The Team
Vinny Ribas/Indie Connect – Executive Producer
Vinny Ribas is a seasoned entrepreneur with a distinguished career in the music industry spanning over six decades. His extensive experience includes roles as a full-time drummer and keyboard player, bandleader, booking agent, studio owner, producer, songwriter, artist coach, and artist manager. He is also a sought-after speaker, frequently presenting at conferences, colleges, and industry events.
In 2008, Vinny founded Indie Connect, a music management, consulting, and networking company dedicated to helping independent artists and industry professionals succeed. In 2023, the company launched Cartne.com, an innovative e-learning platform designed to educate aspiring and working musicians on navigating the music industry safely and effectively.
Vinny is the idea man behind Stage Lights and Stories.
Beyond his music industry expertise, Vinny is a prolific writer, having authored and published hundreds of business and music industry articles, eBooks, and two books: LEVERAGE: Achieve a Lot with the Little You’ve Got (co-authored with Connie Ribas and Tony Bodoh) and CEO Secrets.
As an executive coach, strategic business consultant, and business plan writer, Vinny has guided over 1,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners in building scalable, sustainable businesses. His passion lies in empowering both artists and entrepreneurs to achieve long-term success by leveraging their unique strengths and opportunities.
Saylors Brothers Entertainment – Producer/Director
Kyle and Kenny Saylors are a brother producer/director duo, united under the motto “Entertainment with Purpose.” Their pursuit of childhood dreams has led to a journey filled with adventures, from the box office success of His Only Son (which opened at #3) to the Lombardi Honors, Sundance premieres, and producing music projects for Lee Child and his Jack Reacher franchise.
Their imperative work includes ‘Kimjongilia’, the first film ever screened in the U.S. Capitol’s private theater. It led to a congressional hearing and the first sanctions against North Korean prison camps. It was also a Sundance World Premiere and was short-listed in its Academy Nomination run. This commitment to storytelling has resulted in more films aimed at exposing injustices and bringing hope to untold stories worldwide.
Projects they have worked on have been distributed by or aired on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Universal, Sony, Epic, Integrity, BBC, PBS, NBC Sports, CBS Sports, FOX Sports, and dozens of others. They have received press from Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Forbes, Huffington Post, New York Times, LA Times, Time Magazine, and hundreds of others.
Nicole de la Cruz – Associate Producer
Nicole de la Cruz is a fantasy pop-rock singer-songwriter, actress, filmmaker and social media influencer based in Los Angeles. She has amassed over 880K fans and 550 Million views across all of her social media platforms. She is known for her creative acting skits (comedy) as well as her fantasy pop music.
In 2021, her company, Reign Productions, in partnership with New Atlantis Media produced the music video for her song, ‘Moonstruck’. The video has garnered over half a million views to date on Youtube.
In addidion to beeing the Assitsnt Producer of Stage Lights and Stories, Nicole is currently working on her debut music album and her own debut feature film. Her music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, and more.
Morelia Cuevas – Associate Producer
Morelia is a voiceover artist, entertainer, broadcast professional and creative assistant to an exclusive clothier.
Raised in Los Angeles, Morelia is the granddaughter of the legendary tailor Nudie and daughter of Manuel, clothing designer to the stars. She grew up in a creative environment surrounded by artists and entertainers.
Morelia came to Nashville in the early nineties to work for her father’s couture shop. She helps to market and image the show while assisting with national PR and producing fashion shows. One feather in her couture cap was being the main point person for the prestigious Frist Exhibit on her father. She’s also known for producing “Rhinestones & Roses ” for the CMA’s with Grace Reinbold .During all this Morelia has continued to pursue her own professional career in the limelight by forming Kosher Taco Productions. The name is a testament to Morella’s sense of humor and heritage having a Jewish mother and a Mexican father.
Morelia is currently the lead hostess on “ Bless Your Heart” tv talk show and she’s on the board of Nashville’s Women in Film & Television. Morelia has received a prestigious Alice Award in 2023 titled “Woman of Influence”.
Morelia is affiliated with the Stars Foundation and with Iceman Productions as a lead Spokesperson.
Steve Creech – Audio Engineer, Producer, Mixing and Mastering Engineer
Steve H. Creech is an accomplished producer, touring musician, multi-instrumentalist, and senior mastering engineer with decades of experience in the music and audio production industries. As a member of the Audio Engineering Society (AES), Steve is recognized for his expertise in delivering world-class audio for projects spanning music, film, and commercial productions. He currently operates professional studios in Indianapolis and Nashville, collaborating with select national, regional, and local artists across all capacities.
Steve’s engineering and post-production credits include work for industry legends such as Kenny Loggins, Phil Keaggy, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, May Grant, and Steven Curtis Chapman. His mastery in post-production has elevated projects for major labels like Disney, Sony, Sugar Hill, Warner Bros., MCA, Decca, and Windham Hill, ensuring their sonic excellence. As a senior mastering engineer for The World Media Group, Steve has honed his ability to shape and refine audio for a global audience.
In addition to music, Steve’s expertise extends to sound design, Foley, mixing, and mastering for commercial and film projects, including campaigns for McDonald’s, IBM, and KFC. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Steve continues to partner with artists to craft polished, industry-ready productions that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Steve is overseeing all of the audio production, recording, mixing and mastering for Stage Lights and Stories.
Melinda Ebert – Event Coordinator
Melinda Ebert is a team builder, big picture visionary, event organizer, and bridge. She has organized a large number of festivals and events around the United States over the past 20 years. She specializes in planning events that unite community groups. Her experience with operating a successful venue in a small community combined with her passion for the musician/artist drives her desire for festival organization and travel. Making sure the performers and crew are taken care of along with creating places for them to reach people are areas where she excels. She also loves teaching venue operators how to care for their performers.
Melinda is our official event planner, ensuring that everything goes smoothly. She is also in charge of coordinating with the caterers.