The Wayne Messmer Jazz Group
Saturday
September 14, 2019
7:30 p.m.
Orlin Trapp Auditorium
From the World Series National Anthem, to a Big Band, Jazz combo, or in concert, Wayne Messmer’s booming baritone voice has earned a solid reputation as one of Chicago’s finest vocalists. In addition to being the National Anthem singer for the Chicago Cubs, Wayne Messmer sings the Great American Songbook covering such artists as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin and more. Backed by a powerhouse big band, Wayne will bring you back to a simpler time when lyrical love songs filled the radio air waves.
Wayne Messmer grew up as a “city kid” on Chicago’s Southwest Side. Always practicing “opportunity management” he positioned himself in the right place at the right time for 99% of his life. As the volunteer P.A. Announcer for the Loyola University Hockey Team, the tape recording of the National Anthem broke before a game was about to start, so Wayne stepped up and took the challenge, and the microphone and sang it himself. Messmer’s extraordinary singing career started that very day at a college hockey game… and the rest was history.
As the celebrated National Anthem soloist with the Chicago Blackhawks at the old Chicago Stadium, for 13 seasons in the NHL, and subsequently with the Chicago Wolves, Chicago Cubs and formerly the Chicago White Sox, he became known nationally as, “Chicago’s Voice of the National Anthem.” His signature ending note on the word, “brave,” (on the 5th) has been recognized as his trademark since the 1980’s, and has frequently been copied by other singers ever since.
In 1994, he faced his biggest life challenge after an incident left him with his life and voice in peril. No one knew then if he would survive that fateful spring night, let alone speak or sing again. But his courage, conviction and perseverance brought him to his triumphant performance as “The Voice of Victory” at the 2016 World Series.
In addition to his singing career, you may have seen Wayne Messmer as the Yankees radio announcer in the movie “The Babe,” or in “Damien,” A one-man play. He is also well known for the “Wayne Messmer Radio Show” in Chicago on WDCB 90.9 FM as well as broadcasting news and sports for various Chicago teams and radio stations. He is a sought after keynote speaker and storyteller, sharing keynote topics including “The Spirit of a Champion” © , “The Voice of Victory” and “Keep the Faith.” As an author, his critically acclaimed book, The Voice of Victory, celebrates it’s silver anniversary in 2019. Wayne is the Senior Executive Vice President and Founding Partner of the Chicago Wolves and financial professional at Wayne Messmer & Associates, LLC.
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