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LAYONNE HOLMES

VOCALIST

Calendar
About

About Me.

Layonne Holmes is a singer with a rich alto voice and a repertoire that includes funk, soul, jazz, blues and rock & roll. Layonne has stage and studio experience, and continues to broaden her horizons by performing with world-class musicians and adding songwriting to her credentials. This is her story. 


Early Inspirations 
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 with a long list of credentials, including having been a backing singer with The Bruce Springsteen Band. 

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As a child, Layonne was surrounded by music. Although she received her musical foundation in gospel, she was enthralled by the Jacksons, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder, among others. As a teenager, she discovered The Police, which prompted her to explore the sounds of rock and other musical genres. However, it wasn't until she was about 18 that she had an "aha" moment, when she heard famed alto singer, Sarah Vaughan, interpret music in ways Layonne had never before imagined. It was then that Layonne realized that there was a place for alto singers. From that moment, there was never a doubt in Layonne's mind that she would pursue music. 

A studio session that started it all 

When she was 22, Layonne got her first check for session work for E Street Band member, Danny Federici. Her mom told her, "You're a professional now." More session work followed over the years, with Layonne laying tracks for Fernando Saunders of Lou Reed Band, Vini Lopez of Steel Mill, Bill Chinnock, Steve Delopoulos and John DeGrazio of Burlap to Cashmere, Matt O'Ree, and many others. 

Thriving in the spotlight 

Much as she loves studio work, Layonne gets a special rush from the audience/performer dynamic. Her joy for her craft comes through in every live performance. 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 11-piece Motor City Revue, a Motown & Stax tribute band that since its founding in 2011, has built such a strong following that it sells out nearly every performance. 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. 

Performing in the major leagues 

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, featuring Jon and several Jersey artists doing covers of famous rock and pop songs, including some of Bon Jovi's own. 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, Marc Ribler, Glen Burtnik, and Beth Nielson Chapman. 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. 

The next chapter 

Layonne continues to stretch her musical muscles, turning her attention to songwriting collaborations with area musicians. Layonne's first published song, "Higher Plane" appeared on the 1999 Love Among Freaks CD, "Representin' Planet Earth". Layonne and the New Standard Jazz Quintet often include some of her more recent compositions in their set list. Layonne's next goal to conquer: recording a solo CD. Based on her successes to date, the CD is bound to be a powerhouse debut and surely will lead to even more "firsts" in the future. 

 

~ by Barbara Willis

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IN THE NEWS 

Nov 23, 2021 Asbury Park Press

 

Sept 9, 2021 Asbury Park Press

 

Dec 10, 2019 Asbury Park Press

 

Dec 3, 2019 Instinct Magazine

Jan 18, 2016 Two River Times 

Dec 24, 2015 NJ Arts.com 

Asbury Park Press 2013 Summer Guide! 

June 29, 2012 Asbury Park Press 

Feb 28, 2009 Aquarian 

Oct 31, 2008 Star Ledger 

March 2, 2007 Two River Times 

Feb 20, 2007 Asbury Park Press 


Please listen to my interview with Andrea Tarr of Jersey Coastal Live, click here 

2023 CALENDAR.

2023

 

 

JANUARY 

 

Jan 7 - Stage Stars' Snow Business, Long Branch Distillery, Long Branch, NJ, 8pm

Jan 28 - Motor City Revue, Star Centre of Havre de Grace, Maryland, 8pm

 

FEBRUARY 

Feb 23 - Tim McLoone's 75th B'day Bash, McLoone's Supper Club, Asbury Park, NJ, 7pm

Feb 24 - Matt O'Ree Band, Berkeley Hotel, Asbury Park, NJ, 8pm

Feb 28 - Black History Month Celebration with Jeff Levine & Friends, 10PRL, 525 Bath Ave, Long Branch



MARCH 

Mar 4 - Twilight Concert to benefit AIDS Resource Foundation for Children, St. George's by the River Church, 5-7pm

Mar 24 - StarLight Jazz & Broadway Show, McLoone's Supper Club, Asbury Park, NJ, 8pm 


APRIL 

 

Apr 1 - The Disco Connection, Wonder Bar, Asbury Park, NJ, 8pm

Apr 14 - Motor City Revue, McLoone's Supper Club, Asbury Park, NJ, 8pm

Apr 21 - Ray Andersen's Bowie & Beyond Tribute, The Vogel, Red Bank, NJ, 8pm


MAY

May 12 - Les Paul Celebration w/Bob Bandiera, Pollak Theater, Monmouth University

May 17 - Motor City Revue, SOPAC - South Orange Performing Arts Center, South Orange, NJ, 2pm MATINEE!



JUNE 

Jun 3 - Motor City Revue, Private Party

Jun 4 - Motor City Revue, Rochdale Park, Queens, 6-8pm

Jun 9 - Tim McLoone & The Shirleys, Pier Village Boardwalk, Long Branch, NJ, 7pm

Jun 22 - Motor City Revue, Pier Village Boardwalk, Long Branch, NJ, 7-8:30pm 

Jun 25 - Private Party

Jun 30 - Motor City Revue, Private Party


JULY 

Jul 15 - Apr 1 - The Disco Connection, The Vogel, Red Bank, NJ, 8pm

July 17 - Bob Bandiera Band, The Columns, 6pm

Jul 20 - Layonne's Soul Celebration, Vailsburg Park, Vailsburg, Newark, NJ, 7pm

Jul 21 - Matt O'Ree Band, Downtown Freehold, NJ, 7-9pm

Jul 23 - Motor City Revue, Private Party

Jul 24 - JazzNotJazz Duo w/ Chris Buono, Downtown Freehold, NJ, 7-9pm

Jul 27 - JT Bowen w/Arlan Feiles, Danny Clinch Gallery, Asbury Park, 6pm

Jul 28 - Matt O'Ree Band, The Vogel, Red Bank, NJ, 8pm

Jul 29 - Matt O'Ree Band, Stanhope House,  Stanhope, NJ, 8pm

Jul 30 - Motor City Revue, Private Party

Jul 31 - Motor City Revue, Elmwood Park Bandshell, Norristown, PA, 7pm



AUGUST 
 

Aug 6 - Motor City Revue, Highlands Clamfest, Huddy Park, Highlands, NJ, 6-10pm

Aug 16 - Chris PinnellaMcLoone's Supper Club, Asbury Park, NJ, 8pm

Aug 24 - Motor City Revue, Traders Cove Marina, Brick, NJ, 7-9pm

Aug 25 - Motor City Revue, Blu Grotto, Oceanport, NJ, 6-9pm

Aug 28 - Motor City Revue, Bell Works, Holmdel, NJ, 7-8:30pm



SEPTEMBER 

Sep 4 - Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, The Stone Pony SummerStage, Asbury Park, NJ, 8:30pm

Sep 4 - Motor City Revue, Roosevelt Park, Parsonage Rd, Edison, NJ, 6:15-7:45pm

Sep 10 - Ray Andersen's Bowie & Beyond Tribute

Sep 13 - Motor City Revue, Private Party

Sep 23 - Bob Bandiera's Tribute to Tom Petty, The Vogel, Red Bank, NJ, 8pm

Sep 28 - Motor City Revue, Downtown Freehold, NJ, 7-9pm
 


OCTOBER 

Oct 20 - The Shirleys, Private Party 

Oct 25 - Private Party 

Oct 28 - THEATER SHOW!!! Motor City Revue, Brook Arts Center, Bound Brook, NJ, 8pm

Oct 29 - THEATER SHOW!!! Motor City Revue, Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe, PA, 8pm



NOVEMBER 

Nov 3 - Matt O'Ree Band, Prima Theater @ Grunin Center, Toms River, NJ, 8pm

Nov 9 - Motor City Revue, Calandra's, Fairfield NJ, 7:30-9pm

Nov 25 - Motor City Revue, Triumph Brewery, Red Bank, NJ, 8-11pm

Nov 27 - The Shirleys, Long Branch Tree Lighting, Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ, 5pm


DECEMBER 

Dec 3 - Private Party 

Dec 4 - The Shirleys, Rumson Tree Lighting, Victory Park, Rumson, NJ, 5pm

Dec 8 - Pat Roddy Holiday Show, Bar A, Belmar, NJ, 7pm

Dec 9 - Quincy Mumford's Holiday Show, The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ, 7:30pm

Dec 10 - Disco Connection, Wonder Bar, Asbury Park, NJ, 8pm

Dec 15  - Pat Guadagno & Pat Roddy Christmas Show, Wonder Bar, Asbury Park, NJ, 7pm

Dec 18 - Motor City Revue Holiday Show, McLoone's Supper Club, Asbury Park, NJ, 7pm

Dec 22 - The Shirleys, Holiday Show, McLoone's Supper Club, Asbury Park, NJ, 8pm

Dec 30 - Motor City Revue, Triumph Brewery, Red Bank, NJ, 8-11pm

Dec 31 - Private Party

Portfolio

CRediTS.

Short Life Small Planet Eliot Smith
JT Bowen-Angels Among Us
MOB-Hand-In-Glove
SteveForbert
Carry You Home Elana Hayden
LaMonts-ChristmasTree
Better Angels - Steve Shohfi & John Korba
Arlan Feiles - What Kind Of World
DJ Lorant - More Freedom
Steven Keene By Your Side
Robert Cotnoir
Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes
Matt O'Ree Band
Eryn - Lady E
Arlan Feiles
Arlan Feiles
Arlan Feiles
Arlan Feiles
Darlene Love
Bruce Springsteen
Lloyd Price
JT Bowen
Gordon James
The New Standard Jazz Quintet
Ray Andersen - No Room For Bullies
Love Among Freaks
Motor City Revue
Motor City Revue
Motor City Revue
Steve Delopoulos
John DeGrazio - Stronghold
Fernando Saunders
Bridget Larson
Beth Krenkel
Rob Dye
Boyd USA
The Hoopsnakes
Danny White
Bobby Lynch
The Boomers
Mango Bros.
Stormin' Norman
Danny Petroni
Jack Strobel
Bill Chinnock
The Shirleys
Mike Wells
Holiday Express
Holiday Express
Holiday Express

and many more!

Contact

CONTACT ME.

For bookings, information, collaborations... Let's talk!

info@layonne.com

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