Cultural DistrictClick here to go back to the home page

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.

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.