Musicians unite for Pound Ridge producer

Wayne Warnecke with his wife, singer Vaneese Thomas, and sister, Wendy Warnecke, at the Musicians United for ALS: A Night for Wayne Warnecke concert at SUNY Purchase on April 15. JEFF MORRIS PHOTO

Longtime Pound Ridge resident Wayne Warnecke grew up in Mamaroneck, where he began his long career as a top-tier music producer and engineer. 

Diagnosed with ALS in 2022, he helped organize the April 15 Musicians United for ALS: A Night for Wayne Warnecke concert at the State University of New York at Purchase to benefit ALS United Greater New York. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting individuals living with ALS and their families throughout the Greater New York area. 

Among the many performers were Patty Smyth, the Bacon Brothers, Paul Shaffer, Rob Thomas, Average White Band, Bernie Williams, Grammy winners Bob James and Lisa Fischer, James D-Train Williams, Ed Palermo Big Band, and Carla Thomas, the “Queen of Memphis Soul," who is the sister of Warneke's wife, Vaneese Thomas. 

Lewisboro residents may remember Wendy Warneke, Wayne's sister, as a teacher for many years in the Katonah-Lewisboro school district, first at Meadow Pond and then at Lewisboro Elementary — most of that time going by Wendy White — before retiring in 2010.

The benefit drew over 300 attendees and exceeded its goal of $100,000, but donations are still being accepted; checks to ALS United Greater New York may be mailed to 42 Broadway, Suite 1724, New York, NY 10004, or to als-ny.org.