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After hours: Stayton mayor and friends to perform at fine arts festival

November, 2011 Posted in Arts, Culture & History

By Mary Owen

Stayton Mayor Scott Vigil has only performed once with a band, but is up for a second try with his own band, After Hours, at the upcoming North Santiam Fine Arts Festival.

“I like entertaining people and having a good time,” said Vigil, who recently played guitar and sang at a local blues night.

After Hours will debut as one of four main groups to perform at the upcoming music festival.

Three of the band members, all from Stayton, get together on a regular basis: Tom Wells on the drums, “Gorgeous” Dan Gorgus on the harmonica, and Vigil on guitar and vocals. Frank Fullerton and Doyle Royal from Salem will join the trio at the North Santiam Fine Arts Festival.

“I don’t know what it’s like to be in a band really,” Vigil said. “So far, the only challenge, like with anything involving more than one person, is getting everyone together at the same time.”

Vigil started playing in band and folk ensemble in fifth grade and played percussion in band through high school.

“I was also in the choir,” he said. “I joined choir to be their drummer, but ended up singing more than I thought I would.”

Vigil got his start on the guitar while in folk ensemble, giving him, he said, “a slight understanding” of the instrument.

“I started playing more guitar in a worship band that already had a drummer when I was stationed in Saudi Arabia,” Vigil said. “I wouldn’t say I play anything very well, other than drums, but I’m learning several different instruments.”

Vigil said he is focusing more on reading music.

“As a percussionist, I only had to read the rhythm and only have a basic understanding of reading music,” he said.

When Vigil and his wife became foster parents in 2010, Vigil’s music room was turned into a bedroom.

“I moved all my music gear down to my shop,” he said. “I started playing after work a little bit here and there, which would later be translated into the name of our band, After Hours. As I played, different people would stop and listen. Some would join in.”

Now months later, the fledgling band is moving from shop to stage at the upcoming festival.

“I think the festival is a great place to play,” Vigil said. “I love the cause.”

Changing hats from musician to mayor, he added, “I would really like to see more music venues in Stayton.”
Vigil said he supports the festival in any way possible, and encourages people to attend.

“I hope people can get out and support the fine arts in the North Santiam School District,” he said.