VERGENNES — On Nov. 15, at 8 p.m., Justin Panigutti will bring his seven piece band, Into The Mystic:  Van Morrison Experience, to the Vergennes Opera House for an intimate evening of Van Morrison’s greatest hits and deepest cut’s.
Initially formed in Vermont in 2016 Into The Mystic has been on the road, tirelessly re-creating the spirit and energy of Van Morrison’s catalog for audiences all across the Country.
“I like to refer to the band as an ‘experience’ because we, the musicians, and audience alike, are experiencing songs we know and love, in a live setting, allowing us to go ‘Into The Mystic,’ as I like to say, and really get into the songs and stretch them out,” Panigutti explained. “Just like The Man himself, we never do the same song exactly the same. Every night is different, every audience and room is different. The more exchange we can create with the audience, the deeper ‘Into The Mystic’ we get to go.”
Panigutti is the main performer singing lead vocals, and playing guitar and harmonica, and says it’s an “ethereal process” to go to those magic places. He’s joined by Dan Rahilly on guitar, Chris Doncaster on bass, Micah Carbonneau on drums, Shane Hardiman on keyboards, Avery Cooper on alto and baritone saxophone and flute, and Matt Dolliver on tenor saxophone.
“Van has written such masterfully crafted blueprints, all we seemingly have to do as a band, is start playing and the songs almost come to life, as if from a gentle slumber,” he said. “Our goal is to take our audience on a ride, and leave everyone feeling better then when they walked through the door.”
Initially, Panigutti put together his band for a one-off performance. Now three years later, they’re still at it.
“I have come to learn and really appreciate just how special Van’s music is to so many different people of all ages and musical tastes,” Panigutti said. “Whether you know it or not, chances are you like Van Morrison and you’ll dig an Into The Mystic show.”
Come see for yourself on Friday, Nov. 15, 8 p.m., at the Vergennes Opera House. Tickets are $30 and available at the door or in advance through vergennesoperahouse.org.