The Richmond Symphony welcomes award-winning Broadway star and recording artist, Chester Gregory, to the Carpenter Theatre stage this February. His career spans celebrated roles in Broadway productions including Hairspray, Motown: The Musical, Sister Act, Tarzan, and Cry‑Baby, each shaped by his expressive voice. Chester brings authenticity to every performance, whether delivering an electrifying showstopper or a heartfelt ballad. His breakout portrayal of Jackie Wilson in The Jackie Wilson Story revealed a performer with both emotional depth and a natural ability to bring musical history to life.

Beyond the stage, Gregory’s artistry extends into recording and collaboration. His work with Phil Collins, Ledisi, Marc Shaiman, and Chance the Rapper reflects his range and his ability to move between musical worlds with ease. His dedication to craft has earned him the Joseph Jefferson Award, the NAACP Theatre Award, and recognition from his hometown communities through ceremonial keys and an Honorary Doctorate from Columbia College Chicago.

Cherise Coaches is an artist from Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Columbia College
Chicago (2013). She is a former professor from Northwestern University.

Credits: Broadway: Waitress, Tour: Disenchanted
The Hilarious Hit Musical, First Lady of Song: Cherise Coaches Sings Ella Fitzgerald (Westport Country
Playhouse), Regional: HAIR (Geva Theatre Center,
Mercury Theater Chicago), Dreamgirls (Porchlight Music Theatre), New Attitude: In Tribute to Patti LaBelle
(Black Ensemble Theater), The Gospel At Colonus
(Court Theater, Getty Villa Museum), and many more.
TV: The Chi, Empire, Churchy. Film: Plow, The Talented Tenth. BGV credits: Lizzo, Rosé, Kanye West,
Will Smith, PJ Morton, Jamila Woods, Maeta, Eryn
Allen Kane, Jonathan McReynolds, Todd Dulaney,
and many more. Music is available on all streaming
platforms. @CheriseCoaches on all social media platforms. #TGBT

Biography courtesy of www.greenbergartists.com

"My goal in creating music and art is to make people feel understood, heard, and to make better choices and find happiness because of the telling of my story. I want to grow their minds and imagination, little by little." - Brik Liam

Brik.Liam, influenced by a diverse musical background and early exposure to various genres, merges classic soul vibes reminiscent of Marvin Gaye with contemporary urban sounds, creating a signature style that resonates with today’s audience. His remarkable and memorable performances have taken him across the globe.

Cultivated in diverse backgrounds and raised in the church with his mother as head of the choir, Jacoby Brik.Liam Williams was exposed to different genres of music that influenced his current sound. Brik.Liam was born in Petersburg, Virginia, and reared in Germany and Houston, TX. His frequent relocation is a result of his military family upbringing. His early introduction to music helped shape his outlook on music and creativity. Now as an artist, Brik.Liam is in a league of his own, fusing classic soul vibes like the sound of Marvin Gaye with the urban contemporary music fans are accustomed to today.

The stage name Brik.Liam is a two-part compilation: Brik—a synonym search of his favorite color red and Liam—an abbreviation of his last name. Brik.Liam also has a signature image of a floating, red balloon that helps fans to identify his work in any setting. Brik’s perspective on artistry and his contribution to the music industry today can be described as poetic and unconventional, which adds to his unique appeal.

Brik.Liam’s career has evolved to greater success in recent years. He has released albums, performed with some of the industry’s brightest talent, and showcased his music across the globe. Brik has performed in places like London and the Republic of Congo. Notably, Brik has toured the United States as an opening performer for Grammy-winning artist PJ Morton during the 2018 More Gumbo Tour and the 2019 Paul Tour. Since then, Brik.Liam also completed a solo tour in Russia and released his EP What’s The Matter, Brik.

Biography courtesy of www.greenbergartists.com