Songwriters Showcase May 2007

Showcase number 190 happened at the Richbrau TapHouse on May 21, 2007, offering up a big sample of fine VOCAL songwriting talent.  Gerry Laverty, Steve Nuckolls and Jim Westlyn wowed the crowd with great performances.

The Showcase was hosted by the welcoming, attentive management and staff of the TapHouse Grill.  Thanks from VOCAL to the TapHouse for the continued support.

Our dedicated soundman, Jim Uzel had the show ready to roll as always and John Ellis was sitting in as MC for the dynamic Mr. Gary Shaver.

First to the stage was Jim Westlyn.  Jim kept the crowd rockin’ and engaged with upbeat rock styles and blends of jazz.  “What are the Chances”, “Heaven Knows”, “Maybe I Won’t” and “Long Road” showed Jim’s variety of finger styles and interesting chord changes.  “Ring True” is a song that took 3 years to ‘pull together’ with a bridge, but it finally came to Jim and completed a great song.

Steve Nuckolls was kind enough to bring his thought provoking and heart-felt lyrics to the Showcase stage to share his brand of subtle, melodic song craft.  “Living Out This Love”, “This New Found Love”, “Making Memories” and “They Died for Love” kept the crowd enchanted.  Steve also included his true song about a friend “Hello from Normandy” and a song about and African trip to the ‘Land of the Zulu’s’, “Simunye”.

Gerry Laverty took the last slot of the evening and amazed the crowd, with his folk-style ballads and social commentary.  “This Lethal World”, the New Orleans inspired “Details of Catastrophe” and “Zion Crossroads” offered a sample of styles and tempos, and all were examples of Gerry’s inspiring lyrical abilities.  Gerry also gave a brief history of “Time” and shared a song born of a midnight walk in the darkened halls “Blues in the Night”.  Gerry was in fine form even with a scratchy throat challenging his vocals.

Thanks again to all performers, the sound crew and our supporters.  Keep your calendars marked for the 3rd Monday of the month – we’ll see you then!