Guest Artists

Chester Gregory

Chester Gregory, vocalist

This concert marks Mr. Gregory’s first appearance with the Charlotte Symphony.

Chester Gregory is an award winning singer and actor. He was last seen starring in Motown The Musical as Berry Gordy. Broadway credits include Motown the Musical, Hairspray, Tarzan, Cry-Baby, and Sister Act. Other credits include August Wilson’s Fences and Two Trains Running. He has toured nationally with Dreamgirls, Sister Act, as well as his one-man show The Eve of Jackie Wilson. Chester has received many awards, including the Jeff Award and a NAACP Theatre Award, and has been presented the key to the city of his hometown of Gary, Indiana and in East Chicago. He has also been chosen as an Honorary State Representative of Indiana and has received a Honorary Doctorate from his alma mater Columbia College Chicago. He is currently producing several projects and recordings. Add him on social media @ChesterGregory and at chestergregory.com

Darren Lorenzo

Darren Lorenzo, vocalist

This concert marks Mr. Lorenzo’s first appearance with the Charlotte Symphony.

Darren Lorenzo is a veteran performer, hailing straight from Atlanta, Georgia. Lorenzo has appeared in numerous productions both nationally and internationally. He received his B.A. in Mass Communications at Clark Atlanta University and further trained with Broadway Theatre Project at the University of South Florida, University of Tampa and with Theatre Emory of Emory University. He has wowed audiences with roles on Cruise Ships; Headlining in Vegas; multiple regional, off Broadway, Broadway, national, and international touring productions of After Midnight, Vegas the Show, Legally Blonde, Saturday Night Fever, Madagascar, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, No Strings, Fosse, Hair, Tony & Tina’s Wedding, Once on This Island, What The World Needs Now, and several gospel and Motown tribute tours throughout Europe. In addition to acting and singing, he also works as a writer, producer, teacher, director and performs with various club date and corporate Top 40, R&B/Soul and Jazz bands.

Michael Lynche

Michael Lynche, vocalist

This concert marks Mr. Lynche’s first appearance with the Charlotte Symphony.

American Idol Michael Lynche is a new breed of soul singer with completely classic influences. Traces of Donny Hathaway, Al Green, Luther Vandross, Sam Cooke and James Brown all seem to flash in this uniquely talented performer. “Big Mike”— as he was known during his stint on American Idol™ — has talent so versatile, he’s played intimate jazz & blues clubs, 20,000 seat arenas, and opera halls with 100 piece orchestras. Through it all “Big Mike” has always had one singular goal: to spread a message of love wherever he goes. Since 2012, Big Mike has been a frequent featured guest vocalist with Maestro Jeff Tyzik and his hit show, “Let’s Dance!” With the perfect repertoire to showcase his dynamic song range, “Let’s Dance!” has been performed with orchestras all over the US and Canada. In addition, he has released 2 studio albums; toured as an opening act for Boyz II Men, Lalah Hathaway, Faith Evans, and Lyfe Jennings; and recently took his show overseas for the first time.