Federal Way’s Vince Mira may have just turned 17, but he’s already parlayed quite a bit with his spot-on Johnny Cash covers. The Teen in Black (a.k.a. Juanny Cash) mostly played for tips back in 2007, the year an appearance on Seattle's Channel 5 led to gigs on “Good Morning America” and “Ellen: The Ellen Degeneres Show."

Last year, Mira released his debut album, “Cash Cabin Sessions,” which was produced by Johnny Cash's son, John Carter Cash. His appearance at Pike Place Market’s 100th anniversary concert a while back led to a friendship with Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard who recently recorded Mira for a forthcoming Hank Williams tribute. And at 12:15 p.m. Saturday, the teen troubadour will take the main stage at the Gorge’s Sasquatch festival for the first time.

Not bad for a guy who’s barely old enough to drive. Hey, before long he may be as famous as that other guy from Todd Beamer High School. You know, the Sanjaya? And what are they putting in the lunches up there, anway?

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... to listen to outtakes from my interview with Mira expressing his desire to be more than a Johnny Cash tribute act and laying out his plans for the rest of 2009.