Nina DiGregorio

Founder & Lead Violinist

Nina DiGregorio, a Yamaha string artist, is a classically trained violinist, bass player, writer/arranger, vocalist, and pianist, but is most well known for being a pioneer of the electric rock violin, as well as a music business mogul and entrepreneur. She has performed as a soloist and string arranger with the some of the biggest names in the business.  She arranged and performed strings with The Killers for President Obama and on one of their recent albums.

Television credits include the Latin Grammys with Shakira, being featured on the Beyonce “I am…Yours” DVD and both “David Foster and Friends” DVDs and PBS specials, alongside Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, Boz Scaggs, and Peter Cetera among others, as well as the featured soloist with Charice. Other television credits include a performance with Andrea Bocelli for the DVD and PBS special “Amore Under the Desert Sky,” The Muhammad Ali 70th Birthday Celebration, “Michel Legrand and Friends,” “Bell’aria PBS special,” and America’s Got Talent Season One with Bella Electric Strings, of which she is founder, writer, and lead violinist.

She was the solo violinist in Toni Braxton’s band for 2 years. Nina was also featured in a recent Blues Traveler performance, dueling with harmonica virtuoso John Popper on The Devil Went Down To Georgia. Other performance credits include Stevie Wonder, Deep Purple, Cheap Trick, Wayne Newton, Cee-lo Green, John Legend, Johnny Mathis, Smokey Robinson, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Donna Summer, Mary J Blige and Jay Z, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Marco Antonio Solis, and many more.

As a writer/arranger, her work has been heard in shows such as “Toni Braxton Revealed,” “Beyonce I Am….Yours,” The Fab; Beatle’s Tribute Band, The Las Vegas Tenors, The Killers, The Yellow Brick Road Symphonic Rock Show, as well as on many studio recordings.

Nina’s work with her project Bella Electric Strings can best be described as, “imagine if Hendrix played a violin.” Utilizing full effects pedals and blistering solos, she brings to life many famous rock tunes for electric string ensemble. On top of opening for Michael McDonald and Charlie Daniels, Bella recently performed as the featured string quartet with Richard Marx in his Las Vegas show. Richard also hired twenty Bella girls to be featured on camera performing with himself, Kenny Loggins, and Eric Benet for a DirecTV special that aired over the summer of 2016. Bella Strings has also had the privilege of being affiliated with the prestigious “Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp,” performing alongside such artists as Kip Winger and Todd Rundgren at the facility. The group keeps a busy corporate schedule, as well as traveling for Yamaha String Educator Development Seminars, in which Nina’s arrangements are featured around the country to demonstrate the Yamaha Silent and Electric violins.

Nina is also well known throughout the music community as a successful entrepreneur. Bella Strings has become not merely a band, but a household brand in the world of strings. What began with a single electric string quartet has now grown into teams of performers on the roster throughout the US.

Nina created/produced a rock production show called “FEMMES OF ROCK starring Bella Electric Strings,” which has been selling out theaters nation wide. Other creations include Bella Bottoms; a disco string show, an LED Laser string show, Trifecta; a vocal string show, Jingle Bellas; a holiday string show, among others.

Nina holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo, as well as a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance. She also holds a Master of Music degree in Violin Performance from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. She was a recent recipient of the coveted Distinguished Alumni award from the University at Buffalo; one of the youngest to receive the award.

Nina proudly endorses and recommends Yamaha Strings, Ultimate Ears, Audio Technica, Galaxy Audio, and Anvil Cases.

Christina Riegert

Violinist

Christina Rose Riegert is a classically trained violinist who holds a Bachelors of Music degree in Violin Performance from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She started lessons at the age of nine, and has been a member of Bella Electric Strings since 2006.

Christina has shared the stage with an array of performers, from Richard Marx, Clint Holmes, Human Nature, to Lil Anthony and the Imperials. Her television credits include performances with Ricky Martin, Alejandro Fernandez, Marco Antonio Solis, and Shakira for the Latin Grammys, and Miley Cyrus for the Country Music Awards.

When not performing, Christina enjoys spending time with her loved ones and her labraheeler, Luna.

Chandra Meibalane

Violinist

Born and raised in Evansville, Indiana. Chandra began studying fine arts at the age of 3, when her parents started her in violin and ballet. At the age of 5, Chandra began studying piano, and continued both instruments through college. Chandra is a classically trained violinist and grew up studying the Suzuki Method. Ms. Meibalane has attended numerous music institutes including The National Suzuki Institute, Aspen Music Festival, and Sound Encounters.

Chandra earned a degree in Violin Performance from Butler University, as well as a minor in Chemistry, and a concentration in Pre-Dentistry. She has performed with Andrea Bocelli, Tony Bennett, Herbie Hancock, Rod Stewart, Steven Tyler, Jordin Sparks, Richard Marx and Ricky Martin and now……FEMMES OF ROCK.

Outside of music, Chandra enjoys spending time with her family, dogs and is a dedicated Big Sister for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Lastly, she enjoys following her favorite sports teams, such as the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, and her Butler Bulldogs.

Carissa Werner

Violinist

Carissa was raised in Tucson, Arizona, where she began learning to play piano at age 5. She added the viola at age 7 and then guitar at age 10. Carissa studied music at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona and earned her Bachelor’s in Music Education. Carissa has performed professionally across the U.S. and has performed with artists such as Richard Marx, Eric Benet, Laura Pausini, Michael McDonald, Train, Taylor Hicks and many more.

Adrianna Thurber

Violinist

Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Adrianna has spent her life playing the violin. She studied classical music, but also learned the art of jazz improvisation from her father, Michael Thurber, a jazz guitarist.She has opened for Sheryl Crow, Vanilla Ice, Whoopie Goldberg, Diana Ross, and Foreigner to name a few. She has performed with Andrea Bocelli, Sir Rod Stewart, Celine Dion, Pitbull, Shakira, Stevie Wonder, Enrique Iglesias, Miley Cyrus, Ronnie Dunn, Earth Wind and Fire, Alejandra Guzman, Toni Braxton, Richard Marx and many more!

When Adrianna isn’t living a whirlwind life traveling the world, she loves to ride her horse and explore the southwest. An avid outdoorsman, she can usually be found hiking or camping with her two canine companions.

Zuzana Engererova

Cellist

Zuzana Engererova was born in Slovakia and began performing music at age 6. An accomplished cellist, she received her degree at J.L. Bella Conservatory in Banska Bystrica Slovakia in Cello Performance and Education, where she regularly performed with string quartets, chamber groups, as well as a soloist. During the period of the Iron Curtain, Zuzana traveled to Austria, Italy, France, Germany and Ireland performing with the Conservatory’s flagship string quartet.

In addition to her Classical experience, Zuzana has performed live and recorded with Czech Pop artists Dara Rollins (SONY Music) and Elan, as well as Slovak artists Alan Mikusek, Robo Opatovky, Misha, and Robo Papp. She has also shared the stage with artists ranging from the legendary Isley Brothers to disco queen Gloria Gaynor.

Zuzana currently lives in Las Vegas, NV where she performs with Bella Electric Strings/FEMMES OF ROCK.

Ginny Luke

Vocals & Violin

Ginny is a dynamic and versatile performer, with gripping vocals and world-class musicianship. At the ripe age of 25, she has performed every kind of venue from stadiums and arenas to theaters to small intimate clubs and alongside some of the biggest names in pop (Britney Spears, Iggy Azalea, Nicki Minaj, Shawn Mendes), rock (Meat Loaf, Korn), R&B (Ruben Studdard, Stevie Wonder), and jazz (Vinnie Colaiuta, Mike Kineally of Frank Zappa). As a powerhouse vocalist and bandleader, Ginny is able to enliven and entertain audiences from full band rock concerts to captivating intimate lounge sets. With a repertoire of hundreds of Top 40, rock, R&B songs and jazz standards in her catalog and the depth and training of her classical studies in piano, violin and voice, she engages every type of crowd.

Marlo Zemartis

Violinist

Marlo Zemartis is a Las Vegas native that began composing and playing the violin at the age of 11. After graduating from the Las Vegas Academy she went on to pursue a double degree in violin performance and music composition at UNLV. During her time at school she became a multi-instrumentalist, learning the viola, cello, double bass, guitar, bass guitar, and piano. In her time as a performer she has opened for artists such as Bon Jovi, Kelly Clarkson, Train, and the Isley Brothers.

Lacy Rostyak

Violinist

Lacy Rostyak was born and raised in New Hebron, Mississippi (pop. 447) and began playing the violin at age three.  An accomplished classical, pop, country/folk and contemporary violinist, she studied at the Manhattan School of Music and at the famed Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City, where she studied Drama/Theatre. Lacy has been on world tours with Mexican artists such as Gloria Trevi & Marcos Antonio Solis, Persian artists such as Andy Madadian, Ebi, Omid and also the MTV Movie Awards. She’s played with country artist , Shania Twain and has been on Glee, amongst many other TV shows. She was honored to play for former US President George W. Bush with Bella Electric Strings just a few years ago.

Krista Solars

Violinist

Krista was born and raised in Ohio, beginning her lifelong love affair with her instrument when she began taking classical violin lessons at the age of four. Beginning with fiddle music at six and she’s has gone on to win countless competitions (starting at 7 years old!) including winning the state of Ohio fiddle champion title four times. In 2010, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in violin performance from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music,

In 2013, she earned her Master’s Degree from Indiana University, where she also studied baroque violin. She has performed around the country with various artists, including the Oberlin Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in 2007, and with Reik for the 2016 Latin Grammy Awards. Now she’s a proud member of FEMMES OF ROCK!

Leah Metzler

Cellist

Leah Metzler’s work can be heard on scores of numerous movies, television series, albums, and commercials. Her TV appearances have included The Grammys, America’s Got Talent, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. She has had the pleasure to work with artists such as Stevie Wonder, John Williams, The Wu Tang Clan, Jeff Lynn’s Electric Light Orchestra, Ed Sheeran, Logic, Andrea Bocelli, Il Volo, David Foster, Alan Silvestri, Deltron 3030, Cold War Kids, Yoshiki, Tyler, The Creator, John Debney, Danny Elfman, Bruce Broughton, Alien Ant Farm, Meg Myers, Brian Wilson, and Frank Ocean.

Leah has toured nationally in over 20 countries. Leah holds her B.M. in cello performance from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. She received her M.M. in cello performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Brittany Cotto

Violinist

Brittany Cotto has recorded and performed with some of the most iconic names in the business including Alicia Keys, Burt Bacharach, David Foster, Diddy, Jennifer Hudson, John Williams, Joshua Bell, Julie Andrews, Kamasi Washington, Mary J. Blige, Nicki Minaj, Paul Anka, Quincy Jones, Richard Marx, Seth McFarlane, Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Tori Kelly and Yo-Yo Ma.

Her television credits include appearances on American Idol, American Music Awards, BET Awards, DirecTV “Richard Marx and Friends”, Entourage, Glee, MTV Unplugged, Mary J. Blige’s Christmas Special, NBC “New Years Eve with Carson Daly”, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She has recorded soundtracks for FOX’s “American Dad”, HBO’s “Undisputed Truth: A Mike Tyson Story”, and many movie trailers for Paramount Pictures.

Brittany has traveled the world extensively to perform for clients including Chevy, Coachella, The Emmys, Google, The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, LA Auto Show, LA Fashion Week, LA Opera, LA Philharmonic, MAC Cosmetics, Metro PCS, Neiman Marcus, Pandora, Patek Phillipe, Playboy Jazz Festival, Porsche, Rémy Martin, Saks Fifth Avenue, Samsung, Toyota, and Vogue.

Michael Licata

Drummer | Manager
Director of Sales & Marketing

Michael Licata has been a force in the entertainment industry for over 25 years. As a manager, agent, drummer, writer, producer and musical director, he has been involved and responsible for multi-million dollar projects for major recording artists including Chris Brown, Blues Traveler, Plain White T’s, Ricky Martin, Drake, Ringo Starr, Rodney Jerkins, Jermaine Stewart, Lil’ Wayne, Rhino Bucket, T-Pain, Savage Garden, Rihanna, Bang Tango and many others.

Michael has performed in internationally recognized music videos, on prestigious concert stages and has been awarded 16 Platinum/Gold records.

Behind the Drums: FEMMES OF ROCK starring Bella Electric Strings, Rhino Bucket, Jermaine Stewart, Bang Tango, Ricky Martin, Savage Garden, Ringo Starr, and Boys Don’t Cry.

TV Producer: Viacom/CMT’s ‘H2Overdrive’

Co-Show Director: the US/UK “Chris Brown/Bow Wow-EXCLUSIVE” tour (Winter/Spring 2008).

Michael Kelly

Bass

Michael Kelly, a classically trained bassist, holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Theory and Composition from the State University of New York at Fredonia School of Music, where he was the recipient of the Victoria Bohlen Memorial Award for excellence in composition.

Michael been writing, recording, teaching and touring in New York City and Philadelphia for over 20 years. Michael also plays the double bass with the Independence Sinfonia, The Orchestra Society of Philadelphia and in the Bravo Jazz Trio.

Michael is Professor of Music at Montgomery Community College, teaching Music Technology, Music Business and Songwriting and Chair of the Sound Recording Technology Program.

John Wedemeyer

Guitar

John Wedemeyer hails from Los Gatos, California and has been playing guitar professionally since age 19. While proficient in a wide variety of styles, John spent much of his early career steeped in blues and roots music. He recorded and/or toured with many blues legends such as Charlie Musselwhite, Jimmy Witherspoon, Lowell Fulson, Curtis Salgado, John Lee Hooker, Luther Tucker and Bonnie Raitt (to name a few). Later John spent some time in the “jam band” scene working with ex-Grateful Dead members Vince Welnick and Phil Lesh.

Since relocating to Las Vegas in 2006, John has played and/or recorded with a wildly diverse list of artists including The Righteous Brothers, Donny and Marie Osmond, Clint Holmes, Kristen Chenoweth, Debbie Gibson, Michael Grimm (2010 winner of “America’s Got Talent”), Susan Anton, Wayne Newton, Cindy Blackman-Santana, Lucie Arnaz, Martin Nievera, Christine Ebersole, Starship, Aurea (Portuguese pop sensation), Earl Turner, Lani Misalucha, Taylor Dayne, Frankie Moreno and David Foster among many others.

Currently John plays with the recently reformed Righteous Brothers at their Harrah’s Las Vegas residency. He proudly tours with FEMMES OF ROCK starring Bella Electric Strings.

David King

Lead Technician/Stage Manager

Dave is a native of Portland, Maine, and holds a holds a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Maine at Orono. Upon moving to Las Vegas in 1988, his career took a musical turn. He was a founding member of The Fab Beatles cover band, as well as keyboardist, guitarist, and vocalist for many other high-end Las Vegas musical acts. In 2008, he was instrumental in launching Bella Electric Strings at the M Resort Las Vegas. The group currently performs worldwide as a corporate act, as well as with the touring show Femmes of Rock.  Along with lead sound technician duties, Dave also works in production, and his skills carry over to video, recording, and graphics.

Brody Dolyniuk

Technical Director

Douglas Taylor

Technician | Consigliere

Doug has been performing as a keyboardist/vocalist in Las Vegas for over 30 years as a single act as well with his own Duo, small bands and big bands. He has entertained in all of the major Las Vegas resorts in lounges and local clubs as well as corporate events, wedding receptions and Black Tie affairs.

While performing live, Doug is equally at home on the Grand Piano or with a complement of keyboards producing a full band sound, always live and not pre- recorded.

His talents also carry over to his own studio where he has produced CD projects for many as well as music tracks for Las Vegas shows. He started LV Sound Group, Inc. in 2009 as an audio consulting company for corporate events and is a regular tech with Bella Strings and Femmes of Rock since 2007 for Corporate and Theatre events around the world.

Jason Tanzer

Studio Production | Engineering | Creative