this one

Newsical Notes
By Jean Metcalfe

Earl Meyers, one of our most prolific and diverse songwriters, notched Nashville's Bluebird Cafe in his belt of performance venues on November 8, after picking up several Songwriting Competition '92 certificates the previous evening in Louisville. Appearing on the stage at the popular "listening room," Earl performed three of his originals, opening for Jon Vezner (well, he preceded him on the stage, anyway). Jon is the co-writer, with Don Henry, of the award-winning "Where've You Been?" Long-time LASC members will recall that Alan Rhody brought Jon to us for a seminar and showcase several years ago. On the showcase Jon sang the song that would later be cut by his wife, Kathy Mattea and which would receive many prestigious awards.

Among friends and relatives in Earl's Bluebird audience was Co-oper Diana Black, who until her much-lamented move to Florida was our Secretary and Membership Chairperson, as well as a co-coordinator with Earl of the local workshop of Nashville Songwriters Association international.

Speaking of Diana, it was good to see her at our Hit Makers '92 event. She graciously lent a helping hand and was rewarded with good feedback on a couple of her songs. Good luck, Diana and keep us posted on your progress. Don't make us wait to read about it in Billboard.

It was also good to see member Karen Le Van, who came to Louisville for Hit Makers '92 from her newly adopted (since March) home in Nashville. Besides moderating a couple of panels on Saturday, she stayed over and made the rounds of MERF's Sunday benefit.

Prez Paul Moffett, at left, is promoted to Colonel by MERF President Wayne Young. Photo by Jean Metcalfe

Mark Gibbs was iust one song short of completing an album of his originals when he was taken to the hospital suffering from severe abdominal pains.

As of this writing, Mark was awaiting the results of his tests and anticipating the wrap-up of the cassette album, which is scheduled for release the first of December.

Congratulations to all LASC members who appeared on our Hit Makers '92 showcase at Jim Porter's Good Time Emporium. They were Robin Embry of LMNOP, Sharon Beavers, John Wigginton of the John Allen Band, Jackie Johnson, Doc Dockery, Melissa Combs (who had Becky O'Toole and Ray Yates backing her up) and Rusty Bladen.

Information about showcase performers who became new members at the ime of the event will appear in this or future editions of the LASC Letter. Thanks to all of you. Hope good things happen as a result of the exposure.

Congratulations to Sandra and Charlie Walls on their 25th wedding anniversary. They celebrated at Executive West where the John Allen Band was playing. Sorry l couldn't be there to watch Mr. & Mrs. Walls dance to the Music Man's originals.

You can call him Prez, or you can call him Paul, or you can call him Prez Paul — or you can call him Colonel. Our leader, Paul Moffett, was recently commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Brereton C. Jones, courtesy of the Musicians Emergency Relief Fund, for his "outstanding achievement and dedication to the community and MERF."

Congratulations, Colonel, suh!

Speaking of MERF, l ran into LASC member Jim Bryan at the Rudyard Kipling on MERF Sunday, November 8 and learned that Jim had co-written (with his partner Stewart Paine) a jingle for MERF. The two gents have a company called Braine (get it?) and they have been getting good response to some of their instrumental originals. Good show, guys.

And it was also a good show — actually, an excellent show — at the Rud that evening, where jazz was the music du jour.

Our sympathy is extended to Board member Larry Standiford on the recent loss of his lather. Carroll Gene Standiiord passed away on November 14 after an extended illness. Our thoughts are with you, Larry.

Our condolences also go out to Board member Joyce Trammell on the untimely death of one of her very best friends, Eva Jane Munz. Eva Jane had accompanied Joyce to the Hit Makers '92 showcase on Friday evening and passed away later that same night or early Saturday morning.

Joyce learned of her friend's death just as she was about to leave tor the Saturday seminar, where she would be in charge of the registration desk. Although she and her house guest, Diana Black, proceeded to the hotel where the seminar would be held, Joyce realized en route that she wouldn't be able to continue and wisely decided to return to her home. We missed you, Joyce and we will keep you in our thoughts.

(Please send us your news so that we can keep our members posted. Although we enjoy hearing it from you in person, it's more apt to get into the LASC Letter if you drop us a line. Alas, our mental notes are sometimes written in disappearing ink.) I