fide visionary leader who aspires to find creative ways to bring play to Raleigh, rolling with the nugget of wisdom: “Enjoy and be thankful of the small things; give to others and your community unselfishly; and don’t hoard knowledge, resources and abilities—but share them. These are the secrets to a good life.” Charismatic, fun-loving and caring at his core, Mangano finds joy everywhere—from the NC Museum of Art and Roanoke Park to The Artist Lounge to his own backyard bar, The Loose Mangoose.
Fave way to play as a child: Old-school monkey bars Who fuels your playful side? My wife’s laughter and my kids. My daughter’s creativity is amazing and my son’s enthusiasm is contagious. Passion project: Build a world-class skate and BMX facility at Dix Park Go-to bar: Willco—they do an amazing job of building community and hosting local DJs.
