VICCI MARTINEZ, SINGER: 'As an artist, you have your people that you look up to.'
Vicci Martinez was 14 years old when Dave Matthews changed her life.
The Tacoma teen had just started learning to play guitar when a friend invited her to a Dave Matthews Band concert at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Grant County. Martinez was only a marginal fan at the time and owned a copy of Matthews' "Crash" album.
But what she saw that day made her a true believer. She was blown away by her new idol's energetic delivery and the sincerity of his expression.
It was incredible, Martinez recalled. I'd never felt that feeling in my life. ... I just think it was something I was supposed to see for myself to build my artistic career.
Since that formative experience, the 19-year-old singer-songwriter has tread her own path towards stardom. She's a frequent performer at such regional nightclubs as Fenders, Jazzbones and The Swiss.
But her biggest forum yet has been a pair of appearances on CBS-TV's "Star Search" last April.
Matthews has been a guiding light throughout.
As an artist, you have your people that you look up to - just kind of that big brother kind of person, Martinez said. And even though I don't know him, I feel that about him.
Most of all, she tries to embody the spirit of her idol's live shows.
On my bad days, I go out and I let loose, even if it's a free show, she said.
