Musicians bring jazz legend to Nickelodeon
By Mike Cox MWC423@bellsouth.net

The S.C. Musicians and Songwriters Guild will sponsor a Night with Ms. Del Rae featuring Del Rae, a jazz legend who played with Frank Sinatra and Dizzy Gillespy, January 21 at the Nickelodeon.

Vicki Whitehead grew up around music. Her dad was a trucker, only home on weekends. Those weekends were usually spent enjoying chicken bog, catfish stew, and friends. Music was usually involved.

After an obligatory tune or two, Vicki's 70- year- old dad, Ralph Mosteller, turns the family entertainment over to his son Chip and the Whitehead boys. Charles Whitehead, Vicki's husband, also plays and even collects guitars. Music seems to revolve around Vicki Whitehead.

When son Adam Whitehead graduated from high school, the family considered it so monumental, they allowed him to plan his own party. He asked for a live band; the Conner Brothers. That's where Vicki first met Chris Conner

In October 2006, the Whitehead family decided to open a recording studio. In December, Conner was diagnosed with cancer. Planning fundraisers and benefits brought local rising star Danielle Howle into the orbit. Vicki and Danielle bonded instantly.

In April, the two decided the music community needed organization and support. The Musicians and Songwriters Guild (MSG of SC) was born. MSG of SC focuses on three things.

First the group teaches the benefit of the business of music with how- to information. A recent speaker offered some advice on advertising gigs. An upcoming program will address affordable health care for veteran singers. Primarily, the purpose is to support all musicians and songwriters in any way deemed necessary.

Second, the group wants to define the music being made by members as art. Dance, paintings, even photography is considered art and is embraced by S.C. communities. The music being played in bars, auditoriums, and basements can also be considered art.

The guild partners with The Nickelodeon, Columbia Music Festival Association, and Saluda Shoals Park. In May, MSG of SC will be involved in the ribbon cutting for the Children's Cancer Hospital at Palmetto Richland. A CD of children's songs is in the works.

Working in conjunction with the S.C. Tobacco Collaborative, Vicki received a grant to produce a video to address the plight of service workers breathing second hand smoke. The Chris Conner Foundation is another recipient of MSG of SC efforts.

The third purpose is to expose talent and highlight the rich musical heritage of the state. Local hotels, restaurants, and tourist agencies spend big bucks piping in music from away. Local musicians would love to have their latest song playing in the background.

An upcoming event sponsored by the guild is a Night with Ms. Del Rae. Del Rae is a jazz legend who played with Frank Sinatra and Dizzy Gillespie.

MSG of  S.C. meets monthly. For more information visit scsongwriters.com.