August Showcase

By Michael Layman

The August showcase was at my favorite club, the Rudyard Kipling and owner Kenny Pyle was happy. The place was packed with an audience who came to see our third showcase of the year, which featured four LASC writer-performers.

First up was the country sound of Kenny Bunch. Kenny, a new member who also belongs to the Songwriters Guild of America, did an all-original set. One of his selections, "Another Slow Dance," is being reviewed by three record companies in Nashville. This was Kenny's first showcase and he did a bang-up job.

Our second performer was Rhonda Rainwater. Accompanied by Charlie Wilder on electric guitar, Rhonda won the crowd over with her tender country ballads. My favorite was a song called "Butterfly." Rhonda has improved so much over the past year it's unbelievable. Good job, Rhonda.

Prez Paul Moffett, no stranger to the stage, kicked off the second half of the evening with his "4th and Oak Trilogy," a tribute to the habitues of the Old Louisville corner where the Rudyard Kipling is located. Although probably better known for his country songs, Paul proved he is just as adept at the blues. His "Cotton Mouth Blues" had the crowd clappin' and stompin' to the tune that was perhaps the highlight of his set. A solid performance by Paul.

The duo of showcase rookies Dan Bowman and Greg Wilson closed out the evening with a lively performance of wonderful originals that featured energetic, skillful musicianship and soaring vocals. The house begged for and received, an encore from the terrific twosome, including covers of "Kansas City" and an Elvis Presley selection. Their pop/country blend should have the music business reps at our November Hit Makers '93 event fighting over who signs them up.

Special thanks go to emcee Jonathan Miller and Tim Lynch who coordinated this showcase and to Ray Yates on sound. Thanks also to Maureen Miller for snapping the photographs, Beth Moffett tor merchandise sales and Rozlyn Reynolds and Marshall Shelor who greeted the audience members at the door and took their money.