NEIGHBOURS UNDERGROUND; SEATTLE, WA
Karaoke alive and well at Neighbours

By Ty Hughes

Has your karaoke tolerance reached the point of insatiable? Does your regular location leave you hungry for more flair? Are you left with an empty feeling of dissatisfaction after your typical night out for karaoke?

Well, you’re in for a treat, because there is a colorful karaoke show going on right now at the all-new Neighbours Underground on Capitol Hill every Sunday and Monday night 9pm-2am with KJ Jimi.

Neighbours is not just another alternative club on Broadway, they’ve been around for 25 years with, as you might expect, some fantastic “underground” talent in their performers unlike any other location I’ve found to date. Whether you’re gay or straight, male or female, Neighbours Underground will have you completely enraptured for hours before you realize how totally relaxed you are. KJ Jimi brings his positive attitude and years experience in the karaoke industry to Neighbours’ newly opened underground club, situated directly below the massive, big-city dance club that touts a lively weekend crowd of hardcore partygoers. Currently undergoing a complete remodel during the week, Neighbours opens their doors to an anxiously awaiting group every weekend where they enjoy three full bars with 12 bartenders, Go-Go dancers, lights, camera, action!

Next on the remodel schedule is the underground level, now featuring karaoke every Sunday and Monday night and a very popular Drag Idol competition every Tuesday, complete with raffles and prizes.

KJ Jimi hosts a Karaoke Idol contest on Mondays where contestants are currently qualifying for $500 in cash for first place to be given away on the night of the finals, Monday, July 7th. They will also hold a drawing for a trip to sunny Las Vegas on that same night!

Everybody gets to vote at Neighbours! Upon descending the long, dark flight of stairs into the Underground, a voters ballot will be thrust into your hands. Save this – you’ll want it later.

After KJ Jimi warms up the stage with his sweet rendition of American Pie and all the audience joins in singing, Ryan jumps up and does a crazy Rocky Horror Picture Show tune with all the inflections, gyrations, etc. An outstanding start to a memorable night of not-your-grandma’s karaoke!

Just when you finally catch your breath, Jimi announces Quesadilla to the mic. Huh? Yep, Quesadilla. “Hot-n-Spicy”, he quickly adds.

Well placed flat-screen TVs dotted the interior and flashed the lyrics as Jimi’s digitally run sound system filled the windowless venue perfectly.

As Noble gripped the wireless microphone for the first time that night preparing to sing This Love, Larence the Las Vegas native bartender and former model, granted me access to the main club upstairs for a looksie even though they were all closed down and under construction.

Mona, Neighbours owner, is the daughter of the original owner and is widely appreciated by her employees. In fact, Neighbours is currently celebrating their 25th year in business.

Tim crooned Mack The Knife before Michael sang One Of These Nights. Suddenly the room was all aflutter when Jim and Kelly and her friend came bouncing down the stairs and burst into the room, dancing and laughing out loud, drawing the attention of everyone in the place. They were up from Portland on a business trip and were ready to let off some steam.

Neighbours Underground is quite a unique and interesting place to engage in karaoke or just enjoy the people and personalities. Get in there and check ‘em out on a Sunday, or better yet, swing on in on a Monday night for their Karaoke Idol contest. Whatever you do, be sure to be in the audience on Monday, July 7th for the big finale where they’ll award someone with $500 and give away a trip to Vegas baby!