VOCAL Blog
A blog for and by the members of the Virginia Organization of Composers and Lyricists
VOCAL 2025 – 2026 Awards
Congratulations to the Contest Winners, Nominees and VOCAL supporters who receive awards for their achievements and commitment. Songwriter of the Year – Three Way Tie Mark Daniel GlenKing Ken Roller…
July 2026 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
It was quite a celebration at O’Toole’s Restaurant and Pub on Forest Hill Avenue in southside Richmond July 20, 2026. The Virginia Organization of Composers and Lyricists (VOCAL) had just…
June 2026 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
Three acts were on stage at O’Toole’s Restaurant and Pub for the June 15 Showcase in June: Russell Lawson, Matthew Costello, and Gene & Gayla Mills. That concluded the 39th…
May 2026 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
The May 2026 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase took place at O’Toole’s Irish Pub with three of VOCAL’s quite-talented writers: Markiss Blowfish (aka Mark Branch), Matthew Costello, and John Ellis. VOCAL President…
April 2026 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
On a cool spring night, members of VOCAL got together to hear some hot songs by three of its members: Russell Lawson, Steve Nuckolls, and Ken Roller, performing at…
March 2026 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
Singer/songwriters Matt Manion, Glenda Creamer and Mark Daniel were the triple play performers at the VOCAL Showcase on March 23, 2026 , held on the fourth Monday at O’Toole’s since…
February 2026 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
After a snowed out cancelled VOCAL Showcase in January, live music returned to O’Tooles. February 16th’s VOCAL Showcase was an open mic affair with performers both members and non. Performers…
December 2025 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
The holiday showcase at O’Toole’s featured some of VOCAL’s finest and seasoned talent. An attentive and festive audience was present and a few of the lucky attendees received valuable prizes…
November 2025 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
The November showcase was a doubleheader event with Carol (Torch) Torricelli and Matt Manion teaming up to present songs as a duet and as a single. Matt Manion First up:…
October 2025 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
The October 2025 showcase featured three long-time VOCAL members who delivered a wide variety of homespun tales. Russell Lawson opened the show with several finely-crafted and faith-based tunes. Light sings…
