Les Vaughn & Ted Matzen Fenderbenders Band - "Matzen & Vaughn
"Les Vaughn" and "Ted Matzen" are...
New History:
We traveled to Austin in the spring 07 and played several events and have many new friends as a result' Some will travel to Ore. In July to visit. Leeann Atherton and Zgenya came for a show with us. Visit www.zeerok.com and www.leeannatherton.com We feel we have discovered our new home.
"THE FENDER BENDERS"
"Les Vaughn and Ted Matzen"
Old History:
Much of this Bio is derived from "excerpts" of an article written in Sept. 2002 for "Positively Entertainment Magazine" by Carrie Kiekel who is employed by The Oregon Symphony as the public relations director. We would like to "Thank you Carrie", for the wonderful words.
"The Fenderbenders" hail from the beautiful "Columbia River Gorge" in the wonderful state of Oregon. Audiences of all ages are repeatedly impressed by "Les Vaughn" and "Ted Matzen" by their versatility, showmanship, and creativity. Their wide variety of musical sounds, are derived from the influence of many artists. The fun and the music, that just seems to magically happen is very impressive and for most listeners, will not be soon forgotten.
"Les Vaughn" has been featured in many magazine and newspaper articles, such as the CCMA owned "Power Source" magazine", New York's City's "Music Review Magazine", "Positively Entertainment Magazine" and many more."
Les and/or Ted have traveled to many areas of the U.S. to perform including Nashville, Tennessee, Austin Texas, Aspen, Colo.,
One of Les's compositions, "Ambrotose Train" climbed to # 38 on the "Music Review Magazine" National Christian/Country Charts in 2001. This same song was distributed to over 1000 Christian/Country stations internationally that same year. "Ambrotose Train" received much airplay in La Blenec, France, The Netherlands, and Sydney Australia. Les currently is selling his music digitally, worldwide in 73 countries, at www.lesvaughn.com, www.cdbaby.com, ISound, Itunes and many more sites and venues.
Les was the elected leader of a seven piece band in the 70's called "Hayride" that was chosen as the band of choice three years in succession for Clark County Washington’s annual "Evergreen Air Show". Another of his credits was the very popular "Back Porch Boogie Band" of the 80's which was selected as the 1988 headliner group for the annual "Clark County, Washington Sausage Festival" held in Vancouver, Wa. Les states, "That night the band was right on. It was one of those nights you never forget." No matter what we played it was so easy and so much fun that I was actually getting goosebumps from the sounds. "We played four encores before finally the management finally asked the police to lower the fences to disperse the crowd of over five thousand."
In the year 2000 Les was selected as a showcase performer for the "CCMA" convention and awards show which was held at the Downtown Sheraton Hotel in "Nashville, Tennessee". The entire "Fender Benders Band" traveled from Oregon to attend this huge event which was finalized at The Ryman Auditorium on the last night. Merle Haggard was a guest performer that night.
In Sept. 2001, Les and the "Fender Benders" were featured in a full spread, two page article in "Positively Entertainment Magazine".
The "Fender Benders" were advertised as the "Headliner Band" at the first ever, 2002 "Hoodstock Festival" in memory of 9-11, which was held on the banks of The beautiful Columbia River, in Hood River, Or. They saved a live recording of the event. The CD can be purchased at "CD Baby". It is the “Fender Benders at Hoodstock Live" cd.
"Les Vaughn" was, and still is greatly inspired by the songs and styles of many of the great musical artists, which include to name a few: "Carl Perkins", "Elvis Presley", "Johnny Cash", "Marty Robbins", "Chuck Berry", "Hank Williams Sr." and many others. Whether he is singing or playing the guitar, regardless of what style of song he is performing, Les's voice will surround you with full resonance and presence that many singers are not gifted with. He says, "It is just a gift on loan to me for a while, like everything else". The mayor of Dufur, Oregon, in 1993, at the annual "Threshing Bee" was heard to say, "I thought God was singing Johnny Cash songs out of the sky." as Les was singing one of his Johnny Cash favorites "Ghost Riders In The Sky" at the outdoor event. He was three blocks away from the performance at the time.
Les has the ability to rock your soul, or cause tears to run down your cheeks, or make you laugh. all, signs of a truly wonderful performer and entertainer. Some say "he sounds more like Johnny Cash, than Johnny Cash" when performing many of the hits made famous by this country music legend. Together with the world class lead guitar work provided by Ted the Fenderbenders are impressive.
Les is described, as a friend's wife puts it as; "very commanding and unforgettable". Les brings country standards, oldies, and rock and roll to the forefront and performs them in a way that is in fact, "original" and in his own style.
Les and Ted have either written or rearranged the songs they perform.
"Ted Matzen" writes many of the songs that he sings. He also plays wonderful and sometimes very exotic, leads on several different instruments, which include: steel guitar, harmonica, mandolin, flattop guitar, and his, "Telecaster Sound". You are guaranteed never to forget. He sings many heartfelt songs related to his life and childhood memories. He also writes about historical places and events, such as the unforgettable "Where the Winds Blow" and also, writes and sings many other styles of lead vocals. He won first place in last years annual "Huckleberry Festival" in Washington. (Les got 2nd place) Les says jokingly that, "Ted must have gotten to the judges prior to the performance". Ted Matzen brings into the group a strong blues/rock/reggae influence, coupled with surf music, bluegrass and country. Les says one of his favorites is Ted's latest song called "Dance Away the Night". Ted Matzen has several albums, which are also for sale both at the gigs, and on the internet. His latest release "Farm Sale" is sure to touch your heart. He is closely associated with, and is always welcomed and sought out by many very noteworthy and popular groups. He is also closely associated with many famous players. He works with some regularly, aside from the "Fender Benders" and travels to many states, including Hawaii and Aspen, Colorado for special performances. He is a very much sought after and very accomplished musician. He is also a person that you would want as a friend. When you meet him, you will see exactly what we mean.
Ted's first professional gigs were performing for fraternity parties at San Diego State College. He performed later with Joe Holly, the left-handed fiddler from the legendary group, "Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys". Ted continues to work closely with Les Vaughn on recording plans and musical direction.
"Les Vaughn" and/or "Ted Matzen" are available for singles, duos, trios full band and Internationbal bookings. The "Fender Benders", which would include both Les and Ted, are also available for cross-country performances.
For local bookings within the states of Washington, Oregon, or Idaho, drop a note in the guest area of this website or email: guitarman1943@charter.net; you can also call: 541-980-0215