At first glance, Brian Lippey might seem like an unlikely figure in the Miami music scene. As a former finance professional with an educational background from Harvard and Columbia University, Lippey leaving behind a 20+ year career to pursue his passion for music. The band, named after Miami landmark Vizcaya, has gained recognition for its unique blend of rock, pop, and classical influences.
Founded in 2022, The Band Vizcaya has built a reputation for its lively performances across Miami. With a lineup that includes an electric violinist, multiple vocalists, and a dynamic range of musical styles, the band has created a niche that sets them apart from traditional cover bands.
“I’ve played guitar my whole life,” Lippey shared, “but I wanted to create something different, a fusion of classical and rock elements that would stand out.” One of the band’s signature performances, a rendition of the Eagles’ “Hotel California,” showcases this fusion. Beginning with a haunting violin solo before transitioning into the song’s classic guitar riffs, the cover has received over 110,000 YouTube views, with praise from viewers around the world. “We get comments from people in Korea, Italy, Germany, and Brazil. It’s amazing to see how far our music has traveled,” Lippey said.
Lippey’s journey into music wasn’t a solo endeavor. The band formed organically, bringing together talented musicians from around Miami such as Daniela, who plays the electric violin, and Crystal, who sings vocals. Brian met Daniela randomly when she was a concert violinist, and she was looking to join a band where she could blend classical and violin music. Crystal also joined the band by circumstance when Brian felt that they needed another vocalist, and she was up for the job.
For a period, the band also included Ukrainian singer Violetta, a war refugee who found relief and opportunity through music. “She has an incredible soprano voice,” Lippey noted. “She added a whole new dimension to our sound.”
At first, the band struggled to find its niche. “When we were first starting out, we weren’t that good,” Lippey said. “We got our first gig opening for a good band in the neighborhood, and some kids in the back of the high school auditorium were looking for some things to throw at us, so they got a hammer and broke up some chips of linoleum and started throwing them at us.”
But after that performance, they practiced diligently for a year and persuaded the band to have them back, which ended up being a success.
Lucas Lippey ’25, Brian’s son, recalled his surprise when he first saw the band perform. “Seeing my dad play ‘Levitating’ by Dua Lipa was unexpected but so fun. The energy in the room was unmatched.”
Brian’s guiding philosophy is that beyond both within the group and with the audience. “Sometimes we play country club gigs for older crowds, and at first, they’re just sitting quietly,” Lippey said with a laugh. “Then we start playing ‘September’ b y Earth, Wind & Fire, and suddenly they’re up and dancing. That’s what music does; it brings people together.” Lucas describes his father’s performances as immersive for the audience, recalling moments when he would “lose himself in the music, just like a jazz musician.”
From country club gatherings to jazz festivals, Vizcaya has proven that great music transcends generations and genres. “One time, at a festival, the fire truck came by while we were playing, and the firefighters were giving us thumbs up while dancing in the truck,” Lippey recalled. “That’s when you know you’re making an impact.”
Fans of the band said the performances also spark a sense of community for the performers and listeners alike. “The energy is truly just electric every time I see them,” said Mateo Heitner ’25, a devoted Vizcaya follower.
Despite the passion and energy that makes the band who they are, Lippey acknowledges that making a living in music is challenging. “It’s a tough business, and you don’t do it for the money,” he admitted. “But the joy of performing, of making people happy—that’s priceless.”
Looking ahead, Lippey dreams of taking the band on the road, performing in cities like Nashville, New Orleans, and New York. “We’d love to do a benefit concert in L.A. for people who lost their homes due to the fires. Using our music for a good cause would be incredible,” he said.
For those dreaming of pursuing music, Lippey offers simple yet strong advice: “Work hard, practice, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Music is about connection. It’s about making people feel something.”
