This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, June 5, 2012 - Over his lengthy musical career, guitarist/vocalist Vince Martin has compiled an impressive resume - from backing the legendary blues guitarist Albert King as a teenager to opening for the likes of Barry White, Grover Washington Jr. and a long list of other nationally known performers.
According to Martin, his mother bought his first guitar for him when he was 10, and since his family couldn’t afford to pay for lessons, he learned to play by watching guitarists like Roy Clark on the TV show “Hee Haw” and listening to the late metro area DJ, Leo Chears, play jazz and blues late at night. Noted St. louis musician David Hines also mentored Martin and helped him get a start in his career as a professional musician.
Martin recently released his first recording as a leader, “For a Friend.” In addition to his upcoming debut this Wednesday, June 6, as a headliner at the Whitaker Music Festival, Martin has performed at events such as Bluesweek and the Big Muddy Festival in addition to frequent club appearances throughout the metro area.
HOME: St Louis, Missouri - cradle to present.
AGE: I’m a baby boomer - on the younger side.
INSTRUMENTS: In addition to my voice, I play electric, acoustic, slide and some classic guitar ... bass, harmonica and drums. And I also whistle very well!
HOBBIES: I love the outdoors, especially hiking or biking. I also like to cook - the basics, especially soups and salads. I customize and build guitars. I’m also into zen meditation and being peaceful.
LAST CONCERT ATTENDED: Nigel Mooney (from Ireland), also Kurt Elling.
LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Working on some original music. I’m also proud to be successfully growing tomatoes, raspberries, blueberries and other edibles in my own “victory garden.”
WHY I DO WHAT I DO: Music is my life, my love, my being. If music ceased to exist then so would I! Nothing else would matter. I love all styles of music.
QUOTE: “All good music belongs to all humankindand this wonderful God-given discipline of music is meant to enrich and soothe our souls ... and to perhaps solve some of life’s untold mysteries.” Vince Martin
Check out www.vince-martin.com for more info.
Whitaker Music Festival - Missouri Botanical Garden
The annual Whitaker Music Fest at the Botanical Garden, has undoubtedly become the most popular - and crowded - summer music festival in the area. The Festival takes place on Wednesday evenings through June until the end of July this year, and it's common for these concerts to attract crowds of 7,000 to 8,000 people - or more.
There are some basic rules: Admission to the Garden is free starting at 5 p.m., and visitors can bring their own food and beverages in coolers, blankets and lawn chairs. You can even bring a table, but it has to be less than two feet in height. Just remember NOT to bring any pets, flags or banners, sports equipment such as Frisbees, grills or any cigarettes. The Garden is smoke-free at all times. Food and beverages - including beer and wine - are available for purchase. The music starts at 7:30 p.m. and usually ends sometime before 10 p.m.
The best advice is to plan ahead and get there early. Parking can be hard to come by as the start of the concert approaches. Pick your spot - either near the bandstand or somewhere else in the Garden (remote speakers carry the music well beyond sight of the performance) - and relax and enjoy. If you have kids along, remember that the Children's Garden is open with free admission from 5 to 7 p.m.
In case of rain, check the Garden's website - www.mobot.org - Facebook page or Twitter.