March 2025 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
The March 2025 VOCAL Showcase was on the 24th, adjusted to make way the previous Monday for O’Toole’s famous St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This showcase featured Dean Broga and Matt Manion, two seasoned songwriters and VOCAL stalwarts.
Matt kicked off the show with “VCU Veteran”, written decades earlier when he entered the local university as a freshman with the typical insecurities at an unknown environment but excitement about college experiences. At first, the singer explains, he “majored in sexuality” but eventually “got to find strength in my sensitivity.” A more recent “Necessary Trouble” tune came next, sparked by an appearance of Congressman John Lewis at the christening of Arthur Ashe Boulevard a few years back. The singer realizes “time and tradition can be foes, not friends” and that “[you] may be called to rock the boat” in standing up for the less privileged. “I Ain’t Old”, a co-write with Glen King, featured Matt’s subtle and unexpected chording supporting a declaration that the singer feels “just a little well used [because he] has been around a while but keeping [him]self the same.”
“A Little Crabby” focused on Cape Hatteras and a conversation with a blue crab skimming across the shoreline’s bottom. “May I lay in your ocean” was the request along with “don’t be afraid of me.” Next up the rocking beat of “Man’s Man” told of who Matt’s next song was looking for, seeking someone who will “be there” as opposed to having a list of specific qualities. “Last Man on Earth” detailed feelings of isolation and lack of connection against a rhythmic chord pattern and exuberant melody. “Little Vanities” concerned the ways the subject can “show me yourself” and recognized “times we think we’re smiling don’t make up for the times we’re sure we’re not.” Matt wrapped up with “Jump Start My Heart”, directing his love interest to “jolt me with desire, ignite the fire.”
Dean started his set with “Falling From Love” describing how you can experience falling in love also as your life falling apart when all your attachments realign with the “love of [your] life.” “Jersey” was the lover in his next tune who he encouraged to change life around with him because “we’re moving out of this canyon and I don’t want to hang on to our blues.” The singer looks ahead to a better place and time with Jersey alongside. “Rodeo” told a story of a cowboy who encounters a woman with whom he was “meant to be” and who urges him, “Let’s ride.” The next composition, “Sailor’s Heart”, was his response to a writing challenge that required a story about a trip taken. He assumed the identity of a working seafarer who was on a ship carrying timber from Portland to Spain and who preferred time on the water. “A sailor’s heart is always home on the sea”, he declared. His final “She’s” laid out the tale of a woman searching for love but who wants to “lay down somewhere she can hang around, won’t be found.” In any relationship, this woman eventually will be “long gone.”
Showcase Photos
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Photo Credits: Matthew Costello
