You won't believe your eyes or your ears when Ted Vigil takes the stage as the legendary John Denver. Vigil will perform the late singer's music at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House on Friday at 8 p.m.
Vigil has always had a love of music and the stage. The Seattle native began singing for audiences at an early age. He started in the church folk band at the age of 8 and continued singing in musical productions in high school.
In 1990 he began writing, recording and performing his original compositions. In 2006, Vigil competed against performers from 28 states, New Zealand, Australia and Canada to win first place in "Talent Quest '06" in Laughlin, Nev. After his win, and after years of hearing how much he resembles the legendary Colorado musician, he began to plan a John Denver tribute show. He sang his way across the U.S. and in 2007 shared the stage with Keith Anderson, Jeff Bates and Kevin Sharp on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's annual "Traveling Kountry Kruz."
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That same year, he won a "Celebrity Look-Alike" contest in Seattle for looking like ... you guessed it, John Denver. Three years later, Vigil met Denver's lead guitarist, Steve Weisberg. A bond was formed and the two began to tour together in a special tribute to the iconic pop star. In just a very short time, Vigil's performance has developed into an act with national appeal, featured at casinos, show rooms, night clubs, fairs and festival across the U.S.
Vigil certainly has found his niche. The comment heard most often after his performance is "I can't believe how much he looks and sounds like John Denver ... it really took me back."
Tickets to Vigil's performance are $15 ($13 for Opera House members) and may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 679-1891, Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. They also may be purchased online any time at www.fredopera.org. The event is made possible, in part, with funds from the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County. Opera House media partners are WDOE-AM and Kix Country 96-FM radio.
Chautauqua County's only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. A complete schedule of events is available at www.fredopera.org.
