Homefront's Birthday Party

By Wally Stewart

A birthday celebration occurred March 14 at the Stuart Robinson Auditorium at 6th and Magnolia as the Louisville Homefront Performances turned eight years old.

The Homefront staff was joined by a large number of friends, and seven acts to mark the continuance of this monthly showcase of quality alternative music and to hold a fund raiser to hep ensure a ninth year. LHP is operated by a small group of volunteers who work only for artistic reward and tonight's performers came for the same reason, as all donated their talent.

The house was treated to soloists Lisa Noe and Alan Rhody; duos Pen Bogert and John James, and Logan Field; and featured Robert Shannon Meitus and the Dorkestra. Two acts served "double duty" as audio engineer Jack Twombley and LHP host John Gage each took a turn at the microphone, with Gage being joined by son Jeff. Carrie Newcomer was scheduled to attend but unfortunately had to cancel.

Short sets offering a blend of blues, country and a variety of folk styles were heard, with Meitus' group coming from Bloomington, Ind. and Rhody from Nashville, Tenn., just for this benefit concert. Rhody's appearance kept an LHP tradition alive, as he was on the first show back in 1984 and has been a welcome part of each ensuing anniversary.

Homefront is heard on Sundays on Louisville's NPR station WFPL and was previously on NPR's national network. This grassroots organization is getting close to a decade of serving the Derby City area with a rich musical garden that hopefully will be cultivated into the future.