MCCABE’S AMERICAN MUSIC CAFE; TACOMA, WA
New karaoke show at McCabe’s

By Ty Hughes

“Go big or go home!” Undoubtedly the common mantra when architects designed and built Tacoma’s premier country and western bar, McCabe’s American Music Cafe.

As it is with any true cowboy, the “big” theme is sustained in classic form here; big drinks, big hats, big boots, big dance floor, big sound and now, big karaoke! Every Wednesday night at McCabe’s on Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma, the beautiful and amazingly talented Virginia Ashby of Karr Productions, takes over the controls at her makeshift karaoke station alongside the massive dance floor. Seemingly miles from the bar, where “T” and Candy hold court, Virginia invites a faithful and growing karaoke fan base to make the trek across the expanse and jump on the mic for some karaoke fun.

High-grade, elevated Mackie speakers surround her professional sound equipment, aiming her singer’s crystal clear vocals into the center of the massive room for optimum distribution. The music is also piped through a multitude of speakers scattered throughout the entire bar, ensuring that everyone is blessed with the outstanding talent of McCabe’s friendly singers. Virginia busily tends to the controls in an effort to produce the best balance of lyrics to music.

With regard to music and mixing, she is definitely no slouch. She recently celebrated her latest CD release on February 9, 2008 to an appreciative crowd. Having written and performed all of the tracks herself, along with a couple of choice guest accompaniments, the final product is truly something to behold.

Sometime in the middle of her karaoke show at McCabe’s, she treated us to a stunning performance of a Whitney Houston classic. After a jaw-dropping rendition, the bar erupted with applause. Virginia is held in ultra-high esteem among her friends and fans alike and her CD will no doubt enjoy extreme praise from critics of every stature.

The Wednesday karaoke show at McCabe’s is brand new and karaoke enthusiasts are responding in huge numbers, making this their newest hangout for quality karaoke. Coming from far and wide to participate in their favorite pastime, Virginia’s personality and experience is already bringing in more customers than the authentic cowboy bar has ever seen on a humpday.

Situated above a seven-foot stone fireplace at the far end of the dance floor, the lyrics are superimposed on a gigantic projection screen. There is also a personal monitor in front of the singer who chooses to remain behind the microphone beside the equipment, but most prefer the mobility of the cordless mics, allowing them to sing from anywhere in the bar.

A rustic, distressed wooden interior lends a certain authenticity and warmth, characteristic of the most typical of country and western dance clubs. It’s certainly not all country music sung here however. The singer’s general song selection is wide and diverse. In fact, there were fewer country selections performed than anything else.

Cathy stood in the center of the dance floor, surrounded by swirling lights as she laid down an incredible performance to everyone’s enjoyment. Beth did a great version of “Ashes By Now” before six of the most gorgeous “McCabe’s Girls” took their turn with a suicide selection of Virginia’s choice; “Before He Cheats”. Giddy and excited as they circled the mic, they were Denise, Diane, Robyn, Anna, Angie and Dena.

Dean, a media promoter dressed in a fine suit, sang a raspy “Midnight Hour” in perfect pitch. Ms. Cinny took centerstage barefoot, singing “Stand By Your Man”. Her companion, Kirt, stood beneath a proud and colorful American flag, busting out with a goofy “Guitarzan”, complete with jungle Tarzan yells. Kirt and Ms. Cinny are karaoke regulars and are extremely happy that McCabe’s now offers karaoke on Wednesday nights. They love this bar and Virginia, but travel around the Sound in search of good karaoke.

Denise performed “Midnight Train To Georgia” and then Gary, a George Jones look-alike, sang “Neon Moon” which immediately drew the dancers out to the floor. Many of these folks are quite good on their feet, shuffling around the floor, twirling and two-stepping.

Carol got up from her table of friends, singing “Believe” while standing all alone in the middle of the giant dance floor, dwarfed by it’s shear size.

Candy and “T” happily tended bar to a roomful of friends and friendly folks. They’ve appreciated the boost in business on Wednesdays since Virginia began offering karaoke here midweek.

Karr Productions is taking the karaoke world by storm, adding four new venues to their lineup just in the last month. When asked about his recent growth spurt, Karr’s owner, Oren Artlip, says he wants to become the biggest karaoke provider in the state. Well on his way, Oren already offers karaoke at eight different locations from Seattle to Redmond to Tacoma, including McCabe’s (Tacoma), Gregory’s (SeaTac), Ohana (Belltown), No Bull Saloon (Renton), J&M Café (Pioneer Square), Firecreek Grill (Kent), VFW Hall (Redmond), Fusion Lounge (U-District). Oren aligns himself with some of the industries most beautiful hosts, drawing singers and non-singers by the truckloads to his shows around the Puget Sound area.

Do yourself a favor. Grab your karaoke buddies and head out to McCabe’s American Music Café in downtown Tacoma and get your sing on every Wednesday night with the incomparable Virginia Ashby. Once you’ve experienced her show, you’ll be spoiled and will want nothing else but McCabe’s karaoke!