On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, a fundraising concert for ALS United Greater New York will take place at SUNY Purchase.
The star-studded event will honor acclaimed producer and engineer Wayne Warnecke, a Westchester native battling ALS. “Musicians United for ALS,” will feature an all-star lineup of musical talent and will raise funds to support those affected by the disease.
Organized by Westchester musician Mickey Rosen, and supported by Title Sponsor The Lasdon Foundation, the evening will be MC’d by Vincent Pastore of The Sopranos and led by celebrated arranger and producer Rob Mathes as musical director. The evening will feature well-known talent including:
Patty Smyth (Scandal)
Paul Shaffer
Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty)
Average White Band
Lisa Fischer (Grammy Winning R&B Artist)
James D-Train Williams
Bob James (Grammy Winning Artist)
ED Palermo Big Band
Additionally, Vaneese Thomas, Wayne’s wife and acclaimed R&B/blues vocalist, will perform alongside her sister, Carla Thomas, the “Queen of Memphis Soul,” known for hits on Stax and Atlantic Records. The evening’s house band includes Shawn Pelton (Saturday Night Live), Will Lee (Letterman), Robbie Kondor, Oz Noy, Paul Shaffer, and Rob Mathes. Several other performers are in discussion and the artists are subject to change.
A silent auction will feature exclusive items, including a signed tennis ball from John McEnroe and guitars signed by Willy Nelson, Buddy Guy, and Joe Bonamassa.
Wayne, known for his work with artists like Chaka Khan, Patti Austin, and Luther Vandross, has been a pillar of the music community for decades. Diagnosed with ALS in 2022, he continues to inspire with his unwavering positivity and contributions to the industry, including producing Vaneese’s latest album, Stories in Blue.
Event Details
When: Tuesday, April 15
Time: Cocktail Reception 5:30 pm, Performances at 7:00 pm
Where: The Concert Hall, SUNY Purchase, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY
Ticket Prices: $215 – $250
VIP Sponsorships: Available
Ticket Link: here
“The evening will be one of love and joy as we celebrate Wayne and his incredible lifetime of accomplishments. We are grateful to everyone who has agreed to perform and support this concert. We look forward to a full house to raise as much money as possible for the ALS United Greater New York,” said Vaneese Thomas.
“We are grateful to be a part of this incredible benefit concert to raise funds and awareness on behalf of the ALS community. Musicians United for ALS is not only a tribute to Wayne, but it’s also a tribute to every family impacted by ALS yesterday, today, and tomorrow,” stated Kristen Cocoman, President and CEO, ALS United Greater New York.
