CityStage, Springfield, MA
May 16 & 17, 2013
by Eric Sutter
Ted Vigil is a singer, songwriter, and John Denver tribute artist. In 2006, Vigil competed against contestants from 28 states, taking first place as the best Denver-like singer in talent and even in looks. He now performs his John Denver tribute nationwide. In the Spotlight (ITS) spoke to him about his life's endeavors. . .
ITS: First, how did you get started in music?
Ted: Well, when I was a young kid about 10, we would do
country jamborees with family in the Olympia, WA area. I took drum lessons and
played in a diversity of styles such as concert band, jazz and rock bands in
high school.
ITS: As a John Denver tribute artist it's obvious his music
influenced you. Are there other artists?
Ted: I'm a big Beatles fan. Paul McCartney & Wings,
Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor and The Eagles were influences. I have a wide
range of influences.
ITS: I see that John Denver's guitarist Steve Weisberg is
joining you at CityStage. Could you tell me about that?
Ted: We both worked with tribute artists and met about five
years ago. Mutual friends on Facebook connected us, and he gave a call to work
with me. It's been amazing.
ITS: It's amazing how much you look and sound like John
Denver. Which came first, the look or sound?
Ted: When I met my mother-in-law, she commented that I
looked like John Denver. Of course, I thought I was Bon Jovi back then. Later
on, I tried John Denver music and adopted his look on a daily basis.
ITS: Will you add your own songs to the set list for
CityStage?
Ted: Yes, a tribute to John called 'Sing My Songs' and an
environmental song 'Blessings in the Skies' that was co-written with the
country band Montgomery Gentry.
ITS: Do you have any personal favorites to sing?
Ted: I love the highs of 'The Eagle and the Hawk' and
'Calypso' is always fun. I also like my 'Blessings in the Skies.'
