Showcases

VOCAL August 2015 Showcase
This month’s installment of the long running VOCAL Showcase featured Glenda Creamer and Russell Lawson as the featured acts. Glenda, on acoustic guitar, opened the show with selections from her newly created “Life of Jesus” song book. The songs traced some of the scripture found in the New Testament. “My Name is John” gave us a portrait of the disciple and of his devotion to Jesus. “Wherever You Go” told about the Wedding, or pledge of love to Jesus and how He would be there with those committed forever. This was followed by the reception song “This Wine” and “the Splendor of King Solomon”. “Jesus Wept” was a tale of the death and resurrection of Lazarus. In “Let The Children Come” Glenda painted a portrait of the pilgrimage to see Jesus and the last song from this book was about the tax man “Zaccheus” and how to keep him under control. “Thank God For Each Day’ was self explanatory, and in a totally secular turnaround, “I’m a Witch Today” depicted the spells and incantations the singer thought she could put on people. After a short intermission Russell Lawson took the stage.
With Russell (guitar) were Josh Jones (guitar), a singer/songwriter from the Southwest Songwriters Association, and local fiddler Dave Berry. Tapping into a combination folk/pop set list, Russell kicked it off with “One More Drink (till I’m sober)” which told about the singer’s angst with a relationship and how he hopes drinking will make him forget that she’s gone. Josh followed up with “Let Me Stay With You” which was a plea for conciliation. “Friend” (Russ) in essence told about how we all need a friend in life. “Stars in Las Vegas” by Josh covered the history of LV from the days of natives to gangsters to big name stars. Plucking the banjo, Russell delivered a tribute to the late Pete Seeger entitled “Thinking Pete” and how he was thankful for a “mighty good life”. “Pause” (Russ) with a blues feel gave us pause to think about someone who has passed. A fiddle interlude was provided by Dave. Josh took the mic for “Synchronized Vibrations” which depicted how ethereal connections between two people can outweigh the physical draw such as “steel to an MRI”, In “Days Gone By” Russell gave us a picture of a better place waiting for us when we leave this earthly realm. “Land of Opportunity” (Josh) was a song about believing in and taking advantage of the things we have here before us. That was followed by Russell’s “”Churchill Tunnel” and “There” about all the things that happened when he met that certain someone “There was music” etc. The final song in their set was “Where Are Your Tears” which chastised a lover for seemingly to have no regrets after breaking up. “Were you faking it all these years?” he asks.
A fine variety of material gave the audience a very enjoyable evening of music and banter.

The July 2015 VOCAL Songwriter Showcase (287th!!) featured two relative newcomers to VOCAL, Joanie Valentine and Guy Gorman, and the seasoned long-time member David Atkins.

Joanie opened the show on keyboards with her very smooth, mellow jazz and blues creations that only she can deliver. This was her first solo performance at the VOCAL showcase. I felt I was sitting in a comfy jazz club somewhere listening to a diva. She opened her set with Never Love That Way Again, remembering that she quivered at the warmth of the touch, and her heart will never mend after this relationship ended. Love You Still, a signature Joanie tune, followed, bringing more love-lost lament that she knows so well. Foolish had a cool play one words, it’s always been you, it’s always been me, but it’s too soon to be us. She ended her set with a moving a cappella number (using only a shaker) You Broke My Heart Real Slow. She intimated that she “gave her heart too easily, but you took it, so you can share the blame”. Kudos to this great talent who delivered her original numbers despite being somewhat under the weather!

David Atkins then took the stage, a welcome return of a long-time VOCAL-onian. He performed “in the raw” (but was clothed), armed with only a warm-sounding acoustic guitar and sans backing tracks. This bare-bones approach allowed us to witness his true vocal and musical talents. He opened with a familiar number Wishing You Were Here, a cheating/leaving song. When a Woman Smiles is a new tune from David, and had me humming/singing along the entire way. I think many of us can relate to this! That Little House on Leeksville Road was a haunting number that draws you into the story of a return trip to the place you used to call home. There’s Only One Drink in the Bottle was delivered as only David can do it, the story unfolding in a favorite bar near you. You’re just a drink away from loneliness! Put Down the Phone and Drive is a fairly new tune that we can probably all relate to. I want to make it home alive! David ended his set with his songwriter’s anthem Sing Your Own Song. It’s a wonderful tribute to his fellow songwriters who pour their hearts out every night.

Guy Gorman delivered numerous tales of love, humor, reminiscence, and everything in between. He played harmonica and guitar on most of his tunes, which was effective in conveying their essence. Love Makes the World Go Round had a Marty Robbins feel to me, as did several of his songs. It’s a Holiday in my Head is a somewhat-twisted (but relatable) song about being at work but not really “being” there. Bicycle Bell was a Jonathan Richman-ish tune reminiscing the wonderful memories of ringing and hearing the bell on the bike when you were riding all over creation. Let’s Rock and Roll is our way out of the current “mess” you may find yourself in – rock and roll heals all! He then followed with the Richmond Flying Squirrels fight song, which elicited audience participation. In My Life is a song we can all relate to, about the need to have music in our lives (including Ludwig…). Guy performed a signature song of fellow VOCAL member Claudia Carawan, Fearless. This is a wonderful creation of hers, and it was very honorable of him to perform the number. You Ought to Know Better Than to Play That Rock and Roll is a tribute to the life of a musician, putting up with criticism from mom and dad, etc. Outa my Rut and Into the Groove is a cool tune about getting your head on straight and your heart “resurrected”. I Wash the Dishes is one of our favorites from Guy (and obviously for the ladies). Some of us can certainly relate to that tune! I Wanna Be Loved by You had the audience singing along, and the show ended with God’s Got It, encouraging us to seek divine guidance when we may be down – perfect gifts come from up above.

A wonderful entertaining evening was enjoyed by all!

June 2015 VOCAL Showcase

Hot weather outside and hot music inside. VOCAL’s June showcase included sets by Larry Cody, Doug Patrick and Triad. Larry Cody opened the evening with a set of original tunes. Using backing tracks for support, He opened with “(What) I Thought You Said)” an up-tempo song about miscommunication with his partner and how not listening can get you in trouble. “Almost Too Good” followed. The country ballad “Back To The Beginning” featured his brother on steel guitar (on the tracks) and was reminiscent of a Willie or Merle composition. It was very well received by the audience. For the aspiring musicians out there Larry’s song “I’m Gonna Dream My Life Away” depicted the willingness of the singer to sacrifice his life trying to make a career in music. Keeping with the music theme, “Ready For The Road”, with help from Doug Patrick, was about an ego driven musician who claimed he was too good for the radio, but much more suited for the big arenas.

Seguing in to the next, the guys reversed position with Doug Patrick showcasing his material and Larry on the side. First song from Doug on the 12 string guitar was “Leave It Like We Found It” an earnest plea to protect the environment. “Full Time Lover” has the singer requesting his lover to allow him be more of a participant in the relationship, which doesn’t seem likely. The kid’s a T-ball league terror in “Put Him In The Line-up”. Who according to the singer, should be scooped up by any manager needing a superstar in the line-up, but, of course, he’s a little young yet for the big leagues.
“Till The Boys Come Home, Again” recently featured in a play about the Civil War is a tale of two men fighting on opposite sides with their families desperately waiting for the war to end so they can be reunited. A situation not uncommon back then. He was ably helped out on the vocal by Kelly Kennedy. Musicians on the road seems to be a poplar subject for songs, and “Rivertown” holds true to that premise. In this one, Doug recounts the saga of a dis-satisfied troubadour who couldn’t make ends meet in Austin and sadly decides to return to his home town, Richmond. Closing out his set, Doug performed “I’ll Hold You As Long As I Can” which was a musical letter to (his) grandchildren promising to be there for them, to guide them and to keep them safe for as long as he is able.

Triad, as the name might imply, is a group made up of three performers, Dale and Vickie Payne and Dave Pollard. Dale and Dave do vocals and the guitar work, while Vickie adds rhythm and harmony and lead vocals as well. No question this a well practiced and tight group as their performance this night proved. (note: titles intuited) “The Mountains of Virginia” was beautiful song about the virtues of the state, based on real experience of traveling around it, with particular emphasis on the area known as Bull Pasture River in the western part of the state. Dale next presented his new song and attempt at a country hit, “Would You Take My Heart For a Spin” an analogy laden song comparing a vehicle (truck) to his heart. Dave followed with “Good Bye To My Heart” wondering, in essence, how do I go on without you after a break up. Next up was “Church of the Mind” a song inspired by street people who profess no organized religious beliefs, but more of a spiritual existence, and proclaim “Bring the God you trust” not the one you were fed. “Dear Annmarie” was formulated like a letter addressed to an old love whom the singer dearly wishes to see again, but probably won’t succeed. “Downtown Side of The Street” was an up-tempo romp exhorting the listeners to go where the action is, on the downtown side, reminiscent of the Orlons “South Street” (Where do all the hippies meet). Vickie next took the mic on “Devils Den” which was a sad tale of a woman waiting and hoping in vain for her soldier to come home from a long ago war, probably realizing it wasn’t gong to happen. “Reach Out Your Hand” was a song inspired by Dave’s sister which was dedicated to the idea of Hope. A pretty ballad “Just An Old Love Song” was followed by “Trust Your Heart” both romantically themed and the last song, from Dale, “The Power of Three had spiritual and mystic overtones commenting on how things seem to come and go in threes, especially in divine cases (Father, Son, Holy Ghost e.g.) even the fact that Triad is made of up of three individuals. Food for thought.

Overall: it was a grand night for original music in front of a highly appreciative crowd.

May 2015 VOCAL Showcase

Scheduled performer Joannie
Valentine was unable to appear
tonight, so her slot on the showxase
was filled in last minute by Matt
Manion. Matt opened the show on
acoustic guitar with a repetoire of
self penned tunes. He projected a
strong stage presence with a big
voice. leading off his set was the
plaintive song “Light and Laughter”
which despite its title was on the
melancholy side. “VCU Veteran”
described his time at the university
with such words of wisdom as “take
an inner journey, listen to your
mind”. “Life Can Be Funky Down on
the Pamunkey” described life along
the river. A Quarter to Midnight” is
one of Matt’s signature songs
detailing his lonely journey to
church on Christmas Eve and finding
solace and identification with
another lonely soul, the man in the
toll booth who appears at his church
during the service. “Don’t Need To
be Perfect” advises the listeners to
be who they are and be happy. “Last
Man on Earth” details the experience
of the title and how that feels to
the singer. Expressing his humorous
side, Matt regaled the audience with
his take on being member of a band
and having to be immersed in their
miscreant ways. His solution, “Don’t
Stand By Me” don’t let me be
associated with all the dirt, become
a solo act, Closing out his set, was
the tale of living in a raunchy
Louisianna flea bag, he dubbed the
“Royal Roach Hotel.”

A brief break followed to set up the
next act Flashlight Tag. Flashlight
Tag is the duo of Justin Laughter
and Brian Phelps. Justin plays
various electric guitars and Brian
plays bass guitar. The duo is well
known around Richmond and an off
shoot of their larger group Silly
Bus which usually features songs for
children. They kicked off their set
with a song inspired by Justin’s
farming experience, “In the Short
Rows” which refers to how the rows
of corn get shorter when planted on
the bias. “Betsy Ross” was a tribute
to the lady who supposedly designed
the original American flag. That was
followed by “Coldest Eskimo” which
could describe how a jilted lover
might feel. Between songs there was
funny bantering going on much to the
delight of the audience. “Snack
Machine Love Affair” was folllowed
next by “Unravelling” which had
Justin switching to 4 string tenor
guitar. Many of Flash Tag’s songs
are short, punchy, pop rock tunes
usually consisting of two verses and
two choruses and a quick exit.
“Dorothy” referred to the Wizard of
Oz character and covered her
relationship with the other
characters in that film. “Something
Got A Hold” was followed by “I Get
Lost” and “Puppets”. Next song in
the set was a humorous look at fast
sea food places like Captain D’s and
described the good (!) stuff on
their menus, like fried fish and
fries. Switching back to 6 string,
Justin and Brian finished up with
“Beacon” which is something we all
need in our lives, a source of
light, and then ended their set with
“Control” which was about how we
lack control.
Despite the small crowd, both acts
were warmly received and shown much
appreciation for their efforts.

The April 2015 VOCAL Songwriter Showcase featured three very talented writers who each brought their unique style to the stage.

Markiss Blowfish (Mark Branch) opened the show with his stylistic blues-ish means of conveying his stories. Mark is a street musician who travels with Betty Lou (his guitar), often playing local farmers markets. He started with You Got a Ticket, a train song, and then moved us down the track to Betty Lou, his guitar’s namesake (she’s my kind of girl, and drives me wild…). He then delivered Jody (you’re no-good, low-down). He then brought us All About Nothing (he said the song is all about nothing, but there was a lot of calling and texting going on!). Mark then had a change of heart with a tender love song Pretty Little Love Song (I want to sing a little love song – what could go wrong?) Maybe Mark needs to “branch” out in a new love-song direction! We Have to Try is a hopeful tune about making love work, and says there’s no need for fighting. Mark ended his set with his version of a John Lee Hooker song I Take my Whiskey Late at Night – pour the hard stuff down the drain, and bring me one of them beers!

Dick Upton then took the stage with a re-invented musical self, playing guitar accompanied by his electronic “Buddy in a Box”. This device is pretty cool – it automatically provides harmony vocals based on your own! Don’t Let the Treadmill be Your Drummer’s Beat was an ode to “taking time to smell the roses, as life is too short!” Take Me Back calls for the good old days when life was simpler. Dick then displayed some fine guitar in a rock-and-roll number (You Don’t Have to Fall Down Low to Reach Out to the Man up Above). Borrow Against Tomorrow was reminiscent of the Allman Brothers with its guitar-infused magic. Dick ended his set with I Just Wanna Go Down Where Everybody Knows My Name, a tribute to VOCAL and the welcoming/like-mindedness spirit the group offers (I don’t need trophies, fortune and fame, just some place where people know my name). The feelings are mutual, Dick! Kudos to Dick for stretching his boundaries of songwriting by embracing a new instrument and bravely writing/performing new songs with an unfamiliar instrument over just a few months’ time.

Bill Wellons entered the headliner spot on his ever-popular keyboards and started with If You Ever Send Me Away, asking the questions like who’s gonna love you when you’re old and gray, and who’s gonna make you biscuits like I do? He then brought us a very beautiful monthly April love song about unrequited love called You’re Only a Wish Away. A Long Time Ago reminisces about the innocent days back in 1965, when we saw The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show. In the Mind of a Child was another “look-back” to the innocent years when we played baseball every day, and our pet dog also served as the umpire. My Shiny New DeVille was a cool groovy tune about a desire to buy a new Caddie and hit the road. Better Stay in Tonight is inspired by an elderly gentlemen who lives alone with his dog in an inner-city neighborhood. Gunshots sound out, and I’d get away if I could! Be True to Yourself is a very poignant tune telling us you can’t be true to others if you can’t be true to yourself! While The Time Away takes us back to the snowfalls in winter when we just need to stay inside, build a warm fire, and snuggle on down! Bill was joined by Norman Roscher, for whom he wrote the song I Think I’m Gonna Take my Baby Dancing. This is a crowd favorite and brought the folks alive! He ended the night with Just a Song I Wrote for You, a simple song, not too long.

2015 VOCAL March Showcase

Though delayed by a week due to the St. Patrick’s day celebration at O’Toole’s, the March showcase went on with the same line-up as advertised. Scheduled artists James Lester, Luke Rhodes and Steve Nuckolls took the mike and performed a great set of original material before a small but enthusiastic audience.
James Lester on electric/acoustic guitar always does a fine job of blues picking and songwriting.
His first tune was “Lady Bug” followed by “I like Your Love” a song about obsession with his woman’s affections, “Make My Day” tried to delineate the difference between love and lust with lust seeming to win out. Next up: “The Day After Valentine’s Day Blues” was a tribute to the singer’s lonely feelings because the holiday didn’t live up to expectations (no love). “Queen of Mystery” detailed the story of Lilith from Genesis with an air of the devil hanging over her, and James’s last song in his set was “Coatesville Blues” with the singer barely surviving existence on his own.

Luke Rhodes brings a new perspective to VOCAL. His genre of electronic indie pop is unique to the showcase. Armed with computer driven tracks, digital keyboard and a drummer (Justin Shaw) he launched into his set with “King Kong” a statement about not being chained down by societal expectations. “Special Someone” gave us a picture of a woman who used her wiles to devour lovers and them discard them like a “raggedy blanket”, but then tries to come back into their good graces. “Heavy Hitter” was full of descriptive material for a totally destructive almost sadistic relationship with such terms as “bleed me from a hole in my neck”, “you’re a train wreck” and “screaming sex”. Despite some cryptic lyrics “Great Explorer” follows the singer into the night looking to find meaning to life. Luke capped off his set with “Kneel To the Crown” detailing how religious experiences affected his life.

Featured performer of the evening was Steve Nuckolls who always entertains the crowd with his brand of folk/country tinged songs. “lines To Love” starting off the set was about how we are connected to each other by the words we use to express out affections: “They define who we are, they will guide us to the stars”. Honoring his roots, Steve does songs about rural Virginia and “Grayson Lady” was about a place in the southwestern part of the state that draws him in. Is today’s country music really country anymore? “Country-versy” discusses this question with a look at both traditional and modern styles. “Open Doors” was song that asks us to live each day like it’s the last, and try to see the positive things in life. “Everythings Just Too Good” was a play on words like “I’ve got two good arms to hold you” and two of other body parts (legs, ears etc.) to do things with. Returning to his rural roots again, Steve performed “At Home On the Backroads” about how neighbors look out for and respect each other. “Something About Your Love” describes how the singer is attracted to his love and how she keep him hanging around. The last song of the night “Sunrise” was a feel good uplifting tune about how seeing the morning light brings new hope into the singer’s life.

Though sparsely attended, the audience was very appreciative of the performers and the entertainment they provided.

The February 2015 VOCAL Songwriter Showcase was postponed a week because of the snow, but it attracted an attentive audience for the mid-winter performance.

The perennial favorite Dave Pollard opened the show with several of his “love lost/never obtained” songs which he is so adept at. He seemed to mesmerize the crowd with his guitar skills and alternate tunings (via the use of specialized capos). The slow, tender ballad See You in the Fall is always a crowd favorite. The up-tempo Run Away with Me was followed by Even Shattered Chains can Bind, which had a really cool play on words. Dave ended his set with Okracoma, another crowd favorite, which brings us the laid-back mood of life on Ocracoke Island.

Eddy Kitchen then took the stage wielding a new ukulele, with which he delivered one of his best, This Beer’s on Me. He then brought on a new song (untitled), which was a tender, reflective ballad about losing a mom/wife/grandma. He then switched to guitar, bringing on the sassy All I Lost, an ode to coming out ahead in a divorce. Two Young was a very touching tribute to the story about parents of a dying son who decided to get married for his sake. Eddy ended his set with a couple of up-tempo numbers Too Drunk to Remember and A Buffet Song, which was co-written with a friend of his.

The talented Claudia Carawan came on stage as the headliner with her uplifting, inspirational tunes. Lifeline was written with Harold Payne, who was a guest speaker/entertainer at VOCAL a couple of years ago. This song is a finalist for the Positive Music Awards! I Feel a Heartbreak Coming On says “My baby’s falling in love – wish it was with me!” (there’ll be plenty of time to sing the blues). Pure Possibility came from a vision of a hospital nursery, where all the innocent children have a chance of success in life. Claudia then delivered a wonderful new song Cardinal in the Snow, calling on the folk lore that this is a sign of a passed love one coming back to visit. What a wonderful tale! She then switched from keyboard to guitar for a female “empowerment” song (A Woman who Knows). Although she said the guitar is a relatively new instrument for her, I think she has been empowered playing it! She closed out the night with Childlike Heart, Refreshing, and Fearless. What a refreshing feeling to hear these positive, uplifting songs!

VOCAL Showcase. Jan.2015

Tonight’s showcase started off with a set by John Ellis and his electric guitar. Taking notice of the season, His first tune was “Me and My Baby On a Cold WInter’s Day” which described how great it was to be inside warm and cozy with your loved one while winter raged outside. With the aid of a backing track he sequed into a blues mode with “I’ll Be There and “Blues”, both more in the styling of a Clapton or Butterfield rather than delta style. the instrumental “Five Black Kittens” followed. After a miscued start to another song, he performed and sang “Love Is A Stranger To Me” one of the anchors in his repetoire, and then closed out his set with “T’J’s Jam” another instrumental, helped out by members of the Taters.
“The Taters” are a Richmond staple in the music scene. They are frequently seen around town at clubs and charity events to the delight of the audiences that attend. Such was the case tonight. Many of their songs fall into pop classic territory reminiscent of the late 60’s and 70’s. Made up of Craig Evans (bass) who also handles most of the vocals, T. Bradley Tucker (rhythm guitar) Greg Marrs (lead guitar) and Chris Mendez (drums) their music perks along quite happily. “No I Don’t” which led off the set, was upbeat but contained a more negative message of rejection, “Oceans Apart” was song of longing, followed by “It Seems To Me” about love requited. “I Get Lost” (help me find my way out of here) had an appropriate psycho-spooky sound to it. “Peccadillo” humorous in content, referred to the singee as “the scoundrel of my dreams” which sequed nicely into “Do You Dream” in which singer longed to share dreams with the singee. “Cat In The Window” captured in story form the wistfulness of a character a little lost in life. “In The End” featured Brad on vocal and guitar in a more mellow Dan Fogelberg state of mind and then “New Girlfriend” an upbeat, latin tinged song, featured Chris on vocals. Not to be outdone. Greg performed a new song “It’s Not My Fault” and threw in some very hot licks along the way. “Rocks” repeated that psycho spooky sound heard previously and the guys closed out their set with “Such a Good Day” a semi Beatlesque sounding song with a happy message. All in all it was such a good night, as the enthusiastic audience demonstrated with their applause.

2014 December VOCAL Showcase

Once again it was the time for the fabulous VOCAL Christmas showcase, featuring an eight member program. With a large crowd assembled at O’Tooles Bar and Grille, The festivities were kicked off by John Ellis on electric guitar, who helped MC the event. The premise for the showcase was that each performer would do at least one Christmas related song in their set, so John began with “Me and My Baby On a Cold Winter Day”, the first of many long titled songs throughout the night, which gave us a picture of how good it is to be cuddling inside when winter is raging outdoors. He next did “Winter Solstice” an instrumental which featured some tinkling arpeggios reminiscent of icicles. Torch, as she’s known, stepped to the mike next with her acoustic/electric and started her set with “Playing Christmas Songs Before Thanksgiving” which gave us a humorous picture of how radio pushes the season. Torch wowed the crowd with her whistling interlude and then finished off her set with “I know, you know that I know You Love Me”. Frank Lucas, who seldom does showcases, began his set with a look at Christmas behind prison bars in the song “Christmas At Milon (sp.)” which is a prison in Michigan. Joined by Gary Shaver on flute, he next did “Everytime She Says Mine” a cute love song about how his heart beats tighter when she says those words. During breaks between sets, John Ellis gave away door prizes some of which included gift cards to various local chain outlets and VOCAL items.
Marcus Blowfish (Mark Branch) came up front next and did a bluesy version of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” and then launched into the soul style music he is known for with a song about nothing titled “She Keeps Calling Me” which is pretty self descriptive and ended his set with “Jody” a tale about a dog. Nancy Cunningham, a first time showcase performer, did an acapella version of her song “A Modern Sonnet” about a love affair. She was followed onstage by Glenda Creamer and her guitar who first performed a Christmas Carol and then her own songs
“Them Magazines” a humorous take on how she let magazines dictate her life, and “After Christmas” another funny song about the dismantling of all those Christmas displays after the holiday is over. Guy Gorman was up next with guitar and harp to perform “I feel So Warm Out In The Cold” a song that described how nothing winter could throw at him could chill his love for the singee. “I Just Want To Love You For Christmas” was self explanatory. Steve Fisher was the closing act for the night and he started off with “For Better or For Worse” with the message that we have to rely on each other to get through adversity. That was followed by “All We Have” a song of hope and then “In The Fields
of The Lord” based on his experiences in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, from where much of his music drew inspiration. To close out his performance, Steve did his own version of The Beatles “Norwegian Wood”. Following the showcase, John Ellis invited the audience to sing along with his version of Chuck Berry’s “Run Run Rudolph”.

Happy Holidays from VOCAL