HOT IRON BAR & GRILL; BREMERTON, WA Check out the Hot Iron with Mary

By Ty Hughes

Bremerton’s hottest karaoke bar is all about Mary-okey Karaoke. That’s right! Mary Hoffman of the Hoffman variety. She’s bringing her own brand of karaoke to the Hot Iron Bar every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights.

The Hot Iron’s got her all set up with an accessible sound booth on the edge of the stage, alongside the dance floor. Jillion and Stephanie were hangin’ out in the back of the bar, keeping a close eye out for refills. Both are sweethearts and seem to enjoy working here. KJ Mary had nothing but great things to say about her girl Jillion. In fact, Mary says, “It’s great to work in a place where everyone likes and supports the karaoke.” And they do here at the Hot Iron. Mary had quite a little crowd of singers, saying it’s been slow, and that it’s usually busier. Of course, no one is immune to the economic downturn, we’ve seen this. But Mary’s been bucking this trend with her show lately. She’s been drawing big crowds for karaoke on a weekly basis. Even Jillion said that their biggest nights at the Hot Iron are Sunday-Tuesday karaoke night with Mary.

K-Dawg was in the house, playing some Hold ‘Em. He got up and did a metal version of Careless Whisper – sounded killer! Christina got up and sang Adele’s Right As Rain, you know that song? Unbelievable! Amazing. What a voice on that one. We will be seeing more of her.

Staci, who had already qualified for the ongoing Monday night Karaoke Contest, sang Pat Benatar like, better than Benatar! I was floored. Singer after singer got up there and blew me away with their talent. Now, I know that the crisp clarity of the music made a real impact, but this is exactly what you get with a Hoffman Entertainment show. The music absolutely filled the entire bar perfectly. Several times I walked all the way to the back of the bar and I could hear every note clearly. I’m certain that some of the credit ought to go directly to Mary too, who’s working to make everyone sound their best. But I think I’m a pretty darn good judge of talent, and there are three or four singers in that group that could do something with their voice.

The karaoke contest running currently on Monday nights is still taking qualifiers until the Finals on November 15th, when Mary will give away $300 to first place, $100 to second, and $75 to third place. If you can’t, or won’t qualify, at least come in and see the best of the best compete for the cash on Monday, November 15.

Sam got up and did some War Pigs and later some AC/DC. He rocked it and knew it. Chris, aka: Big Daddy C, sang Buble’s Everyday extremely well and got a big applause. Ryan serenaded Stephanie with Baby’s Got Back, while she danced around him seductively in a sexy little get up. Steve sang Ghostriders In The Sky, before Mary herself got up and sang. Um, I don’t even know or care what she sang, but I just know that I’m in love. Still not sure if it’s with her or the song, but since her husband’s bigger than me – it’s the song! Man, she had everyone mesmerized during her entire song, like everyone just froze. The karaoke at the Hot Iron on Callow in Bremerton is fabulous, a must see. Then you can head up the hill to McCloud’s Saloon and catch the other half of the Hoffman Entertainment duo. Tubbs is up there tuning up his racquet, getting ready to have you join him on stage. Again, killer sound and lighting show – a Hoffman tradition.

Tubbs played his prerecorded medley of famous guitar licks. It was so funny, because it looked like he was really making the music. What an actor! Tubbs is a special character indeed. I’m not sure Bremerton even realizes what they have in Tim and Mary Hoffman, but hopefully we can help spread the word a bit.

Check out the karaoke madness, see what you’ve been missing at the Hot Iron with Mary Sunday-Tuesday and at McCloud’s Saloon with Tubbs Sunday-Wednesday.