Talking With Wayne Bergeron – June 8, 2026
Jazz Vegas Orchestra, Myron’s June 17
Trumpet virtuoso Wayne Bergeron, one of the most respected and sought-after musicians in the world, joins Ira for an engaging conversation ahead of his appearance with the Jazz Vegas Orchestra in Myron’s at The Smith Center on June 17.
In this fascinating episode, Wayne reveals the unexpected path that led him to the trumpet—even though it wasn’t his first instrument—and how a surprising act of vandalism helped shape his future. He discusses why he wasn’t a natural musician, his early desire to play in a rock band, and the influential band directors who helped guide his career.
Wayne also shares how his admiration for legendary trumpeter Maynard Ferguson eventually led to joining Ferguson’s band, what he learned from the iconic performer, and why he immediately slipped into “fanboy mode” when they first met. He offers behind-the-scenes stories about recording at Capitol Records, explains why Michael Bublé is a seasoned veteran despite his age, and discusses the unique pressures of performing—revealing why he feels completely calm as a studio sideman but still gets nervous when stepping into the spotlight as a featured artist.
From career-defining moments to lessons learned from music legends, this episode offers an entertaining and insightful look at one of today’s premier trumpet players and the remarkable journey that brought him to the top.
ABOUT WAYNE:
Wayne Bergeron is enjoying a career as one of the most sought-after musicians in the world. Studio sessions, film dates, international touring, jazz concerts, guest appearances and music clinics keep him busy — not only in his hometown of Los Angeles — but worldwide. The renowned Gordon Goodwin, leader of the Big Phat Band, even commented, “Wayne is a once-in-a-lifetime trumpet player.”
Wayne was first introduced to the scene when he landed the lead trumpet chair with Maynard Ferguson’s band in 1986. “Wayne is the most musical lead trumpet player I’ve had on my band,” Maynard said.
As a sideman, Wayne’s list of recording credits reads like a “who’s who” in contemporary jazz and pop, running the stylistic gamut from Ray Charles to Green Day.
Wayne’s featured trumpet solos can be heard on West Side Story (2021 Steven Spielberg), La La Land, Sing, The Incredibles 1 and 2, Rocky Balboa, The Secret Life of Pets 2, Minions, Minions 2:The Rise of Gru, Spies in Disguise, Jersey Boys, Aladdin and the King of Thieves, Despicable Me and many more.
His greatest love is playing lead in big bands. Waybe has recorded and played with some of Los Angeles’ most respected artists including Quincy Jones, Gordon Goodwin, Pat Williams, Sammy Nestico, Jack Sheldon, Chris Walden, Tom Kubis and Bob Florence.
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