The Most Valuable Players
Just a sampling of the group’s elite corporate clients include Star Radio 98.7, KOST Radio, AT&T, Pac Bell, McDonalds, Jack In The Box, GMAC, Washington Mutual, Oracle, Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Sony Picture Studios, KTTV Fox 11, KCAL CBS, KMEX Channel 34, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand Hotel, The Palms, The Rio, The Olympics, The World Cup Association, The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel, The Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, The Staples Center, House of Blues, American Association of Cancer Research, NSAA, Alzheimer’s Memory walk, just to name a few.
Band Members
The players that make up The MVP’s
Ric Grea
Percussion/Band LeaderMusician, studio engineer, businessman, and founder of the MVP’s, Ric Grea has over 25 years of experience in entertainment and event production. Whether on the stage, in the studio, or in corporate executive offices Ric’s passion and expertise has not only helped elevate the MVP’s to the highest level of success, he created the MVP launching pad for many great artists. Performing across the country, from Miami to Hawaii, Park City, and Las Vegas, he has shaped the band’s outstanding national reputation, booking the most exclusive, and high-end venues, and meeting the needs of exacting clients for events of every scale.
Some of the many artists he has worked with include Jennifer Paige, Kelly Clarkson, The GOGO’s, Joan Osbourne, Little Feet, Carlos Santana, The New Kingston Trio, Ray Charles, Chaka Kahn, Richie Sambora, Earth Wind & Fire, The Pointer Sisters, The Four Tops, Sheila E, Tom Jones, Kenny G, and most recently Katy Perry. Drawing on his roots as a successful Los Angeles based rock and roll drummer, he continues to bring an energetic enthusiasm to all his projects, and his years of dedication have earned him the much deserved standing as the MVP’s Most Valuable Player. Visit him at www.ricgrea.com.
Justin Reinhardt
Musical Director/KeyboardsWell known for his work in film, television and record industry, Justin Reinhardt studied at the Berklee College of Music before returning to his native Los Angeles to build an impressive resume embodying the full creative spectrum of the music business. A much sought after keyboardist and arranger, he began working with mega-producer Dr. Dre and other West Coast hip-hop artists, performing on numerous platinum albums with the likes of Snoop Dogg, NWA, Eminem, The Pharcyde, Warren G and LL Cool J, among countless others.
His work as musical director for live concert performances has taken him all over the world with major acts, including MC Hammer’s spectacular 1990 “Don’t Hurt ‘Em Tour”. And as a jazz musician his work includes performances at the Playboy Jazz Festival and the House Of Blues, performing and recording with many great artists including Jimmy Scott, Justo Almario, Anthony Wilson, Alex Acuna and Luis Conte. Additional highlights include television appearances on The Tonight Show, The Arsenio Hall Show, Prime Time Country at The Grand Olde Opry, a special MTV live performance for Michael Jackson and taking the stage at New Orleans’ 80,000 seat arena, The Super Dome.
As a composer and producer, Justin has created music for theater, television and movies, including writing and recording the score for Miramax’s cult indie film classic, “Swingers”. His songs have been featured in numerous popular TV shows including “Sex and The City”.
Justin draws on all these areas of expertise in his work with the MVP’s, crafting sophisticated and dynamic arrangements that are designed to excite audiences and generate maximum audio visual impact. As a Musical Director, he is in close contact with large-scale event producers and entertainment directors at the biggest venues across the country, working with them directly to tailor MVP shows to the specific creative needs of each event.
Jeremy Beiber
GuitarJeremy Bieber is a Los Angeles-based guitarist, composer, and producer. Drawing from jazz, rock, soul, blues, funk, and Bossa-nova, Jeremy enjoys performing in a diverse range of musical environments.
Jeremy enjoys performing in a diverse range of musical environments. He has worked with national and international artists including singer and actress Macy Gray, classic vocal trio The Lettermen, Latin pop star Cristian Castro, American Idol sensation Pia Toscano, Russian rock band Mumiy Troll, Asian pop star JJ Lin, A-list producer Neff-U Feemster, and Taiwanese vocalist Jeff Chang. Jeremy always brings a vibrant energy and dramatic flair to the MVP show.
Jeff Vezain
Vocals/ChoreographyA singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/danver originally from Chicago, Jeff Vezain has worked as a vocalist over the last eleven years with numerous bands, performing for audiences nationwide. Writing and recording original material, he has showcased with live performances ranging form solo-acoustic gigs at the venerable Uncommon Ground Coffeehouse & Cafe, to full-band performances at the legendary House Of Blues. Jeff has also lent his voice to radio and television ads, his image to print ads, and danced with an entertainment company, performing extensively at events throughout the Chicago area.
A solid drummer as well as guitarist, Jeff was an audition finalist for the lead role in the hit theatrical show “Blue Man Group”, and workshopped fro two days in NYC with members of the New York production. He also studied acting at Chicago’s Act One Studio and The Audition Studio, appearing in short films, numerous showcases, and playing the role of Gaveston in a contemporary adaptation of Christopher Marlowe’s classic “King Edward the II” at the Bailiwick Theater in Chicago. Since moving to Los Angeles, Jeff has become an integral part of the MVP’s high-energy stage show, sharing his versatile vocal style, dynamic dance moves, and youthful enthusiasm with an ever-growing fan base across the country.
Ricardo Belled
KeyboardsRico Belled was born in the Netherlands to a Spanish pianist and his Swiss wife; growing up in such a multicultural environment, he was exposed to many styles of music and started playing piano at age 11.
Rico attended the acclaimed Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA. Graduating with the highest honors a year later, he later joined the house band at the world famous Baked Potato. He is much sought after, and brings his own special quality to the stage as an integral member of the MVP’s.
He has played with Liza Minnelli, Eddie Money, Deborah Harry, Jonathan Butler, Eric Benet, Jennifer Paige, Gregg Karukas, Rick Braun, Michael Paulo, Melissa Etheridge, The Platters, Mitchel Forman, Eric Marienthal, Scott Grimes, Steve Lukather, Ray Parker Jr., Melora Hardin, Don Randi, Mike Miller, Will Kennedy, Dan Finnerty & The Dan Band, Everette Harp, Phil Perry, Chuck Loeb, Kirk Whalum, Jeffrey Osborne , Steve Oliver, The Sax Pack, The Rippingtons, Pete Escovedo, Micky Dolenz, Band from TV, Danny Carey, Keiko Matsui, Mike Keneally, Obba Babatunde, James Gadson, Dave Weckl and many others.
Brandon Alameda
Vocals/ChoreographyBrandon Alameda is a versatile talent whose diverse credits include television, film and live professional theater, as well as his outstanding work in the music industry.
He studied music, dance, and acting with the Benny Smith Academy for the Performing Arts, as well as Encore Performing Arts, under the direction of Benny Smith and Alice Faye respectively, performing consistently and professionally throughout California, the U.S. and internationally for more than 15 years. His many talents have led him to work with numerous reputable productions, completing projects with Disney, Universal, Paramount and Sony.
Brandon’s solid tenor vocals have been compared to the likes of contemporary Broadway stars Sam Harris, Adam Pascal, and Raul Esparza, as well as recording legends George Michael, Steve Perry and the incomparable Elton John. Besides working regularly with the MVP’s, his recent projects include hosting a pre-show for Disney’s HSM3: Senior Year at the El Capitan Theater and singing featured vocals on FOX’s Boston Legal. Other recent highlights include co-starting on MAD TV, singing lead tenor in the pop/rock a cappella band VYBRATION (formerly Disney’s GROOVE 66) and originating the role of Pepper in the Original Las Vegas Company of Hit Broadway Musical MAMMA MIA! Brandon can also be found performing regularly in the Upright Cabaret as well as the 88’s Cabaret in Los Angeles, both of which have consistently garnered rave reviews and continue to play host to star-studded A-list audiences.
His infectious enthusiasm, and wide range of performing styles, makes him an asset to any production, and fuel every memorable performance he delivers.
Dan Boissy
SaxophoneDan Boissy is a native of Orlando, FL. He has been playing the saxophone for over 25 years, but his musical exposure began as a baby. Dan’s parents Sue and Ken Boissy were founding members of The Central Florida Jazz Society. This fortunate upbringing enabled Dan to have access to live music on a regular basis starting from a very early age. By the age of 12 he had decided that music would be his life.
Dan received numerous awards throughout his middle and high school years. He was a member of the Florida Allstate Concert Band 3 times and the Jazz Band twice. Dan received a full scholarship to study Jazz Performance at Florida State University. After a year at FSU he decided to transfer to The University of Central Florida and received a scholarship to study there as well.
Dan began playing gigs in and around Orlando at the age of 19. In 1998 at the age of 21 Dan became a member of The Sam Rivers Rivbea Orchestra and recorded with the jazz legend that same year. In 1999 He became a member of Swingerhead, a nationally touring act based in Orlando. In January of 2000 Dan moved to Los Angeles to be a member of Michael Andrew’s Coconut Club Orchestra.
Since moving to Los Angeles Dan has performed and recorded with numerous artists such as Pitbull (on the hit song Fireball), John Legend, Meghan Trainor, Macy Gray, Ty Dolla $ign, Fitz and The Tantrums, Colin Hay and has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Arsenio Hall Show, at The Hollywood Bowl, and at some of the largest music festivals in the country such as Summerfest, Bonnaroo and The Java Jazz Fest in Jakarta. He has performed at venues all over the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, The Middle East, and Indonesia. He is a founding member of Wonk. He is currently a member of Pop Nouveau, Stepping Feet, Down To The Bone, The Ron King Big Band, The Joseph Pernicano Quintet and performs and records on a regular basis as a freelance composer and saxophonist.
Yolanda Thomas
VocalsYolanda Thomas is a 2x L.A Music Award winning songwriter/vocalist from Sydney, Australia,who relocated to L.A in 2013.She has worked as a professional singer in all areas: live bands, studiosessions, TV appearances, touring and Musical Theater.Yolanda completed a 1-year Residency as a backing vocalist for THINK FLOYD at WISDOME LA, with MD & sax player Scott Page who toured with PINK FLOYD.
Read More *Fun fact- Yolanda played Anita to Hugh Jackman’s role of Tony in the musical West Side Story in Australia. As a Choreographer, Performance Coach and Creative Director her clients include many Hollywood actors, MTV, American Cinema International, DreamWorks TV, Headlining musical acts on the Sunset Strip & GOOGLE’s Sydney Mardi Gra float. Yolanda was photographed as one of 100 Influential and Inspiring Australian Women, for a coffee table book by award winning photographers, titled “Women of the World“.
A regular performer at Celebrity Ultimate Jam Night in Hollywood,Yolanda performed with names like Johnny Depp, Steve Vai, members of: Guns n Roses, INXS, Hollywood Vampires, P!nk and Aretha Franklin’s original musicians. Strange 80’s at The Fonda Theatre included singing for David Hasselhoff, Jesse Hughes (Eagles of Death Metal), The Offspring & No Doubt. Her original band Yolanda and the Stolen Boys won 2 L.A MUSIC AWARDS. They debuted on Australian ARIA charts at #31 and AIR (Independent charts) at #13. Musical theatre highlights include GREASE the Arena Spectacular with “Raining on Prom Night” duet with Sandy; understudy to Danni Minogue as Rizzo, with minimum crowds of 10,000 in Australia & 40,000 in New Zealand.
David Richards
TrumpetDavid Richards received both his BM in jazz arranging and his MM in jazz composition from the University of North Texas. During his time at North Texas Dave played both trumpet and trombone in the GRAMMY-nominated One o’clock Lab Band. Since graduating from UNT in 2009, Dave has gone on to travel the world with various big bands and touring musical theater productions of broadway shows. He currently resides in Los Angeles where he works as a freelance brass player, composer, arranger, and band leader.
Read More He has had the pleasure of playing or recording with such artists as California Transit Authority, Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani, Frank Stallone, Spencer Day, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Mike Barone Big Band, and The Tom Kubis Big Band. Many of Dave’s arrangements can be heard on The University of North Texas One O’clock Lab Band albums from 2005 through 2010. More recently, he has had arrangements recorded by Dave Damiani, featuring artists such as Renee Olstead and Landau Eugene Murphy. Dave has also been commissioned for multiple compositions and arrangements by different educational and professional bands, including the United States Air Force “Airmen of Note”. When he’s not playing with the Oakland soul band; Tower of Power, he enjoys playing lead trumpet and trombone with the MVP’s.
John Massey
Bass GuitarOriginally from Louisville KY, John Massey is a 30 year old music industry veteran. Having moved to Nashville at the age of 21, began his career recording and touring with some of Nashville’s best producers and artists including Tommy Sims, Kenny Greenberg, Dann Huff, Steven Curtis Chapman and many others.
Read More Relocating to Los Angeles in 2004, John has continued recording and performing worldwide with some of the best in the business including Ken Caillat, Mark McGrath, Terri Nunn, Mike Reno, The Voice, the NBA and many others.
Shay Godwin
DrumsShay Godwin has performed and/or recorded with:
- Andra Day
- Wale
- Common
- Dolly Parton
- Macy Gray
- Florence Welch (Florence And The Machine)
Read More ..Continued:
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Testimonials
Planning for the best wedding EVER?!
Choosing the RIGHT band is one of the most important decisions you can make! Nothing better sets the tone and energy of your reception than the live performance of a truly exceptional band. In addition to their major concert stage appearances, the MVPs have performed at hundreds of weddings, thrilling brides, grooms, family members and guests of all ages alike. Not only do their high-energy dance extravaganzas keep every party rocking through the night, but their tremendous versatility allows them to set an intimate high-class tone for the ceremony, cocktails, first dances, or dinner…whatever your event entails. And whatever your stylistic preferences, the MVPs will cater to your tastes, crafting a show flow and feel that is custom tailored to your special day.
Whatever you need!
Just ask…your wish is our command! Sound equipment, stage, lights? We can provide them! If you need MC services to keep things moving, ideal music for the father/daughter dance, bouquet toss, or grand entrance…we will work with you to make sure every detail is perfect. Even if your needs change at the last minute, we have years of experience, and can adapt to any situation to keep things running seamlessly. And we can absolutely cater to your budget, adding services, altering the size of the band, or keeping it simple for smaller affairs…no matter the scale, you just tell us what you need, and we will make it work.
A show you’ll never forget!
From elegant jazz to classic rock to current radio hits…the MVPs can do it all, and have captivated live audiences all across America. We have worked for the biggest clients in the entertainment industry, corporate event market, wedding and private party bookings, and always leave them coming back for more! Contact us now to get started on planning the music for your special day…and a party you and your guests will remember for a lifetime!!!
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RAG RECORDING STUDIO
1989 Rag Recording Studio began as a 4 track evolving to an automated multi track digital studio, equipped with vintage gear and a rare selection of studio instruments. Breath-taking ocean views from the studio, cave bar or waterfalls, will inspire any rockstar’s creative mind. Contact: ric@@ricgrea.com
STUDIO EQUIPMENT
Recording Format Pro Tools
Console: Focusrite Control 24 Multi digital track
Decks: Tascam DA88, Panasonic 3700 DAT, HHB CDR 850
Studio Instruments: 1957 Martin 0017 Acoustic , 1962 Strat, 1977 Telecaster, 1997 Strat, LP Congas, LP Bongos Giovanni Series, Ludwig 4 pc drums, DW 5 pc Drums, Slingerland 6 pc drums, Mapex 7pc drums, Zildjian, Sabian, Paiste, Percussion Toys
Microphones: Telefunken U47, AKG 414, AKG 460, AKG D112, Sennheiser 421, SM 58, SM57
Patchbay: Switchcraft 288 TT Patchbay
Piano: 1990 Yamaha Upright with Disklavier midi, 56 key electric piano
Speakers: KRK Reference monitors, Yamaha NS10, Peavey Phase Reference
Vintage Outboard Gear: Neve 33609, Neve 1066 Pre Amps, TLA Dual Valve Equalizer, TLA Dual Valve Pre Amp Compressor, 2 DBX 160A Compressors, 2 Aphex Expander gate MDL 622, DBX FS900, Alesis Quadraverb, Yamaha SPX 90, Lexicon LXP-15, Lexicon PCM80, Eventide H3000