VOCAL Blog
A blog for and by the members of the Virginia Organization of Composers and Lyricists
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…
September 2025 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
The VOCAL Songwriter Showcase on September 15, 2025, at O’Toole’s Restaurant and Pub showed off the talents of two long-time members to a solid and appreciative group of stalwarts and…
August 2025 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
O’Toole’s was packed August 18, 2025 for the VOCAL Showcase featuring songwriters Jim Puckett, Mark Daniel, Steve Nuckolls and Norman Roscher. The Guinness was flowing, and fish and chips, onion rings,…
VOCAL 2024 – 2025 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 Matt Manion Steve…
