Prime Cuts III

By Wally Stewart

On April 4, the LASC Showcase once again came to the Rudyard Kipling but not for one of its "regular" shows. Rather, this night featured the third installment of what has become an annual event, directly exposing local songs to publishers.

It was, appropriately, titled "Prime Cuts III " Louisville Area Co-opers were invited to submit compositions and those featured were selected by a general membership vote. last-minute cancellation due to illness caused the program to be shortened and brought about an impromptu open stage later in the evening.

Tom DeVoursney played even though he wasn't on the schedule. Photo By Jean Metcalfe

The Rudyard was half full as emcee Jean Metcalfe explained the purpose of "PCIII" and described what was to come. ln the audience to hear the songs was Nashville publisher Meredith Stewart, owner of Music Business Publishing.

Linda Gower opened the show by putting characters from an old nursery rhyme into a different setting in "Run Jack Run." She was followed by Larry Standiford, who covered Earl Meyers' "She Took It All But the Blame" and "Kick It In High" before giving the stage over to new Coop Board member, Mike Layman. Mike, who is sometimes referred to as the LASC's "popmeister," represented that genre with "Sooner Than You Think," then he traveled the blues road with "TCB'S" (The Certifiable Blues).

Tim Lynch is known for his popular novelty works and shared "The Terrible Little Twos." However, he does have a serious side and it showed on "Never0mind."

Before calling on Co-op "Prez" Paul Moffett, emcee Metcalfe introduced publisher Stewart and joined the crowd in thanking her for coming. Moffett brought his guitar for three songs: "Willie, Please Sing a Duet with Me," written by Metcalfe; "Lucky in Love," a joint effort by Metcalfe and Moffett; and their collaboration with Charlie Walls, "Upright Lady." This brought PCIII to the intermission, whereupon the downstairs bar became crowded with roundball fans checking on the Duke-Indiana game.

Glenda McCoy started the second round with her country swing tune 'Thinkin' Bout My Baby." Ron Allgood followed with his country gospel tune "Glory Days."

Alan Morris has a smooth voice and showed it on the uptempo "l Can't Get Enough." Ray Burden, whose voice sounds a lot like Ray Price, came next with "Intoxicated with Love."

Meredith Stewart was attentive at the Showcase. Photo By Jean Metcalfe

Three Board members finished the scheduled part of the program. Tim Lynch did his favorite "I'm In the Doghouse."

Departing Co-op Secretary Diana Black performed her "Behind the Times" and a tune co-written with Charlie Walls, "Same Old Song and Dance." She was backed by Mark and Rebecca Helm on guitar and vocals. Larry Standiford came back to do his own "Relationships" and "Remember Who We Are."

The program change was caused by Board member Charlie Walls' illness. He, was to have closed the show and it took a powerful bug to keep him at home. The resulting "Open Stage" featured reappearances from some of the performers and songs from members Marie Augustine, Scott Furlong and Rhonda Rainwater.

One last surprise was left and Nashville writer Tom Devoursney was the one most surprised when he was asked to come on stage. He had traveled to Louisville with Meredith Stewart but had to borrow a guitar since he had come just to listen. Despite the lack of warning, DeVoursney took the borrowed axe and closed the night with a very pleasing voice and three enjoyable originals.

I'd like to use some lines to thank Diana and husband Greg Black for the support they've given the LASC and friendship they've shown me. Whenever Diana asked me to cover a showcase, I always felt she personally appreciated it.

Good luck in Florida and don't forget to write.