KINGS OF SOUL
Dave Brubeck, and more, in addition to the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
Stripling was educated at the Eastman School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy. 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
Chester Gregory is an award-winning Broadway actor, singer, and recording artist, renowned for his extraordinary vocal talent, commanding stage presence, and deep emotional resonance. With starring roles in iconic productions such as Hairspray, Dreamgirls, Sister Act, Disney’ s Tarzan, and Motown: The Musical, Chester has become a dynamic force in musical theater and live performances, captivating audiences with a unique energy that resonates across both grand Broadway stages and intimate concert settings.
His breakthrough role as legendary singer Jackie Wilson in The Jackie Wilson Story earned him widespread acclaim and a personal standing ovation from Michael Jackson.
A recipient of the NAACP Theatre Award, Joseph Jefferson Award, and Black Theatre Alliance Award, Chester has performed across the U. S., gaining recognition not only for his vocal abilities but also for his emotional depth and stage presence.
Chester’ s social media presence reaches millions across platforms, where he shares humor, wellness, and the arts. Stay connected with Chester on social media @ chestergregory for updates, and visit ChesterGregory. com for more information.
Michael Lynche
American idol Michael Lynche is a new breed of soul singer with completely classic influences.“ Big Mike”— as he was known while winning over the hearts of a nation during his stint on American Idol— has talent so versatile that he’ s played intimate jazz and blues clubs, 20,000-seat arenas, and opera halls with 100-piece orchestras backing him. Through it all,“ Big Mike” always had one singular goal: to spread a message of love wherever he goes.
A New York City resident for the last 20 years, the Florida native rose from obscurity as a finalist on season nine of the hit phenomenon, American Idol. After wowing millions of fans on American Idol with his comforting and powerful voice and performing throughout the U. S. as part of the American Idol LIVE! Tour, Big Mike released two studio albums, toured as an opening act for Boyz II Men, Lalah Hathaway, Faith Evans, and Lyfe Jennings, and toured the world with his honest storytelling brand of soul music.
Since 2012, Big Mike has been a featured guest vocalist with orchestras all over the U. S. and Canada, including the Dallas Symphony, Utah Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, Toronto Symphony, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Roanoke Symphony, Florida Orchestra, Sarasota Orchestra, and many more. His show credits include R & B Legends, Kings of Soul, Dancing in the Street— The Music of Motown, and Holiday Pops: Soulful Christmas.
Big Mike brings an inspirational story and a searing, soulful, one-ofa-kind voice. Big, yes— and beautiful, too; Michael Lynche makes music that’ s unforgettable.
Darren Lorenzo
Darren Lorenzo hails from Atlanta, Georgia, and received his B. A. in Mass Communications at Clark Atlanta University. Darren has appeared in numerous regional, international, and national tours, Off-Broadway, Broadway, concerts, and theatre productions such as Vegas the Show( Planet Hollywood Casino / Saxe Theatre); headliner, Way Back Music one-man show( Norwegian Cruise Line); vocalist, The Amsterdam Collective( Waterhole); vocalist, Ventuno Nights residency( Ruby Hotel); vocalist, Meeting at the Crossroads one-man show( Super Club); vocalist, Waitress the Musical( Arts Coastal Carolina); Cal, Rock and Roll Man( New Stages NYC); the Judge / Nate, The Wiz( Fulton Theatre and NBFT); Tin Man and Lion, Color Purple( MSMT); Ol’ Mister, After Midnight( Norwegian Creatives); quartet leader, Five Guys Named Moe( Fulton Theatre & Playhouse on Park); Big Moe, Saturday Night Fever( second Broadway National Tour); DJ Monty, Madagascar the Musical( First National / International Tour); Maurice, Smokey Joes Café( Broadway National Tours); Ken / Adrian, No Strings( Encore City Center / NYC); vocalist, Freestyle Love Supreme( with Lin Manuel Miranda); vocalist / Mic 2, Classic( M)( Florence Gould Hall); featured vocalist, What the World Needs Now( Holland Tour); and vocalist in Solid Gold Soul( U. K. Tour).
Chester Gregory |
John Abbott |
Michael Lynche |
Darren Lorenzo |
John Abbott |
JAN-FEB 2026 | OVERTURE | 19