Q&A with vocalist and guitarist Bill Mozingo

Bill Mozingo spends his time rockin’ as a solo artist, in a duo or with his band, but he also makes time for singing praises at the Wave Church in Virginia Beach.

Mozingo, 32, attended school in Virginia Beach in his early years, left the area in his teens and returned to attend college in the mid-1990s.

In 2002 the vocalist / guitarist started doing acoustic acts, which brought him to release a self-titled EP in 2004 and a nine-song CD, “It Is What It Is,” in 2005.

By 2006, the Bill Mozingo Band formed with Daniel Hines on vocals/guitar, TJ McKinney on bass and Jarrett Stanley on drums. The band’s first show was later released on CD, “Live at The NorVa,” and also features guitarist Jon Williams on lead guitar. Williams joins the band for bigger stage shows.

“We have some things coming up in Maryland and Philly,” which will have them hitting the road, Mozingo said. “The summer is always busy.”

Here’s how he answered our questions:

What was the best live show you ever saw?

Believe it or not, Garth Brooks at the First Union Center in Philadelphia. And I’m not even a big country fan, but there’s a reason that guy won entertainer of the year so many times.

What’s your worst performance memory?

We did a show at ODU for a big music festival, and we were allotted 20 minutes. During the first song I broke a string, and for the next eight minutes or so I was scrambling around trying to find one to put back on the guitar.

What is your earliest musical memory?

My earliest memory … is when my fifth-grade class from Kempsville Meadows Elementary went on a field trip to Washington, D.C., and the entire trip I listened to a tape of Van Halen’s “5150.” The reason I remember it so well is because I was able to sit next to a girl that I liked, and we shared the headphones.

What inspires you?

Most of the songs that I write are about other people and their struggles and victories, with some exceptions. Life has so much substance, in regards to songwriting, that it’s almost impossible to miss it.

What’s one thing people should know about you?

When I’m not rocking the late-night club scene, you can find me leading praise and worship at Wave Church on Great Neck Road.

Reach Patty Jenkins at (757) 446-2298 or patty.jenkins@pilotonline.com

IN PERSON 

10 tonight  and Friday , H2O, 3152 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach; (757) 496-2528

ON THE INTERNET

Web site: www.myspace.com/billmozingoband