Grammy Award-winner Jeff Tyzik is one of America’s most innovative and sought-after pops conductors. Tyzik is recognized for his brilliant arrangements, original programming, and engaging rapport with audiences of all ages. In addition to his role as Principal Pops Conductor of the DSO, Tyzik holds The Dot and Paul Mason Principal Pops Conductor’s Podium at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and also serves as principal pops conductor of the Oregon Symphony, Florida Orchestra, and Rochester Philharmonic – a post he has held for 23 seasons. 

Frequently invited as a guest conductor, Tyzik has appeared with the Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops, Milwaukee Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Royal Scottish National Orchestra. In May 2007, the Harmonia Mundi label released his recording of works by Gershwin with pianist Jon Nakamatsu and the RPO, which stayed in the Top 10 on the Billboard classical chart for over three months. Alex Ross of the New Yorker called it “one of the snappiest Gershwin discs in years.” 

Committed to performing music of all genres, Tyzik has collaborated with such diverse artists as Megan Hilty, Chris Botti, Matthew Morrison, Wynonna Judd, Tony Bennett, Art Garfunkel, Dawn Upshaw, Marilyn Horne, Arturo Sandoval, The Chieftains, Mark O’Connor, Doc Severinsen, and John Pizzarelli. He has created numerous original programs that include the greatest music from jazz and classical to Motown, Broadway, film, dance, Latin, and swing. Tyzik holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Eastman School of Music. For more information, visit jefftyzik.com. 

Chester Gregory is an award-winning Broadway veteran and recording artist. The New York Times calls him, "jaw dropping...over flowingly charismatic," stating “Gregory has the audience eating out of the palm of his hand.” His Broadway credits include starring in Motown: The Musical (Berry Gordy), Hairspray (Seaweed), Sister Act (Eddie), Tarzan (Terk, Original Cast), and Cry-Baby (Dupree, Original Cast). National tours include Motown: The Musical (Berry Gordy), Sister Act (Eddie), and Dreamgirls (James “Thunder” Early). Gregory's breakthrough role came with his outstanding portrayal of Jackie Wilson in The Jackie Wilson Story, launched at Chicago's Black Ensemble Theatre and culminated at New York's renowned Apollo Theatre. Regional theatre credits include Shrek (Donkey), Fences (Lyons), and Two Trains Running (Sterling). Television appearances include performances on The Daily Show, The View, and The Tony Awards. As a recording artist, Gregory, also known as CHΞSS, has collaborated with industry greats including Phil Collins, Marc Shaiman, Ledisi, and Chance The Rapper. Studio recordings include multiple singles, Original Broadway Cast recordings, and his album In Search of High Love. He is the recipient of Chicago’s Jeff Award, the NAACP Theatre Award, the key to the city of his hometown of Gary, Indiana, as well as an honorary Doctorate Degree from Columbia College Chicago. Concerts include Higher and Higher with Artists Lounge Live and his original concert The Eve of Jackie.

Brik.Liam is a R&B/Soul singer/songwriter and visual artist. The young creative credits his sound and influences to be the likes of Marvin Gaye, D’Angelo and Brandy. Born into a military family in Petersburg, VA, as Jacoby J. Williams, Brik’s eclectic style is partially the result of the places he has called home, such as Schweinfurt, Germany; Atlanta, Georgia; and Killeen and Houston, Texas.

While attending Clark Atlanta University, Brik.Liam’s creativity intensified as his matriculation was filled with both struggle and inspiration. This increased creativity placed him in high demand to perform in various events and venues. Intentionally focusing on creative growth, Brik.Liam started the #cre8daily movement, where the goal is to inspire others to continue to create until their creativity creates new spaces and opportunities for them to occupy.

In March 2012, Brik.Liam released his freshman project CobyMeetsWord: Acoustic Heart. The mixtape was recorded with fellow indie artist, producer, and writer Douglas Whatley. With no specific goal in mind other than to #crea8, the project reached over 3,000 downloads within the first two weeks of its release. After returning to Houston, in the winter of 2013 Brik was inspired to change his stage name from Jacoby to Brik.Liam. Brik (brick) simply being a creative synonym for his favorite color, red; and Liam being a nickname for his last name, Williams.

Brik.Liam’s sophomore project debuted in March of 2014 #MLN, Mr. Liam’s Neighborhood. Collaborating with his friend, a fellow artist and songwriter Kori James, they paired up to show Brik’s growth and more importantly help others be inspired to grow. With Mr. Liam’s Neighborhood, Brik.Liam also showed his visual artistry, adding individual artwork to each song on the project, helping to make it an authentic music and visual experience.

Brik.Liam is currently working on the release of third indie release. He plans to continue to cre8, find inspiration, and be the inspiration.

Brik.Liam is a creative director and partner at www.thecre8tivecollective.com—a creative consulting firm specializing in graphic and web design.