MUCKLESHOOT CASINO; AUBURN, WA
Galaxy Stars rock at the Muckleshoot

By Sue Sawyer

The Muckleshoot Casino’s Galaxy Nightclub and Lounge has gone 100% live entertainment every day of the week with the inclusion of Wednesday’s live karaoke with the “Rockstar Band” bringing singers to the stage who want to experience that rock star feeling. Thanks to a little electronic help thrown in, there are stage monitors with lyrics, side wall screens stream video of the performance and words. The band is live, but there are also tracks sequenced, so both live and electronic are tied together to create a familiar music background to keep singers from entering outer space not understanding the band’s arrangements. The band has taken careful note of the live singing problem and made it easier for those used to karaoke to perform like a pro.

Virginia Ashby is “hostess with the mostess” full of energy and songs, providing background or help to those who come on stage requesting it. Virginia’s singing talent is a gift to those who are in the audience because with her musical skills and showmanship everyone should be paying big dollars to see her perform.

The band shines too. On drums is Josh Woodman and bass, John Baliff. Mike Charles is providing licks on his electric guitar. Blinking lights and light “stars” in the sky is your backdrop, along with smoke for clouds, different lighting colors for different music styles, a spotlight on the singer and professionally-mixed mic sound. All these ingredients fuse together for special thrills and memories to those not afraid to climb the stage steps and perform.

To make it easier to lose your inhibition, the bar is offering $3.00 Cosmos and Kamikazes during the show. Ask the bar staff for other nightly specials too. Dancing on the large dance floor is encouraged. For example, during Hal’s rendition of “Copacabana,” the floor filled up with one very energetic and long conga line kicking and singing to Hal’s Manilow croon.

The song list is growing. At this show, you have to stick with the list choices. No personal karaoke discs. There is song title representation from the most popular Rock and standard groups along with some Country. Virginia launched the show with “We Are Family” and after the first break, “Lady Marmalade.” Pablo knocked everyone’s socks off with “Born To Be Wild” and Bo chose “Dancing Queen” to the audience’s delight. Eric belted out Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell” complete with all the gyrations, and later doing a dazzling performance of “Midnight Hour.” Tina could have subbed for Donna Summer performing “Bad Girls.” Dean blew everyone away with “Soul Man” and George twanged “Sweet Home Alabama.” Mr. Ky crooned “Every Breath You Take” and Michelle mellowed the crowd performing “Drift Away.” Virginia and George showed everyone how “Picture” should be sung.

There are two short band breaks during the evening and there are more than 40 song slot opportunities which start out about 9:00pm. Sign up sheets are on the stage much earlier, so it’s possible to show up early, sign in and go eat and “do your thing” at the tables or slots. Songlists are on the tables and several stage crew people are available to answer your questions.

The Muckleshoot offers free valet parking and plenty of seats around the dance floor at the Galaxy. Bring your family and friends to share your Rockstar-coming-out party. It’s more than you’ve privately imagined while showering or when singing in your car. Remember, Wednesday is “Rock Star Night” at the Muckleshoot... starring YOU!