[April 26, 2013] Vicci Martinez returns to The Swiss for anniversary show Tweet Apr 26, 2013 (The News Tribune (Tacoma - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Vicci Martinez was a 16-year-old aspiring performer when she first played at The Swiss 10 years ago. The Tacoma native was just embarking on her singing and songwriting career. "It was a big deal," Martinez said of her first gig at The Swiss during a phone interview from Southern California last week. "I was working with (then manager) Reed Riley and he was hustling around the Northwest to get me exposure," Martinez said. She performed at Jazzbones during the same period. Martinez returns to her roots tonight when she plays The Swiss as part of its 20th anniversary weekend celebration. Former Swiss co-owner Bob Hill took a chance on Martinez by giving her weekly gigs "just to get in front of people," Martinez said. Soon, Hill and Martinez had a running joke. "Every time I play the Swiss and I walk by Bob, he says, 'What's your name Are you playing tonight ' " Hill said it's a nod to Martinez's laid-back style. "She's very unassuming," he said. "She doesn't act like a rock star." Martinez had a slowly ascending career until 2011, when she became a finalist on the first season of NBC's "The Voice," propelling her into national prominence. The singer released "Vicci," her major-label debut album last summer. Its single, "Come Along," features her "Voice" coach Cee Lo Green. The just-released video for "Come Along" is in the top 20 on VH1. The single has been getting increased radio airplay and steadily climbing the charts. Ranked No. 34 on the Hot AC at the end of last year, it's now in the No. 17 position. "It's the little song that could," Martinez said. "I'm surprised that it's been out for so long and it's still going up." Martinez said she worries people will get sick of hearing it, "but people are hearing it for the first time." The success of "Come Along" is a vindication for Martinez. Others in her management circle wanted other songs on the album to be released as the single, but she stuck with her choice. "I trust my instincts," she said. "You work hard for the things you really believe in." Martinez attributes the song's climb up the charts to making relationships with radio stations. "They put the word out: 'She can play live,' " she said. "One station would call another and put in a good word." Martinez is on the road visiting radio stations. She recently appeared on the "Today" show with Al Roker for a segment on "The Voice." And she's working to release another single off "Vicci" in the next two months. But she is still tied to Tacoma. Martinez and Tacoma Community College recently announced the Vicci Martinez Arts Scholarship for Women. Martinez was a Running Start student at TCC during her junior and senior years at Stadium High School. Martinez said she didn't get an associate degree "because I took too many pottery classes." The $1,500 scholarship will be for any student studying the arts. Martinez will play a part in the selection process. "It's hard to get funding for (the arts) and it's a lot of work," she said. "I definitely know how hard it is and a little bit of help would give a boost to somebody like that." Martinez's show tonight will be a homecoming of sorts to where it all began. "It's the heart of Tacoma," Martinez said of The Swiss. "The regulars just keep on coming." Craig Sailor: 253-597-8541 [email protected] ___ (c)2013 The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.) Visit The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.) at www.TheNewsTribune.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]