THE BRANDING IRON; KENNEWICK, WA
Kennewick’s Branding Iron, Tri-Citie’s Country Night Spot

By Mike Carlin, Karaoke Tonight

Some call it a landmark establishment at 213 West Kennewick Ave, downtown Kennewick, WA. Why not?

The Branding Iron has been serving up cold beer, hot steaks and even hotter music for about five years now. The Branding Iron, owned and operated by Shelly Stockmen, sits down the street from a couple of sports bars and a hip hop joint that caters to a totally different clientele. The Beach, more on them next month.

I like the Branding Iron. Karaoke on Wednesdays, live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Is it a Cowboys bar? um, no, yes... no... yes... well, I don’t know. I’m not a cowboy, but I like it and that’s what’s important, right? For you non-smoking fans, this is one bar that should be smoky. Open the door and vent. The dim lights and raised round tables call for a smoky haze. Well those days are gone, for now anyway. What I really like about this place is the live country music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. The Branding Iron rotates three local bands; Trespasser, Patchwork and Nuketown. Yes, Nuketown. These are not cheesy bands that got their start two months ago either. If you’re looking for some great country rock bands, then come on down! There is a small cover charge with live music. The dance floor, while not huge, is not bad either, grab your partner and do a two step. You’ll have a good time.

We love karaoke, and it’s Wednesday night, time to check out Ray Baker’s On Screen Karaoke, the largest karaoke operation in the Tri-Cities.

The regular K.J. was absent, replaced by “Dyslexic Bob”. Sporting a cowboy hat and a wireless mike, D.B. handled the growing crowd like the ten year vet that he is. In the three hours my wife and I were there, I had the opportunity to sing three times - a nice sized crowd for a late night Wednesday in Kennewick, Washington.

The next time your cruising downtown Kennewick on a Wednesday night ready to sing, stop into the Branding Iron, next door to AB-CDs Multi Media. Come early for a good dinner and stay late for the music and say “hey” to Cricket.

Dyslexic Bob