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SWINGIN’ IN CHICAGO

THE WINDY CITY REALLY SHOULD BE CALLED “MUSIC CITY” because I’ve found that there’s arguably a more vibrant music scene in Chicago (especially jazz) than in many other cities you’d expect to be at the top of the list – including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Nashville, Atlanta – and, yes, even New Orleans!

CASE IN POINT: ONE OF AMERICA’S GREAT SAX MEN resides and plays weekly at Chicago’s legendary Andy’s Jazz Club – and that’s Mike Smith. Together with the Jordan Baskin Trio, they provide Chicago jazz lovers and visitors with a hearty helping of truly tasty tunes.

A RECENT VISIT had Mike inviting me onstage to croon and swing a few with his stellar group. Well, he didn’t have to ask twice.

CLICK ON THE PHOTO for a very short snippet of our improvised live performance that night. Enjoy! And, if you find yourself in the Chicago area, be sure to drop in to Andy’s Jazz Club. If it happens to be on a Wednesday, you’re in for a special treat when Mike, Jordan and the gang hit the stage.

CLICK ON THE PHOTO for a quick video from our live performance at Andy’s.
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I was “Fats” Waller’s Opening Act

Well, not really – but, in the wonderful world of broadcasting, anything’s possible… especially when the iconic “Uncle Floyd” Vivino is at the microphone!

“Uncle Floyd” Vivino

Floyd is a New Jersey cult figure and a world-wide show business icon from his long-running kid’s TV show (for adults), “The Uncle Floyd Show” to his being sung about in the legendary 2002 David Bowie song, “Slip Away.”

CLICK ON THE PHOTO to hear Floyd, on his popular radio show, presenting a tune from my album, “If Love Were All” (Kabockie Records KCD-1031 / KLP2-1031) and following it with a classic but seldom-heard tune from Thomas “Fats” Waller, “Florida Flo.”

So — technically, I guess I can say that I was “Fats” Waller’s opening act – at least on Floyd Vivino’s radio show, I was!

IMPOSSIBLE OPENING ACT: (“Fats” Waller died before Wayne Powers was born!)
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CAUGHT IN THE ACT

I’ve never claimed to be a Sinatra impressionist or “tribute artist” (although he was certainly a tremendous influence on me – and every other singer of The Great American Songbook).

But singing a classic Cole Porter tune like “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” with a big band swinging the Sinatra trademark Nelson Riddle arrangement, I just couldn’t resist paying homage and tribute to “Ol’ Blue Eyes” and “The Chairman of the Board.”

So I hope you enjoy this brief glimpse of my humble but joyous voyage into Sinatra Land with the Shout Section Big Band.

Click on the photo below to view the free video.

With the Shout Section Big Band at Fitzgerald’s Night Club

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The Wind Beneath My Wings

As a jazz vocalist, that’s what a really swingin’ big band is to me.
It’s like being backed up by a mighty jet engine – lifting us all off the ground together – and letting me sing like I’m dancing in the sky. There’s simply nothing like it.

IF YOU’RE IN THE CHICAGOLAND AREA (or can get there!)… don’t miss this! We’re gonna have a ball!

WAYNE POWERS with the SHOUT SECTION BIG BAND – LIVE – at Chicagoland’s legendary FITZGERALD’S!
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Laughs that never get old: Neil Simon’s “THE SUNSHINE BOYS”

Move over, Jack Albertson. (He played it on Broadway).

Start packin’, Walter Matthau. (He played it in the film).

Now, I’m about to take on the role of old time vaudeville comedian Willie Clark in what many consider Neil Simon’s greatest and funniest play, “The Sunshine Boys.”

A glimpse of me as Willie Clark (and “friend”) from the bygone heyday of Vaudeville.

Willie is one of those characters that’s such a perfect fit, it could’ve been written for me. Well, it is totally my kind of comedy and Simon’s brilliant dialogue is an absolute joy to bring to life.

But when the play was first presented on Broadway in 1972, I was far too young to play Willie. Two years later, it was made into a feature film and, of course, I still wasn’t very much older.

But NOW…

Well, let’s just say that I’m the perfect age to play Willie. I’m old enough to be believable in the role but still young enough to remember my lines!

I do hope you’ll join me and a wonderful cast for some great fun.

Don’t miss out. Two weekends only!

Be sure to get your reserved seating tickets now – and then get ready to wear out your funny bone!

http://www.kvta.org

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APRIL 6th – IN CONCERT

WAYNE’S CHICAGOLAND DEBUT!  SOLD OUT!

Don’t miss this opportunity to catch Wayne with a first-class jazz trio in an intimate setting for an entire evening of great music, fun and fabulous food.

(Tommy Muellner, Keyboard; Kelly Sill, Acoustic Bass, Phil Gratteau, Drums).

Special Prix Fixe Menu.  $45 per person.

LIMITED SEATING!  RESERVATIONS REQUIRED!  Call 708.660.9091

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25 YEARS IS LONG ENOUGH…

Life goes by too quickly.  It’s hard to believe that it’s been 25 years since I recorded my last CD, “Plain Old Me,”  with my “Hoi Polloi” band back in Los Angeles in 1993.  But simple math can be unforgiving.

In the intervening quarter century, my life has been full with both the poignant and the joyous – as all lives are.

I’ve been working on getting my vocal “chops” back up for the last few years with the idea of getting back into the studio and giving voice to the last 25 years of life and love – as I’ve lived it and felt it.

“I’ve got so much inside me still left unsung.”

Continue reading “25 YEARS IS LONG ENOUGH…”

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Happier Days in Beaumont, Texas

The sadness of watching the devastation from Hurricane Harvey on the news was softened somewhat by seeing Good Samaritans come forward to help rescue friends, neighbors and absolute strangers – along with their beloved pets.  That’s Texas for you.  Nowhere is that inspirational spirit more evident than in Beaumont and Port Arthur.  I know it first-hand.

It was just over 30 years ago that I spent some time there on location for a film with longtime friend Paul Sorvino, Abe Vigoda, Lorne Greene, Ina Balin, June Wilkinson, John Moskoff and many others.

ON LOCATION IN BEAUMONT, TEXAS –
Wayne and Paul Sorvino enjoy a laugh on the set of “Vasectomy – A Delicate Matter.” (1986)

I still have such fond memories of the warm hospitality and gracious welcome we received from the good folks of Beaumont while we lived, worked and played there for several weeks.

Ironically, as we were heading back to Los Angeles after weeks in Beaumont, Continue reading “Happier Days in Beaumont, Texas”