Set List
- Soul Man
written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, recorded by Sam & Dave - Can’t Get Next To You
written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, recorded by The Temptations - Lonely Teardrops
written by Roquel Davis, Berry Gordy & Gwen Fuqua, recorded by Jackie Wilson - Shop Around
written by Berry Gordy and William Robinson, recorded by Smokey Robinson - My Girl
written by William Robinson and Ronald White, recorded by The Temptations - Night Time Is The Right Time
written by James Oden and Roosevelt Sykes, recorded by Ray Charles - Get Ready
written by William Robinson, recorded by The Temptations - Try A Little Tenderness
written by James Cambpell, Reginald Connelly, and Harry Woods, recorded by Otis Redding - Hard To Handle
written by Otis Redding, Allen Alvoid Jones Jr. & Alvertis Isbell, recorded by Otis Redding - Man’s World
written by James Brown and Betty Jean Newsome, recorded by James Brown - Stand By Me
written by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, recorded by Ben E . King - Dance To The Music
written by Sylvester Stewart, recorded by Sly and the Family Stone
Intermission
- Love’s Theme
written and recorded by Barry White - Back Stabbers
written by Leon Huff, Gene McFadden & John Whitehead, recorded by The O’Jays - Move On Up
written and recorded by Curtis Mayfield - Me and Mrs. Jones
written by Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff & Cary Gilbert, recorded by Billy Paul - You’ll Never Find
written by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, recorded by Lou Rawls - Just My Imagination
written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, recorded by The Temptations - Close The Door
written by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, recorded by Terry Pendergrass - Let’s Get It On
written by Marvin Gaye and Edward Townsend, recorded by Marvin Gaye - Love and Happiness
written by Al Green and Mabon Lewis Hodges, recorded by Al Green - Rock With You
written by Rodney Lynn Temperton, recorded by Michael Jackson - Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher
written by Gary Jackson, Carl Smith & Raynard Miner, recorded by Jackie Wilson
ALL ARRANGEMENTS LICENSED BY SCHIRMER THEATRICAL, LLC
Kings of Soul is a co-production of Schirmer Theatrical and Greenberg Artists, part of their joint Symphonic Experience catalogue.
Artists

Chester Gregory
Vocals
Chester Gregory is an award-winning singer, actor, and producer, who was last seen starring in Motown The Musical as Berry Gordy on Broadway. Gregory’s additional Broadway credits include Hairspray (Seaweed), Tarzan (Terk – Original Broadway Cast), Cry-Baby (Dupree – Original Broadway Cast), and Sister Act (Eddie – Original Broadway Cast). His national tour credits include roles in Dreamgirls and Sister Act, as well as his one-man show, The Eve of Jackie Wilson. Gregory’s acting credits include roles in August Wilson’s Fences and Two Trains Running.
Gregory has received many awards, including the Jeff Award and an NAACP Theatre Award. He has also been presented with the keys to two cities: one for his hometown of Gary, Indiana, and one for East Chicago. Gregory was selected to be an Honorary State Representative for Indiana and received an Honorary Doctorate from his alma mater, Columbia College Chicago.

Michael Lynche
Vocals
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. Undeniable charisma, well-crafted song arrangements and a voice soaked in soul give the big man class all his own. “Big Mike”—as he was known while winning over the hearts of a nation 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 backing him. Through it all, “Big Mike” has always had one singular goal: to spread a message of love wherever he goes.
A New York City resident for the last 15+ years, this Florida native rose from obscurity as a finalist on season 9 of the hit phenomenon, American Idol. After wowing millions of fans on American Idol with his comforting and powerful voice and performing throughout the United States as part of the American Idol LIVE! Tour, Big Mike has released two studio albums, toured as an opening act for Boyz II Men, Lalah Hathaway, Faith Evans, and Lyfe Jennings and toured the world with his honest storytelling brand of soul music.
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, including the Dallas Symphony, Utah Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, Toronto Symphony, Detroit Symphony Orchestra and many many more. Tyzik has been an incredible mentor for Michael over the years, recognizing a passion and drive in the big man that has made his own career successful. The two have spent the last years collaborating on new, sensational soul inspired Pops concerts including “R&B Legends”, “Kings of Soul” and “Dancing in the Street – The Music of Motown”.
“Big Mike” brings an inspirational story and a searing, soulful, one-of-a-kind voice. He leaves you breathless and wanting more when the night is over. This extraordinary vocal talent seamlessly fuses classic R&B, thoroughly modern urban grooves, and swoon-worthy vintage soul into a fresh, unique sound. Big, yes—and beautiful, too; Michael Lynche makes music that’s unforgettable.

Darren Lorenzo
Vocals
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, Georgia State University 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 The Color Purple, White Christmas, After Midnight, Vegas the Show, Legally Blonde, Saturday Night Fever, Madagascar, Smokey Joes Cafe, No Strings, Fosse, Hair, Tony and Tina’s Wedding, Once on This Island, What The World Needs Now, and several gospel 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.

Chris Kuffner
Bass Guitar

Eric Metzgar
Drummer
Eric Metzgar is an in-demand drummer and versatile collaborator who offers his musicianship to various jazz/pop artists and symphony orchestras worldwide. He has had the opportunity to play with numerous first-rate performers including Jeff Tyzik, Sutton Foster, Joe Locke, Jimmy Greene, Shayna Steele, Byron Stripling, and Delfeayo Marsalis.
Metzgar is a passionate educator deeply invested in music teaching and learning. Each summer, he teaches at the Cape Ann Jazz Workshop under the direction of saxophonist Alexa Tarantino. He maintains a private studio and serves as a clinician at grade schools and universities.
Metzgar holds a BM in Drum Set Performance and an MM in Music Teaching and Learning from the Eastman School of Music. He lives in New York City and tours frequently around the world.
Creative Team
Robert Thompson
Creative Producer
Jeff Tyzik
Producer & Arranger
Jami Greenberg
Producer & Booking Agent
Betsey Perlmutter
Producer
Alex Kosick
Associate Producer

Schirmer Theatrical is a concert production company specializing in the creation of symphonic experiences, film with live orchestra concerts, and theatrical productions.

Greenberg Artists is an artist management and concert production company striving to bring the highest level of talent and musical integrity to audiences around the world.