GONZO’S; KENT, WA
Gonzo’s hits the Trifecta!

By Ty Hughes

A warming light shines from a plate glass windowfront alongside a bustling suburban street. Forked lightening streaks across a hot, black summer sky as a backdrop to the illuminated building’s exterior.

Wind whipping wildly without direction, carrying with it familiar notes and powerful vocals from a source yet unseen. A towering, backlit sign uncovers the mystery to passerby; G-O-N-Z-O-S.

That’s right! Gonzo’s, on SE 272nd Street between Kent and Covington, is currently featuring one heck of a karaoke display every Wednesday night. This place is so cool with its modern design, comfortable furniture scattered throughout, hip, young crowd and a perfect mix of Country, Urban, Top 40 and oldies in rotation. Rante Pacleb’s Bigtime Entertainment and his host of hosts, who usually travel in groups, manage a sophisticated sound system with pounding subwoofers to jar you to the soul. Gonzo’s is a popular hangout for all ages and cultures, drawing from all corners of a rapidly growing area just minutes West of Covington. A long, wraparound, “L-shaped” bar is expertly maintained by Tim and Janae and surrounded by industrial brushed chrome. Service with a smile. From the rafters of a vaulted ceiling hang colorful racecar hoods. Television monitors line the walls, ten feet apart. Four pool tables constantly in use, two dart boards and black leather easy chairs with accompanying coffee tables create an ambiance that instantly puts you at ease.

Singers perform their craft from the comfort of their seats or take the mic in front of the karaoke station set up along the wall in the middle of the room. Bigtime Entertainment’s newest hosts, Brandon and Pavla, familiarize themselves with the intricacies of running the equipment under the management of Bigtime’s veteran and longtime host, Patrick. Brandon is being groomed to take over the hosting at the Vibe in Kent, another venue in Bigtime Entertainment’s growing karaoke empire. The beautiful Pavla will soon be installed at Gonzo’s as their Saturday night host.

Enjoying the crystal clear vocal output at Gonzo’s, Andrew pleases the crowd with a smooth rendition of Superman by Eminem. Marci, feeling the groove, kept the spirit alive with Killing Me Softly. Bigtime Entertainment regular, Greg, busted out with Purple Rain before teaming up with Brandon for a dancing duet to My Girl.

Several countrified apprecianados performed a plethora of sweet Country selections to keep the audience grounded.

At one point, the system experienced a brief glitch due to the radical lightening strikes electrifying the summer night air outside. Inside, it was warm and cozy as happy guests enjoyed good conversation, music, dancing and good food. Gonzo’s features a creative menu of unique selections in addition to the regular fare at reasonable prices.

Check out Gonzo’s for a unique karaoke experience every Wednesday night from 9pm to closing time. Plus, every Saturday night with Pavla, an evening of DJ Dance music starting at 9pm. They’re located at 15423 SE 272nd Street in Kent, (253) 638-BEER.