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Brian:

It is hard to put into words how WELL the show went.
Andrea Louise was a GREAT hostess. She kept us laughing and entertained between performers and even managed to plug herself quite often without alienating the audience.
The sound (THANKS to Rob Zucca) was wonderful. He really knows the sound business. Bruce Teitell and Hallenbeck's made the night a success.
Bruce's set was funny and WOW! he can sing. Hallenbeck's has such a great atmosphere and the room is so cozy. And can you believe the cappuccino machine only interrupted ONE set. Thanks for that.
Harold Payne was a genious as performed an improvisation and made up a song on the spot out of...Are you ready? "Spring Green, trap door" and "Yeah, But we like that one" and "Yesterday it was Green." The song had us rolling in the floor. He is such a great person and songwriter.
Neil Rutman, who opened the show and announced that he was HONORED to open the FIRST Chapter Showcase was great. Here are his own words on the impact the Showcase and JPF had on him.
"I must say I never imagined when I joined JPF that the level of talent would be so high. It's a wonderful comraderie amongst felllow singer/songwriter/musicians as well as music enthusiasts and club patrons.
Hallenbeck's is a great spot for music. Incredible sound and an attentive and talented engineer made the night that much better."
Ritt Henn with his HUGE upright bass performed this song about "Helen Keller and me" that was funny but in the end you realize you learn a lesson from the courage she had to muster all through her life.
Terry Wolf, whom I had never heard before was such an inspirational performer. She sang a song for her life partner and it was so touching and heartfelt.
Jeff Bonilla, who is moving to Los Angeles in the near future was travelling through and contacted me asking if he could squeeze in this Showcase. I said sure. And I am glad he did. His Latin flavor music really gave the Showcase some diversity.
Jeannie Willet, closed the show with some great sounds coming from her guitar. Her lyrics really speak to you.
John M, the style and way he presents a song makes you stop and take notice. When John sings his song about his mother called "Mother in Me" he makes you want to go home and call your Mother just to tell her you "LOVE HER!"
Thanks to Patrick Bryant for hosting the Open Mic afterward where we also had THREE of our own JPF members performing. Kat Parsons (in from Chicago), Jimi Yamagishi, and Jeff Hodges. All of which were marvelous as well.
Oh and Brian, I will be sending you video tape copies of the event with a surprise special just for you at the very beginning.

All in all I think it was a great evening and from the emails I have been receiving I would say the performers and audience would agree. We are all looking forward to the next one which is April 26th. Hope to see ya there!

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Penni Merrick, LA Coordinator
P: 818-989-1617