At Free Them Studios, we call our time of prayer, POWER-UP. By definition, a "power-up" is a bonus that gives a player an advantage—extra strength, resilience, or firepower. We believe prayer does just that, boosting, strengthening, and equipping you no matter how challenging or impossible things may seem. Prayer works!

The Two Components of POWER-UP

Our aim is to provide people with a place of refuge to unload their burdens, pour out their hearts, and find peace in expressing themselves in the presence of God, in the safety of prayer. We are hopeful that these gatherings will encourage greater community, cultivate intimacy with God in our hearts, and create an understanding of the necessity of prayer.

PRAYER:

Our goal has always been to build a strong, connected community, and this event is an extension of that vision. We want dancers, artists, creatives, and their families to feel empowered to engage with us, develop new relationships, share fresh ideas, and thrive within this supportive network.

COMMUNITY:

THIS YEAR’S NEW ADDITIONS!!

OUR HOST

DEMETRI R. KELLEY

Demetri R. Kelley is a transformational servant-leader, believer in Christ, and change agent who blends education, purpose, and innovation to inspire others. His professional journey has centered on student development and success in higher education, alongside service as a Mental Health Resource Specialist and Case Manager supporting the holistic growth of young men in foster care. Beyond his career, Demetri is a multi-faceted creative—author, poet, singer, songwriter, musician, and recreational dancer and visual artist. He holds a B.S. in Psychology, an M.A. in College Student Personnel, and is pursuing a Doctorate in Leadership for Educational Justice (Ed.D.) with a focus on community-engaged leadership. Through writing, speaking, and coaching, Demetri is committed to helping the next generation discover identity in Christ, rise above circumstances, and walk in purpose-filled pathways of success.

FEATURE POET

BRANDON ALLEN

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PANELISTS

  • Tiffany Turner

    THEOLOGIAN/ACTRESS

    Tiffany Turner is a spiritual theologian, teacher, and creative visionary passionate about helping people encounter the transforming love of Jesus Christ. She serves as Campus Teacher at Kingdom Culture Worship Centre in San Bernardino, where she equips disciples through preaching, teaching, and spiritual formation. Tiffany is currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation & Soul Care at Biola University and brings her unique perspective as a Black woman in ministry to her work, weaving together theology, creativity, and cultural insight. Through writing, social media, and community engagement, she seeks to disciple others into deeper intimacy with God, courage to walk in their calling, and confidence to carry Christ’s love into culture.

  • Richard Blacksher

    PRODUCER/COMPOSER

    San Bernardino native, Richard Blacksher is a renaissance artist by every definition. Pianist turned rapper turned producer and sometime composer, Richard Blacksher has worn many hats over a long career in music but has always maintained a sense of focused storytelling. Behind every lyric and note, Richard weaves tonal poems of existentialism and questions of what defines beauty.

  • Treesje Thomas

    PSYCHOLOGIST/POET

    Treesje has been a faithful member of the spoken word community since 2008. With her poise and ability to connect with a wide array of secular and faith-based audiences, Treesje has shared stages with recording artists such as Luke James, Chrisette Michelle, Maxwell, and Mali Music and her poetry has been featured on network television. As a proud Spelman Alumni, Treesje continues to expand the reach of self-expression as a tool for educational, cultural, and social-emotional impact. Treesje also holds her masters from Loyola Marymount University in Educational Psychology. She has worked for over a decade advocating for mental health awareness at the ground floor of public school systems in LA County.