Local Music Spotlight

Wendel Werner

Wendel Werner, known as Knoxville’s pianist, is an accomplished singer, director, composer, producer, teacher and clinician. His career began in 1974, as he sat behind the piano for the first time. Born in Little Rock, AR, he found himself traveling the United States as a child of the US Air Force. High school found him in Memphis, TN where he helped win the Best Jazz Band award, and won the Best Soloist award from the Dogwood Arts Jazz Festival. He went on to compose and direct his high school’s musical his Senior year.

Wendel received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Tennessee, and was hired to teach at a local college before finishing his graduate studies. He has worked as the pianist or music director for over ten churches, and has taught at six colleges. Wendel has released over 12 albums, including four with singer Alan Eleazer, four with saxophonist Terry Schmidt, and several solo albums including his gospel album entitled “Spiritual,” and a blues album entitled “Cool by Design.” A new album is planned for 2019. He is in high demand as a music director and lecturer, and travels regularly as a performer. Wendel was Modern Studio’s 2018 Artist-in-Residence, which included a solo performance each month in addition to curating a concert series and producing/ directing several shows.

ENSEMBLE SWINGTIME LIVE Monday, June 24, 2019 6:00 PM 9:00 PM Clayton Center for the Arts (map) Wendel will be playing with the Ensemble Swingtime Big Band outdoors on the campus of Maryville College. Bring your dancing shoes… seriously.

KNOXVILLE HIGH RETIREMENT RESORT Wednesday, July 24, 2019 7:00 PM 8:00 PM Knoxville High Retirement Resort (map) Wendel brings his monthly “Wine Down Wednesday with Wendel” performance to the Knoxville High Rerirement Resort. All performances are available to the public and are free.

THE WENDEL WERNER RESIDENCY at Lane Music: AN EVENING OF ELTON. Saturday, July 27, 2019 7:00 PM 8:30 PM Lane Music (map) This month’s residency concert is all the music of Elton John. Concert tickets: $20 per person

KNOXVILLE HIGH RETIREMENT RESORT Wednesday, August 14, 2019 7:00 PM 8:00 PM Knoxville High Retirement Resort (map) Wendel brings his monthly “Wine Down Wednesday with Wendel” performance to the Knoxville High Rerirement Resort. All performances are available to the public and are free.

MANORHOUSE ASSISTED LIVING Friday, August 16, 2019 2:00 PM 3:00 PM Manorhouse Assisted Living (map) Wendel brings a monthly concert to the residents of Manorhouse and all these performances are free and available to the public.

THE WENDEL WERNER RESIDENCY at Lane Music: the Annual BEATLES BIRTHDAY BASH Saturday, August 24, 2019 7:00 PM 8:30 PM This month’s residency concert is Wendel’s annual Beatles Birthday Bash. Wendel celebrates his birthday with the music of the Beatles. Concert tickets: $20 per person

www.wendelwerner.org

Wendel Werner @wendelwernermusic