Lo-Fi Might Save America: #Overstand by Ryan Celcius and JessBe Creative
The United States is moving through a defining moment of transition. As Americans work harder than ever to navigate economic uncertainty, digital misinformation, and the rapid shift toward cloud-based living, entire chapters of our collective memory are disappearing.
In response, something powerful is happening: a renewed commitment to physical art, shared spaces, and community. Lo-fi—long celebrated for its calming, reflective energy—has become a cultural language for remembering what we’ve lost and reimagining what’s possible.
Overstand is a multimedia fine arts series born during the pandemic that blends archival research, documentary filmmaking, and lo-fi soundscapes to make American history and philosophy more accessible. Inspired by Barrett Holmes Pittner’s The Crime Without a Name, the project aims to reframe American memory—transforming history into an experience, an atmosphere, a vibe people can take with them.
Now evolving into a multimedia exhibit, live performance, and community-building platform, Overstand invites audiences to reflect deeply, listen intentionally, and see America anew.
Join Ryan Celcius and JessBe Creative for Lo-Fi Might Save America-- a launch event for the Overstand Series at the Eaton Hotel!
Featured Speaker: Substantial
Maryland-born, International Hip-Hop artist Substantial, called “one of the great MCs of our time” by Chuck D, blends jazz, soul, and sharp lyricism. Known for collaborations with Nujabes, Oddisee, and Marcus D, his music spans albums, video games, TV, and global stages.
About the organizers:
Ryan Celsius (stylized as R y a n C e l s i u s °) is the pseudonym of a Washington, D.C.–based music curator, disc jockey, video artist, music producer and YouTuber.
His YouTube channel features visual mixtapes, combining underground hip hop, phonk and lo-fi tracks with nostalgic anime and movie visuals. Trappin in Japan, which began in 2017, is among the channel's most popular series.
Jess Randolph, founder of JessBe Creative, Jess Randolph is a visionary artist, curator, and social entrepreneur who champions cultural authenticity and artistic expression as catalysts for community empowerment and economic development. Based in Washington, DC, she has dedicated her career to creating platforms that amplify diverse voices while fostering sustainable creative economies.