Artist Style: Soloists

With a contagious smile and captivating charm, conductor, trumpet virtuoso, singer, and actor Byron Stripling ignites audiences across the globe. Stripling has become a symphony favorite throughout the country and has performed with well over 100 orchestras around the world.

With a contagious smile and captivating charm, conductor, trumpet virtuoso, singer, and actor Byron Stripling ignites audiences across the globe. In 2020, Stripling was named Principal Pops Conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and in 2024, he was named Principal Pops Conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. He also currently serves as Artistic Director and Conductor of the highly acclaimed Columbus Jazz Orchestra. Stripling’s baton has led countless orchestras throughout the United States and Canada, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood and the orchestras of San Diego, St. Louis, Virginia, Toronto, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Fort Worth, Rochester, Buffalo, Florida, Portland, and Sarasota, to name a few.

As a soloist with the Boston Pops, Stripling has performed frequently under the baton of Keith Lockhart, as well as being the 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, 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, 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 a 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 and 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.

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.

Stripling is devoted to giving back and supports several philanthropic organizations, including The United Way and homelessness advocacy, as well as 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.

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.

Shayna Steele is one of a kind! This dynamic vocalist puts new meaning to diversity and grassroots talent. Shayna’s natural ability to traverse musical genres, be it in the studio, on the stage, or on the screen, has kept her on the A-list of in-demand singers across the industry. Her effortless execution of soul, rock, pop and jazz continues to grab the attention of audiences around the world.

This dynamic vocalist puts new meaning to diversity and grassroots talent. Shayna Steele’s natural ability to traverse musical genres, be it in the studio, on the stage, or on the screen, has kept her on the A-list of in-demand singers in the industry. Shayna’s effortless execution of both soul and jazz has grabbed the attention of audiences globally, be it Monterey Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival with Snarky Puppy, or the hundreds of symphony orchestras throughout North America.

Shayna’s creative abilities explode across multiple genres, highlighted by her original signature sound. Her mature songwriting abilities are dynamically evident, as heard through her infusion of soul, jazz, and blues.

In 2023, Shayna debuted her solo symphony show, American Diva, with the prestigious Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring Grammy-winning conductor and composer Mr. Jeff Tyzik, who arranged her music and favorite covers. Shayna has performed as the guest soloist with over 100 North American symphony orchestras, such as the Dallas Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, and Detroit Symphony Orchestra, where she debuted her solo blues program, Nothin’ But the Blues, with Grammy Award-winning composer and conductor Jeff Tyzik.

Throughout her career, Shayna has lent her talent to leading artists such as Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti and Moby, whose tracks Raining Again, Disco Lies, and Extreme Ways featured Shayna’s blockbuster vocals. Snarky Puppy’s Michael League handpicked Shayna’s original track, Gone Under, for inclusion in their huge hit Family Dinner, Volume 1 album (Ropeadope Records), which has become a viral sensation with over 2 million views and countless covers from musicians globally. No stranger to both the small and silver screens, Shayna has sung on the soundtracks of Hairspray, The Bourne Identity, and Sex and the City 2, as well as making a guest appearance on The Sopranos! Shayna recently made an appearance in two episodes of the Marvel series Penguin, starring Colin Farrell on MAX.

Shayna has appeared in the smash hit musical RENT, as well as Jesus Christ Superstar, and her original role in the massive Tony Award-winning musical Hairspray.

She has provided background vocals for artists such as Bette Midler, Rihanna, and Kelly Clarkson, along with countless other A-list stars. After going solo, writing, and putting her band together, Shayna has released four studio albums, with her second album RISE reaching #2 on the U.S. iTunes jazz charts and #1 on the international jazz charts.

Shayna holds a music degree from the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Interdisciplinary Music Studies and teaches private vocalists virtually. Shayna has also been a guest for many college masterclasses and workshops globally.

Visit www.shaynasteele.com for more info.

Sarah Darling is an American singer-songwriter whose honey-toned vocals and 70s California warmth shape her modern Americana sound. With chart-topping releases and millions of streams, she’s performed everywhere from the Grand Ole Opry to major UK festivals.

Sarah Darling is an American singer-songwriter drawing inspiration from the allure of freedom and beauty. Her voice channels the spirit of 70’s California, with echoes from Laurel Canyon, narrating an American road trip story wrapped in nostalgia and sunshine. Infused with a modern aura, her lyrics transport us to a golden era, sung with the warmth of honey vocals and unfiltered honesty.

Sarah’s credits include five full-length albums, multiple singles, including a #1 on the UK Country charts, and many duets. She has over 20 million streams, 11 million video views, and over 90 appearances on the Grand Ole Opry stage. She is one of the first Sirius XM The Highway™ Finds and part of the first class of CMT’s Next Women of Country. Performances include: CMA Music Fest, C2C, BBC Radio 2 Stage, FSA Music Festival, Nashville Meets London, British Country Music Festival, British Summertime Festival supporting Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Paul Simon, and Carrie Underwood.

Sarah’s music has been featured on many Apple, Amazon, Pandora, and Spotify playlists including:, CMT’s Hot Twenty, Coffeehouse, New Boots, PopCo, Take it Slow, Wild Country, Cosmic Country, New Music Nashville, Next from Nashville, Fresh Folk, etc.

With his throwback voice, tailored sense of style, and twinkle-in-his-eye personality, Paul Loren’s captivating stage presence and immense vocal talent have won over major fans and devotees around the world. At a young age, Paul fell deeply in love with the classic sounds of New York oldies radio and the Great American Songbook, and, to date, his music has been streamed tens of millions of times while his original songs can be heard in major motion pictures, television shows, and ad campaigns.

At a young age, singer-songwriter Paul Loren fell in love with the classic sounds of New York oldies radio and the Great American Songbook. With his throwback voice, tailored sense of style, and twinkle-in-his-eye personality, Paul has since won over fans and devotees around the world.

Loren launched his solo career in early 2014 with a string of sold-out shows in New York City at the famed venue Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater, accompanied by his ‘One-Night Only Band’. His first solo single, All By Myself, released in 2015, was supported by SiriusXM and terrestrial radio stations in markets such as Nashville, Seattle, Charleston, and Philadelphia.

During this time, Paul was personally selected by Jennifer Lopez to perform at her birthday gala in Las Vegas. He appeared on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, partnered with The Ryan Seacrest Foundation, performed at the legendary STAX Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, and recorded in the world-renowned Sun Studio. Paul and his band have been permanent fixtures at storied venues such as The Rainbow Room, the Dinah Shore residence in Palm Springs, Cipriani, and Hotel Chelsea in NYC, the SLS Hotel in Las Vegas, and performance halls from Rio de Janeiro to Rome.

He has opened for and supported touring artists including: The Temptations, singer-songwriter Brendan James, American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, folk singer and guitarist David Bromberg, British soul singer James Hunter, and has shared the stage with Paul Shaffer, Queen Latifah, Christie Brinkley, and food personality Giada De Laurentiis. Showcasing his unique style and sound, Loren has partnered with many legacy brands, including Cartier, Target, Squarespace, Campari, and Nordstrom.

Since 2018, Paul has performed with orchestras across the U.S. and Canada, leading pops shows with a diverse repertoire including Legends: The Paul Simon Songbook, both The Beatles’ Revolution and Twist and Shout, and Back to the 80’s.

Launching his own orchestra show, Come Swing With Me! in 2024, Paul is able to bring his first love of American Songbook standards and mid-century Big Band music to the symphony stage, sharing timeless classics by Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, and his original music with audiences across the country.

Currently based in Nashville, Tennessee, Paul continues to write and record his own material, alongside producing music for other artists at his studio, Realtone Ranch. To date, his music has been streamed tens of millions of times, and his songs can be heard in major motion pictures, television shows, and ad campaigns.

GRAMMY^®-nominated vocalist and pianist Sheléa has graced the stages of Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and the White House—earning standing ovations from legends and world leaders alike.

With a voice that stirs the soul and hands that glide effortlessly over the keys, Sheléa represents a return to true artistry that has garnered attention and adoration from legends throughout the music industry: Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Alan & Marilyn Bergman, David Foster, Narada Michael Walden, and Rickey Minor.

Before all of the acclaim, Sheléa’s journey began in a small town, Bakersfield, CA. Having been discovered to have an aptitude for vocal harmony at age 2, Sheléa was already writing songs on her first miniature piano for her sisters by age 4. She began piano lessons at age 7 and began serving as the church musician at the Bakersfield Southside SDA Church by age 12. However, it wasn’t until Sheléa arrived at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama when she thought about making music for a living. Though her majors frequently changed, music steadfastly remained her minor, and she ultimately graduated cum laude with a B.A. in music, emphasis in piano.

Now with years of making a name for herself as a vocal powerhouse, Sheléa has performed at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, and the White House, where she received a standing ovation from the Obamas. In the summer of 2022, Sheléa made her debut at the Royal Albert Hall, performing a tribute to Aretha Franklin with maestro Jules Buckley to a sold-out audience. She has begun touring this beautifully curated show throughout Europe. She was invited to pay tribute to the legend, Quincy Jones, for his 90th birthday at the Hollywood Bowl.

Merging her musical talent with her new love for acting, Sheléa landed her first major role as Dorinda Clark in the critically acclaimed biopic, The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel. The Lifetime film drew nearly three million viewers and “was the strongest original movie for all television for 2020 across key demos including both broadcast and cable.”

The depth of emotion through her vocal interpretations and her touch on the piano has made her an artist of choice for various events, entertainment venues, award shows, and philanthropic enterprises around the world. She has enjoyed gracing the stage for PBS specials, including her very own Quincy Jones Presents: Sheléa and, most recently, Aretha! With Sheléa and Pacific Symphony. She was honored to showcase the music of Alan and Marilyn Bergman in a tribute album entitled Pretty World: A Tribute to Alan and Marilyn Bergman. Currently, Sheléa is putting the final touches on a brand-new retro soul album of all original music.

Blending classical brilliance with Afro-Latin energy, Superfusion takes audiences on a thrilling musical journey across cultures and continents.

Superfusion is a 4-piece band led by Composer/Pianist/Arranger Joachim Horsley, with drummer Murphy Aucamp, Percussionist Yonathan “Morocho” Gavidia, and Bass Player Damian Nueva-Cortes. Expertly executing a fusion of Classical and Contemporary music with Caribbean and African Rhythms, they draw on decades of recording and touring experience to take audiences on sonic world adventure.

A transformative period studying music in Cuba in 2015 sparked a creative vision that would redefine Horsley’s artistic path. Inspired by the island’s rich musical traditions, he created “Beethoven in Havana,” a groundbreaking arrangement of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony reimagined through a Cuban lens. Performed solo on piano—with the instrument itself serving as a percussion ensemble—the video became a viral sensation, introducing millions to Horsley’s unique musical voice. Building on that success, Horsley released the acclaimed albums Via Havana, Caribbean Nocturnes, and Afro Bach, each exploring new intersections between the classical canon and the rhythmic traditions of the Caribbean, Africa, and Latin America. These recordings feature imaginative reinterpretations of beloved masterpieces, often brought to life through collaborations with musicians from across the globe. “It’s an alternate universe: one where Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart are channeling Havana more than Vienna,” says Horsley. “To me, this is a way to meet old friends in a fresh context, giving audiences a new perspective and a renewed appreciation for both the classical tradition and Afro-Caribbean culture.”

While studying classical percussion in high school, Murphy Aucamp was simultaneously studying rumba in the streets of south Florida and is a graduate of the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. Murphy’s performing credits include appearances with Gloria Estefan, Luis Fonsi, Quincy Jones, Jon Secada, Nu Deco Ensemble, Symphony of the Americas, as a soloist with the Amarillo Symphony, and as a resident performer in New York’s long running off-broadway show, Blue Man Group. He has toured internationally with trumpeter Brian Lynch’s “Spheres of Influence” band, and contributed arrangements and percussion on two Grammy-winning albums. 

Yonathan “Morocho” Gavidia is a Musician, Producer and Percussionist from Venezuela with more than 30 years of experience, who has participated in over 100 records. He is a Grammy, Latin Grammy nominated; and received a Latin Grammy in 2019. He also composes and records music for TV and Film in his studio in Los Angeles, California. He has been part of concerts and recordings with artists like: Gilberto Santa Rosa, Charlie Aponte, Ilan Chester, Jose Luis Rodríguez “El Puma”, Rafael “Pollo” Brito, Simón Díaz, C4 Trio, Miguel Siso, Huascar Barradas, Oskar Cartaya, Joachim Horsley, Cometta… among others.

Damián Nueva is a Cuban double bass player, composer and actor based in Paris. Raised in a legendary Cuban musical family that includes Xiomara Alfaro and Roberto Fonseca, he grew up immersed in classical, Afro-Cuban and jazz traditions. Trained by Orlando López “Cachaito” of the Buena Vista Social Club, he has performed internationally with the Diakara Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra led by Oscar Valdés and with Lizt Alfonso’s Afro-Flamenco Dance Company, appearing on major stages such as the Chicago Theatre and the New Victory Theater on Broadway. He also appeared as a musician in the Netflix series The Eddy directed by Damien Chazelle. Damián has collaborated with artists including Didier Lockwood, John Legend , Glen Ballard, Zaz, Fatboy Slim, OUM, Guy Sigsworth, Dimitri Naiditch, Alba Molina, Ayo, Haydée Milanés, Irving Acao, Roberto Fonseca, Mathias Duplessy among others. 

SUPERFUSION was Joachim’s band on  “Bach’s Cuban Concerto for Piano and Tres” from AFRO BACH, which earned Joachim a Latin Grammy nomination in 2025. The Band is working on a new album (titled “SUPERFUSION”), a bold new album that represents his deepest exploration of the connections between classical music and Afro-Latin rhythms.

A multi-platinum artist with a career spanning global stages, major broadcasts, and theatrical performance.

Fraser Walters is an award-winning and multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter, actor, and producer whose artistry has been showcased on international stages since his earliest years. As co-founder of Universal Music’s globally celebrated supergroup The Tenors, he co-created five studio albums and thousands of performances worldwide. His tenure with the group featured major televised milestones including five PBS headlining specials, The Oprah Winfrey Show with Celine Dion on CBS, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee at Windsor Castle for ITV, the Primetime Emmy Awards “In Memoriam” segment, the Opening Ceremonies of the XXI Olympic Winter Games, and the iconic Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting on NBC.

Walters’ favorite roles span a wide creative landscape, from performing Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar in Australia at age 16, to originating a principal role in the World Premiere of The Lord of the Rings stage adaptation in Toronto, to a distinguished two-year tenure with the internationally renowned and Grammy Award–winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer.

Throughout his career, Fraser has shared the stage and screen with some of the world’s most influential artists, including Sir Paul McCartney, Smokey Robinson, Sir Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Samuel L. Jackson, Sarah McLachlan, and David Foster.

As an Executive Producer and featured artist, Walters helped helm The Tenors’ most recent PBS special, “The Best of Our Lives,” for which he also co-wrote the title track. Now entering an exciting new chapter, Fraser—alongside his wife, celebrated vocalist and songwriter Kelly Levesque—is developing an original dramatic musical as co-writer of the Book, Music, and Lyrics, with Tony Award–winning producers attached. 

For Grace Leer, country music has always been personal as her journey has been rooted in storytelling, grit, and heart. After finishing in the Top 10 on American Idol, her debut EP showcased her songwriting chops and powerful vocals, while viral hits like My Mind’s Made Up and Best Friend for Life have earned her millions of fans on social media.

For Grace Leer, country music has always been personal. From singing Wide Open Spaces at nine years old to finishing in the Top 10 on American Idol, her journey has been rooted in storytelling, grit, and heart. A former Division 1 soccer player and UC Berkeley grad, Grace brings that same work ethic to her music career — blending ‘90s country influences with modern flair. Her debut EP showcased her songwriting chops and powerful vocals, while viral hits like My Mind’s Made Up and Best Friend for Life earned her millions of fans on social media.

In 2023, Grace made her acting debut in the Blake Shelton-produced Hallmark film Time for Her to Come Home for Christmas, which featured her original holiday song Star on Top of the Tree. Now an independent artist, she continues to make waves with her latest single Wine and Whiskey, national tour dates, and her ongoing cooking series Taste with Grace. With a voice full of soul and lyrics packed with honesty, Grace Leer is proving she’s here to stay. Represented by Red Light Management and Empire Distribution.

Hailing from the storied musical grounds of Macon, Georgia, Rick Brantley was raised on a steady diet of Southern gospel, gritty blues, and classic rock ’n’ roll. Rick has firmly carved out his place in the music scene, earning a reputation as a magnetic performer with a storyteller’s soul. A true multi-hyphenate, Brantley has expanded his creative reach beyond songwriting and performance, producing critically acclaimed records and directing strikingly creative music videos.

Hailing from the storied musical grounds of Macon, Georgia, Rick Brantley was raised on a steady diet of Southern gospel, gritty blues, and classic rock ’n’ roll. From the hymns echoing in his father’s Southern Baptist church to the raw energy of barroom stages, music wasn’t just a passion — it was the language of his world.

By his late teens, Brantley had already begun carving out his place in the music scene, earning a reputation as a magnetic performer with a storyteller’s soul. A move to Nashville solidified his footing as a sought-after songwriter, penning songs for a diverse roster of artists, including Ruston Kelly, The White Buffalo, Meat Loaf, and David Nail. But Brantley wasn’t content to stay behind the scenes — he was made for the road.

Over the next decade, Brantley toured relentlessly, building a loyal following across the U.S. and Europe. He shared the stage with artists as varied as John Hiatt, Brandy Clark, Zac Brown, and Kiefer Sutherland, while also headlining his own shows from Ontario to Hamburg, Los Angeles to NYC, and back again.

A true multi-hyphenate, Brantley has expanded his creative reach beyond songwriting and performance. He’s produced critically acclaimed records for longtime collaborators like Rob Baird and Justin Halpin, and directed a number of strikingly creative music videos. His versatility as both an artist and a craftsman has become a hallmark of his career.

In 2022, Brantley relocated to Brooklyn, New York, releasing his EP “BLUE” — a bold sonic departure that embraced lush string arrangements and cinematic textures, thanks to producer Bryan Dawley. The project marked a new chapter, both musically and geographically.

That same year, Brantley entered the world of pops symphony collaborations, working with renowned conductor and composer Jeff Tyzik on Country Hits: Songs From Nashville, a genre-celebrating symphonic concert experience that continues to tour nationally. He also appears in pops shows Revolution and Twist & Shout, and will debut in Sounds of Laurel Canyon in 2025.

Now, nearly two decades into his career, Rick Brantley remains a tireless creator — one who thrives at the intersection of tradition and evolution, roots and ambition, soul and showmanship.

“This is it. This is what I always wanted to do: create something and share it with people,” he says. “The fact that I still get to do it almost 20 years later is crazy. Crazy good.”

A boundary-crossing musical innovator, Joachim Horsley reimagines classical masterworks through the pulse, color, and rhythmic vitality of Afro-Caribbean tradition.

Latin Grammy®-nominated composer, arranger, and pianist Joachim Horsley is on a musical adventure that transcends borders, connecting audiences around the world through an innovative fusion of Latin Grammy®-nominated composer, arranger, and pianist Joachim Horsley is on a musical adventure that transcends borders, connecting audiences around the world through an innovative fusion of classical masterworks and Afro-Caribbean rhythms.

A transformative period studying music in Cuba in 2015 sparked a creative vision that would redefine Horsley’s artistic path. Inspired by the island’s rich musical traditions, he created Beethoven in Havana, a groundbreaking arrangement of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony reimagined through a Cuban lens. Performed solo on piano—with the instrument itself serving as a percussion ensemble—the video became a viral sensation, introducing millions to Horsley’s unique musical voice.

Building on that success, Horsley released the acclaimed albums Via Havana, Caribbean Nocturnes, and Afro Bach, each exploring new intersections between the classical canon and the rhythmic traditions of the Caribbean, Africa, and Latin America. These recordings feature imaginative reinterpretations of beloved masterpieces, often brought to life through collaborations with musicians from across the globe. In 2026, Horsley embarked on his most ambitious project yet: Superfusion, a bold new album that represents his deepest exploration of the connections between classical music and Afro-Latin rhythms.

“It’s an alternate universe: one where Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart are channeling Havana more than Vienna,” says Horsley. “To me, this is a way to meet old friends in a fresh context, giving audiences a new perspective and a renewed appreciation for both the classical tradition and Afro-Caribbean culture.”

In parallel with his recording and performance career, Horsley has built an impressive reputation as a composer for film and television. His scoring credits include Disney’s Big City Greens—which earned him an ANNIE Award nomination in 2026—as well as HBO’s Gordita Chronicles, Warner Bros.’ Batman: Soul of the Dragon, and ABC’s Baker and the Beauty.

Whether performing with his quartet, quintet, or as a featured soloist with orchestras around the world, Horsley continues to create musical experiences that bridge cultures and traditions. Through his work, he seeks to expand audiences, spark curiosity, and demonstrate how music can unite seemingly distant worlds into a shared celebration of creativity and human connection.