Cathy Croce: `A Regular Gal In The Land Of Guys'

Who is Cathy Croce?

Born in Rainier Valley. Went to Franklin High. First performed in a Yugoslavian Folk Troupe at 13. Studied fine arts at Seattle University. First job was selling hot dogs at a golf course for $1.60 an hour. Played in college rock bands Bad Bones and The Connections. Took guitar classes, went to guitar camp, met singer Kim Scanlon and got into folk-rock group the Mel Cooleys (she's still a member). Performed with the House of Dames, a cabaret group that played at On The Boards. Through a friend, met Wayne Horvitz, who produced her CD, "Putting Words In My Mouth," released in November. Sings her own songs, plays acoustic guitar and is often accompanied by Nova Devonie on accordion and David Keenan on electric guitar and mandolin.

How she describes her music: "Eclectic folk, pop with an Italian-American twist."

What she's like as a performer: "Here's how my dad describes it: I have the stage presence of the girls on the `Lawrence Welk Show.' "

Musical influences: "I probably fall in the category of Rosanne Cash/Shawn Colvin/Nanci Griffith/singer-songwriter/woman kind of thing."

What she grew up listening to: Mario Lanza, country records, The Ohio Players, Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder.

Albums she'd take on a cross-country trip: Elvis Costello, "My Aim is True"; Stevie Wonder, "Songs in the Key of Life"; Carole King, "Tapestry."

How her promotional materials describe her: "A regular gal in the Land of Guys."

Where can you hear her? Jan. 31, NW Actors Studio; Feb. 1, Backstage. Her CD is available at Tower Records, Backstage Music and Video, Rubato Records and Public Radio Music Source.

Are you in a local band? If you'd like to be considered for Sound Check, send a cover letter telling us about your band and your upcoming gigs, the name and daytime phone number of your manager or contact person, a tape and a photo to Sound Check, The Seattle Times, PO Box 70, Seattle WA 98111.