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| Welcome to the Northwest Karaoke Guide |
Host Spotlight March 2008 Brynjar Halldorrson
Name: Brynjar Halldorrson Brynjar is such a unique name, where are you from? Iceland Cool! How long have you been hosting karaoke? Almost 7 years. Have you hosted at a lot of locations? Just the two. Why did you become a karaoke host? My wife, Debbie was working for Billy McHale’s. The owners of the bar/restaurant learned from Debbie that we owned a professional sound system and over 6,000 karaoke songs. They asked us if we would be willing to put on a karaoke show at Billy’s. We thought hard and long before making the commitment. We started doing shows on Sundays. And, as time went on. we added two more nights. What type of music do you enjoy singing? I like to sing all kinds of music, but the songs I mostly perform are songs that most of our customers do not sing. I like to keep the popular songs available to our clients. Type of music you enjoy listening to? All types of music. Your favorite entertainers/performers? They are many. My favorite at this time would be Simon & Garfunkel. If you could sing with anyone (past or present) who would it be and why? I would love to sing with Simon & Garfunkel. Their music is fun to sing. Your biggest musical influence? My father. He sang in a men’s choir and was always singing. He also played the harmonica and the accordion. Have a musical fantasy? Yes. I would like to conduct a mixed choir. Memorable stories that you would like to share? Before we began having karaoke shows, I was singing karaoke at different places. One day Debbie, my wife, attended the same show that I was singing at and that was the beginning of our over 11-year relationship. How did you hear about the karaoke newspaper? The paper showed up where we were working. I liked it and Debbie and I have been featured in the past five years. Play any instruments? Guitar, piano, keyboard, accordion and harmonica. Type of music usually performed at your location? Some oldies, but mostly new songs, as well as 70’s-90’s. How many songs in your karaoke directory? Over 9,000. Do you or have you sung in any groups/bands? I have sung in a trio, church choirs and in men’s choir. Entered any karaoke contests? Several. How did you do? I won several. Do you enjoy karaoke contests? Not really. Most of the time those that win publicly advertised contests are the same people. They go from one contest to another and that’s the only time we see them. I’d rather have something for our faithful customers. We have extraordinarily good singers that come to our shows. I’d like them to benefit from contests. Anything about karaoke that you dislike? I dislike the nights when we have too many people, too drunk and they cause problems. How would you improve the karaoke industry? I think increasing family-friendly karaoke places would, in the long run, benefit the industry. What’s unique or special about your karaoke show? My equipment is a first class professional sound system. My job is to make sure that the music is the background for the singer’s voice and to make the singer’s voice sounds full (not flat) and clear. Debbie’s job is to interact with the customers to make sure they feel at home. The combination of the both of us makes the show outstanding. Why should we come to your show? Because you will fully enjoy yourself. Both venues have outstanding employees, food and great atmosphere and plenty of drink choices. Like to say anything to our readers? I would like to thank the karaoke paper for bringing news of the karaoke industry to us and our customers. I would also like to thank Sue Sawyer for the opportunity to introduce myself and my wife. We met Sue at a cancer benefit program in Puyallup where I sang in a showcase along with other terrific singers. Best wishes to the paper and their writers.
February 2008 Travis and Melissa Reed
Name: Travis and Melissa Reed Hey guys, how long have you been hosting? (Travis) Five Years / (Melissa) Ten Years. We have never and will never play favorites. I think this is very important for everyone to understand, because we are all here for the same reason why should anyone be treated differently. So please don’t try to bribe us with drinks or money, because that is an insult to our stature. “But feel free to do so otherwise (wink). Having karaoke 101 - the basics on how to karaoke class - because so many people are afraid, and really there is nothing to be afraid of. Just belt it out don’t worry if you are loud, we can control that. People also need to know what is okay and what is not okay, like swinging the microphone cord. Do you really want to buy that? And trashing the karaoke books, my biggest pet peeve (they are not cheap to make, and people trash on them all the time. What do you want most, new books or new music? Providing fun and entertainment or enjoying it should never be a sacrifice. Just have fun, relax, enjoy your friends and others and remember why you really came. And most of all, sing like no one is listening!
December 2007 Christopher Alfonzo
Name: Christopher Alfonzo Hey Christopher, how long have you been hosting? 16+years
November 2007 Dave Alonso Dave, where are you from originally? September 2007
Name: Cruz Company: Cruzin I-5 Age: 41 Email: cruz@cruzin-i-5.com Zodiac Sign: Aries Marital Status: Single Show: Fire Creek Grill & Alehouse 5225 Yelm Hwy SE, Lacey, WA Nights: Thursday & Saturday Day Job: Converged Technologies Manager Olympic Telephone
Cruz, how long have you been hosting? Three years.
How many places have you hosted? Three.
Why did you become a karaoke host? It started as a favor.
What type of music do you enjoy singing? Mostly Classic Rock - CCR, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Blues and some Country.
Type of music you enjoy listening to? The Blues has been and still is my favorite.
Your favorite entertainers/performers? Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Kenny Wayne Sheppard, Kansas .
Your biggest musical influence? Listening to the Blues taught me to feel the music, the rhythms and tempos.
Have a musical fantasy? Same as most people - to be a “Rock Star”!
Play any instruments? Not anymore.
Type of music generally performed at your location(s)? Everything from old Country to Pop to R&B and Urban.
How many songs in your karaoke directory? 19,000.
Do you or have you sung in any groups/bands? Years ago. 15, I think.
Do you enjoy karaoke contests? Not really.
Entered any karaoke contests? Yes.
How did you do? Two first place, several 2nd and 3rd.
Anything about karaoke that you dislike? People who sit at tables and muddle about themselves, read books, etc., waiting for their name to be called, and don't give the same respect and attention that they think they deserve when they are singing.
What's unique or special about your karaoke show? It is a comfortable environment. Awesome views. Great people that are willing to accept you as “one of the family”.
Why should we come to your show? Just listening to the karaoke singers is reason enough to come.
Like to say anything to our readers? Come check out the show, you'll love the sound, the atmosphere and the people.
July 2007
Jason Davis Name: Jason Davis Age: 35 Email: jasonace1989@yahoo.com Zodiac Sign: Taurus Marital Status: In a relationship, ecstatic Show Location: Village Inn, El Gitano Nights: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday How long have you been hosting? 11 years How many places have you hosted? Pretty much every bar in Skagit and Whatcom County at some point and time. I used to have an impersonation show followed by regular karaoke called “showraoke” and it was very popular and ran seven nights a week to a full house. Why did you become a karaoke host? It just kind of happened. My brother and I were doing our impersonation show and karaoke just fell into it after until the combo become a staple for many bars. What type of music do you enjoy singing? I love to sing; it doesn't matter what it is - I will sing it. Type of music you enjoy listening to? Classic Rock Your favorite singers/performers? Journey and The Eagles live were two of the most amazing performances I have ever witnessed, but if you are talking about everyday singer/performer, it would be tough to choose between my beautiful Daughter, Adonica, and my gorgeous girlfriend, Emily. They are both so amazing in their own ways. If you could sing with anyone (past or present) who would it be and why? Bonnie Raitt because I have been a guitar player my whole life and when I sing along to her CDs I have a blast. So I can only imagine singing live with her; it would be amazing. Your biggest musical influence? My father. He has been a musician his whole life. He used to open for Chuck Berry, and the whole family lived off the tour bus; it was my intro to music and I was hooked. Everyone in my family plays instruments and sings, but my dad is the most amazing singer I have ever heard, and when people say I sound like him it is the greatest compliment ever. Have a musical fantasy? To sing in front of the largest crowd ever because I love the rush of performing in front of a large crowd - in fact, the more people, the better I do. But I would be playing my own guitar and singing, not just karaoke. Memorable stories that you'd like to share? Me and my brother were doing our show and he had to pull my guitar over my head really fast and in the process, smacked me in the forehead and cut my eyebrow. Instead of just quitting, I went on with my costume change, walked out after his song to sing the last song of the show, “Earth Angel” which I crooned to a lady in the front row who was very concerned because, unknowingly, there was a gash on my face bleeding all over my face and shirt. I thought it was sweat - The show must go on! What instruments do you play? Ha Ha! Yes, 13: trumpet, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, flute, French horn, baritone, tuba, guitar, piano, percussion, violin, cello—I started guitar at age four, the rest in high school, and yes, I can still play them all. Type of music generally performed at your location(s)? Seriously, everything. I will even let someone up there with a live instrument. Do you or have you sung in any groups/bands? Oh yeah Do you enjoy karaoke contests? No, because everybody has a different view on good music and good singing, so the best singer (I think) rarely wins. It is a popularity contest - the bias of the crowd or the judge that night. Singing is an art, not a contest. Entered any karaoke contests? Tried a couple when I was younger. I won one and got sent to Memphis where I took third. I won one in Bellingham and sang the National Anthem at Safeco Field for the Mariners. Anything about karaoke that you dislike? Yes, it is the people who boo and hiss and complain, but who won't get up there. Karaoke is about giving EVERYONE the opportunity to feel what it is like to perform in front of a crowd, so whether or not they are good should not matter - everyone deserves respect for trying it. How would you improve the karaoke industry? I would remove the jackasses who are trying to monopolize it. This is not a competition about who can get the most shows and be the “big man” it is about pleasing the karaoke community and providing a variety of shows that make everyone happy. What's unique or special about your karaoke show? I feel that I am funny, I am not repetitive, and I don't talk about myself. It's not all about me – it's about the crowd. I am merely hosting. Why should we come to your show? Because I am entertaining, I don't take myself too seriously and will make an ass out of myself for a laugh, I have a really fair rotation and I mix the sound individually for every singer. Like to say anything to our readers? I encourage people to not get stuck in a rut, try new songs and new shows. People get too comfortable at the same show with the same crowd and the same song week after week and it gets tired and old for the singer and the crowd. Branch out and challenge yourself, try something new!
June 2007
Host Spotlight – Dan VanHoy
May 2007
Name: Ted Vigil Zodiac Sign: Taurus Marital Status: Married Show Location: Galloping Gerties Nights: Thursday - Saturday Day Job: Construction They say everyone, somewhere, has a “twin” walking around. Not just in looks, but with the same statute and natural mannerisms. For music audiences well into their 50's and 60's, looking at Ted Vigil taking to the stage would swear John Denver was there, captured in a time warp but without guitar and hep on modern 80's and 90's music. As natural as John Denver presented himself, so does Ted Vigil. This reporter caught up with Ted at Galloping Gertie's in hopes of getting the skinny on this personality after he lost a finals tiebreaker at Cowgirl Up to receive the winner-take-all $5,000 prize: Where are you from originally? ” Seattle ” Zodiac Sign: “Taurus” Marital Status: “Yes, for many years. I have 4 children. The youngest is 18.” What do you do for work? “Construction/Karaoke Host.” Stage Name/Nickname: “John Denver.” How did you get the nickname? ”Look alike.” How did you hear about the NWKaraoke Guide? “At various karaoke shows.” How long have you been associated with karaoke? “Six years.” Have you ever hosted? “Yes” What type of music do you enjoy singing? “Country/Rock” Favorite song to sing? “Sweet Child Of Mine.” To listen to? “U2/ Still Haven't Found” Favorite singers? “Lonestar, U2 and John Mayer” CD in your car right now? “John Denver” Do you play any instrument? Guitar, some keyboard.” Do you sing with any groups? “Yes, the Ted Vigil Band.” Ever sung professionally? “Sort of...” What's the largest crowd you've sung in front of? “2,000 people.” Ever entered any karaoke contests? “Yes” How much have you won from contests? “About $3,400.” If you could sing with anyone, who would it be? “Bono.” Why? ”Great singer.” Most famous person you've ever met? ”Keith Anderson” How did it happen? ”I went on a cruise and got to sing with him.” Do you have any musical fantasy(s)? “To sing for a living and tour the world.” Why do you enjoy karaoke? “Fun for all.” Anything you dislike about karaoke? “No” If you could improve the karaoke industry, what would you do? “Make affordable quality sound gear.” Which is your favorite bar/club? “Gerties.” What's one thing you can't live without? “Music!” What's your favorite website? ”My Space.” Tattoo(s)? “No.” Fave beverage? “Strawberry smoothie.” What's the nicest thing you've ever done for a stranger? “Gave a ride and food.” Would you like to say anything special to our readers? “Keep smiling, keep singing... it's contagious!”
April 2007
Name: Baron Perez
Name: Bo Daniels Age: 34 Company: Full Throttle Karaoke Email: boolvera@hotmail.com Zodiac Sign: Pisces Marital Status: Divorced Show Location: No show right now Nights: Soon I hope, I'm new here Day Job: Landscaping So Bo, cool name, how long have you been hosting? 11 years How many places have you hosted? Seven places. I used to work in a music and karaoke store selling systems and CDs. Why did you become a karaoke host? Because I love to be a DJ. I took radio broadcasting and audio production in college I always wanted to be a radio personality and DJ. What type of music do you enjoy singing? I am a professional country singer and songwriter with my own music too. I did the National anthem at a Rodeo and was on stage with Pam Tillis. And get to sing for the President also here soon. Type of music you enjoy listening to? Country Music is what I enjoy best but love all kinds of music Your favorite entertainers/performers? Brooks and Dunn and Sara Evans If you could sing with anyone (past or present) who would it be and why? A duet with Brooks and Dunn and Sara Evans. Your biggest musical influence? Merle Haggard Memorable stories that you'd like to share? I did the National anthem at a big Rodeo event before Clay Walker and Travis Tritt came on. Play any instruments? Yes, Guitar, electric and acoustic, keyboard and drums Type of music generally performed at your location(s)? All music - all kinds of stuff How many songs in your karaoke directory? 8,000 songs and 10,000 DJ songs Do you or have you sung in any groups/bands? Yes, local country bands Do you enjoy karaoke contests? Yes, some of the time Entered any karaoke contests? Yes, entered a few and won $300 here and $500 there. I won quite a few. Anything about karaoke that you dislike? No, I love to hear people sing, but not “Picture”. I hate that song but it takes a lot of guts for people to get up and sing, which is good. How would you improve the karaoke industry? A little more new stuff. That's is what people like to sing I guess. What's unique or special about your karaoke show? Good partying people Why should we come to your show? It is a lot of fun! And people come down to have a good time. Like to say anything to our readers? You guys keep singing and love what you do! Karaoke is a lot of fun, except when you're drunk!
January 2007
Name: Sandra Dee Sorrell Age: 43 Company: Positive Promotions Email: positivepromotions@comcast.net Zodiac Sign: Capricorn Marital Status: single Karaoke Show Location: Mazatlan - Kenmore , Big Daddy's - Woodinville, Marcus' Martini Heaven - Pioneer Square When: Wed, Fri, Sat, Tues, Sunday Day Job: Entertainment Agent How long have you been hosting? 19 years How many places have you hosted? Too many to count Why did you become a karaoke host? After a serious car accident, I needed a business that would turn a good profit and not require me to be present at all times. It was a toss up between karaoke and an espresso stand. I chose karaoke because I like to sleep in. My intention was never to host, but to hire hosts and I would own equipment, book and market karaoke shows, which is what I did for the first several years of owning my business. What type of music do you enjoy singing? I can't sing a note. Just to amuse my customers I do a little rapping once in a while. Type of music you enjoy listening to? R&B, Hip-Hop, Soul Your favorite entertainers/performers? The late Luther Vandross, Josh Groban, Will Smith, E,W,F and Ludacris If you could sing with anyone (past or present) who would it be and why? I don't think anyone would want me to sing with them. Your biggest musical influence? Sly and The Family Stone Have a musical fantasy? Being a Fly Girl on in Living Color Memorable stories that you'd like to share? Listening to one of my retired hosts Davey B, interjecting current slang words in the style of Frank Sinatra into an “Old Blue Eyes” song. Now that's talent! The list of words started in 1992 and is still around today. Yeah! Boyeeee! Play any instruments? No Type of music generally performed at your location(s)? Wide varieties depending on location and night of the week How many songs in your karaoke directory? Each location is different. Minimum library 20,000 and max is 40,000 Do you or have you sung in any groups/bands? Nope. I have managed , booked and produced artists/shows. Do you enjoy karaoke contests? They don't ever seem to come out right. Entered any karaoke contests? Never. Anything about karaoke that you dislike? Sometimes people forget that singing is about being in your joy and having fun. As the karaoke singer has become more educated, it seems the less fun they are having. How would you improve the karaoke industry? By reminding karaoke business owners that there will always be plenty of venues for shows and that the perfect rooms for each will always show up. Over the almost 20 years I have been in business, not once have I tried to take someone else's show. In fact, just the opposite, I have helped others with contracts, marketing and obtaining equipment. I would love to see more integrity in the business owners and see the singers not take karaoke so seriously. What's unique or special about your karaoke show? Number one; my regular customers are a great bunch of human beings, not to mention that some of them are awesome singers. I pride myself in running a very fair rotation which cannot be changed, not even for a price, and making each singer sound his or her best. Each venue has something unique about it; The Mazatlan is The “Cheers” of Kenmore . I've had a show there for fifteen years. If you show up for dinner, order #33. Big Daddy's has darts, pool tables, a stage, dance floor, amazing sound, great food and my partner in crime the “Singing Bartender Jen”. Marcus' Martini Heaven is eclectic with its leather couches, plasma screens, monthly featured artists, the Best Martinis in Seattle and personable bartenders, Andy and Clete. Like to say anything to our readers? Focus on what you DO want!
November 2006
Rose Collazo A constant in the Pierce County karaoke trade over many years is Rose Collazo of Tiger Rose Entertainment. This very multitalented lady has stayed under the radar in long, continuing gigs, and is now in the process of expanding her business. This interviewer caught up with Rose at her Tuesday hosting show during a local “Meet Up” event at Tacoma 's Midland Tavern. Rose, where are you from originally? Tacoma , WA . Zodiac Sign: Pisces. Marital status: Divorced. What do you do for work? Karaoke Hostess, Web Master, and Mom to seven. Stage name/nickname: “Karaoke lady.” How did you get the nickname? “Oh, you're the karaoke lady,” people say when they meet me outside of work. I'll just nod and smile. That's me. How did you hear about the Karaoke & Entertainment Guide ? I found it years ago at Gloria's in Tacoma , and have been a fan ever since. How long have you been hosting karaoke? Eight years; seven at Pacific Lanes, Pine Street Landing, Midland Tavern. I also do wedding receptions and private parties. What type of music do you enjoy singing? Fast, upbeat songs. If a song resonates with me, whatever the type, I will learn it. Favorite songs to sing? “Whatever You Say”; “Rhythm Of The Night”; “El Debarge”; or anything Smokey Robinson sings. To listen to? “Check It Out” by Beyonce; “Buttons” by the Pussycat Dolls. Favorite performers? Pink Floyd, Shania Twain and Rob Thomas. CD in your car now? None – radio tuned to 100.7, Wolf Country. Do you play any instruments? Basic piano, and learning guitar. Ever sung with groups or bands? No, too busy raising kids. Ever sung professionally? Just karaoke hosting. The largest crowd you've sung in front of? About 400 when I did little theater musicals years ago. Ever enter any karaoke contests? Yes, one. What did you win? A T-shirt, some cool shot glasses, and free drinks. If you could sing with anyone, who would it be? Gladys Knight. Why? Awesome voice, and still quite popular. Most famous person you've ever met? Janet Jackson. How did it happen? I was working at the Tacoma Dome in security, and a group of us escorted her and a few of her band members from the bus to the Dome. Miss Jackson said “hello” to each one of us, and personally thanked us. Do you have any musical fantasy(s)? They involve having fun, singing and everyone dancing. Any memorable karaoke stories? I hosted a pajama karaoke party, and everyone was dressed in their jammies. One gentleman had long PJ bottoms on under his robe when he showed up. Halfway into the evening the bottoms disappeared from under his robe. He kept trying to get my attention and was fiddling with his robe. Needless to say, that was my last karaoke PJ party. What do I enjoy most about karaoke? The camaraderie, the people's enjoyment. What do you dislike most? Bad service, rude people, and intolerance If you could improve karaoke? I'd pass around a “tolerance pill.” And, I'd get some of the systems out there to sound better. Tattoo(s)? Yes, one – always covered. Beverage of choice? Coffee Nudge. What's the nicest thing you've done for a stranger? Gave him money. What would be your tag line? If you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong. Would you like to say anything special to our readers? If you're reading this, you must love karaoke as much as I do. Keep singing and keep learning new songs.
October 2006
Name: Erin “Trouble” Ellis Age: 37 Company: Stallion Entertainment Email: erinellis316@yahoo.com Zodiac Sign: Libra Marital Status: Single Day Job: Shipping & Receiving Supervisor Show Locations: The Moose Lodge, The Waterfront Inn Nights: Friday and Saturday Nites
Erin , How long have you been hosting? Four years on and off. How many places have you hosted? I've hosted in three different bars. Why did you become a karaoke host? Because I love to have fun and watch other people turn into stars behind the microphone. What type of music do you enjoy singing? Rock and roll, country. Type of music you enjoy listening to? All kinds of music. Your favorite entertainers/performers? Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesnee, Hank Williams Jr., Johnny Cash. If you could sing with anyone (past or present) who would it be and why? Hank Williams Jr. because he looks like he knows how to have a great time on stage. His music spans the gambit of upbeat songs to love songs. Your biggest musical influence? All the greats like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Garth Brooks , Willie Nelson. Have a musical fantasy? Just to sing songs up on a stage in front of thousands of people with all my heroes. Memorable stories that you'd like to share? Too many to recall. Play any instruments? No. Type of music generally performed at your location(s)? All kinds—rock to jazz and anything in between. How many songs in your karaoke directory? 30,000 songs. Do you or have you sung in any groups/bands? Only in my dreams. Do you enjoy karaoke contests? Yes I do, but I don't seem to do so well. Entered any karaoke contests? I was just in the Evergreen Idol. How did you do? I was one of six that went to Monroe , but that is as far as I got. I had a great time and it was a great experience for me as a performer. Anything about karaoke that you dislike? Pushy people. How would you improve the karaoke industry? Have a full house every night. What's unique or special about your karaoke show? A 30,000 song book, and the best system in town. Why should we come to your show? ‘Cause that's where the party is. Like to say anything to our readers? Keep on singing, ‘cause everybody can be a star.
September 2006
Elvis Name: Elvis Age: 29 Email: Relationsmanager@hotmail.com Zodiac Sign: Taurus Marital Status: Single Day Job: Entertainment Show Location: Shotze's, Everett Nights: Tuesdays, 9:30pm-1:30am
How long have you been hosting? Off and on for a year and a half How many places have you hosted? Two Why did you become a karaoke host? To bring a whole new level to karaoke shows What type of music do you enjoy singing? Alternative, Rock, Punk Rock, Disney Type of music you enjoy listening to? Most every kind of music Your favorite entertainers/performers? Green Day, The American Idols, Kanye West, Avril Lavigne, Blink 182, Dane Cook If you could sing with anyone (past or present) who would it be and why? Avril Lavigne, ‘cause she is amazingly talented (and pretty hot) Your biggest musical influence? Green Day, John Williams Have a musical fantasy? To play music for a living Memorable stories that you'd like to share? Lots and lots of memorable stories to tell if anyone really wants to hear about ‘em Play any instruments? Guitar Type of music generally performed at your location(s)? I couldn't ask for a better mix, we play every kind of music. We have been lucky to get a wide range of taste, although we could use a few more R&B singers How many songs in your karaoke directory? Right now 5,711 Do you or have you sung in any groups/bands? I have sung in several bands in the past, and I am working on my own album now Do you enjoy karaoke contests? Love them! Entered any karaoke contests? Yes How did you do? Made it to the finals at the Puyallup Fair Anything about karaoke that you dislike? When people don't relax and have fun How would you improve the karaoke industry? By breaking out of the standard rut of boring karaoke hosts What's unique or special about your karaoke show? I am an entertainer. It's so much more than a karaoke show! Why should we come to your show? Because you will have the most fun you have ever had at a karaoke show. Like to say anything to our readers? Yes. Come to karaoke Tuesday's at Shotze's. Come to unwind, relax, let loose and be entertained. Stay away from the mostly bland karaoke spots and join us like it's a night out in Hollywood ! And don't forget to glimpse the bartender, Tommy, as he does his flair. Tom Cruise ain't got nothing on Tommy!
August 2006
Seth Bates Name: Seth Bates
June 2006
Rob Woods Name: Rob Woods |
Host Spotlight
Name: Turi Pietron
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Host Spotlight
Name: EJ "Rocky" Balboa
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Host Spotlight
Name: Captain Kirk
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Host Spotlight
Name: Tim “Tubbs” Hoffman
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NEW! Host
Spotlight
Name: Fehrone Williams
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NEW! Host
Spotlight
Name: Triple Jay and Michellay How long have you been hosting? Since 1993 How many places have you hosted? Approximately 13. Previous venues include Red Lion at Boeing Field, Gregory’s (West Coast Hotel), Loretta’s, Atami’s, Las Margaritas, Jimmy G’s, India Palace, Tukwila Best Western, Midway Casino, Pahrump’s, Players (Bellevue Red Lion), China Harbor and Burien Azteca. Why did you become a karaoke host? We both enjoy being around people and truly live and breathe music. What type of music do you enjoy singing? Pretty much all genres. We both
have our preferences, but there is quality music in every type of music
imaginable, you just have to be exposed to it, and the funny thing about
it is karaoke actually gives you that type of education - there are songs
that we both hadn’t heard before until people sang them in karaoke
form and we learned to appreciate them. You can learn so much just by
listening to others, it’s priceless. Type of music you enjoy listening to? Triple Jay: The music of Motown,
Classic Soul and R & B, Smooth Jazz and anything with four-part vocal
harmony. Your favorite entertainers/performers? Triple Jay: Marvin Gaye and David Ruffin, The original Temptations”, EWF. Michellay: Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Take 6, Donna Summer, Barbra Streisand, Rachelle Ferelle, Ella Fitzgerald. If you could sing with anyone (past or present) who would it be and why?
Triple Jay: Marvin Gaye and the Temptations. Marvin Gaye was a great story-teller
when he sang his songs and the Temptations had voices that were off the
hook and incomparable choreography. They set the standard for today’s
vocal groups. Your biggest musical influence? Triple Jay: Marvin Gaye and the Have a musical fantasy? Triple Jay: Singing for a full capacity crowd at Madison Square Garden. Michellay: My dream since I was a kid is to sing on Broadway one day. Memorable stories that you’d like to share? Triple and Michellay: We remember one night when we were hosting at a place in North Seattle and Charlie Rich was traveling through and actually got up to sing his own song, “Behind Closed Doors”. He was real cool, real down to earth and left us a fat $50 tip. You just never know who you’ll end up meeting in karaoke. Play any instruments? Triple Jay: Bass and Drums. Michellay: Piano, Violin and Drums. Type of music generally performed at your location(s)? All kinds, it really depends of the mood of the crowd. How many songs in your karaoke directory? We haven’t actually counted the number but there is a good mix of just about everything to keep you busy. Do you or have you sung in any groups/bands? Yes, we’ve have both sung with bands/groups, but we prefer karaoke because it’s the most consistent work out there and you don’t have to sing for three straight sets and wear out your voice in the process. Triple Jay: Klass, Profonics, High Class among a few. Michellay: I’ve fronted my own jazz group, Miya Collins Trio. Do you enjoy karaoke contests? Yes, it’s a great way to expose what you are capable of as an entertainer, and your fellow competitors challenge you to become the best you can possibly be. Entered any karaoke contests? Yes. How did you do? The one contest that stands out in both of our minds is a contest we entered in 1994. CJ Fox, Karaoke and Lighting Store, organized a huge karaoke contest at Club Broadway, there were a total of 2.000 who entered the preliminary rounds at qualifying clubs in various cities in Washington. In the end there were 50 finalists competing and we ended up winning 1st place doing our own duet interpretation of “At this Moment.” Anything about karaoke that you dislike? Impatient singers. How would you improve the karaoke industry? We’d like to see more live musicians embrace karaoke and participate in the fun of karaoke by bringing in their harmonica, saxophone or guitar, it really adds to the overall entertainment value. What’s unique or special about your karaoke show? We are true music
lovers and appreciate all types of styles and singers. We love to provide
background vocals and harmonies when requested and try to help singers
out when they need assistance with their songs. Why should we come to your show? We tend to attract some really great singers of high caliber that are quite entertaining, it’s almost like going to a concert without paying the price of admission. Like to say anything to our readers? Triple Jay: “If you love to
sing, listen to good music or see a karaoke show on another level come
to the Shi Lin in Bellevue.” |
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