Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

With a contagious smile and captivating charm, the conductor, trumpet virtuoso, singer and actor Byron Stripling has ignited audiences across the globe. Recently named Principal Pops conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, his baton has led orchestras throughout the United States and Canada. As soloist  with the Boston Pops Orchestra, Stripling has performed frequently under the baton of Keith Lockhart, as well as being featured soloist on the PBS television special, "Evening at Pops," with conductors John Williams and Mr. Lockhart. Currently, Stripling serves as artistic director and conductor of the highly acclaimed Columbus Jazz Orchestra.

Since his Carnegie Hall debut with Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops, Byron Stripling has become a pops orchestra favorite throughout the country, soloing with over 100 orchestras around the world including the Boston Pops, National Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Cincinnati Pops, Seattle Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, Toronto Symphony, and orchestras throughout Europe and Asia. He has been a featured soloist at the Hollywood Bowl and performs at festivals around the world.

An accomplished actor and singer, Byron Stripling was chosen, following a worldwide search, to star in the lead role of the Broadway bound musical, "Satchmo."  Many will remember his featured cameo performance in the television movie, "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles," and his critically acclaimed virtuoso trumpet and riotous comedic performance in the 42nd Street production of "From Second Avenue to Broadway."

Television viewers have enjoyed his work as soloist on the worldwide telecast of The Grammy Awards.  Millions have heard his trumpet and voice on television commercials, TV theme songs including "20/20," CNN, and soundtracks of favorite movies. In addition to multiple recordings with his quintet, work with artists from Tony Bennett to Whitney Houston, his prolific recording career includes hundreds of albums with the greatest pop, Broadway, soul and jazz artists of all time.

Byron Stripling earned his stripes as lead trumpeter and soloist with the Count Basie Orchestra under the direction of Thad Jones and Frank Foster.  He has also played and recorded extensively with the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Dave Brubeck, Lionel Hampton, Clark Terry, Louis Bellson, and Buck Clayton in addition to The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and The GRP All Star Big Band.

Byron Stripling is devoted to giving back and supports several philanthropic organizations including The United Way and Homelessness advocate and The Community Shelter Board. He also enjoys sharing the power of music through Seminars and Master Classes at colleges, universities, conservatories, and high schools.  His informative talks, combined with his incomparable wit and charm, make him a favorite guest speaker to groups of all ages. 

Byron Stripling was educated at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York and the Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan.  One of his greatest joys is to return, periodically, to Eastman and Interlochen as a special guest lecturer.

A resident of Ohio, Stripling lives in the country with his wife Alexis, a former dancer, writer and poet and their beautiful daughters.

Chester Gregory is an award winning singer and actor. He was last seen starring in Motown The Musical as Berry Gordy.  Broadway credits include Motown the Musical, Hairspray, Tarzan, Cry-Baby and Sister Act. Other credits include August Wilson's Fences and Two Trains Running. He has toured nationally with Dreamgirls, Sister Act, as well as his one-man show The Eve of Jackie Wilson. Chester has received many awards, including the Jeff Award and a NAACP Theatre Award, and has been presented the key to the city of his hometown of Gary, Indiana and in East Chicago. He has also been chosen as an Honorary State Representative of Indiana and has received a Honorary Doctorate from his alma mater Columbia College Chicago. He is currently producing several projects and recordings. Add him on social media @ChesterGregory and chestergregory.com

Cultivated in diverse backgrounds and raised in the church with his mother as head of the choir, Brik was exposed to different genres of music that influenced his unique artistry and sound. As an international solo performing artist, Brik.Liam is in a league of his own, fusing classic soul vibes like the sounds of Marvin Gaye with the urban contemporary music fans are accustomed to around the world today.

Cherise Coaches is a hardworking recording artist, songwriter, vocal coach/producer, and actress from the south suburbs of Chicago. With music as a hereditary gift, her formal education has only added to her ability to succeed at anything she puts her hands to.

Cherise attended Columbia College Chicago and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance. During her time there she got to work with and share the stage with some amazing artists such as Grammy winner Paula Cole, Brian Culbertson, Mike Stern, and many educators who have much musical experience. She has also gone on to work with artists such as Jeremih, Carl Thomas, Kenny Latimore, Glen Jones, and many more.

In the fall of 2012 Cherise finally released her first official single on iTunes “The Juice” written by her and her producer Tony Treble. She went on to release her Christmas EP in December of that year entitled “Snowfall,” which is also the single from the EP. Following that was her single “Ride For Ya” which was released on Sound Cloud in June 2017. The latest single is “Rewind” released in September of 2018, which can be found on all online music store and streaming platforms.

Cherise has made many waves in the acting world as well. She made her co-star debut on Starz Network series The Chi in season 2. She also has many accomplishments in theater featuring in shows like: Men of Soul (Black Ensemble Theater) Dreamgirls (Porchlight Music Theater), HAIR where she portrayed Dionne (Geva Theatre Center and Mercury Theater Chicago), the North American Tour of Disenchanted as The Princess Who Kissed The Frog and her favorite to date portraying the role of Young Patti LaBelle in A New Attitude In Tribute to Patti Labelle. Her work in theater has earned her 2 nominations from The Black Theater Alliance as most promising actress and best featured actress in a musical as well as Jeff Award wins and nominations.

Cherise lives by the motto “If you can dream it, you can do it!”