|
|
| Welcome to the Northwest Karaoke Guide |
Faces In The Crowd May 2008
John Reddington Where are you from originally?
April 2008
Carrie Hamilton Carrie, where are you from originally? Zodiac sign: Gemini - on the cusp of Taurus/Gemini. Marital status: Single. What do you do for work? Stage name or nickname: Nickname: Carebear; Stage name: Carrie Asher. How did you get the nickname? How did you hear about the Karaoke and Entertainment Guide? How long have you been enjoying karaoke? Have you ever hosted? What type of music do you enjoy singing? Favorite song(s) to sing: To listen to: Favorite singers/performers: CD in your car right now? Do you play any instruments? Do you sing or have you ever sung in any groups/bands? Ever sung professionally? What’s the largest crowd that you have sung in front of? Ever entered any karaoke contests? How much have you won from a contest? If you could sing with anyone, ever, who would it be? Why? Most famous person you’ve ever met? How’d it happen? Do you have any musical fantasy(s)? Any memorable karaoke stories that you would like to share? What do you enjoy about karaoke? Is there anything you dislike about karaoke? If you could improve the karaoke industry, what would you do? Which is your favorite bar/club? What’s one thing (non-living) that you can’t live without? What’s your favorite Web site? Tattoo(s)? Beverage of choice? What’s the nicest thing you’ve ever done for a stranger? What would your tag line be? Would you like to say anything special to our readers?
March 2008
Ron Roy Taylor Where are you from originally? Fort Collins, CO; Vernon, TX; Nampa, ID Zodiac sign: Aries Marital status: Married What do you do for work? Tutor high school math and sing professionally. Stage name/nickname: Ron Roy How did you get the nickname? Shortened first and middle names. How did you hear about the Karaoke and Entertainment Guide? I’ve seen the newspapers in several clubs I visit. How long have you been doing or just enjoying karaoke? 15 years Have you ever hosted? No, but I have organized karaoke fundraisers. What type of music do you enjoy singing? Latin, ballads, blues, Elvis-type songs and gospel. Favorite song(s) to sing: “It’s Now Or Never”; “You Gave Me a Mountain”; “Suspicious Minds”. To listen to: Oldies, standards, blues, classical country and instrumentals. Favorite singers/performers: Elvis, Roy Orbison, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Platters, Buddy Holly. CD in your car right now? None Do you play any instruments? Harmonica Do you sing or have sung in any groups/bands? Yes Ever sung professionally? Yes, private parties, high school reunions, restaurants, clubs, fan club conventions, Mexican festivals, and celebrations in San Antonio, TX. What’s the largest crowd that you have sung in front of? 2,000 - Elvis fan club in Las Vegas. Ever entered any karaoke contests? Yes How much have you won from a contest? $250.00 If you could sing with anyone, ever, who would it be? Jordanaires, Imperials. Why? Love of gospel music. Most famous person you’ve ever met? Ray Walker from the Jordanaires. How’d it happen? I met Ray at a fan club show in Vegas and he gave me a testimonial for my CD “Songs Fit For A King”. Do you have a musical fantasy? To make a financial success out of my CD. Any memorable karaoke stories that you would like to share? My karaoke friends joining me in doing a benefit for Children’s Hospital in Seattle during the years 1998 through 2006. What do you enjoy about karaoke? Sharing my music with others and meeting people with similar interests. Is there anything you dislike about karaoke? The occasional unruly crowds and host favoritism causing unfair rotations. If you could improve the karaoke industry, what would you do? Form theme shows using local talent. Which is your favorite bar/club? Lynwood’s Azteca and Seattle’s Jalisco. What’s one thing (non-living) that you can’t live without? Music What’s your favorite Web site? My own Web page; www.Deltatrain.com Tatto(s)? None Beverage of choice? Diet soda followed by bottled beer. What’s the nicest thing you’ve ever done for strangers? The shows I put on at the Ronald McDonald House for the patients and their families. What would be your tag line? Do the best you can at all times and sing to the audience, not just for yourself. Would you like to say anything special to our readers? Visit my Web site, get to know me better and listen to my music. Feel free to send me an email at RoyRon707@msn.com. God Bless and happy singing.
February 2008
Mark Evans Where are you from originally? I was born in Sedro Woolley Washington. Yes. I’m a native. Zodiac Sign: I’m an Aries (God of War). I’m an Aries/Aries (which basically means I’m stubborn, my friends are lifelong, and my relationships are crap). My Chinese Zodiac is the Boar (known to be chivalrous and stubborn). Also, my name is Mark (Translates to “Mighty Warrior”). So in other words I’m a cool dude. But don’t get on my bad side. The easiest way to get on my bad side is to mess with my friends or family. You can mess with me all you want. Chances are you aren’t worth my time if you try and I’ll just ignore you… like a bug… and then step on you. Marital status: I was divorced eight years ago. I was married for two years. Read above for more clarification as to why. What do you do for work? I’m an engineer for Boeing. Most people think I’m a bouncer or involved in some sort of physical profession as I work out a lot. I’m 6’0” and I weigh around 295 lbs. and bench an eight rep max of over 400 lbs. I was at a bar in Seattle and a lady came up to me and told me how sexy I looked. I was wearing a leather vest and a tank top. Then she had to check herself and asked “What do you do for a living?” I said “Guess.” She said “Well your probably a biker and don’t make a lot of money.” I replied with “You’re right.” Then she walked away. Gold-diggers piss me off. That’s a true story by the way. Stage Name/Nickname: My stage name is “Mark Evans.” I use my real name for the sole reason that I want to come off as myself. I’m as real as a person comes and I don’t try to hide anything about myself. I do have two nicknames however, Dark Mark and Miyagi. How did you get the nickname? “Dark Mark” is kind of the equivalent to “Black Sheep.” This was given to me by my best friend of the past 25 years at a time in my life when I was breaking away from my mold, so to speak. I was raised in a very devout Christian family. During college, I stopped being the good little Christian boy that my parents raised me to be and started not doing what Jesus would do... so to speak. I drank and went to parties (Oh no). I had premarital sex with women (Oh my). All in all, it really wasn’t that big of a deal. I still never did drugs or killed people for money or anything stupid. I’m the oldest of three brothers. I used to drag my youngest brother to parties and tease him about joining the “dark side.” I would challenge women that they couldn’t get him into bed. At the time, he and I were modeling part time, as neither of us were bad looking at all and women would seriously try to get him into bed, which was great entertainment for my friends and I while we were drinking. This was when he was in his early 20’s. Believe it or not he actually waited until he was married to do the deed. My youngest brother is striving to be a missionary in Mexico and very involved with the church. My other brother is in a Christian rock band and just performed in front of 3,000 people recently. In the meanwhile, I am just “Dark Mark,” the lonely warrior, traveling from bar to bar, drinking, looking for another young lady to have premarital sex with, and singing my sad songs for everyone to hear. How did you hear about the Karaoke and Entertainment Guide? I started reading the guide about four years ago. I even submitted some pretty controversial articles as some people may or may not remember. I like to debate issues. I am not going to write about how great I think everyone in the karaoke world is and pat everyone on the back all the time. Sometimes someone needs to step and say what everyone else is afraid to because they might offend their friends. If I offend you, I’m happy because it means that I made you think. How long have you been doing or just enjoying karaoke? I’ve been seriously involved in karaoke for about four years now. Before that, I began singing when I was four. I sang “You Light Up My Life” to my mom on stage at church. She still remembers it to this day. Have you ever hosted? No. What type of music do you enjoy singing? Anything. Rock, Country or whatever. You name it, I’ll try it if I know the song. Favorite song(s) to sing: Hurt by Johnny Cash. It’s personal. To listen to: I like to listen to pretty much anything. I do enjoy hard rock though, as it pumps me up especially on my way to the gym. Favorite singers/performers: Live. I prefer anything rock. CD in your car right now? The Punisher Soundtrack. It kicks ass and so does the Punisher. Do you play any instruments? I used to play the saxophone for about a few months until I realized I liked singing better. Do you sing or have you ever sung in any groups/bands? Nope. Ever sung professionally? Nope, unless you count my wedding (the one that I got divorced from eight years ago). But I wasn’t technically paid as it was more of a discount because I didn’t have to pay anyone else. What’s the largest crowd that you have sung in front of? Probably 100 people or maybe 300. I can’t remember. I never count. Ever entered any karaoke contests? Yup. Even won a few. Yay for me. How much have you won from a contest? I’ve won the satisfaction of knowing I tried every time. Karaoke contests are chump change for me. I make enough money in my day to day job that I only do it for fun. If you could sing with anyone, ever, who would it be? Sara Evans. Why? Because she has the same last name as me and she’s hot, even though she’s married. Most famous person you’ve ever met? Mark Hammill (Luke Skywalker). How’d it happen? Well, when he was looking for work ‘cause his acting sucked, I met him at a comic convention in Seattle when I was younger. Do you have any musical fantasy(s)? All my fantasies have music in them. It’s usually some 70’s porn theme. Any memorable karaoke stories that you would like to share? There are so many, I couldn’t really think of any one that stands out among the rest. Karaoke is about people not being afraid to make a fool of themselves in front of others and just having fun. What more do you need to make a good story? What do you enjoy about karaoke? I enjoy the people. As a people-watcher myself, I see all walks of life around the karaoke scene. Some of them have become my best friends. Is there anything you dislike about karaoke? I dislike those who dislike it. So what if there are some bad singers. At least they have more balls than the people who like to bitch about it. If you could improve the karaoke industry, what would you do? I would make it mandatory to have dancing Pandas at all karaoke events. Which is your favorite bar/club? 13th Avenue Pub. Of course. What’s one thing (non-living) that you can’t live without? I can’t live without my PSP. It is what sustains me when I get bored with long-ass rotations. Well, that and dark beer. What’s your favorite Website? www.myspace.com/markwayneevans, because I love me and I love my space. Tattoo(s)? I have a Celtic Armband Tattoo on my left arm. Beverage of choice? Guiness. What’s the nicest thing you’ve ever done for a stranger? I saved their life. But I won’t talk about it because of personal reasons. What would your tagline be? “Yup yup.” I was a worm in a play when I was a kid and he had a really deep voice and always said “yup yup.” I know it’s stupid. But it’s stuck with me for 30 years. Would you like to say anything special to our readers? Keep singing. Don’t ever stop, no matter what people say to you.
January 2008
Introducing: Ray Conn Name: Ray Park Delaney Conn What type of music do you enjoy singing? Big Ballads Type of music you enjoy listening to? Elvis, Pink Floyd, Eagles, Country Your favorite entertainers/performers? Roy Orbison, Elvis, Eagles, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band If you could sing with anyone (past or present) who would it be and why? Elvis. Although I never try to sound like him. We have similar voice ranges and I like they way he recorded his music. Your biggest musical influence? As a kid I would say, Tommy Steele. Tommy was the UK “Elvis” and we heard him more on the radio. Have a musical fantasy? Yes, to travel to every small town and use as much of the population to dress up and perform a 60’s show - no stars - just fun. Memorable stories that you’d like to share? 1967 when on leave from the navy, I was in London at a pub with some of my shipmates. Ray Dwight, Rod Stewart and John Balday were there performing. My brother David was with me too and was complaining that a guy in round glasses was bothering him. Being the “tough guy” I was in my early 20’s, I grabbed the guy and hurled him against the wall. As I raised my fists to bop him, Stewart and Balday grabbed my arms. I asked who the guy was and was told his name was Reg Dwight. Later he changed his name to Elton John. Wow! Great story! Do you play any instruments? Voice chords Type of music is played at your favorite locations? Hits from the 60’s to the 90’s. How big is your music collection? My personal collection is over 15,000 karaoke disc songs and another 20,000 original hits on my hard drive. I mainly sing “covers”. Do you sing or have sung with a group or band? I was a solo singer in the 60’s and later became road manager of The Guy League and recorded with Mike McCarthy and Alex Harvey. Now I’m back, the last couple of years doing solos again at pubs in Scotland and England. I have written and collaborated on songs. Do you enjoy karaoke contests? Never been in one. Anything about karaoke you dislike? When a host leaves a singer on stage waiting to start a song. Nothing worse than watching that singer fidget. How would you improve the karaoke industry? Teach the KJs to set sound for each singer so they sound professional. People don’t like to sing with real cheap equipment or bad sound. Like to say anything to our readers? Any kind of entertainment is happy and happy is a stepping stone to happiness. I think karaoke in the USA is great because the audience is gracious to all singers - good or bad. You do have fun. I’ve been to shows around the Tacoma/Olympia area and in Walla Walla and there are so many good singers. Some good enough for Idol or X-factor. I think if you sing, you will always have friends who will laugh with you. I still say that it is very important that the KJ sets up a good sound. I suspect some have their own magic setting for themselves and lax about others. A singer’s confidence rises when they know they can hit that note. So KJs set that sound right, one speaker at a time. Talk first, then music balance to make each singer sound great!
November 2007
Introducing: Christina Walker Where are you from originally, Christina? Zodiac sign? Taurus Marital status? Single, can you believe it! What do you do for work? Registered Nurse Stage name/nickname? Some people call me Chrissy Jo, Chris, Christine, Christy.. and Chrissy... pretty much everything except Christina How did Chrissy Jo come out of Christina? How did you hear about the karaoke paper? How long have you been singing or just enjoying karaoke? Almost five years. After my divorce, it was like therapy to the soul... cheaper than an hour on the couch! Have you ever hosted? No, hosts walk on water. I don’t think I could do what they do. Some of them can make you sound so awesome, good with smoke and mirrors! What type of music do you enjoy singing? Mostly Country, but trying to branch out some. I tend to like the oldies. How about to listen to? Anything I can sing to, not crazy on just listening, unless it’s live. If it is music playing in my car or at home, it will be something I’m singing right along with. I found it makes cleaning easier and cuts down on any road rage I may be feeling! Who are your favorite singers/performers? Bonnie Raitt, Martina McBride, Eagles, LeAnn Rimes, Christina Aguilera What CD is in your car right now? Music I am trying to learn for the band. Oh, so you sing in a band? I sang in an R&B band for a short time and right now I am the female vocal for a newly formed band called Back Country, awesome and talented group so having a lot of fun practicing. Do you play any instruments? No, I wish. Have you ever been paid for singing as a professional? I have gotten paid for doing a couple of things if that means professional. I sang for a Fourth of July party with an Elvis impersonator which was a blast. I also did a Country-Opry Concert fashioned after the Grand Ole Opry. Don’t tell anybody, but I would have paid them to do it, it was that much fun. Once I was asked to sing for the opening ceremonies for Relay for Life which was an honor. I felt so blessed to have that opportunity. What’s the largest crowd that you have sung in front of? 1500 Ever entered any karaoke contests? Yes Did you win any money? Yeah, $500.00 and I got my picture on a huge billboard, how cool is that?! If you could sing with anyone, ever, who would it be? Joe Walker, my Grandpa Why him? I have great memories of climbing into his lap with a piece of sheet music. You could tell he had a passion for both me and the music, it was a wonderful combination. I miss hearing his voice, it was beautiful. Most famous person you’ve ever met? I’ve never met anybody famous, just a lot of talented people that should be famous! Do you have any musical fantasy(s)? I’ve gotten to do so many things in the last five years that are so far and above anything I thought I would do. I used to be pretty shy. I would never sing out loud. I am having fun right now and just looking forward to more opportunities in the future, but if I was to really stretch and dream big... I would love to just sing with a piano all the classics from the past like I’ve got a Crush on You, etc. in a quiet candlelight dinner setting for a million senior citizens and maybe bring back some nostalgia. That would be my dream come true. Any memorable karaoke stories that you would like to share? My first time singing karaoke, a complete stranger encouraged the heck out of me and we ended up singing Brick House together. I no longer see her as a stranger, but my friend. Every once in awhile I look back and think; what a nice thing she did for me. You know who you are and you know I love ya, Tracy! What do you enjoy most about karaoke? Is there anything you dislike about karaoke? If you could improve the karaoke industry, what would you do? Make more songs available on karaoke discs, there are tons of songs that I love but aren’t available. Which is your favorite bar/club? Charley’s in Tacoma with Super Steve. He is amazing with sound and the man can sing. Also Eric at the Main Garden in Puyallup, Charlie’s in Puyallup with Captain Kirk, and Donnie Dark, who just moved to L&M Firehouse in Orting. All those people and places have my heart. I like to try out new places and I’ve got a list far and wide of other great places with great hosts, sound, and song selection. Of course, I got my list from the karaoke bible. What’s one thing (non-living) that you can’t live without? My jammies, wish I could live in them! If I had a bad day, buying a pair of snuggly jammies makes my blues go away. What’s your favorite websites? LimeWire. Beverage of choice? Sprite with a bunch of cherries (thanks to Janet who always remembers). Amaretto Sour once in awhile, and if I’m feeling really bad, a Coke with crushed ice, yum! What’s the nicest thing you’ve ever done for a stranger? I met a Mom with two sweet little girls who was dying of stomach cancer. I babysat her girls, cooked her meals and tried to help make her life a little easier. It was a very sad situation. What would your tag line be? Would you like to say anything special to our readers? October 2007
Introducing: Johnny Rockstar September 2007
Introducing: Carol Mallotte & Gary DeTray Gary & Carol, where are you from originally? Carol: Olympia Gary : Olympia
Zodiac Sign: Carol: Scorpio Gary : Gemini
Marital status: Carol: No (Not yet) Gary : No (We'll see)
What do you do for work? Carol: I work at Providence St. Peters Hospital Gary : I own DeTrays LLC Manufactured Homes
Stage Name/Nickname: Carol: CA Gary : Felix
How did you get the nickname? Carol: Friends in California Gary : Friend I grew up with
How long have you been doing or just enjoying karaoke? Carol: 3 years Gary : 3 years
Have you ever hosted? Carol: No, well kinda; home system, bunch of drunks... after hours party.
What type of music do you enjoy singing? Carol: Rock, Country Gary : Rock, Country, Adult
Favorite song(s) to sing: Carol: Lying Eyes Gary : Stairway To Heaven
To listen to: Carol: Too many to name!
Favorite singers/performers: Carol: Us and them
CD in your car right now? Carol: Moody Blues and more!
Do you play any instruments? Carol: No Gary : Used to.
Do you sing or have you ever sung in any groups/bands? Carol: No Gary : No
Ever sung professionally? Carol: No
What's the largest crowd that you have sung in front of? Carol: 50 Gary : 50
Ever entered any karaoke contests? Carol: No Gary : No
If you could sing with anyone, ever, who would it be? Carol: Sheryl Crow
Why? Carol: People tell me I look like her and I like her music.
Most famous person you've ever met? Carol: Willie Nelson, Don Ho.
How'd it happen? Carol: Show in Vegas. We took pictures, me leaning up towards stage, Willie bending down looks like we were lying together (somewhere.) Years later, I saw him again in San Diego ... he signed the picture!
Do you have any musical fantasy(s)? Carol: To be able to retain title artist tone and sing or rock on
Any memorable karaoke stories that you would like to share? Carol: Yeah! Got another page?
Is there anything you dislike about karaoke? Carol: Not a gosh darn thing... except it needs more locations 365-24-7 (yeah, right).
If you could improve the karaoke industry, what would you do? Carol: Give all hosts the same versions of music. I want to sing the version I'm used to instead of bombing.
Which is your favorite bar/club? Carol: Nickelby's, Little Red Barn, Viking & Old Pizza Mining Co.
Tattoo(s)? Carol: No Gary : No
Beverage of choice? Carol: Vodka Coke Gary : Whisky water
What's the nicest thing you've ever done for a stranger? Carol: I work in a hospital so I do nice things for people everyday. Gary : Gave a buck to a bum.
What would your tagline be? Carol: Party In Style
Would you like to say anything special to our readers? Carol: Would ya? Could ya? Can I coax ya? Aw, come on. Ya said ya would... Ya wanna dont'cha? Huh?
August 2007
Introducing: Tim Strom Tim, where are you from originally? Seattle Zodiac sign: Pisces Marital status: Single What do you do for work? Manager at Jiffy Lube. How did you hear about the Karaoke and Entertainment Guide? Found it at the Golden Steer in Kent . How long have you been doing or just enjoying karaoke? 6 years Have you ever hosted? Yes What type of music do you enjoy singing? County/Southern Rock Favorite song(s) to sing: Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound To listen to: Anything by Hank Sr., Jr., Merle, or Cash. Favorite singers/performers: Kid Rock, Hank Jr., Garth. CD in your car right now? Ray Charles Do you play any instruments? Guitar, drums, piano. Do you sing or have you ever sung in any groups/bands? Yes Ever sung professionally? No What's the largest crowd that you have sung in front of? 500 Ever entered any karaoke contests? Yes How much have you won from a contest? $0 If you could sing with anyone, ever, who would it be? Christina Aguilera Why? She has an amazing voice. Most famous person you've ever met? Sawyer Brown How'd it happen? Dancing at their concert. Do you have any musical fantasy(s)? Yes I would love to sing professionally. Any memorable karaoke stories that you would like to share? Me and a buddy were singing a Temptations song and there happened to be an original member of the Temptations there. He said we did a good job. What do you enjoy about karaoke? I just like to sing and be around friends. Is there anything you dislike about karaoke? No If you could improve the karaoke industry, what would you do? I'm not sure. Which is your favorite bar/club? The Golden Steer. What's one thing (non-living) that you can't live without? My guitar. What's your favorite Website? WWE.com Tattoo(s)? Yes, I have 5. Beverage of choice? Sprite What's the nicest thing you've ever done for a stranger? They came to my work broke down and I replaced their water pump for free. What would your tag line be? I would like to help you, but I can't fix stupid. Would you like to say anything special to our readers? Hello! Come hang out at the Golden Steer!
June 2007
Introducing: Neil VanHoy
May 2007
Introducing: Brandi Wydur Where are you from originally? Ferndale Zodiac Sign: Aries Marital Status: Taken What do you do for work? Pioneer Ford Stage Name/Nickname: “Tallstuff.” Because, well, I am tall and “Brandi you're a fine girl” How did you get the nickname? < |
