VOCAL March 2019 Songwriter Showcase

The March 2019 VOCAL Showcase took place on Monday, March 18, 2019 at O’Toole’s Irish Pub and was a mighty festive event!
VOCAL President Matthew Costello opened the show with several of his signature tunes and others that were somewhat obscure. “You’re All I Ever Need” is being satisfied with that special someone, and “What Would You Do if You Knew” asks what would happen if I were to speak my mind? “A Meaningful One-Night Stand” is a crowd favorite with an interesting plot. “I Wanna Catch a Ride on Her Train of Thought” is another Costello favorite, conjuring up train sights and sounds on the way to finding a loving relationship. This also elicited lots of audience participation with clapping and “woo-ing”. “You and I” is a very tender love ballad, while “Rock and Roll” is a rocking Chuck Berry-ish number. He then performed the uplifting and optimistic “Faith Will Find the Way”, leaving us with a feel-good message. Matthew finished his set with the quintessential “Digging for Elvis”, his most defining song, which was accompanied by enthusiastic audience vocal harmony!
Norman Roscher and The Clackwells then took the stage with both boisterous and tender numbers. “You and Me Baby” is a very lively number and crowd pleaser that included a full rhythm section and washboard. “Did I Hear You Say” was a very tender song written by Glen Habl, which they performed in Dog’s New Clothes (blue sky and sunshine with you all day). “Sweet Nectar” is the story about growing not herbivores, but certain “herbs” in your fields. They grow so tall and green! “The Train” was another tune written by Glen Habl that took us down by the banks where the river flows, followed by “Down by the Railroad Tracks”. You don’t dare go down there ‘cause that’s where the monster lives! Gary Shaver accompanied them on sax on that number, as well as on “I Don’t Play Doctor Any More”, a signature Norman tune. “Roaming Eye” also featured Gary on sax, followed by a high-energy “Someone’s Drooling Somewhere”. The crowd-pleaser “I Live in my Hat” followed, which had the crowd rocking. “If I Ever Get to Heaven” is a poignant number asking if “being only me” will guarantee a ticket to eternity with my friends. “You’re Beautiful” involved willing crowd participation with the “Bip bob over the top baby you’re beautiful” chorus. “I’m a Fool” is an ode to living a simple life, wondering why I chose this road in my life. “Within Your Eyes” followed, describing how he saw the light in her eyes. “You Got It” is another high-energy tune featuring the great Gary Shaver on sax – you got it, you know it, you love it! “The Clackwell’s Theme Song” then followed, which I had never heard before, identifying the unique names of the clan. The group ended with “Boobs”, the ultimate song of Norman’s that brought out the best harmonies from the audience. Way to go, Clackwells!