Ed Mendoza
Ed Mendoza is originally from Sauk Village, IL where he started his first band with
his best friends Kenny Cook and Johnny Mendez.
Those were the days, 3 chord songs
and rocking out basements and garages!
Since then Ed has played in various bands over the years. The most notable was a duet
named Chico. The duet formed in 1982 and continued to perform together until 2003. 21 years!
The lead singer was Al Villarreal. Al taught Ed how to harmonize, get over stage fright and learn a
variety of 70s Music, Country and Classic Rock. Al was an incredible lead singer with a voice like
the legendary Jim Croce. If Chico really needed to pump out the music they added an extremely
talented drummer/singer named Dave Wilson. When the trio played, they were known as Triple
Play.
During the last couple of years in Chicago, Ed and Al played as Chico in Lincoln Park at a restaurant
named Four Farthings. Every Saturday night from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am.
Music has always been a passion of Eds providing a safe haven from the tensions of every day life.
He originally started playing guitar when he was 15 years old, watching and listening to his dad
play at churches, events and even just on the living room couch.
"My father was my biggest inspiration, and my biggest fan up until the day he passed away".
Other musical influences included the music from Paul Simon, Eagles, America and Jim Croce.
"I just love songs that tell stories!"
In 2004, Ed and his family moved to sunny Surprise, Arizona! And during the first 3 years the desire
to get out and perform was welling up inside. So in 2007, He placed an ad on Craigslist for a
musician who shared the same passion for music and performing as he did. Finally, after 6 months
of auditions and waiting, Greg Drejza responded to the ad and there was no denying the synergy
and sound. Now to come up with a name for the duet!
One of the most beautiful aspects of Arizona is the incredible sunsets. No matter how your day
went, viewing it is inspiring, exciting and at times breathtaking. As a tribute, the decision was
made to call the new duo, Copper Skies.