DOWAGIAC — Guests attending Thursday’s Music In The Park performance experienced song stylings from one of southwest Michigan’s brightest young stars.
Skyler Vincek performed for a packed crowd at Dowagiac’s Music In The Park Thursday night. Woodstock and Grill and Waffle on a Stick were on hand providing food, sweets and refreshments. The performance was sponsored by Lyons Industries, Inc, Southwestern Michigan College, Honor Credit Union and MonaCo Cleaning Service.
“It was a great turnout and a lot of fun,” he said. “This was one of the most fun gigs we’ve had.”
During his concert, the Dowagiac Union High School senior entertained the crowd with covers ranging from Chris Stapleton to Waylon Jennings, Toby Keith and more. Vincek enjoyed performing in front of his hometown crowd.
“I play mainly in Sister Lakes, so I never really ventured out this far,” he said. “I was surprised about how many people came out. I’m very grateful.”
Vincek, 17, began playing guitar five years ago amid the COVID pandemic. What started as a hobby to stave off boredom soon turned into a passion.
“I had nothing to do. We were staying inside,” he said. “I saw Fender had free guitar lessons. I watched three of those, and I got my basic chords by practicing every day. I started learning songs.”
Vincek enjoys the process of playing guitar and has been playing for about five years, starting with 90s alternative music before exploring country music.
“I like setting up and taking down. I think it’s fun but that’s when the nerves start to kick in, when you’re setting up,” he said. “You meet a ton of new people. I never thought it’d come to this but I’m very appreciative.”
“Music runs in the family on both sides but I had no idea we’d be doing this,” said Skyler’s mother, Kim Vincek. “It turned from him being bored and being kind of into guitars into this. I love it, it’s so fun.”
Vincek is currently working for a construction company this summer and is considering attending a trade school to pursue a construction management degree. This fall, community members will be able to see Vincek shine under lights at Chris Taylor Alumni Field at quarterback for the Dowagiac Chieftains football team.
“I look forward to playing more music and playing a lot of football,” he said. “I love (working construction) too. Those are my three favorite things to do.”
With a summer packed with performances, Vincek is happy to be living out his dream of performing music.
“It can be pretty tough to get through the first song because nerves are going,” he said. “You’re worried about forgetting the lyrics but after you get through the first song, it goes smooth the rest of the way. You get into it, you start breaking a sweat and have a ton of fun.”
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