During our regular tour, it’s Frankie Valli’s classic “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.” Our goal with that song was to give our audience the same feeling they had when they first heard that amazing song, but any artist wo rth their salt also has to put their own stamp on their material, or you’re just a cover band. With the background vocal parts and the creativity on the ending, I feel we were able to honor the original and lift it just a little bit higher. Now, it is very specifically “ours.”
BRANDON WARDELL, is the newest member of Under The Streetlamp. A native of North Carolina, Brandon is equally at home on stage, in front of a camera, in the recording studio or in the concert hall. He made his Broadway debut in “James Joyce’s The Dead,” alongside Christopher Walken, and also appeared in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” opposite Sutton Foster.
He also performed on Broadway in the casts of “Assassins” with Neil Patrick Harris, “Good Vibrations” and “Catch Me If You Can,” and was featured in “RENT” at the Hollywood Bowl, directed by Neil Patrick Harris.
Wardell sang before a live audience of more than 1 million at the 2005 Times Square New Year’s Eve Celebration, and also performed on the stage of Radio City Music Hall and at The Merle Watson Festival, sharing the bill with Allison Krauss and Emmylou Harris. He is a proud member of the Broadway Inspirational Voice choir and the Recording Academy. Also an avid producer, his work for the stage and in the recording studio has been honored with a Tony Award (he has been nominated for an additional four) and four Grammy Awards nominations.
Musical Influence: “My father is my number one influence when it comes to music. I grew up in a house where our third bedroom was a band practice room for my dad. He gave me every opportunity to be a part of his world. I had my first gig playing drums with his band when I was 12. When they announced my name, my Dad says I walked on stage twirling sticks in both hands and I never looked back.
Although a stroke a few years ago has been a physical setback, he never has given up on learning how to grow as a musician.”
Fondest Memory:
“I would have to say my fondest memory thus far has been getting to know the whole team; they are great people and incredible performers. I am a lucky man.”
Favorite Song to Perform:“I am looking forward to performing “Got to Get You into My Life” by the Beatles, because I am a huge fan and love the sound of the great horn parts juxtaposed with the traditional rock instrumentation.”
SHONN WILEY is the consummate song and dance man and a gifted choreographer. He made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning revival of “42nd Street.” He was then asked to star in a groundbreaking production of “42nd Street” in Moscow, making Shonn the first American actor to perform in an English speaking musical in Russia. Shonn later returned to the Broadway stage in “Dracula the Musical, during which time he also made his television debut