Today we’d like to introduce you to Judi Vinar
Hi Judi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been singing since I was a kid, sponging up whatever my mom and 6 siblings were listening to. I participated in most of the school and community music events growing up. Got my undergrad degree in Vocal performance (Classical / Musical Theater) and went on to sing Pop/Jazz/Gospel/Folk and occasionally some classical (when all the other sopranos were busy.)
I moved to the Twin Cities in 1987 and started making my way into the music community. I taught at Music Tech (McNally Smith) and helped develop the Voice Department for 20 years. In 1998 I met and began working with the incomparable Bobby McFerrin. From the 90’s through Covid I’ve had the great joy of singing around the world with Bobby in “Voicestra” and “Gimme5”. At home I’ve sung with numerous bands made up of some of the finest musicians ever: “The Wolverines”, “JazzMN Big Band”, “The Girls”, “Judi Cliff ‘n’ Daves”, “St. Croix Jazz Orchestra”, “Dean MaGraw and Pat Donohue”, “Buffalo Function” and “The WPK Trio”. I’ve also been teaching “Circlesongs” workshops with Bobby since 2005.
Nowadays, I’m a freelance voice teacher and clinician by day, sing in a few clubs in the area, and most of the Lori Dokken productions. I also play/sing at 8 smaller churches in the region and volunteer at a local Senior Facility, playing and singing for my pals in the memory care unit and doing a few concerts for the larger assisted living community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a beautiful, zig-zaggy road. The real struggle is that of the music business more than the music itself. Most local musicians don’t have the ability to hire an agent or manager. So we have to build skills to do things that aren’t necessarily easy for us, like self-promotion, knocking down doors, creating boundaries, asking for fair wages… There were times along the way that I thought a 9 to 5 gig would be so much easier. But, leaving music just isn’t a reality for most of us. And looking back, I see a heck of a lot more joy than struggle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a vocalist/teacher/budding guitarist. My specialty is style versatility and teaching efficient vocal techniques. I’m not sure I can speak to what I’m “known for”. Maybe it’s that I’m rather fearless as a singer; willing to take things on, improvise, jump in on more difficult material, etc. I also consider the song more important than the singer, so I don’t need to “blow all my chops” just for show. I use them when it’s useful/musical. Finally, I’d like to think that I make the audience feel comfortable and enjoy our time together. I’m so grateful to the audience. Without them, we musicians would be a sad and lonely bunch.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I suppose I’ve taken a lot of risks along the way – every audition, every new band, new show, mysterious gig opportunity, every video put out on YouTube – ha! But, that is the nature of being a musician, so it doesn’t feel much like risk to me anymore.
The biggest mistakes I’ve made were the times that I tried to “Look” or “Present” in ways that seemed to be what the culture wanted, rather than just being myself. I’m grateful those lessons are behind me.
If the mission is worthy, take the risk.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.judivinar.com/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@judivinar2486
