Monday, February 21, 2005 ... Nashville Connections presented another fantastic evening of music! Back row (left to right) Ken Giese, Billy Hancock, Thom Shepherd and Jon Carroll. (seated left to right) Diana Quinn and Danielle Westphal. It was raining cats and dogs in Georgetown, but that didn't stop the music lovers from coming out to enjoy the Nashville Connections show! The night featured Billboard chart topping songwriters Thom Shepherd and Jon Carroll, along with local songwriters and legendary performers, Billy Hancock and Diana Quinn. Pianist, Dan Reynolds, accompanied several of the performers. As they did in June of 2004, Danielle Westphal and Ken Giese put together a great combination of talented musicians covering a wide variety of musical styles. There were two shows, 8pm and 10pm. Both went off without a hitch and a great time was had by all! Thanks again to the friendly Blues Alley staff for making us feel at home! As the tradition began at the first show in June 2004, all of this year's performers signed "The Nashville Connections Guitar." Thom Shepherd Thom Shepherd is a singer, songwriter and audience grabbing entertainer who grew up in Stephens City, Virginia. Tom wrote the chart topping hit, "Riding With Private Malone" which was recorded by country music star, David Ball. Thom's most recent songs have been recorded by Blake Shelton, Cledus T. Judd and Nashville Star winner Buddy Jewell. A two-time winner of Opryland's coveted Male Vocalist of the Year Award, he has opened for the Charlie Daniels Band, Ty Herndon, Neal McCoy, Ricky Van Shelton and John Michael Montgomery ... just to name a few! Jon Carroll Jon Carroll - long-time central member of the Mary Chapin Carpenter Band, founding member of the famed "Starland Vocal Band" (Afternoon Delight) Grammy and Wammie winner and a grateful member of the WAMA Hall of Fame ... countless recording credits ... Jon's songs have been covered by such artists as: Linda Ronstadt, Tom Jones and Kenny Rogers! A fantastic songwriter and performer and one of DC's own! Billy Hancock Billy Hancock - Ripsaw Records recording artist, Billy was born in Fairfax County, Virginia. Founder of "Billy Hancock and the Tennessee Rockets", he was also a member of the infamous Danny Gatton Band. Billy's "I'm Satisfied" and "Knock-Kneed Nellie" were also covered by rockabilly legend Eddie Bond. Diana Quinn is an accomplished classical musician. She founded Tru Fax and the Insaniacs, The Dynettes, Honky Tonk Confidential, and The Fabulettes. She is a Wammie winner and multiple Wammie nominee for "Your Trailer or Mine?" Diana has played in a wide variety of venues, from the genuine honky tonk JV (in Falls Church) to the Kennedy Center and Barns of Wolf Trap.  Diana Quinn Earlier that afternoon, the performers had the opportunity to interact with each other during the set up and sound check. Thom Shepherd and Jon Carroll met for the first time on Monday afternoon. Ken Giese and Dan Reynolds ran over some charts. Jon and Dan during the sound check Danielle Westphal rehearses one of her song selections. Thom sported his JV Restaurant t-shirt during the sound check portion of the night. Billy Hancock, along with Thom and Diana, listened as Danielle reviewed the evening's itinerary. Jon running thru one of his tunes on the piano. New strings for Ken. Danielle and Dan discuss last minute details. In the Nashville Connections format, the performers are seated "in the round" and take turns playing their songs. They also share the stories behind the songs. Danielle performed her newest song "In the Stars."