Wayne Wilkinson is a headliner guitarist that performs and tours across the country and internationally. Throughout his over four decade career, Wayne has shared the stage with iconic jazz musicians, world class performers and a President of the United States.

Wilkinson, an artist with Benedetto guitars and GHS Strings, is known for his high-octane melodic playing which jazz trombone legend Bill Watrous said “is the greatest guitar playing I’ve ever heard.”

Wilkinson’s group, The Wayne Wilkinson Trio, performs a mix of straight ahead and traditional jazz standards American songbook fan favorites innovative jazz arrangements of chart toppers and inspired original compositions.

Wayne also works with other trios, quartets and small groups and performs as a featured/guest artist with various musicians.

In addition to concerts festivals, jazz clubs recital series jazz and swing societies and private venue events, recent performances have included the London, Tel Aviv, and Vail Jazz Festivals a United Kingdom Tour, and Hawaii Tour.

As a previous faculty member at the nationally accredited Colorado Springs Conservatory, Wilkinson helped establish the Jazz program. He also completed ten years as an adjunct professor for Jazz Guitar at Colorado State University – Pueblo. Wayne conducts master classes and clinics at universities and conservatories across the country.

Wilkinson has played at the White House, Carnegie Hall and at major jazz and music festivals with the premier Air Force Jazz Ensembles “The Airmen of Note” in Washington, D.C. and the “Falconaires” in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Quotes about Wayne Wilkinson:
“In my life I don’t think I’ve ever heard a more magnificent guitar player than Wayne.” Bill Watrous, world-renowned jazz trombonist.
“One hell of a guitar player.” Johnny Smith, legendary jazz guitarist.
“Considered by many musicians to be one of the best, most underrated jazz guitarists in the country, if not the world, Wilkinson turns any song, no matter the style, into his own personal signature.” Carol Banks Weber, Jazz Music Examiner.
“Wayne is a jazz guitar virtuoso.” Dick Fairley, Jazz Excursion host.

Some of the musicians Wilkinson has played with include: Bill Watrous, Bucky Pizzarelli, Johnny Smith, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Wycliffe Gordon, Terell Stafford, Nicki Parrot, Houston Person, Ken Peplowski, Nelson Rangell, Harry Allen, Henry Mancini, Lenore Raphael, James Moody, Stanley Turrentine, Joe Williams, Ernie Watts, Chuck Redd, Ed Polcer, Allan Vache, Bria Skonberg, and Adrian Cunningham. Other people he’s played with in his career are President Clinton, Jack Jones, Dianne Schuur, Bob Hope, Roger Williams, and Louis Belson. He is a repeat guest performer with Earl Klugh’s Weekend of Jazz.

Wilkinson’s latest CD, “Holly Tunes,” is his ninth independent label recording and features the Wayne Wilkinson Trio with special guest Thomas J. Dawson, Jr..

Wayne is a Benedetto Guitar Artist and plays the Benedetto Bravo Elite, Benedetto Bambino and Benedetto Ben-Bino Jazz Guitars. He is also a GHS Strings artist and an endorser for Jim Dunlop USA Jazz picks. Wayne uses Henriksen amplifiers.

Andy Burtshci – Bass

Andy Burtschi has worked as a professional bassist for over twenty years in Dallas, Memphis, Nashville, Central Illinois, and Colorado Springs. He studied music at the University of Evansville and at the University of North Texas. He taught adjunctly at Millikin University from 1998 to 2008. He was on the faculty of the Colorado Springs Conservatory. He has performed as a member of the Wayne Wilkinson Trio since 2011. An in-demand bassist with extensive studio and live experience in a wide array of musical styles, he enjoys a full playing schedule with many fine musicians. Jazz recording projects have included his own group, The Beatniks, with Randall Reyman Rose of Loami, with Sam Crain, and Proceed to Route with the Wayne Wilkinson Trio. He has also recorded with contemporary Christian artists Jared Anderson, with Michael Gungor (Grammy-nominated Beautiful Things), and Shannon Wexelberg.

Scott Barbier – Drums

Scott M. Barbier is a native of Colorado Springs, CO and has played in numerous top musical organizations throughout the Pikes Peak region. Scott followed in his father’s footsteps joining the United States Air Force Academy Band where he spent the next 30 years performing world-wide with the highly acclaimed premier military band. A very versatile drummer and percussionist, Barbier came under the mentorship of many great Air Force drummers. He also studied with world champion rudimental drummer Mitch Markovich, and Tom Mendola of the Faunt School of Creative Music in Los Angeles, CA. In 1998, Scott earned his BA in music graduating Summa cum Laude from Regis University. Barbier has performed with artists in many musical genres and is proud to have performed on the Nashville Now TV show and the Grand Ole Opry. Scott currently serves as the Classic Worship Manager and Percussionist at First Presbyterian Church. One of Scott’s greatest joys is supporting and taking care of the church’s Sanctuary Choir, Big Blue.

Thomas J. Dawson, Jr.

Thomas is an accomplished musician, producer, composer, and film editor, who collaborates with some of the most successful artist in the music industry today. His diverse talents as a keyboardist are only exceeded by his genius as a studio engineer who is at the forefront of music technology trends. Thomas has performed on stage with internationally renowned artists such as Kelly Rowland, Eric Benet, Howard Hewitt, and the Commodores. Thomas is the Commodores’ music director, lead keyboardist, and has co-produced many of their songs and CDs for this legendary group. His credits include projects with music icon Beyonce and J-Lo. Thomas has produced several projects of his own with the jazz group Finger Roll. The first of these projects won the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Jazz Discovery competition.

As computer technology has become more vital in every aspect of the music and film industry, Thomas has excelled as a consummate recording and audio post engineer. His experience and training as a musician, combined with his knowledge of computer technology, has made him one of the most sought-after studio engineers in the business. He is independently scoring movie soundtracks and expanding into mastering the integration of video and music production.

Thomas’ reputation as a creative artist and versatile professional has also allowed him to transcend the boundaries of all music genres.

On stage, Thomas’ passion for music is heard in the rhythm of his work and seen in the eyes of audiences that marvel at his talent. He was the music supervisor and Co composer the film my brother’s keeper which in 2020 was nominated for a Dove award for Inspirational Film Of The Year.

Thomas has a passion for sharing his knowledge with others. He is currently a professor of audio recording at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and also tours nationally as a guest lecturer at other universities.

Thomas continues to thrive as a music producer, arranger, film and tv composer and engineer in the dynamically changing entertainment industry. His creative versatility, professionalism and character ensure that his success will be sustained for years to come.