World Class Musicians, Visual Artists & Authors For Your Venue, Event & Special Occasions
For More Information & Pricing Contract William Riddle at 954-709-7447 or willie@genvas.org
Eglise Gutierrez is a Cuban American coloratura soprano. She studied voice in Cuba, in Miami with Manny Perez, and at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from which she graduated in 2004. In 2004 she won the Mirjam Helin International Singing Competition. She has also won the Montserrat Caballé International Singing Competition and the Marian Anderson Prize for Emerging Classical Artists. She made her European debut in October 2005 in the title role of Maria di Rohan at Wexford Festival Opera. On September 7, 2009, she made her house debut at London’s Royal Opera House in the title role of Linda di Chamounix (recorded by Opera Rara and released in 2010). In 2011, she appeared as Amina in La Sonnambula at the Royal Opera House. Eglise is considered one of the world’s leading sopranos, and she has concertized across the globe and shared the stage with Andre Bocelli and other great artists.
She is available to perform with an orchestra or with a piano collaborator. In addition to Opera she also performs traditional Latin compositions and Zarzuelas. Zarzuela is a Spanish lyric-dramatic genre that alternates between spoken and sung scenes, the latter incorporating operatic and popular songs, as well as dance.
Sam & Casey met at Yale University when they sang in the a cappella group “The Duke’s Men.” They married in 2016, adopted a daughter in 2019 and have become internationally known social media stars with tens of thousands of followers. The “Samily” is best known for their fantastic singing voices, lush compositions & insightful videos on fatherhood.
Sam was among the first musicians to establish a popular music channel on YouTube. Casey performs as both a pop and classical vocalist. He sang for three years with the GRAMMY Award‐winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer. Together, their original songs and covers have received billions of views on YouTube and hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify. Harper Collins recently published their debut children’s book “Why Do We Sing?” and their original musical “Eight Immortals” is a 2025 Pipeline award winner.
David Marino, finalist from Canada’s “The Voice”, is a singer making headway internationally, performing at prestigious venues and jazz clubs across North America. Marino performs regularly at Place des Arts in Montreal, and recently, at the iconic Birdland Jazz Club in New York alongside legendary pianist Billy Stritch, accompanist to the late Tony Bennett and Liza Minnelli’s long time musical director. He also just completed his West Coast US debut tour starting in San Francisco and was just in Rome making his European debut in September. Marino is an actor as well, and graduate of The Neighborhood Playhouse. He recently played the lead role of Melchior in Contact Theatre’s production of the Tony-winning musical Spring Awakening. Marino is excited to be working on his debut album; soon to be announced.
David’s repertoire includes selections from the American Songbook, Broadway, as well as jazz & pop standard. Mr. Marino performs with a trio.
Arnold Rawls has delighted audiences with his unique combination of vocal and dramatic skills in performances ranging from art song to opera. He has been hailed for having a “powerful, clarion-sounding tenor,” a “firm, pliant lyric tenor with ringing high notes,” as well as a “flair for acting.” The Omaha World Herald said “His Radamès recently thrilled audiences as he “rose to the occasion, singing the famous ‘Celeste Aida’ with a creamy tone and a beautiful sense of Italian lyricism. It included a dazzling high B-flat that seemed to ring for an eternity.”
Highlights of his career include playing the role of Radames in Aida with Opera Australia in Sydney, Hagenbach in La Wally with Dallas Opera, Calaf in Turandot with the Bregenzer Festspiele in Austria and with the Metropolitan Opera in the Zeffirelli production of Turandot.
Alfreda Gerald is an international singing powerhouse who has performed with Cher, Celine Dion, Sir Elton John, Whitney Houston, Yanni, Warren Haynes and many others! Showcasing an incredible wealth of stage experience, Alfreda has performed shows throughout the world, singing at some of the most preeminent venues on earth, namely Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden, Sydney Opera House, The Acropolis, and even the mighty Wembley Stadium.
Alfreda is an eclectic and diverse singer, seamlessly performing music in genres as diverse as classical, soul, pop, blues, rock, R&B, and electronic dance music. She has numerous programs available including “Alfreda Sings Aretha,” “Divas of Soul,” “Jump To It,” “Broken” and more.
Paulette Dozier is known for her smooth sound and impeccable performances. Her music adds style and sophistication to contemporary jazz while drawing from soft rock hits, American standards, and a wide array of jazz classics. Dozier has won acclaim for her international record release and live performances in the U.S. and abroad.
She has won two Carbonell Awards and has appeared in productions of Radio Hour, La Cage Aux Folles, Jerry’s Girls, Parade, and in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill she was the lead actress in the role of Billie Holliday. Her smooth and poignant music is punctuated by high energy and glamorous costumes.
She has a number of programs, among them the very popular “An Evening of Jazz.” Instrumentation includes piano, bass, drums, backup singers and dancers
Colombian singer-songwriter Carolina Medina, is known for her distinctive fusion of traditional Latin rhythms and contemporary pop. She continues to captivate international audiences with her passionate vocals and powerful storytelling. With a series of acclaimed singles and collaborations under her belt, Carolina has built a strong following for her emotionally resonant lyrics and dynamic stage presence. Her work has earned her multiple nominations and recognition across the Latin music community.
Now performing with The International Ensemble, Medina brings a fresh, global energy to the Latin torch genre. The group are currently producing new music and performing across stages worldwide, delivering a sound that bridges cultures and generations.
Nikki Kidd is an International Jazz Vocalist with a palpable passion for music. Her musical palette impressively ranges across Jazz, Electronic Music, Reggae, Pop, Rock, Soul, and R&B. Ms. Kidd’s accolades include working with acclaimed artists Gloria Estefan, Michael Bublé, KC and the Sunshine Band, as well has having the opportunity to sing background vocals for Aloe Blacc, Thelma Houston, Mary Wilson, and an upcoming show with Martha Wash, Shannon and Jennifer Holiday. Nikki’s international performances include concerts in Asia, Europe and Russia. Ms. Kidd appears with her band.
Mr. Poliansky is a distinguished pianist and educator. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, Mr Poliansky was a Prizewinner at the International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow (1998). Additional awards in Tokyo (1986), Montreal (1988), Duo Competition in Marseille (1997), Città di Cantù (1998 & 2003), and World Piano Competition in Cincinnati (1999.)
His repertoire spans Beethoven and Liszt to Stravinsky and modern composers, reflecting both technical mastery and artistic depth. He is widely celebrated for his competition laurels and global performances with elite orchestras and festivals, deep involvement in chamber music, and a dedicated academic career. Solo performances with prestigious orchestras such as The Moscow Soloists, Moscow Symphony, National Symphony of Ukraine, Novosibirsk and Urals Symphony, Budapest Strings, Neue Philharmonie Westfalen, Sinfonietta Hungarica, Junge Philharmonie Köln, National Orchestra of Malta, KBS National Radio Orchestra of Korea, Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, Seoul Philharmonic under Myung‑Whun Chung, and others.
Oleg has produced numerous broadcasts and recordings for Russian and German media, including Tchaikovsky’s Grande Sonate and Weinberg’s Violin Sonata with Ovrutsky for WDR which was released as a duo CD with cellist Lazslo Fenyo on Aulos Records.
Didier Castell-Jacomin began playing the piano at age four and began his professional training at age 10. He made his debut at the Philharmonie of Berlin with the soloists of the chamber orchestra of the Philharmonie for a program completely dedicated to Mozart. He has concertized on internationally known halls and with some of the world’s greatest symphonies. Didier Castell-Jacomin is recognized as one of the best interpreters of Mozart in our time. Maestro Castell-Jacomin can accompany a symphony or perform solo.
Sofiya Uryvayeva is a gifted pianist and cherished member of the South Florida arts community. Dr. Uryvayeva was granted an “Einstein visa” due to her superlative achievements in the music field. She has performed with great success throughout the world, including in the United States, Mexico, Switzerland, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Italy, and Austria.
Her YouTube channel promotes classical music with many videos filmed of her live performances. The channel has become extremely popular worldwide and modern composers from all over the world have dedicated their music to her, and she has performed numerous world premieres.
Sofiya’s concerts have been described by critics as “a festival of all the senses,” and “brilliant technique with soul.”
Mr. Vass offers a highly marketable profile as an artist who bridges classical tradition and contemporary creativity. His brand combines bold artistic vision, digital-first promotion, cross-genre appeal, and educational leadership. This makes him ideal for campaigns, festival programming, media features, or partnerships emphasizing modern classical innovation and authentic storytelling. Emmanuel embodies versatility, combining classical mastery (Bach, Debussy) with creative modern transcriptions (Bond, Queen) and original work. Manny is open, human, and thoughtful: speaks about performance anxiety, inspiration from cosmology, and defining success as fulfillment, not fame.
This UK-based pianist, of Filipino‑British descent, was born in Manila and raised in East Yorkshire. He has performed at many of the world’s most prestigious venues including Steinway Hall (London), Bridgewater Hall (Manchester), Castle Howard, Edinburgh Fringe, Queen’s Theatre West End, Kensington Palace Gardens. Mr. Vass has performed for the Prince and Princess of Monaco as well as Ambassadors of Russia, the Philippines, and France.
He has released three CD’s, including “From Bach to Bond” his debut album blending classics (Ex. Bach, Rachmaninov, Debussy) with daring pop‑culture arrangements, including his own James Bond transcription. “Sonic Waves” is a water‑themed classical album with sea shanty arrangements. Vass successfully crowdfunded the project to 165% and the CD reached #1 in UK specialist classical charts and remained in the top 10 for a month. His third album, “The Naked Pianist” combines big classics with three original compositions. Emmanuel describes it as his finest work to date.
Manny was named “one to watch” by The Independent, “rising star” by BBC Music Magazine, and BBC/ClassicFM Young Star & Young Classical Star. The Mail on Sunday said Vass was “one of the most charismatic talents on the contemporary scene.
Jacques-Pierre Malan is taking the classical music world by storm with his unparalleled performances, innovative projects, and uncompromising dedication to energizing and uplifting both audiences and musicians alike. His initiatives have landed him on stages across the world from Africa to Europe to the USA. He is currently based in Baltimore, Maryland, allowing him access to America’s greatest musicians and performing opportunities. Serving as an ambassador for South African classical musicians within the USA, Malan works tirelessly as a solo, chamber, and orchestral musician, as well as a dedicated teacher and program coordinator.
Malan’s career was launched through winning top competition prizes and scholarships including Yale Gordan String Competition, SAMRO Bursary Competition, Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival Competition, and Getting To Carnegie Hall amongst several others. As a soloist, Jacques-Pierre has performed cello concertos with Kwazulu Natal Philharmonic, Johannesburg Philharmonic, Cape Town Philharmonic, and Peabody Conductors Orchestra. He has also performed chamber music with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Jonathan Carney as well as numerous faculties from Julliard School of Music, Peabody Conservatory, and the Curtis Institute.
Mr. Malan is available to perform with a piano collaborator or string quartet.
Dimitri Maslennikov is an acclaimed virtuoso cellist and international artist. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia began his musical journey at age five and quickly distinguished himself as a prodigious talent. By eleven, he had already captured top honors at prestigious international competitions—including the International Soloists’ Competition in Moscow and the Concertino Praha competition. At twelve, he won the International Young Soloists’ Competition, and soon thereafter received a three-year scholarship from the French government to study at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris, graduating with unanimous first-prize distinction. Further accolades include honors such as the Rostropovich Prize and Tchaikovsky Prize.
His interpretations are praised for their emotional depth, technical clarity, and expressive nuance, earning acclaim from critics and audiences worldwide. Maslennikov has graced stages around the world, performing major concertos and recitals at esteemed festivals—including Schleswig-Holstein and Rheingau—and has appeared for dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II. His acclaimed recording of Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations with the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester under conductor Christoph Eschenbach is widely celebrated in classical music circles
Ivann Arias’ career in Colombia has reached almost mythic proportions. The “Medellin Heartthrob” has excited audiences with his electronic dance and classical music in some of the major concert halls in Colombia and has three CD’s: Live, Fragmentos and Contemplación del Mar. Ivann made his American debut with Piano Fantasias at the Venetian Arts Society’s 2015 Gala HeARTful Salon. Ivann graduated from the Medellin Conservatory of Arts in Colombia when he was 9 years old and later won the Carolina Orama Scholarship for Colombian Artists. His performances are electrifying!
The Jose Angel Navarro Trio is a dynamic ensemble that delivers a vibrant fusion of traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms, modern jazz, and contemporary world music influences. Led by acclaimed Cuban-born percussionist Jose Angel Navarro, the trio combines virtuosic musicianship with a rich cultural heritage to create electrifying live performances that are both soul-stirring and rhythmically explosive. The trio offers a fresh, compelling blend of Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban folklore, and modern improvisation. Jose Angel Navarro is a master percussionist whose authentic Cuban roots and international experience captivate audiences. The Trio delivers high-energy shows that invite dancing, connection, and cultural appreciation. Performances include interactive rhythm sections and brief cultural insights, making them educational as well as entertaining. Whether igniting the stage with polyrhythmic fire or offering intimate grooves steeped in tradition, the Jose Angel Navarro Trio brings the heart of Havana to life—one beat at a time.
Founded by Kenyan artists Julius and Julia Sanna Positively Africa! are a dynamic musical and educational force. As proud BIPOC representatives and longtime South Florida residents, their mission is to uplift and share the “other side” of Africa’s story. Julius says, “Our music reflects the African joy, culture, resilience, and global relevance.” Their electrifying Afrobeat fusion sound and powerful cultural storytelling seeks to shift narratives, foster cross-cultural understanding, and celebrate Africa’s vital contributions to the world. Their performances bring unity, energy, and deep cultural insight, aligning perfectly with GENVAS’s humanistic mission of promoting compassion, civil rights, and global awareness through the arts.
Nilda Comas is a renowned sculptor known for her works created from marble, bronze and other materials. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Comas discovered her passion for art at a young age, spending her vacations copying paintings from the Museo de Arte de Ponce. She studied at the Universidad de Puerto Rico, Sam Houston State University and the University of Houston, where she graduated with honors. In 1998, she graduated cum laude with an MFA from The New York Academy of Art, after winning their highest award, an Andy Warhol Scholarship. Her postgraduate studies were accomplished at Accademia di Belle Arti di Carrara in Italy, where she perfected her skills in marble carving.
Comas is recognized internationally for her work, maintaining studios in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Pietrasanta, Italy. Her art may be found in museums, private collections, and public spaces throughout the United States and abroad. Her many awards include a bronze medal and two Agapoff Memorial Prizes from the National Sculpture Society in New York, First Prize for Sculpture from the Hambro Bank in London, Best in Show from the Westminster 142nd Exhibition of Women Artists in London and the Award for Excellence at the International Biennale in Palm Beach, Florida. Her works have been exhibited at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Palm Beach; the National Sculpture Society, New York; Accademia di Belli Arte Carrara, Italy; Chiostro di Sant’Agostino, Pietrasanta, Italy; and the Westminster Gallery, London.
She was awarded the commission from the State of Florida to create a sculpture for the National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol in Washington, DC. This statue of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune was installed in 2022 as one of two statues representing Florida. Comas is the first artist of Puerto Rican descent commissioned to sculpt a statue for the National Statuary Hall Collection, and Bethune is the first African American represented in the collection. Carved from Carrara marble quarried from the same cave as Michelangelo’s sculptures, it is the first marble statue to enter the National Statuary Hall Collection since 2005, and only the second since 1963.
Nilda Comas is available for speaking engagements
Niki Lopez is a multimedia artist who works primarily in acrylics. She explains, “My representational work allows me to share and explore stories, symbols and concepts from ancient cultures and ideologies, as well as provoke thought as to the probability of life in other dimensions, multiple universes and galaxies, how they are all inter-connected with us here on planet earth.”
Known for her vibrant color palette, Niki’s often ‘other-worldly’ art has been exhibited across South Florida (including the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art), New York and California.
Niki is an independent Graphic Designer and Social Media enthusiast and well known for her community spirit and avant-garde art shows. She is passionate about grass root initiatives and community outreach, and is affiliated with numerous non-profits.
Niki is available for speaking engagements
Bobby is an award winning writer who researches marginalized groups and writes about forgotten histories. His first book Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation resulted in the city of New Orleans to issue an apology resolution for the city’s apathetic response to the 1973 Up Stairs Lounge fire. His newest work American Scare: Florida’s Hidden Cold War on Black and Queer Lives tells the riveting story of how the Florida government destroyed the lives of Black and queer citizens in the twentieth century.
He won the 2021 Betty Berzon Emerging Writer Award, the 2020 Louisiana Literary Award; 2020 Devil’s Kitchen Reading Award in Nonfiction Prose; was shortlisted for 2020 William Saroyan International Prize for Writing; won the 2019 Edgar Award in Best Fact Crime; the 2019 Lambda Literary Judith A. Markowitz Award for Emerging Writers; 2019 NLGJA Excellence in Book Writing Award and numerous other accolades. His essays, articles & opinion pieces have appeared on ABC News/Good Morning America, Slate, Buzzfeed, and The Daily Beast to name a few.
Fieseler graduated co-valedictorian from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and is a recipient of the Pulitzer Traveling Fellowship. He is currently pursuing a PhD in History at Tulane University as a Mellon Fellow.
Bobby said, “none of these accolades massage his existential dread or impress his husband.” The couple resided in the Crescent City.
Renowned academic leader and public servant Dr. George L. Hanbury II has released his compelling memoir, Keep Your Aim Above Your Reach. Drawing on decades of leadership experience in government and higher education, Dr. Hanbury shares personal stories, lessons on integrity, and principles that guided him as President and CEO of Nova Southeastern University (NSU).
The book’s title, inspired by a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, reflects Dr. Hanbury’s lifelong commitment to visionary leadership, public service, and personal growth. With honesty and humor, he offers a blueprint for aspiring leaders, educators, and students striving to make a meaningful impact. The memoir reflects his enduring commitment to leadership with purpose.
Hanbury was the President and CEO of Nova Southeastern University and a seasoned public administrator whose past tenure include being the City Manager of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Under his leadership, NSU achieved the prestigious Carnegie Classification of “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity.” Dr. Hanbury holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration and is a passionate advocate for education, ethics, and civic engagement.
Dr. Hanbury & his wife live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Elizabeth Pizzarello’s memoir, Eclipsed, is an unflinchingly honest account of one woman’s struggle with going blind and overcoming adversity, told with refreshing candor and a touch of humor. Elizabeth’s story of resilience, independence, and the joy of having a seeing-eye pocketbook encourages the reader to explore ways, even if nontraditional, of confronting colossal challenges.
The story begins with Elizabeth receiving the devastating diagnosis of a degenerative eye disorder, and her doctors informing her that if the disease took the course expected, she would be blind by age forty. At the time, she was twenty-two. You join her on an emotional runaway train as her ability to see is stripped away. Elizabeth’s successful adjustment to losing her sight would have been a lovely ending to the story but fate held another big twist for her. After a decade of blindness, an unexpected encounter with a doctor brought Elizabeth startling news. A recently developed lens implant could possibly restore some vision. Big changes could be a’ coming! Post surgery, Elizabeth comes face-to-face with the passage of time. She recounts her Rip Van Winkle moments of suddenly being thrust, after many years, into a completely changed, tech-savvy world, filled with “smart” devices she has never seen. Her efforts to navigate this new world are at once mind-blowing and funny.
Beth is available for speaking engagements.