(Photo by Lori Savaree)

Being raised in Fredonia Gina was exposed to many genres of music. So, she eventually began writing alternative rock, country and blues songs of her own. Blues quickly became her passion and she decided to work with bands who played in Jamestown. But, her first opportunity to become a member of a working band came when she was 17. And, since then her career has grown exponentially.

“I come from a musical family who always had singing and musical instruments playing at family gatherings,” said Gina. “My mother taught me to sing. My brother Chuck Vecchio is a very well accomplished sound man. He introduced me to musicians who were making a living out of music and because of him I was able to work with them.”

Throughout her career as a musician she has had the opportunity to play in some great venues like Buffalo's Lafeyette Tap Room and annually at Fredonia's Red, White and Blues Festival. But, the start of 2012 brought on some great forward moving changes. She is currently working with local band Coal Train.

Gina with Coal Train's first show together was at Rookies on the Lake in Dunkirk on January 29. The show was met with great success. The venue was so packed that the band was asked to continue for an extra hour resulting in a total of four hours of music. One of the reasons the show was so well received was because there was already some chemistry between Gina and the members of Coal Train. She had previously worked with the drummer Jon Washburn and the guitar player Mark Bunce in the band Gina and the Blues Keepers.

“It was a reunification of a family after three years of being apart,” said Gina. “To be there at Rookies on the Lake on Sunday was enlightening to say the least. I was so humbled and I am so grateful to those who came out to support this new venture. The audience was very happy and told us that we took a leap and they were here to catch us.”

The show combines vocalist Stephanie Rogers with Gina's vocals and stage presence. Throw in Paul Sweat on rhythm guitar and vocals, drummer Jon Washburn, guitar player Mark Bunce and bass player Hal Kwasniewski and the audience is met with a wall of sound that can't be ignored. Plus, add Steve Blount sound guy, road manager and website administrator to the mix and fans are guaranteed to have a high quality experience.

“The band was like a well oiled machine,” said Blount. “Stephanie and Gina is such an interesting combination. The dichotomy between them couldn't be more night and day. Their differences compliment each other very well.”

Coal Train's drummer Jon Washburn's 10 year friendship with Gina has produced a great musical relationship in which both parties are very happy with the results.

“The Rookies on the Lake show was golden,” said Washburn. “We had a beautiful crowd and I couldn't have asked for anything to be better. We had a magical night that was really fabulous. Everyone in the band had a great time playing and it really energized us for our next performance. Plus, it's a luxury to have the two girls up on stage singing together.”

Gina is also writing songs for her first original music CD. She picked up her guitar eight months ago and decided it was time to put something together that represented her as a musician. She is taking lessons from Barry Edwards of Crino Music in attempt to master the instrument. Since then she has written 17 songs that she will record with Coal Train and release the album early in 2013. Some of the tracks to look forward to seeing live before the album is released are the title track “Just a Dream”, “Woulda Coulda Shoulda”, “Busy Being Me”, “Draw the Line”, “Not Your Problem” and “Last Call”. But, in the meantime fans can check out one of Gina's singles entitled “Firefly” that was released in 2011 is available for download on Itunes. The music of “Firefly” was written by Bill Smith and Gina wrote the lyrics and melody.

(Photo by Mike Reynolds of RAK Photography)

“My original material doesn't fit into a style of genre,” said Gina. “I don't really have an agenda when I go to write. I just start to play. The melody will come first and the lyrics after. The songs aren't so much about what I've experienced either. They are about things that I've heard about that hit home with me. But, I have to admit “Firefly” is solely about my childhood. It is about the Fredonia/Dunkirk area, the innocence of childhood and how we long for it. To just be happy and enjoy the simple things in life like chasing fireflies around the campfire at night. I also wrote “Busy Being Me” for my father.”

Gina has had the opportunity to play with many local musicians who have been an inspiration to her throughout her musical career. One of those shows was when she opened for Big Leg Emma at the Donna the Buffalo show at Club Infinity in May of 2011.

“That was the first time I played guitar in front of anybody and here I was at Club Infinity,” said Gina. “Bill Smith accompanied me and I had the full support of John Streed of Blue Moon Management, promoter Ross Catalino, Big Leg Emma and Charity Nuse cheering me on. I truly believe that has a lot to do with the original boost that I could do this.”

That support Gina V received also inspired her to start a page on facebook that unifies musicians in Chautauqua County. The page can be found here: facebook.com/groups/301297093234123.

“I have a passion for uniting the musicians in our area,” said Gina V. “So, I started the page because I thought it would be a nice place for the musicians from the North county to interact with those from the South county. There are currently more than 140 members and they are a very supportive group. It's exciting to see that the bands are getting along and meeting each other.”

Gina V also believes in supporting local businesses and venues. So, she recently teamed up with Lisa Clark of Eye Candy in Fredonia regarding items from the store will be available for purchase at the merch table during shows. And, there will be merch available in Eye Candy as well. She also supports the venues she plays at like the Kangaroo Cafe.

Gina V with Coal Train's next show will be at Rough Kutts Tavern in South Dayton on February 4 at 9 p.m. and Gina V will be subbing for Stephanie during this show.

“Come summer Stephanie may have to take a maternity leave,” said Gina V. “But, with her permission we will continue to book shows and we will look forward to her return.”

However, before summer begins there will be a few shows where fans can catch the two on stage together. The next show is scheduled for March 2 at the Good Time Saloon in Jamestown presented by Blue Moon Management's John Streed.

“I really want to thank John Streed and Charity Nuse for listening to my music early in my career and telling me that I could do it,” said Gina V. “I also want to thank the venues who have been supportive like Rookies on the Lake, 41 West, Willow Creek Winery and Merritt Estate.”

They also have a show the following day on March 3 at 41 West in Fredonia. Gina will then play with a special guest and Kev Rowe of Big Leg Emma at The Woodsongs Coffeehouse Radio Hour WRFA LP 107.9 FM at the Labyrinth Press Company in Jamestown on March 29. And, she will play again for The Woodsongs Coffeehouse Radio Hour Finale show at The Southern Tier Brewing Company on June 3. But, the fun doesn't stop there, the band will also be making at appearance in the Gazebo in the Village Park of Fredonia on August 8 and the White Inn of Fredonia for the annual Red, White and Blues Festival on September 8.

“The beauty of Coal Train is that they are capable of playing whatever songs and genres are appropriate for the venue,” said Gina V. “So, at the Red, White and Blues Festival we will be going all blues.”

But, out of all the upcoming shows the one to look forward to the most is the show at Willow Creek Winery of Silver Creek during the Jammin in the Vines III on August 25. At that show Gina with Coal Train will have the opportunity to be the opening band of the festival. The show will also feature Red Wanting Blue. Plus, Big Leg Emma will open for a TBA nationally touring act who have had a hit song. This is a show that fans won't want to miss.

For more information visit ginavmusic.com or find her on facebook at facebook.com/ginavmusic and on Twitter at twitter.com/ginavmusic. And, for information on Coal Train find them at facebook.com/pages/Coal-Train/194442597243239.