Rev. Mark Ribbins

Awarded: 2026

Rev. Mark Ribbins has spent more than four decades shaping Cleveland’s musical identity at the crossroads of jazz and gospel. A seasoned broadcaster, programmer and curator, he’s celebrated for his instinctive ability to weave songs into seamless, soulful narratives.

Raised in a family steeped in gospel music, Ribbins discovered jazz by exploring his siblings’ record collections — artists like Jimmy McGriff, Hank Crawford and Jean-Luc Ponty — sparking a lifelong passion for blending sacred and secular sounds.

As a program director and on-air host for the former Cleveland smooth jazz station 107.3 The Wave, he crafted a sound that was both sophisticated and accessible. His interviews with legends such as Stanley Clarke, Larry Coryell and Kenny Garrett reflected his deep respect for the art form and his gift for connecting with its creators.

Widely known as the "Jazzpreacher," Ribbins bridges his musical and spiritual callings as pastor of Avon Avenue Baptist Church, bringing the same care and rhythm to ministry that he brings to music. His work continues to inspire listeners and congregants alike, uniting faith, artistry and community in a shared groove that defines Cleveland’s cultural heartbeat.