
LAYONNE HOLMES
VOCALIST

About Me.
Layonne Holmes is a singer with a repertoire that includes soul, jazz, funk, and rock & roll. She has stage and studio experience and continues to broaden her horizons by working with world-class musicians.
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Ask Layonne Holmes why she became a singer and she'll tell you it's in her DNA. Her mother, Delores, was an accomplished performer, including having been a backing singer with The Bruce Springsteen Band.

Layonne got her first break singing backup with the band Backwoods and subsequently became a member of Love Among Freaks (of "Clerks" movie fame). Soon after, Layonne, her mom and friend Debbie Vaughn formed RAIN, a group whose sound was an electrifying fusion of soul, jazz, R&B, rock and gospel. Layonne parlayed that experience into a critically acclaimed Grand Ladies of Jazz concert show, which featured songs from Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Etta James, Nina Simone and formed the basis for her next project, The New Standard. At the same time, Layonne began the 12-piece Motor City Revue, a Motown & Stax tribute band that since its founding in 2011, has built a strong following. Additionally, Layonne is a member of Tim McLoone & The Shirleys, a cover band that performs a mix of jazz, classic rock, and "girl group" pop. Layonne's association with Tim began when she and her mom signed on as volunteers for his non-profit organization Holiday Express, a group that brings music, supplies, financial support and goodwill to those in need.
Layonne has been featured in many Rock 'n' Soul Revues produced by Bob Bandiera, then-touring member of the band Bon Jovi. Her work with Bandiera led to an invitation to be a member of Jon Bon Jovi and the Kings of Suburbia. Throughout her career, Layonne has shared the stage with many music industry luminaries, including Darlene Love, Phoebe Snow, Southside Johnny, Gary U.S. Bonds, Ben E. King, Leslie Gore, and more. In 2001, Layonne and her mom were selected to back Bruce Springsteen on the internationally-televised "9/11 Tribute to Heroes" telethon and appear on the album of the same name. Throughout the years she has also recorded in many studio sessions for local artists as well as for E Street Band member, Danny Federici, Fernando Saunders of Lou Reed Band, Vini Lopez of Steel Mill, Darlene Love, Lloyd Price, and many others.
Layonne now sings backup for Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Darlene Love, and continues to stretch her musical muscles. Turning her attention to songwriting collaborations with area musicians, Layonne's next goal to conquer: recording a solo CD. Her first published song, "Higher Plane" appeared on the 1999 Love Among Freaks CD, "Representin' Planet Earth", and she looks forward to many more in the future.
2025 CALENDAR.
2025
JANUARY
Jan 18 - Matt O'Ree Band, Wonder Bar, Asbury Park, NJ
Jan 19 - Ray Andersen's Bowie & Beyond Tribute, Wonder Bar, Asbury Park, NJ
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FEBRUARY
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Feb 1 - Ray Andersen's Press Play, McLoone's Supper Club, Asbury Park, NJ, 8pm
Feb 15 - The Disco Connection, The Vogel, Red Bank, NJ, 8pm
Feb 23 - Springsteen on Sunday Interview with Tom Cunningham, Special Guest Bob Bandiera joining me!
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MARCH
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Mar 22 - Motor City Revue, w/ Special Tribute to Gerry Carboy💟, McLoone's Supper Club, Asbury Park, NJ, 8pm
APRIL
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MAY
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May 17 - Ray Andersen's Bowie & Beyond Tribute, Bell Theater, Holmdel, NJ, 8pm
JUNE
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Jun - The Shirleys, Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ, 7-8:30pm
Jun 20 - Motor City Revue, Private Party
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JULY
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Jul 11 - Motor City Revue, Bell Theater, Holmdel, NJ, 8pm​
Jul 31 - Motor City Revue, Crane Park Gazebo, West Caldwell, NJ, 7:30-9pm
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AUGUST
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Aug 6 - Motor City Revue, Community Theater
Aug 8 - Ray Andersen's Bowie & Beyond Tribute, Wonder Bar, Asbury Park, NJ
Aug 16 - Motor City Revue, West End Cruise Night, Long Branch, NJ, 6:30-8pm , THEN Bob Burger Band!
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SEPTEMBER
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OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
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DECEMBER
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Dec 1 - The Shirleys, Pier Village Tree Lighting, Long Branch, NJ, 5pm
Dec 8 - The Shirleys, Rumson Tree Lighting, Victory Park, Fair Haven, NJ, 5pm
Dec 15 - The Shirleys, HOLIDAY SHOW, Monmouth County Library, Manalapan, NJ, 2-4pm
Dec 19 - The Shirleys, HOLIDAY SHOW, McLoone's Supper Club, Asbury Park, NJ, 7:30pm
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and many more!
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PERFORMED and/or RECORDED with:
Alan Grant & Primitive Soul
Backwoods
Arlan Feiles & The Brokenhearted
Bar Scott
Ben E King
Beth Nielsen Chapman
Bill Chinnock
Bob Bandiera
Bob Burger
Bruce Springsteen
Calling All Divas
Chris Pinella
Clarence Clemons
Darlene Love
Dan Zanes
Elana Hayden
Franke Previte
Gabrielle Roth and The Moving Center
John Cafferty
Jon Bon Jovi
Josh Dion
Lesley Gore
Lisa Lowell
Little Steven Van Zandt
Love Among Freaks
Mike Wells
Neal Coty
Nick Clemons
Nicole Atkins
Pat Guadagno
Patti Scialfa
Phoebe Snow
(Mr.) Ray Andersen
Robert Cotnoir/Grapefruit Soundlab
Soozie Tyrell
Steve Greenwell
Soul Project
Southside Johnny
The Trammps (supporting act)
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