Posts Tagged ‘Virginia Organization of Composers and Lyricists’
May 2025 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
The May 2025 showcase featured the relative newcomer George Harris, followed by veteran members Jim Puckett and the husband-and-wife duo Gene and Gayla Mills.
George Harris
George kicked off the evening with a few of his quite clever and rocking numbers. He doesn’t mind turning a few heads with some of his risqué titles but once we hear the words we know they are safe for consumption. He’s Got the Devil in His Genes conjures up some lewd thoughts but his clever wordplay tones it down into a fun song that many of us can relate to. As he is a preacher, George knows that not all his songs may be appropriate for church so he prayed about For a Poor Soul before deciding to play it. What better place than a church to pray for a poor soul filled with temptation? The X in Sexy teeters on the brink of racy as it describes the voluptuous woman who wows the bar crowd. Give Give Give describes the one-sided relationship between a man and woman where you try as hard as you can to please but are always asked to give more. He then delivered Tomorrow’s Memory where we see our life slipping away as we age so can only hope that we create lifelong memories. George put on his rock and roll hat for You Feel the Thrill, asking his lover to feel the thrill inside as the passion rises. He then revealed his heartfelt tender side with The Tender Side of Me describing the sincere love and devotion that he has in his heart. Too Many Rocks in the Road is just as it sounds, navigating a life full of obstacles while the Devil is constantly breathing down your neck. He then treated us to A Hat Named Jack describing his new cowboy hat that went flat as his soda. George ended his set with I’m Gonna Try, introducing us to a good-for-nothing individual whose soul belongs to the Devil, so the least he can do is try his hardest to be real good.
Jim Puckett
Jim Puckett then took the stage accompanied by his harmonica. He opened with the minor-keyed Riverside, a murder ballad set in the dark shadows by the river where prying eyes can’t see. Mississippi Line recounts the numerous experiences of standing in a line, whether for unemployment benefits, emergency water, etc. Orleana Hawks Puckett was the mountain midwife of Jim’s song Orleana. She supposedly delivered over 100 babies and had twenty-four herself! Friend of Mine is the sad tale of a man who was down on his luck and lost everything he had, resorting to buying a gun and taking his own life. Only a Moment is a very touching personal song in memory of his mother who passed away recently at the age of 95. Breaking away from his sad and somber tunes he treated us to For the Bold, a beautiful love song for his wife. Jim left us with Chinese Butterfly, an enchanting mythical tune arising from a very vivid imagination!
Gene and Gayla Mills
Gene and Gayla then took the stage for the final set, treating us to some finely-crafted tunes and awesome vocal harmonies. Coal Miner’s Wife leads us on the black dusty trail into coal mining country depicting the harsh life of those who choose to live this life. Give me a Boat was inspired by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and recounts the life of a fisherman whose life was turned upside down by this disaster. If he’s left on shore he doesn’t have a chance but give him a boat and he’ll make it dance! Oregon Hill has vivid images of an early life in this working-class neighborhood whether you chose drywall repair or working in the steel or paper mills. The Blue Runway Lights are definitely something to look forward to when returning home to a loved one after a trip! Ten Thousand Napkins is a really cool song about a guy who saved all the “love letter” napkins from the lunches packed by his wife over the years. His co-workers ribbed him a bit after his honeymoon but he knew he was onto a good thing and stuck with the habit. Next up was an ode to the USDA food triangle. They offered a different perspective on how to consume the various food groups, such as drinking my grapes and corn, consuming vodka for my potatoes, etc. Filling Up With Holes describes a man’s life who is finding nothing but holes in his life – in the walls of his house, in the yard, and even in the stair landing where the family dog used to lay. Gene and Gayla ended the evening with the poignant Talking to a Stone, where we are advised to express our feelings to our loved ones while they are here on this earth instead of waiting until they’re in the ground. Good advice!
Hats off to George, Jim, Gayla and Gene, and thanks to all who came out to enjoy some excellent original music!
Showcase Photos
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Photo Credits: Matthew Costello
August VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
Performers:
To be Determined
TBD
TBD
July VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
Performers:
Bill Kaffenberger
TBD
TBD
April 2025 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
It was a nice spring night for music at O'Toole's restaurant and bar for the April 2025 VOCAL Showcase. On the docket were four players from VOCAL who represented a wide spectrum of musical choices.
The first player Matthew Costello, VOCAL president, offered a selection of guitar strumming songs. First up "The Blanket" which was followed by "Walkin" Willie" a story song about a character who ambles around town providing commentary from the locals. "Meaningful One Night Stand" took us through the singer's many affairs until a lady named Ivy final ended his searching being the right one. Remembering Woodstock and the year of love, "3 Days in 69" took us back to those fond memories that for some of the older folks will never forget.
Russell Lawson is a long-time member of VOCAL, and kicked off his set with "One More Drink" with the ironic tag line "till I'm sober" A true song "Rock Creek Blues" followed which in turn was followed by another true inspired song. "Wheatland" with lots of imagery about enjoying the land such as "sleeping in the sand" and hearing the wild geese overhead. "Montana Wide" again took us on a trip to the vistas of Montana and the "blue as blue" skies. For those in Richmond who aren't history aware, "The Church Hill Tunnel, had a railroad running under it which collapsed on a car as it was passing under. Russell gave us an account of that disaster and for one family "daddy won't be coming home, now".
Next player, John Ellis, cranked up his electric guitar and demonstrated his versatility on the frets, changing tempos and leaping chords to give each song a different feel. "Second Hand Wedding Ring" began his set which was then followed by "I'll Be There" for you., when you need some comforting and support. "Autumn Hours" painted a picture of fading colors and cooling nights as the season progressed.
The featured performer for the night was Burke Ingraffia, a songwriter from New Orleans, now local, who brought a wide variety of melodies and tempos to the mic. Besides his guitar, Burke employed his mouth harp to add texture to his music. "Dusty Old Clock" reminded us that time moves on and we need not concern ourselves with its passage. "Pray for patience" and "don't worry about the future" were two pieces of advice. "Change of Heart" philosophized "can't change the weather, but you can have a change of heart." Commenting on the current financial conditions "Checks and Balances" had some humorous line about his money condition " I got a bank, I call if Piggy". "About Love" examines its consequences. Sometimes it comes in waves, sometimes unexpected, but always love like it’s your first day. "Travellin' At Night" with the admonition "I won't be slowed down by the speed of light" was the next song. This was followed by "Independence" with tales about spending time on his 96 year old grandfather's farm in Louisiana, and some lessons learned. A blues tune "That's The Way Mountains are Made" with mouth harp riffs advises "listen to the prayers you've prayed" for they will follow you in life. The last song in his set was a cover of "I'm Glad We Had This Time Together" from the old Carol Burnett show as a way to thank the audience for hanging in to his performance.
A full night of music.
Showcase Photos
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Photo Credits: Matthew Costello
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
February 2025 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
February 2025 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
The February 2025 showcase featured three of VOCAL’s very talented writers, Russell Lawson and the husband-and-wife musical duo Jeff and Sherrie Wagner. There was a fairly large and attentive crowd present which added to the intimacy of the performances.
Russell kicked off the evening treating us to a variety of his tunes traversing mostly the earlier years of his songwriting. He opened with A Few Old Favorites which is a “relax and have a home-brew” approach to dealing with a hard days’ work and running in the rat race. Just grab a cold beer, pull out your old guitar and everything will be fine! Moments reflects the lingering heartache after a breakup that always feels like it was just yesterday, and the only happy memory is that of her laughter. Russell then led us on the dusty trail with his country-and-western themes. After a sun-up to sundown day of driving the cattle hard to Santa Fe he finds comfort at the Lazy Gal Café. Underneath a Prairie Sky takes us back home on the range illuminated by a full moon rising in a sea of stars. Been working on the trail, in and out of jail, and whiskey ain’t no cure for feeling strange! Pause is a sad blues song in three-quarter time lamenting the absence of his friend, but maybe the sunny day ahead will dry those sad tears. Friend is a very heartfelt song about a dear musical friend who “went quiet” and he’s desperately reaching out for “signs of life” in their relationship – shine a light if you’re there! Sometimes people just need to have space and take time for themselves in order to improve their relationship, and (Got to Give Her Up to) Get Her Back describes that situation. Russell ended his set by taking us on a virtual tour of Charleston, SC, his hometown. The vivid imagery in this song (Charleston) tells us all we need to know, and all of a sudden, we are transported to the low country amidst the Spanish Moss, beaches, etc. Great set, Russell!
Jeff and Sherrie then took the stage with their magical blended harmonies and guitar playing. They started off with I Think I Might Forget You, where’s he’s not sure if he should answer her phone call or just ignore it and cut his losses with this one-sided relationship. The Border is a new tune of theirs that vividly describes the desperation of migrants doing everything within their power to ensure the safety of their families. “Trust runs deep when it comes to knowing me” is the theme of Fierce Friendship, a testament to the meaning of true friendship. Sometimes a Fire Can Stop the Rain was born in a bar where the bartender witnessed the pain in the face of the customer, with the advice that a strong heart can also ease the pain! Soft Petals is a very beautiful Carter Family-ish tune written by Sherrie that describes a late bloomer (give me a little time, a little room, a little care, etc.) In Just a Little More Jeff calls out the need to expend a little more effort to feel the heart and soul of his wife. A relationship song between father and daughter, The Forgiving Type is a tender ballad recounting watching his daughter grow up and playing his guitar, the same one he used to play while singing her to sleep. Get The Hell Out of Your Barn is an ode to an old band mate who has faced some medical issues and they’re simply trying to get him back out and in action! In a Small Town has some really cool lines like “small towns grow big dreams” and tells the story of a dreamer growing up in a small town and not being held back if they’re ready to go out into the world. His daughter leaving home was the genesis for Devil in the Details where his Devil is his memory of her walking out. Jeff and Sherrie ended their set with a singalong cover tune from their friends Robin and Linda Williams. Together All Alone says to not worry about the weather ‘cause it’s gonna do what it’s gonna do! Great job Jeff and Sherrie!
Thanks to all who came out to enjoy some excellent original music!
Showcase Photos
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Photo Credits: Matthew Costello
January 2025 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
Kudos to those hearty folks who came out on this chilly winter night to listen to some original music. The first VOCAL showcase of 2025 featured three performers: new member George Harris, Steve Nuckolls, and Glenda Creamer, all with original songs and styles.
Coming up to Richmond, from the Lynchburg area was songwriter George Harris making his first VOCAL showcase appearance. " You Feel the Thrill Inside" described how love resonates in different body parts regardless of the awareness of it. This was followed by "Give, Give, Give" and then "He's Got The Devil In His Genes" a song about seduction with the line "took her to his room, tried to make her bloom". "When Hearts Go To Heal" talks about using love as a healing agent finding the tender side. Next song "Tomorrow's Memory" gives wisdom to "things change as we age". Lastly: in "It Comes in Blues" George described how no matter how you sing it, country, pop or rock, the song comes out with a blues feeling.
Steve Nuckolls is a long time VOCAL member and showcase performer. Tonight's program featured many of his pop and country songs, some old and some new. Starting off with "There's a Future For Us" sung to his beloved to "never stop believing" that love would prevail. "If You Wanna Know My Love" says to the listener all it takes is to get know me, and the door to love will open for both of us. In a humorous vein, "She Remembered My Beer" tells the tale of a frequent traveler who stops at the same diner to get food and drink during his trips, and even though the waitress didn't know his name, she remembered what brew he favored. Next on his list was "Something About Your Love" a song full of heartfelt lines like " your love keeps me on the ground and always lifts me up". "QR Code For Cuervo" brought us in a new slant for the use of technology. A regular song in Steve's repertoire is "Praying For a Rocky Top" which describes the folksy atmosphere of a small country town and he says" Everywhere I travel, I hope to find another place as wonderful as the place I've left". In "Six Feet Away" the singer wishes to protect the people in his hometown from contagion by suggesting it is better to stay six feet away than be six feet underground. "The Gossan Mines" is an ominous tale of shady goings on in an old mine where criminals and crooks hang out. The singer advises his children "don't go near the saw mill, don't play in the mines". In his last tune tonight "Saturday Morning, Singing with Emmy Lou (Harris)" Steve sings about how gets prepared to sing along with his idol by restringing his guitar and writing down notes on a fresh pad of paper.
The last performer of the night was Glenda Creamer, another long time VOCAL member. Her music always has a quirky side to it with subjects one would not consider writable. Tonight was no exception. "In After Christmas", No need to stop celebrating. Joy can be found even after taking the tree down, and stop singing carols. It is the spirit of the holiday that continues on, not the accoutrements. "Wherever You Go" has a religious undertone that says the singer will follow whom she is singing to. "Easy Way Out" is an escape from facing your weaknesses: " No one will hear you when you weep and wail" say the song. One of Glenda's standard tunes is "I'm A Witch Today" in which she warns folks to be aware her mood in one to be trifled with. "You'll need patience" to deal with me. This was followed by "Lover of Origami". "Frogs" delights us with a tale of the amphibian that pops up everywhere you might not expect like in the toilet bowl and makes the singer "jumpy". This was followed by "Mrs. Grizzard's Wringer Machine" another quirky tale from Glenda's mind tells us about an old-fashioned washing machine that has mind of it's own: a demon possessed thing that moves all by itself across the laundry floor. Finally, "Dumplin’". gives us a picture of a hefty lady who likes her sweet stuff and isn't ashamed about her large frame. "I like it when you say I'm voluptuous" she intones among other self-descriptive nouns. Funny stuff.
A good night was had by all.
Showcase Photos
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Photo Credits: Matthew Costello
June VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
Performers:
To Be Determined
TBD
TBD
December 2024 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
VOCAL Showcase Review
The Virginia Organization of Composers and Lyricists “Holiday” Showcase on December 16 at O’Toole’s seemed more like a party of longtime friends and featured some of VOCAL’s most stalwart and accomplished members.
John Ellis
Master of Ceremonies John Ellis (also VOCAL VP) warmly welcomed the attendees before kicking off the show with his chimey “Winter Solstice” instrumental, which featured beautiful opening arpeggios and some assertive strumming in the main section. Claiming his favorite season of fall next, “Autumn Hours” celebrated time passing more languidly in that period where “peaceful nights clear my mind.” A romantic scene followed in his “Me and My Baby on a Cold Winter Day” with its solid rock chording and blues feel, singing he would “keep the fire blazing” in his expressive baritone. He closed with a lament in a story about a wayward woman who put him “In My Place” despite the fact he “tried to give you something you can’t replace.”
Glen King
Award-winning songwriter Glen King stepped up next, using keyboards to underpin his tunes of love and celebration. “New Year’s Eve With You” took the holiday at the end of the year as the time “I’d like to hold you tight, feel your love inside me” and evoked street scenes in Times Square as a way of pointing out his longing to be closer to his lover. “Rocket Woman” used that Scottish colloquial for a beautiful woman to praise his lover, singing “baby, you’re the best in show.” In a nod to the season at a different time of the year, “Christmas Came Early” was a thankful lyric about “one little present” that was a “wonder in a blanket, a new born boy.” Glen closed with “Nobody Else Comes Close”, described as a love letter to his wife who delighted in “bringing out the child in me.”
Russell Lawson and Matthew Costello
Impromptu showcasers followed with Russell Lawson presenting “Dear Santa” and Christmastime” and Matthew Costello wowing the crowd with a spirited rendition of “Digging For Elvis” that had the audience loudly singing the well-known chorus.
Glenda Creamer
Glenda Creamer’s set opened with her charming “The Cookie Exchange”, a story of self-discipline amid seasonal treats where “I don’t want to eat Christmas Cookies no more” was a hard aspiration to keep. Her next tune described the regrettable effects of “Those Magazines” she read, from recipes to exercise to self-examination that had her “getting in more trouble than I ever seen.” Her tuneful and expressive “Don’t Be Frightened, Mary” included Matt Manion singing the male roles in the story of Mary’s Annunciation and the fearful message that she would bear the Son of God.
Matt Manion
Matt kept the stage for his own set that began with “Hotel by the Highway” where the singer encountered a live band and observed a group of fellow travelers who enticed him to join in unanticipated dancing and socialization. A brief tune called “Give the Gift” featured some of Matt’s interesting chording and exhortation for listeners to give the gift of forgiveness to others. The final “Sit Down for Standby”, a retelling of the wait imposed on a traveler at the conclusion of a journey home when money was short and only the bargain of standby would get the singer home. John Ellis sat in on lead guitar for this mid-tempo rocker and added tasty melodic phrases among the lyric.
Norman Roscher
Norman Roscher topped off the bill with his customary showmanship and charisma, supported by John Ellis on guitar. Despite being hampered by a couple of fractured fingers (hence the appearance of Ellis), Norman delivered enthusiastic renditions of some of his favorite compositions. “Me and You and Baby” included some lively scatting over John’s solid playing in a song that combined elements of fancy from Mother Goose to fairy tales. “You and Me”, a warm description of a couple whose dating had just begun, emphasized the affection and companionship the singer felt and wanted the lover to feel. “Waiting for the Moon” incorporated an impressionistic set of scenes, evocative language and very compelling guitar lines from Ellis, to describe a world in which someone was waiting, was the “we” the singer…a couple…a group? Finally, he sang “All I Want For Christmas” where he longed for “a little less bad news” to create a “happier holiday.”
A group of showcase musicians then led the audience in a sing-along through a few of well-known seasonal favorites, concluding the December showcase on a high note indeed. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Showcase Photos
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Photo Credits: Matthew Costello
November 2024 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
The November 2024 showcase featured two of VOCAL’s most talented writers, Matt Manion and Carol “Torch” Torricelli. An intimate and attentive audience added to the magic of the evening.
Matt kicked off the evening with God’s Rhythm, a plea to God to help him find his rhythm, move his wooden feet and shape his clumsy body. The Royal Roach Hotel was born while spending a working summer in southern Louisiana and residing in the “lavish” Royal Hotel. The roaches and other critters were included in the cheap rate so I guess you get what you pay for! If That’s What it Takes is an interesting and current them where we wonder if it would take an alien invasion for us earthlings to finally unite in a common purpose (don’t hold your breath…). Necessary Trouble is an older tune of Matt’s touting the need to occasionally rock the boat in order to effect positive change. The song was born after hearing a speech by the late Congressman John Lewis. He then treated us to the heavenly Blue Springs Hideaway. This is a signature tune of his recounting the peaceful and beautiful experience of a mountain getaway in southwest Virginia. Job Hunting Blues is a sign-of-the-times number where you have to “show what you’re made of” prior to getting hired. So grab that cup, head to the restroom and there better not be a trace of anything we don’t want! He then delivered Jump Start My Heart, a “witticism” of Torch, asking his lover to get that muscle pumping, jolt me with desire. You got the spark so jump start my heart! Matt ended with another signature tune Life Can Be Funky on the Pamunkey, featuring Torch on guitar and harmony vocals. It’s a lazy, dreamy ride down the river taking in all the sights and sounds Mother Nature has to offer! Way to go, Matt!
Torch then took the stage with Matt accompanying her on her first tune We Are Virginia. This is a very beautiful and descriptive song about all the wonderful places in Virginia, from the Carter Fold birthplace to the Chesapeake Bay. She continued with a similar state theme with Come to Virginia, a song she wrote and performed for a trade show years ago. It depicts all the great reasons to come to our great commonwealth! Roads In-Between Us recounts the time when she was living in New York but all her friends were moving away so she was constantly thinking of the roads and miles between them. Speaking of close friends moving away, her next song was inspired by her New York boyfriend moving to Florida and having a passion for horse racing. He also happened to have a passion for cooking, so she wrote I Wish I Had a Horse Name Fresh Garlic, with all the images of following him in the horse-racing circuit and meeting in the winner’s circle! Paha Sapa is a Lakota Indian name that translates to “come tour with me”. This is a magical song depicting all the beautiful sights and wonders of Mother Nature around Rapid City, South Dakota. Swinging and Swaying is a signature tune of Torch’s with a dreamy, jazzy feel as she sits on the back porch, a full moon and fireflies accompanying her as she misses her “new squeeze” lover. I Know That You Know describes the communication (or lack thereof) between two lovers when they know they’re in love but are afraid/reluctant to actually say it. Tossing Like a Salad is another “missing my lover” theme where she just happens to be in the kitchen making a salad but is wondering why she hasn’t heard from her man. Highway To Your Heart is a really cool tune co-written with Glen King. He’s a trucker out on the road on his way home so all he can think about is heading for your loving on a highway to your heart! She then delivered another Glen King co-write called Give Me the Simple Life, a story of peaceful enjoyment of a vacation spot with a travel trailer in front of a lake. Descriptive lines like “only one station on this TV set” and “a hundred miles on my rocking chair” depict the scene. People Need Each Other was written during the Plague (Covid) and she dedicated it to Matthew Costello for all his efforts in keeping us together during that trying time. Truer words couldn’t be spoken! Ode to Thanksgiving is a fitting tune in honor of this important holiday that is squeezed between Halloween and Christmas and therefore is often overlooked. Way too much hustle and bustle during that time of year in my opinion. Torch ended her set with a very beautiful rendition of the Irish Blessing, for which she wrote the music. This is in the Public Domain and Torch did a wonderful job of making it “hers”. Great set, Torch!
Thanks to all who came out to enjoy some excellent original music!
Showcase Photos
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Photo Credits: Matthew Costello
October 2024 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
In October the VOCAL Showcase featured a variety of stories, insights, and musical infuences from Bill Kaffenberger and Matthew Costello.
Matthew Costello
Leading off the October Showcase at O’Toole’s Pub and Grill for the Virginia Organization of Composers and Lyricists was the group president, Matthew Costello. A long-standing member and officer, Matthew brought his pleasant baritone to some ghostly originals for seasonal flavor as well as other notable originals.
“Ghosts of Center Hill” was a recounting of the memories of a rumored haunted house where creaks, cold spots, wispy shades and a “voice like the silent wind” was evidence enough of the spooky residents. “The Blanket” deliver a rocking account of the intensity of a relationship that was “meant to be” and included a “magic blanket ride.” This new tune had a catchy Springsteen vibe in the beat and melody. “What Is Happening” probed the feeling sparked by a new infatuation for a girl who “sits on my row in class” and wondered “is her smile a clue” to the potential for love?
“Get Me Some Happy” was a celebration of rediscovered joy in recovery and life where the singer realized and embraced surprising happiness. “Shadows of September” was a beautiful impressionistic tune and the pop ballad was a pleasant homage to Matthew’s favorite season. “Walking Willie” was the story of a small-town big man and was propelled by an insistent rock beat that mirrored the intentional and steady forward movement of the song’s protagonist. “That Kind of Love” told of a relationship that drew the singer in even though he recognized from the start that it was doomed to end sadly. “Catch a Ride”, a just penned tune, was an expression of the songwriter’s creative process that recognized all events, encounters and feelings could be what “the muse will provide” to craft another song.
Bill Kaffenberger
In town from his current home in California, Bill brought longtime sideman Dwayne Hearst for support in his top spot in the set. He kicked off with “She’s So Real”, a song to the irresistible girl with a “smile a million miles wide.” “Dad” was the singer holding on to the memories of his father many years after he passed on. “If I Asked You To Dance” had a nice pop feel over the invitation to begin a relationship through the “first dance.”
Tapping some of his early catalog, Bill and Dwayne then delivered “Atom Bomb Song” a plea to the nuclear nations to “don’t drop no atom bomb on me.” “Lonesome Rider” featured excellent harmonies in a Kaffenberger classic from the Open Door Ministries coffee house days down on West Grace Street in the VCU campus. That gospel tune entreated the “lonesome riders” in the audience not to “let your life slip away” in regret. The follow up “Something Greater” spoke of the assurance that “someone greater than you or I” was evident in the wonders of the world. Finally, “Thy Will Be Done” included more tight harmonies and a driving rhythm in Bill’s powerful song about surrender.
“Maybe By Then” used a nice repetition of phrase in a lyric about a girl the singer hopes will eventually realize she belongs with him. “Why Did You Give Our Love Away” highlighted a rueful remembrance of a woman who spurned the love of the singer. In a bow to the upcoming Halloween event, Bill gave listeners “Zombies,” a song not about the undead but about the unaware cell phone users wandering aimlessly through streets and their lives, missing everything around them. “Sun’s Going Down” was an acknowledgment that, even with life bringing hardship, there is a beautiful sight on the horizon available every day. “The wrap up “Take That Train Trip” was delivered with a audience sing-along chorus in a tune about making time for the things you imagine will be joyful in life, encouraging listeners to “take that train trip, take than nap, bounce that grandbaby on your lap.”
Showcase Photos
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Photo Credits: Matthew Costello
September 2024 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
2024 September VOCAL Showcase
The September 16th showcase featured, Russell Lawson and Ken Roller. Russell has been a long-time member of VOCAL and Ken is a fairly new member.
Russell Lawson
Russell was the first performer. He sings in a clear and understandable vocal style. His first selection was "Montana Wide" a song describing the geography of Montana, the wide-open plains, the clear skies and majestic mountains that could only have been designed by God. This was followed by "Grandma and Me" delivered in the voice of the grandpa talking to the grandkids and assuring them no matter their station in life they will always be welcome back home. "Where Are Your Tears" was a breakup type song where the singer inquired "were you faking it all these years". This was followed by "Lazy Gal Cafe" depicting the patrons who used the cafe as a stopping point as they journeyed along the Santa Fe trail. "Moments" captured the images of the past with a tinge of sadness and heartache. Another cafe stop "Wayne and Maggie's" was about truckers and every folk and country singer who made the cafe a mandatory stop. The song featured Russell's whistling. The last tune in his set was "Penguin Blues" complaining about the cold and ice in his life which was contributing to his blues state of mind.
Ken Roller
Ken Roller kicked off his set, with guitar and drum box, which helped him keep time and add some bass undertones to his songs. First up was a song he wrote for his wife many years ago, "Two Part Harmony" in which he says she was the missing puzzle piece in his life. "The Burn" referred to a relationship in which the other party acted as gasoline to his desire. In "Diversity" despite having different origins and ethnicities we are all made of the same flesh and blood and diversity is what makes life interesting. "Tripping Through These Days" talks about relatability and ignoring the hype we are subject to and accepting each other as we are. "Lines" was a song written with his daughter which talks about how we are connected to each other. "Tell It to My Heart" co-written with Glen King, is a love song in which the singer pleads with his lover to open up and discuss differences so they can come back together. A Pandemic song, "Locked Down", discussed the need for and advantages of vaccines even though some thought they were no magic bullets to stemming Covid. "Live In the Moment" asks us to make the most of each day and find joy in the little things like raking leaves. Next song in his set had Ken reaching out to his audience to "Share Your Love" a 60's type suggestion that we all reach out to each other with unabated love. "In Virginia" was a musical travelogue about the state which Ken wrote in a contest for a state song and extolled the beauty of Shenandoah's fields. Lastly: "Keep Hope Alive" wondered if the singer would get lucky in his pursuit of love for the night.
The 18-song night was enthusiastically received by the attentive audience
Showcase Photos
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Photo Credits: Matthew Costello
