Hey guys, Debbie Nigro here — and if you’re anything like me, you’re holding on to hope, love, and music to lift your spirits… in spite of it all.

That phrase — “in spite of it all” — felt like the perfect segue into one of the most meaningful and emotional conversations I’ve had in a long time on The Debbie Nigro Show. I had the honor of welcoming the incredible Wayne Warnicke, a legendary music producer who was diagnosed with ALS in 2022, and his powerhouse of a wife, the talented and soulful Vaneese Thomas.

Together, they are the heartbeat behind Musicians United for ALS, a one-night-only benefit concert packed with iconic talent — all coming together to raise funds for ALS research and patient support.

 

Meet Wayne & Vaneese: They Brought Such Great Energy to the Show. Theirs Is a Love Story in Music and Resilience

Wayne’s story is one of deep passion and remarkable perseverance. From starting as a drummer at age 9 to producing legends like Bob James, Luther Vandross, and David Sanborn, Wayne’s music journey has been nothing short of epic. He fell in love with the studio life as a teenager walking into Minot Sound in White Plains — and never looked back.

And then there's Vaneese. A force of nature. A blues powerhouse. A woman who met Wayne in the studio and never left his side. Now, she’s not only singing the blues, but she’s also living with love and lifting Wayne every step of the way. “She does everything,” Wayne said, with humor in his voice and gratitude in his heart. “I'm a lot of work,” he chuckled.

And yet, his spirit is unstoppable.

 

Mark your calendars: April 15th at the Concert Hall at SUNY Purchase.

This ADA-compliant venue will welcome a phenomenal lineup of artists, many of whom have deep personal ties to Wayne:

Patti Smythe of Scandal

Paul Shaffer of Late Show with David Letterman fame

Average White Band (hello, 70s groove!)

Lisa Fisher, Grammy-winning vocal goddess

James "D-Train" Williams

Bob James (another Grammy legend!)

Ed Palermo Big Band

Bernie Williams, yes, THAT Bernie from the Yankees

Rising local star Elsa, guitar virtuoso Gil Parris, and more!

And hosting the evening? None other than Vinnie Pastore of The Sopranos — you know it’s going to be a blast.

The musical direction is in the expert hands of Rob Mathes, a Kennedy Center Honors-level arranger and a dear friend of the couple.

Plus, yes — there will be cocktails and hors d’oeuvres starting at 5:30pm, all included in your ticket!

 

Why This Matters

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is cruel, mysterious, and currently incurable. Wayne’s journey with ALS began when he couldn’t quite stand up straight… then swimming got harder… and eventually, the diagnosis came. But rather than retreat, Wayne has rallied. He’s using his voice — and his incredible connections — to shine a light and raise funds.

As he put it, “If life hands you lemons, make lemonade.”

This event is about music, yes. But it’s also about love, awareness, accessibility, and hope. The funds raised will go directly toward research and patient support, and the energy in the room will be unforgettable.

 

Get Your Tickets or Donate Now!

Visit Musicians United for ALS to buy your tickets or make a donation. (Yes, it's tax-deductible!)

Show Wayne, Vaneese, and the entire ALS community that they are not alone.

 

Final Thoughts 

You know, some people just have that light. Wayne and Vaneese are those people. Their love, their strength, their humor, and their commitment to turning a difficult diagnosis into a night of celebration… it's just extraordinary.

I promise you’ll be inspired listening to them both in this podcast of our live conversation on The Debbie Nigro Show.