Wayne Wilentz Bio

Wayne has performed with such famous R&B acts as Carl Gardner's Coasters, The Shirelles, The Moments, The Marvellettes, and Jimmy Norman. He was a keyboardist and composer for the '80's funk band "SKYY" from 1981 to 1989, and possesses a gold record commemorating their chart-topping Album "Skyy Line" on Salsoul Records. Born in New York City, Wayne moved to Washington in 1989, and has played Brazilian and American Jazz in the nation's capitol since then. Wayne has a B.S. in Speech from Northwestern University, and produced the nightly jazz program on the school's radio station, WNUR.


Wayne has been performing all over the DC area since his arrival, starting Brazil night at the now defunct Cafe Lautrec, working Thursdays and Sundays at U-topia for 19 years, and also playing the brunch at the world famous restaurant, Georgia Brown's. He can be seen there on Sunday afternoons, and at the Eighteenth St. Lounge with Soul Brasil every Thursday night. He can also be found 4-6 times a month at "Seasons 52" on Rockville Pike, singing and playing songs from the last 50 years of music in all styles. Wayne's versatility and repertoire are renowned amongst DC musicians and music fans.