OK, it's a gripe more than a review. But on 31st the organiser of the KRCL Performing Songwriter Showcase (August, Salt Lake City) invited participation on a Mudcat thread. At the time, several UK Catters (Breezy & McGrath of Harlow among others) wondered if the invitation was indeed for everyone (it was worded in "worldwide" terms). I thought I'd test the openness of the organisers, and so I sent indeed my submission (two songs), with all the contact details required and a cheque for 11 UK pds as the entry fee. I also sent an email and a PM to the person that posted the message to alert them to the fact that someone from outside the US was sending a submission - they certainly never tried to stop me.

The result? I never heard from them again. Well, perhaps the songs were not good enough, and I never made it through the selection, that's OK. But I never received an acknowledgement that they received my entry; or a "sorry, you didn't make it" note. To this day I don't even know if the KRCL Showcase actually happened this year - perhaps some US Catters could let me know, if they are aware.

But the organisers certainly DID cash the cheque pretty fast...I know from my bank records.

What should I deduce from this experience? That the organisers never meant to invite non-US participation, despite the wording of their announcement? That once someone tried to break the barrier they didn't know how to react? Or that they are just very rude and money-grabbing? Oh, well, I still deem it worth spending the £11 just to prove the point that some people need their eyes opened to the world beyond their state line. And to have a story to tell.

As for the songs that didn't make it, I really don't mind. Especially as Vin Garbutt now sings one and Andy Irvine the other...