Todd Wright will perform at the first Acoustic on the Green of the summer, June 2, 7-9 p.m., at the Leesburg Town Green, 25 West Market St., Leesburg. Acoustic on the Green features acoustic music from various artists every Saturday through Aug. 27. Visit www.acousticonthegreen.com or call 703-737-7084.
Introduce yourself and any other people in the group:
Just me. Todd Wright. The truth is my parents named me Edgar Todd Wright all those years ago when I didn't have much say in things. I would've definitely vetoed that decision. My oldest brother refused to call me Edgar so the middle name became my title.
How did you get your start in music?
I started on toy guitars and banging on Tinkertoy cans. I used to pretend I was in KISS. I knew from around 6 or 7 that this was what I wanted to do and I never wavered. Started on violin, moved on to clarinet and then to drums. Played drums for several years and started to write songs. Around the age of 19 I decided to sing my own stuff. So I jumped off the drum kit, bought a guitar — I played a little — and formed a band with me as the singer.
How long have you been performing?
Ugh … 22 years. Wow. I hadn't done that math until this very moment. I was playing in bars by 16.
What is it that you love about performing?
There are nights, every so often, when you feel like you have an audience. I mean really have an audience. You feel like you are affecting them. It's hard to explain and, ironically, it usually happens just when you feel like you're at the end of your rope. When it happens I am reinspired. It reminds me why I do this.
What is your best memory when it comes to music?
There are many. Sometimes I don't realize how special things are until I look back. For example, looking back at when I toured New Zealand and Japan with Lucy Woodward as a member of her band I had a good time on the tour but looking back it was amazing. I wish I could do it all again and really soak it all in.
Where is your favorite place to play, either publicly or personally?
Jammin' Java in Vienna is my home. House of Blues in Chicago is wonderful and this summer I'll play Wolf Trap for the first time. I'm sure that will rank in the top five.
Best compliment about a performance?
That someone would say to me? I don't know … I guess when someone connects with a lyric. It feels good to know that I've written something that means something to someone.
What is your favorite piece of music and why?
That's a tough one. Is it OK to say the entire Beatles catalog? :)
Who would you love to play with? Why?
Paul McCartney. One verse, one chorus … one note. Anything.
Describe your sound:
I think I'm still trying to find it.
Biggest musical influences:
The Beatles, Elvis Costello, Crowded House, Del Amitri.
Other influences:
Movies. I am very inspired by good flicks.
Anything special about the upcoming show?
I'm psyched because I live in the neighborhood. I walk my dogs by Acoustic on the Green all the time.