Meet
Kizzy Hearn-Riske, Chairwoman
Born Kezia Hearn in the United Kingdom and raised between cultures, Kezia Hearn-Riske—known to most as Kizzy—carries a life shaped by movement, music, and meaning. She emigrated to the United States at the age of 12, a transition that would quietly plant the seeds for a lifelong connection to community and sound.
Her path led her to Colorado State University Pueblo, where she earned her degree in Music—blending formal study with lived musicianship, and developing both the discipline and intuition that continue to guide her work today.
Kizzy’s introduction to the music industry began at the grassroots level, working with the street team for Ky-Mani Marley. That experience immersed her in the pulse of artist promotion and fan connection—the real, unpolished side of how music travels and finds its audience. Through this work, she connected with Susan Underwood of Island Stage Magazine, leading to an administrative role that expanded her understanding of music media, operations, and artist relations behind the scenes.
But Kizzy’s story is not only one of industry—it is one of love, partnership, and shared creation. Alongside her late husband, Dylan Riske, she co-founded a reggae band rooted in community and connection. Together, they performed throughout Colorado for many years, becoming a familiar and respected presence in the local reggae scene. Their music was not just performance—it was expression, memory, and a living bond that continues to echo.
Today, Kizzy brings her journey full circle as a music educator at a charter High School while also working directly with private music students of all ages. Through both, she helps developing musicians build technical skill, confidence, creative expression, and a deeper relationship with music. Her work reflects more than a career—it reflects a lifelong commitment to helping music take root in others.
As Chairwoman of Backstage Blueprint, she offers a rare balance of structure and soul: formal training, real-world industry experience, and a deep understanding of what it means to build something that lasts. Her presence at the helm is steady, thoughtful, and rooted in purpose—ensuring that the mission remains not only organized, but alive.
Her path led her to Colorado State University Pueblo, where she earned her degree in Music—blending formal study with lived musicianship, and developing both the discipline and intuition that continue to guide her work today.
Kizzy’s introduction to the music industry began at the grassroots level, working with the street team for Ky-Mani Marley. That experience immersed her in the pulse of artist promotion and fan connection—the real, unpolished side of how music travels and finds its audience. Through this work, she connected with Susan Underwood of Island Stage Magazine, leading to an administrative role that expanded her understanding of music media, operations, and artist relations behind the scenes.
But Kizzy’s story is not only one of industry—it is one of love, partnership, and shared creation. Alongside her late husband, Dylan Riske, she co-founded a reggae band rooted in community and connection. Together, they performed throughout Colorado for many years, becoming a familiar and respected presence in the local reggae scene. Their music was not just performance—it was expression, memory, and a living bond that continues to echo.
Today, Kizzy brings her journey full circle as a music educator at a charter High School while also working directly with private music students of all ages. Through both, she helps developing musicians build technical skill, confidence, creative expression, and a deeper relationship with music. Her work reflects more than a career—it reflects a lifelong commitment to helping music take root in others.
As Chairwoman of Backstage Blueprint, she offers a rare balance of structure and soul: formal training, real-world industry experience, and a deep understanding of what it means to build something that lasts. Her presence at the helm is steady, thoughtful, and rooted in purpose—ensuring that the mission remains not only organized, but alive.
