Look Who Just Signed on For this Westchester Concert

On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, a one-of-a-kind fundraising concert for ALS United Greater New York will take place at The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College. 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.

The newly added artists who will perform include:

• · The Bacon Brothers
• · Elza Libhart
• · Kati Mac

Also added to the lineup are local singer/songwriters Jazmo, Michael Horowitz and
Nine Men’s Morris.

The Bacon Brothers have spent the better part of three decades exploring their own mix of folk, rock, soul, and country music. They call that diverse sound "forosoco," and it's taken them around the world, from headlining gigs in Japan to American performances at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry and Gruene Hall.

The exploration continues with the band's twelfth release, Ballad Of The Brothers. It's a record that highlights not only the similarities between Kevin Bacon (known worldwide as an A-list Hollywood actor) and Michael Bacon (celebrated as an Emmy-winning composer), but the differences, too. The two siblings may be bound together by blood and a mutual love of American roots music, but they've grown into sharp songwriters and cinematic storytellers with their own distinct approaches. Ballad Of The Brothers makes room for both of those approaches, offering a mix of edgy alt-rock ("Take Off This Tattoo"), Motown-inspired soul ("Put Your Hand Up"), fingerpicked folk ("Let That Be Enough"), and everything in between. The album also marks the continuation of a musical partnership that began long ago in Philadelphia, where the Bacons were raised on a soundtrack of 1970s singer/songwriters, Philly soul bands, and classic rock acts. Multiple decades and countless shows later, they're creating their own soundtrack, saluting their old-school influences while making music that's undeniably modern.

Elza Libhart, a 17-year resident of Ridgefield, CT, has raised twin daughters in town while maintaining a career that has brought her from NYC stages to composer credits on network television. When her former mentor and producer, Wayne Warnecke, invited her to perform at the benefit, Elza immediately agreed. A classically trained musician, Elza toured as singer-songwriter for nearly a decade, performing at festivals, arts centers, universities and such famous venues as The Bluebird Café in Nashville and New York’s Cutting Room. Over her career, Elza has shared the stage with the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir, Train, Martin Sexton and even the great Andrea Bocelli. She has released three albums, and her music continues to be heard on such hit shows as the CW’s “Smallville,” ABC’s “Hopkins” and Netflix’s “Charmed.” Warnecke has recorded and mixed Elza in his studio for years. “He’s so personable, a joy to be with, putting you right at ease,” she said. “It’s no surprise he’s handling ALS—a devastating diagnosis—with such grace and positivity.”

Kati Mac is a NYC based indie singer songwriter, former Warner /Chappell artist and writer and has released 7 CDs. She had a #1 song on the Roots Radio charts, “Save Me From Myself”, and has had 7 songs nominated for The Daytime Emmy Awards for best original song. She was also the lead female singer for Meat Loaf, as has sung with various artists including Sting, Michael Bolton, Ronnie Spector and Nona Hendryx. She also sang the L’eggs jingle on the ZZ Top hit “She’s Got Legs.”

The evening was organized by Westchester musician Mickey Rosen, and is supported by Title Sponsor The Lasdon Foundation. The event’s emcee will be Vincent Pastore of The Sopranos and the the musical director is celebrated arranger and producer Rob Mathes. The other well-known talent who will perform include Wayne’s wife and acclaimed R&B/Blues Vocalist Vaneese Thomas, acclaimed R&B/Blues Vocalist Carla Thomas, Rob Thomas and more. For a full list of artists, visit the website at https://alsunitedgreaternewyork.ticketspice.com/a-night-for-wayne

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 his wife Vaneese’s latest album, Stories in Blue.

Event Details

• What: Fundraising concert for ALS United Greater New York
• When: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
• Time: Cocktail Reception at 5:30, Performances start at 7:00 pm
• Where: The Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY
• Ticket Prices: $215 - $250
• Ticket Link: https://alsunitedgreaternewyork.ticketspice.com/a-night-for-wayne

The Platinum Sponsor for the evening is GMG Public Relations, Inc. Follow the concert on social media for updates at https://www.instagram.com/musiciansunitedforals/ or https://www.facebook.com/musiciansunitedforals

About ALS United Greater New York:
ALS United Greater New York is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and their families throughout the Greater New York area. For over 30 years, the organization has been committed to empowering the ALS community through a collaborative approach—fostering bold research initiatives, advancing national and state advocacy, and providing comprehensive local care and support. For more information visit www.als-ny.org

About Wayne Warnecke:
Wayne Warnecke's career as a prominent figure in the music industry began in his hometown of Mamaroneck, New York. Wayne’s musical journey soared when he became an engineer at Minot Sound Studios in 1981 where he worked with luminaries like Bob James, Luther Vandross, and David Sanborn, cementing his status as a top-tier producer and engineer. Despite being diagnosed with ALS in 2022, Wayne’s indomitable spirit keeps him active in music, recently producing Vaneese’s latest album, Stories in Blue. His enduring influence in the music industry underscores a legacy of resilience, collaboration, and love, continuing to inspire a broad spectrum of artists and fans alike. Wayne Warnecke’s story remains a powerful testament to the transformative impact of dedication and passion in the creative arts.

# # #