GLORIA’S BAR & GRILL; TACOMA, WA
Special weekends with Dave at Gloria’s

By Sue Sawyer

Gloria’s in Tacoma holds its karaoke in high regards, running the show five nights a week. From Tuesday through Thursday, Alicia the spunky bartender, heads up the show and Friday and Saturday, Dave Alonso is the spotlighted host where karaoke mixes into one big party.

Dave injects a lot of energy into his shows (very upbeat) and keeps the flow of the room going. No dead air with Dave. He keeps the background music going with terrific DJ choices filling the time it takes singers to get on and off the stage.

The large, raised platform is central to the bar with a working DJ booth area to its side. There’s plenty of seating around the stage, including a separate railed-off area consisting of about 24 chairs, perfect for those celebrating birthdays with their friends and such. Although there is no official dance floor, people let loose in front of the stage when the music or singer calls for it. Dave likes to present each singer and “I make sure that each singer’s song starts from the very beginning” he says, “no flying up to the stage and trying to figure out the key while on the run.”

Taz, a staple at Gloria’s, loves to perform. He starts off with “Long Black Train” and next round “I Love This Bar” and later continues with “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door.” Some other examples: Oliver’s favorite is “A Cowboy Can Survive” while Michelle sang “I Can’t Help Falling In Love.” Elton stopped by to sing “My Girl.” Kristen went with a Dixie Chicks classic “Good Bye Earl” and later picked another popular choice, “What’s Up” and then “Rockin’ With The Rhythm Of The Rain.” Dee was “Here For The Party” while Zack and Aaron harmonized “Man Of Constant Sorrow.”

Host Dave is always remembered for his awesome renditions of “Me & Mrs. Jones”; “She’s My Pride & Joy” and “No Sugar Tonight.” most of the karaoke equipment is fairly new and Dave is in charge of building Gloria’s ever expanding music collection. Personal discs are welcome too.

Gloria’s is a favorite of the biker set and many that show up at Gloria’s are talented singers. There’s also a pool table at the front of the bar area to play during the rotation. Appetizers are served from 6:00pm to 1:30am along with sandwiches and also include prawns, drumettes, fish and chips, gizzards and shrimp scatters at modest prices. NASCAR specials run $2.25 for beer. Smokers have an outdoor, sheltered area.

Gloria’s is located at 8301 Pacific Ave. (253)-475-5877.