It was an overflow crowd keeping the bar staff hopping while management was adding extra tables and chairs around the stage for The Golden Steer’s finals to send their two representatives to the Evergreen Fair.  Sixteen brave souls competed and sang their hearts out for Candy and the audience.  When it was all over, Kristie took the prize with her super rendition of “I Hope You Dance.”  And, James’ “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love”

gave him entry as well.  In case either Kristie or James can’t make it to vie for the sing-off grand prize, Tom’s runner up song “Somebody Like You” will take him to the Fair.

On a happy note:  Bobby Dean, a regular singing favorite from Bellingham to Kent announced to all that he had just signed a Nashville entertainment (performance) contract so he had to drop out of Steer’s finals competition.  He was leaving for Tennessee before The Evergreen Fair dates. (See what happens when you love what you do and do what you love with passion.)  Keep on singing folks!

Cedarwood Dome; Milton, WA ~

It was an exciting night at Cedarwood Dome Tavern August 5th which presented the Evergreen State Fair Idols sing-off sending two folks to represent the bar at the Fair in September.  One was Edward Brazier, the last contestant of the night took a big chance with two “Crazy’s.” The first, Gnarls Barkley’s version and the second, Patsy Cline— one after another. He pulled it off as a champ would.  “Elli” (Dawn) Joyner charged the crowd with “Independence Day” and then changed the tempo with the sappy “Like We Never Loved Before,”  “one of her favorites” she exclaimed.  Those two songs earned her a trip to the big stage as well.

Some of the other 15 contestants, Blake’s “Bodies” was masterful and the mic/sound system  handled his hard rock without challenging the audience’s hearing.  However he was not on top of “Friends In Low Places” which cost him points and out of the top spot. Karen’s Lighthouse version of “You and Me” was well crafted and got the judges’ attention.  Nancy’s “Candle In The Wind” was beautiful and Jay’s “Rebel Yell” worked for him.

Tim’s “Sold” got the audience clapping and McKenzie’s “Santaria” (also spelled SanteRia) incorporated her special style.  Both Brit’s “Lips Of An Angel” stood out along with “Don’t Speak.”

Each and every Friday night starting in May, Kent’s Golden Steer Bar/Restaurant will host a lively karaoke contest. The contest will be open to the first 12 people to sign up.

Regular karaoke will go from 9pm-10pm, warm-ups for the contest will be from 10pm-11pm, and the contest will begin at 11pm.

From those 12 singers, one person will win $25.00 cash and a $25.00 gift card from The Golden Steer. Every Friday’s winner will be featured on the “Best Of Kent” photo board for all to see.

The contest will be audience-judged. Sing and dance the night away until 1:30am at the fabulous Golden Steer on Kent’s Easthill with your KJ, Candy. Check out Candy’s Web site for more; www.karaokewithcandy.com.

There’s a 35-year tradition still going strong at Kent’s Golden Steer Restaurant on Monday nights; All-you-can-eat-spaghetti dinner for $3.49, served until 7pm.

Another popular tradition here is the karaoke, starting at 7pm and runs to midnight. It’s a win-win combination for the serious karaoke singer.

Karaoke hostess Candy, a fixture at the Steer for over a decade, is always refreshing, full of energy, quick with the quips and always prepared with a new song to charm her audience. She maintains a quick rotation and doesn’t allow boredom at her shows!

A large stage and dance floor in front of a center bar that divides the room into different seating areas, is all accessible to dance floor shenanigans. If you’re facing away, there are mirrors to help focus on what’s going on behind you. A permanent, raised DJ area houses a high-end collection of karaoke equipment and music allowing Candy to play most everything a singer brings to her and tune it pro-style to the singer’s liking.

If you’re not in the mood for spaghetti, try a tall cheesecake, Steer’s brownie or strawberry shortcake. YUM! The Golden Steer is known for prime rib carved to order, steaks and an assortment of comfort foods with a fully-stocked salad bar. The decor features that modern cowboy look.

The singing runs Friday through Monday from 9pm-1:30am, except for Monday, 7pm to midnight. There is an ongoing qualifier every Sunday night starting at 10pm, turning into a cash and prize contest. A variety of good singers always show, including Curt who likes the “Wildside Of Life” and Judi favors “I told You So.” Laura sings “She’s In Love With A Boy” and Manny likes to “(I) Fall To Pieces.”

Jeff brings to life Daryl Wooley’s “Awful, Beautiful Life”. Angela likes to sing “Crazy Train” because ‘she can!’ Michelle chose, “Welcome To The Jungle” and Cindy is “Not Ready To Make Nice” while Amy is just plain “Crazy.” Jerry, Mark and Frank P. bring the Nashville sound to the Steer with “Does Ft. Worth Ever… “, Cowboy In Me” and “Don’t Take The Girl” respectively.
Rotation names in singing order along with song titles flash on the TV monitors between singers, making it easy to figure out when to smoke or take a break without losing rotation slots. Dart games have enough room so patrons don’t have to duck from flying darts. Drink choices are plentiful, beer diversified and a large dance floor for those impromptu line dances.
The Golden Steer is located at 23826 104th Ave SE (Benson Hwy) Kent, WA 253-852-1144 www.goldensteer@comcast.net. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and banquet facilities. Plenty of parking available.