Dean, Hit Connections, wondered where everybody was as he fired up the sound equipment for Star Machine’s big karaoke contest finale at PJ Pockets. Just a few parties were scattered around the room, until Tai’s family came pouring into the bar and took their places around the dance floor. They filled up half the room with Tai-supporters. Suddenly the entire casino is bum-rushed and instantly clogged with bodies all the way to the back wall waiting to hear the contestants do their thing. The payout would be huge; one thousand big ones in cash money! Even coming in 2^nd place would be a lucrative endeavor, paying $500 cash, and a cool two-fifty to the 3^rd best singer tonight!

Eleven extremely talented performers took the stage one after another while judges John, Craig, and Linda did us all a favor by selecting those top three.

First up, Orion opened up with his signature Moondance, leading the way for Jesse’s Dream On. April did a nice Black Velvet, before Brittany’s sultry If I Ain’t Got You. Rob totally rocked You Got Another Thing Comin’ with his rock scream like nobody elses. Jeff busted out the Huey Lewis Power Of Love, and then Tai gave her family a reason to cheer with Ooh Ooh Baby Baby. Eddie sang his classic My Girl, and Jennifer wowed the crowd with Hopelessly Devoted To You. Deyo sang Give Me One Reason, while Jerry took up the rear with Journey’s Faithfully.

Those in the audience were treated to some of the area’s best singing voices, and the tension was high among the contestants. So much on the line – it was anybody’s contest at this point. Probably best to leave it in the hands of the pros.

While we waited for the results, the karaoke raged on behind the deftly executed riffs by Star Machine‘s Jeff, Pete, and Brian. Those that had been dying to get up on that stage and sing a song with the band, were finally allowed to do so. Between singers, Verginia would peddle PJ’s 50 cent beef tacos all night, eventually selling out completely! “What, they’re out? Then let’s drink all the beer too!” she rallies.

Every Tuesday at PJ Pockets, you can wrap your hands around as many 50 cent tacos you can eat, and the well drinks are only $1.75, so are domestic beers! Unprecedented savings every Tuesday for Star Machine karaoke night! Just $5 pitchers of beer, and the deal of the century: a burger and a beer for only five bucks! Wow, come on people, these are barn-burners, easy on the ol’ pocketbook at Pockets Casino.

Then the contest results finally came in… Congratulations to PJ Pockets’ thousand-dollar winner: Tai! Surely her family’s influence pushed her over the top.

In 2^nd place, it was the lovely Jennifer, who snagged $500, making it very clear how badly she could use this money right now.

And finally, in 3^rd place, and $250 richer, Brittany!

Way to go guys, and huge thanks to everyone who came out week after week to sing and compete.

Plan your next Tuesday night at the fabulous PJ Pockets Casino for cheap food and drinks, pool, darts, card tables, and an amazing karaoke-with-a-live-band experience at 1320 S 324th Street in Federal Way, WA 98003, ph: (253) 529-9298. Show starts at 9pm, see ya there!

Verginia and Star Machine have hosted hundreds of potential contest winners over the past couple months. These hand-chosen singers have been personally invited to attend and compete in PJ Pockets’ contest finale. They plan to give away a ton of cash to the top three competitors, so you can bet that the stakes will be high on Tuesday, February 8. A thousand big ones to the winner, $500 to 2nd place, and $250 to 3rd place! This will be one to watch.

We caught one of PJ Pockets last qualifying events and saw 13 singers make one last attempt at getting in under the wire. Virginia was out sick that week, so Harvis filled in as host. The energy is high, and hope runs rampant. Thirteen performers later, we all had our favorites.

When the numbers came in, Orion’s Moondance put him over the top. He was handed a hundred bucks right then and there, and asked to bring his best in the Finals event.

PJ Pockets has been giving away $100 every week to their top singer, $50 to 2nd place, and $25 cash to their 3rd best singer, as voted on by the people.

Jesse snagged 2nd with an awesome version of Creep, Rob landed 3rd with his signature rockin’ Dirty Deeds by AC/DC. These guys all rocked it on stage with Star Machine’s guitars and drums behind them. The smoke machine had the stage and dance floor alive with rolling fog. Jordan got himself Honorable Mention for his sweet Hotel California.

Shawn did a great Let’s Get It On; Michael sang How You Remind Me; John G did I Love Rock n Roll; Brad sang You Look Wonderful Tonight; Alisha did Black Velvet; Jeaneen sang I Wanna Dance With Somebody; Midnight Muse performed Pride & Joy; Kristy came in with Zeppelin’s Rock n Roll; Jasmine brought A Little Bit Of This.

Star Machine puts on a great show, exciting and new. Put yourself in one of their comfy seats, order up a cocktail and take a gander at Star Machine’s extensive song list. These guys have been seriously adding a ton of songs to the menu. Just the “Fresh Sheet” is 40+ songs long! And they learn to play every song just for you guys. Come check out Star Machine at PJ Pockets now on Tuesdays. Sing to your heart’s content from 9pm to 1am.

Good luck in the Finals to everyone that qualified. We’ll have the final results in the next issue of the Karaoke & Entertainment Guide.

The lovely Verginia can be found at PJ Pockets every Thursday night fronting Star Machine, a popular and local live-band karaoke phenomenon.

PJ Pockets is celebrating their grand reopening by giving away $200 every single week in December through the beginning of February to those of you who can carry a tune in a bucket. Swing in next Thursday night and get all the details, but bring your best voice, because when you see the karaoke set up here, you’ll be pulling up a chair and sticking around a while. In February all the first place winners from each week will compete for $1000 first place prize, a $500 second place prize, and $250 third place prize in the finals!

Not only do they have all the full-service gaming tables featuring all your favorite card games, there’s also a giant sports bar with tons of pool tables and big screen TVs, plus a big, open lounge complete with dance floor and stage. Star Machine is brought to you by Hit Connections Entertainment (HCE) and takes the stage at 9:00pm – they promise to hand the microphone to you all night long! Seriously great entertainment for those of you who like to get your lead-singer-to-a-live-band fix.

Pete Sams is the comedic one on bass, Jeff Powell powers up with a mean lead guitar, while newcomer Brian Smith swings the sticks. And YOU are on lead vocals for any one of over 300 song selections!

Verginia will guide you through the process and assist you with any backup vocals, but it’s all you in front of a bar room full of onlookers and supporters. It’s your song, your spotlight. You’ll enjoy the rush of singing in front of a live band. And the crazier you get, the more popular you are with the audience. Maybe you’re the next David Lee Roth! You may never know until you try out the band at PJ Pockets.

“Live band karaoke without the screens and posted lyrics is just a jam session”, says Dean of HCE. “We’ve invested thousands of dollars into creating these karaoke effects, including having all the words to the songs posted on the monitors, something the most of the other live-band karaoke companies don’t have”, he added.

If you’re still not sold on Verginia’s Star Machine, just ask Anita and Jackie who are huge fans of the show. Or Lauren and Kristina; aka, Dizzy… see what they have to say about their electrifying experience on stage with the band.

Luma takes care of the guests, providing prompt and friendly tableside service. She also sings when she gets a chance.

The bar is directly next to the lounge, which is wide open to the rest of the place. Comfortable, low-backed chairs surround lounge tables, surround the dance floor.

PJ Pockets’ nightclub atmosphere and hearty sound system will work its way into your very soul… besides, you’ve been caught staring at Verginia several times now, so better get out there and dance baby!

Tammy sings Gimme One Reason with the boys, and plans to get into a recording studio and get started on her Christmas gifts (hint, hint).

Aaron did a great Sting impression during his Every Breath You Take, before Brandon got up to do his own impression. It’s like being in a dream, experiencing your childhood fantasy, but this time there’s no mirror and you’ve really got a real audience! Come out and experience the rush that is Live Band Karaoke with Star Machine – you owe it to yourself.

And don’t forget, right now you can get in on this huge cash giveaway at PJ Pockets right as Christmas comes around, a great way to get those gifts paid for using your God-given attributes!

See ya next Thursday at 9pm in Federal Way, and bring your friends to cheer you on to victory! Woot-woot!

For more details on Star Machine, check ‘em out online at www.facebook.com/starmachinekaraoke or www.hitconnectionsentertainment.com and their ad here in the Karaoke & Entertainment Guide.

The incomparable Virginia Ashby and Star Machine’s live band karaoke takes the stage every Thursday night at PJ Pockets Casino in Federal Way.

PJ Pockets provides a close-up, intimate layout featuring one of the area’s most popular karaoke bands. Of course the always fantastic and gorgeous Virginia Ashby, a star in her own rite, heads up the show. Just her presence will bring out handfuls of great people and singers. Those of you who have not tried live band karaoke yet, really ought to get over to PJ Pockets next Thursday for a karaoke experience like none other. Pete and the rest of the band will play any of nearly 300 song selections available, while you take center stage as lead singer for your very own live band performance. Virginia is right along side you to provide any backup vocals if and when necessary.

Star Machine has vowed to add new songs to their list every week to keep it fresh. True to their word, they’ve added over fifty songs to their repertoire since January, including one of my favorites, Boom Boom Pow from the Black Eyed Peas and plenty more.

PJ Pockets is an excellent room for live entertainment. They’ve got the open interior concept, without walls, except for the 12-table casino area, which is isolated from the rest of the sportsbar. They’ve got a humongous pool room and darts.

The stage is in the lounge area, on a raised level of its own, packed with tables and chairs, a dance floor, and it’s even wheelchair accessible. The acoustics are great! You can enjoy the live music from anywhere in the building, and Star Machine’s biggest fans are anxious to fill the place with their own sounds.

The lights bring the stage to life for Jessica, who says, “This is the only place we feel comfortable enough to sing whatever we want”. No judges here, just fellow singers with a shared love of music. Bill, Lisa, Gary, Jim and Dan each got up for a song of their own. Even Peaches and her friend Donna were in the house to see Virginia!

Virginia’s experience in the industry is incredibly vast and diverse. She’s certainly one of the busiest artists we know. Not only does she serve as lead vocals for the band NiteCrew and Star Machine, she’s always working on her own solo work, putting out several albums of her own. Her latest, Strongest Weakness, just hit the shelves. She’s awfully smooth people. See her Web site at www.virginiaashby.com.

Federal Way’s Vince’s Italian Restaurant hosts Virginia for a night of jazz and blues every Sunday and Thursday from 6pm-9pm. Star Machine invites you to come sing live band karaoke with them at PJ Pockets every Thursday from 9pm-close, and then on Wednesdays at the Muckleshoot Casino in Auburn at 8:30pm.

For more information from her Promoter, Hit Connections Entertainment, check out www.hitconnectionsentertainment.com.

PJ Pockets is expected to roll out a huge karaoke contest in April, where they will reportedly be giving away big cash money every week, plus a huge cash added finals event! So, keep your eyes on the Karaoke & Live Entertainment Guide for details forthcoming. Meanwhile, get on over to PJ Pockets every Thursday and join in the fun with all your karaoke-loving friends. You can feel comfortable here.

PJ Pockets Casino; 1320 South 324th St., Federal Way, WA 98003  (253) 529-9298 www.pjpockets.com.