Inspiring Conversations with Regi Yarbrough of YAC, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Regi Yarbrough.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story really started in church and at home in Alabama. I sang my first solo at three years old, started studying piano around age eight, and from there music just became part of who I was. Over time I expanded into saxophone, arranging, composition, production, and really learning the full language of music. I attended the Alabama School of Fine Arts, and by my teenage years I was already performing professionally. Some of my jazz mentors started calling me the “utility man” because I was always willing to step into different musical roles and adapt wherever I was needed.

As my career developed, I realized I never wanted to separate performance from education or community impact. I earned a degree in Music Technology from UAB, later completed a master’s degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University, and I’m also completing graduate work in Instructional Leadership. Along the way, I founded Yarbrough & Company, or YAC, which became an award-winning blues band representing Alabama multiple times at the International Blues Challenge. At the same time, I spent nearly two decades working in the Bessemer City School System teaching band, choir, theatre, media arts, and performing arts. I’ve also taught at the college level as an adjunct professor of Music Business at Alabama State University.

A big part of my journey has also been understanding that music can heal and connect people. I’ve performed extensively in assisted and independent living communities, especially working with individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and sensory challenges. Those experiences reminded me that music is bigger than entertainment. It can unlock memories, emotions, and human connection in powerful ways. That same mindset carries into my work as a musical director, keyboardist, saxophonist, arranger, producer, and educator.

More recently, my work has expanded internationally through opportunities like performing and teaching at the Blues and Folk Festival in Cali, Colombia, where I was able to connect with musicians, students, and educators through performances, workshops, and cultural exchange. Looking back, my path has really been about growth, service, and lifelong learning. Whether I’m on stage, in a classroom, or working in the community, I try to use music as a way to bring people together and leave a positive impact.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road. Like a lot of musicians and educators, I’ve had to learn how to balance passion with stability, creativity with responsibility, and vision with limited resources. There were times when I was performing late at night, teaching early the next morning, and still trying to build programs, rehearse bands, study for graduate degrees, and take care of personal responsibilities at the same time. A lot of people see the performances and accomplishments, but they do not always see the years of sacrifice, long hours, and constant reinvention behind it.

One challenge has been wearing so many hats. I’ve worked as a performer, educator, audio engineer, musical director, mentor, and entrepreneur all at once. Sometimes that versatility opens doors, but other times people try to place you in one category and overlook the bigger picture of what you bring to the table. I’ve also worked in schools and arts programs where funding, staffing, and access to resources were ongoing challenges. A lot of what I’ve built came from creativity, persistence, and finding ways to make things work even when the ideal support was not there.

Another struggle has been navigating an industry where talent alone is not enough. Relationships, timing, consistency, branding, and resilience matter just as much. I’ve had opportunities that worked out and others that did not. I’ve dealt with setbacks, disappointments, burnout, and moments where I had to rethink my direction. But I’ve also learned that those experiences helped shape me into a stronger leader and a more grounded artist.

At the same time, those struggles taught me adaptability. They taught me how to connect with different audiences, communicate with different generations, and continue learning instead of becoming stagnant. Looking back, I think every challenge added another layer to my story. They gave me perspective and reminded me why I do this work in the first place. Music, education, and service have always been bigger to me than recognition alone.

As you know, we’re big fans of YAC, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
YAC, LLC is really built around the idea of creativity, professionalism, education, and community impact all working together. A lot of people know us through Yarbrough & Company, the blues band, but the business itself is much broader than just performances. We provide live music entertainment, music direction, arts education, media production, consulting, and culturally focused programming. Over the years, YAC has grown into a brand that blends artistry with purpose.

What makes us different is our versatility and authenticity. We can perform in a concert setting, a corporate gala, a festival, a school, a theater production, or an assisted living community and still bring the same level of professionalism and heart to the experience. We specialize in blues, jazz, soul, gospel, and contemporary styles, but we also work heavily in music technology, media arts, and educational programming. Because of my background as both a performer and educator, our work naturally bridges entertainment and learning. That combination allows us to connect with audiences across generations and backgrounds.

One thing I’m especially proud of is that YAC has been able to maintain its identity while continuing to evolve. We’ve have competed and won the privilege of representing Alabama multiple times at the International Blues Challenge, performed internationally, and built strong relationships in both the arts and education communities. At the same time, we’ve stayed grounded in service. Whether we’re mentoring students, producing music, leading workshops, or performing for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia, we approach every opportunity with the belief that music can bring people together and create meaningful experiences.

Brand wise, I want people to see YAC as more than just a band or entertainment company. It’s a creative and cultural platform. We value excellence, adaptability, and genuine connection. We take pride in being able to operate at a high professional level while still remaining approachable and community centered. Readers should know that when they work with YAC, they are not just hiring musicians. They are working with experienced artists, educators, and creatives who care deeply about the quality of the experience and the impact it leaves behind

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is making a genuine impact on people through music, education, and service. I’ve always believed that success is bigger than recognition or awards. It’s about how your work affects others and what you leave behind. Whether I’m performing on stage, teaching students in a classroom, mentoring young musicians, or playing music for seniors in assisted living communities, I want people to feel seen, inspired, and connected. Music has the ability to heal, teach, preserve culture, and bring people together in ways that few things can, and I take that responsibility seriously. I also care deeply about creating opportunities for others, especially young people who may not always have access to creative spaces, technology, or mentors who understand their experiences.

Another thing that matters greatly to me is lifelong growth and authenticity. I never want to become stagnant creatively, professionally, or personally. That’s part of why I continued pursuing advanced education while also maintaining a career in performance and teaching. I believe growth comes from staying open to learning, adapting, and challenging yourself while still remaining true to who you are. I value relationships, integrity, professionalism, and consistency because those are the things that sustain a career and build trust over time. At the end of the day, I want my work and my brand to represent excellence, purpose, and service; not just in what I accomplish, but in how I treat people and contribute to my community

Pricing:

• Talk to me lol

Contact Info:

• Website: https://youtube.com/@yacblues?si=8w0ES8ZEinM5eRiy
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yacblues?igsh=MTU5eGhoZHV4ZnYycA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CL7Z8txmV/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mrypianoguy?si=-V4A3A89SEIbVal6
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@yac_blues?_r=1&_t=ZP-96FmFEkHl0A