I joined Relay For Life, Arlington, Washington last year with my sister, Marissa McKinney. Our group is called the Can-Can Girls. The name fits us for two reasons; We CAN beat cancer, and the items we sell to raise money at the event are all home-canned goods.

My sister called me a few months back, and had this great idea to host a karaoke night fundraiser. She knows I love karaoke, and put me in charge of the event. We decided on April 12, 2013 at the Whitehorse Grange in Darrington, WA. The local Darrington IGA donated 80 hotdogs and buns for our event! A few members of our team made side dishes and desserts, and donated cutlery, ketchup, mayo and mustard. And a huge thanks to my sister, Marissa, for bringing pop and water! Others who helped out included, Terese Rondeau, Elisa Tamez, Katie Sullivan, Margarita Gillette, Emily Acosta, Lesley Cochran, Erin Green, and Julie Young.

Roughly 65 people showed up. We asked for a $5.00 donation at the door, and people were donating left and right! We raised a total of $400.00!

Huge thanks to our karaoke host, KJ Mitch Carson, for donating his time. As always, he did a fantastic job! There were a ton of kids at this event, and he did such a great job with those little tykes, giving them all a chance to sing karaoke.

Relay for Life, Arlington, is held at the high school track each year in June. This year is scheduled for June 22 and 23. Please come check it out! It’s totally free, and there are over 100 booths each year!

Last year, Arlington raised almost $248,000.00 with 125 teams just like the Can-Can Girls! This is Arlington’s fourth year, and our goal is to reach one million dollars in our first four years. Cancer, unfortunately, affects so many people, I think we can all say we have been affected. Whether battling cancer yourself, your spouse, a family member, friend, or acquaintance, cancer does not discriminate. It’s such an awful disease. This is why I believe in what Relay For Life does – everyone working together to raise money to find a cure. We’re the Can-Can Girls, and we CAN beat cancer!

For more information, please contact KJ Mitch Carson at (425) 876-8514, or visit either of his shows at The Village (Marysville) Tuesdays, Wild Hare (Everett) Thursdays, Clubhouse (Everett) Fridays.

Darlene, Host at Lakewood Towne Center’s La Palma Mexican Restaurant, is the sweetest thing ever! She’s been hosting here for over a decade now, and her show every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday regularly attracts some of the best singing voices from all over the Tacoma area.

A dimly-lit lounge area with a complex floorplan frames the singers between two vertical columns on a bright, elevated stage, where Darlene works her magic. The effect is like watching a stage play without the pesky curtains.

Darlene is happy to provide background vocals anytime. Her sound system is perfect for the room, and sounds great. She’s great at what she does. Her level of confidence is depicted in her smooth-running, well-paced karaoke show. She has a calming way about her approach to hosting, and it rubs off on the crowd.

Tables and booths full of true karaoke officionados comprise the floor below. They are your audience at La Palma, where the karaoke is high-grade. That’s not to say they don’t have the occasional crappy singer like everyone else, but you’re more likely to be amazed than disappointed.

Darlene gets around to each table, even helping to clear glasses if necessary. Her friendly smile sets the mood for the whole bar. A well-orchestrated, peaceful karaoke show to be experienced. Everyone is laid-back and relaxed, friendly, and having a nice time.

Drinks and service are awesome, and the restaurant offers regular money-saving specials! Obviously, the food at La Palma is the most exquisite Mexican!

Get out to La Palma Mexican Restaurant for a taste of culture, and a flavor of karaoke you won’t find anywhere else!

La Palma Mexican Restaurant is at 5701 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd. SW in Lakewood, WA (253) 582-8349.

I see all types of self-promos, some good, some bad. While it is still tough to say how much they really help, some situations may be more crucial than others.

Is your band getting more work because you are friends with the owner, or because you’re just reliving your childhood youth and are inexpensive? Are you trying to make more money by playing bigger venues, or trying to make a positive impact on our industry?

I have to admit, I do not use much hard copy anymore. Much of what I present to a client is usually online, so it’s important that your press kit looks good online. This includes a nice clean picture that looks like it was taken in a studio, not against a brick wall, or the last stage you played on, with beer posters hanging in the background. Also a short bio about the band, with some of the places you’ve played, and a song list. Other than a good video (not audio), that is all most clients have time to look at. Unless you have someone famous in your band, a bio on each person ends up being overlooked.

Most agents and clubs store this information on a hard drive to print as needed. If you do not have great promo, do you have a great Web site with good promo pictures, and a set list that can be easily downloaded? Many times I do not have the promo up to date and need to create it from a Web site or Facebook page. In this case, the last thing someone wants to do is waste their time trying to download a picture from a streaming video they cannot download from.

Making your promo clean and accessible is important to agents and clubs alike. If a casino or club is trying to make a flyer or promote an upcoming event online, they need to be able to easily access it from your Web site.

The art of good promo has been lost. As bands complain about the money not being what it used to be, ask yourself, are you acting like someone who should be making more money?” You hear quotes all day long about “act like the person you want to be”. Are we “acting like the band we want to be?”

There are times I see a great promo and assume that this band must be a good band. Sometimes I’m wrong, but you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Have a good promo packet. Have a great photo, and a recognizable logo.

Let’s rebuild our industry to what it once was. Everyone can point fingers, but are we taking steps to do what is right. Starting with our first impression.

April was a rough month for our great country. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their family, and friends affected by the recent tragic events in Massachusetts and Texas.

On a lighter note, congrats to all the 2013 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Inductees. It was especially nice to see HEART inducted and finally recognized for their many contributions to Rock & Roll. So much musical talent has spawned from the Pacific Northwest. I feel very blessed to live here, and enjoy our world-class music scene.

Speaking of which, a local band named Regional Faction was brought to my attention. I understand they have done quite well on some song contest Internet sites. I haven’t seen their live show yet, but plan to very soon. Two of my personal favorite songs from their debut CD are “Dog On A Leash” and “Bison”. Below is some interesting info about the band taken from their Web site.

Regional Faction is a Punk Rock/Hard Rock band out of Seattle, Washington. Their debut release “Defiance At-Large” illustrates the foundation of what hard-charging Punk Rock stands for. The album is comprised of 12 songs, all of which effectively captivate the listener, and without even realizing, you’re carried into the next song.

“Defiance At-Large” delivers.
Calling the band official in 2009, Regional Faction began laying the groundwork for what would later become their debut album. Naturally drawing influence from the mid 90s “So-Cal” music scene, Regional Faction designed their own arrangement of controlled pandemonium.
Up tempo, with well-placed, Punk Rock pocket beats, make for an exciting thirty-four-and-a-half minute listen. That’s, of course, if you’re into the sorta things that can easily be associated with an aggressive carnival ride! The guitar riffs are well-designed, packed with energy and knock-out leads. Bass and drums combine as one to hard drive the machine’s rhythm section. Vocals abide the lyrical hook, and consistently push the pace. Regional Faction’s “Defiance At-Large” is a worthy listen!

Band members are: Tyler Hoggat, Lead Vocals and Rhythm/Lead Guitar; Scott Riedy, Backups and Lead/Rhythm Guitar; Jeff Schellhase, Backups and Bass; and Tim Norton, Drums.

Visit their Web site at www.regionalfaction.com for more info and to buy their CD.

Ever since Stan Tha Man entered the building at 35509 21st Ave SW in Federal Way, Jersey’s Sportsbar has become the city’s party headquarters!

For fifteen years, Stan Tha Man hosted his show next door at the North Point Bar & Grill. He recently left the bar, disgruntled, and immediately worked a deal with Neil, co-owner of Jersey’s. His faithful following, the better part of two decades in the making, followed their lovable host, and integrated themselves nicely into the Jersey’s crowd. The bar is so full, no matter what night of the week, bodies are literally spilling out the front door until closing time.

Stan Tha Man is an ultra-big hit with the ladies. When the party really got going, he sat back in his karaoke “throne”, draped with beautiful women. No joke.

His style of karaoke is infectious, to say the least. Most everybody is up and moving around, dancing, singing, talking, playing, etc. The stage is ruled by the imposing Stan Tha Man, and once he starts his improv rapping, you can’t help but love the guy.

Karaoke singers are encouraged to qualify for Jersey’s big Tacoma Rainiers Karaoke Contest every Saturday in May! Don’t miss their in-house Finals on June 1.

Multiple area locations will qualify two singers each week and send two finalists to the Rainiers Karaoke Contest Finale on July 11. The winner will receive a night stay in Seattle, and (2) Diamond Club tickets to a Mariner’s game. The runner-up will throw out the first pitch!

Stop in for details. And stick around for the amazing karaoke party to follow. You’ll like what you see and hear, guaranteed!

Welcome to May’s edition of the most awesome karaoke publication in existence! So happy to find you here once again.

Recently, I went exploring in my own back yard of Arlington, WA, and discovered a very unique place to share with you. The Mirkwood & Shire Cafe, located at 117 E. Division St. in Arlington, is distinctly different and well worth checking out.

Upon arrival, you’ll notice the exterior looks a lot like an old castle, or an old church. As you enter through the front doors, you’ll find a counter on the right that serves smooth espressos, and delicious vegetarian and vegan foods. Yes, I said delicious!

The friendly staff are happy to tell you all about the historic venue you’ve just walked into. The Mirkwood & Shire Cafe is considered a gaming and music venue, but they also house Mordor Tattoo & Piercing’s upstairs, along with Rivendell Hair Studio, and of course the Pub, which is just ahead of you as you walk inside.

They welcome groups of all sizes, and host weddings as well. They have super-fun karaoke and all ages karaoke on Tuesdays from 6pm-10pm with DJ Lil’ J, plus band nights, open mic night, and Magic tournaments too.

We visited on a Tuesday night and brought along some karaoke friends with their kids. We all had a blast! The song selection is decent, not terrifically updated with the newest of the new, but they’re more than willing to play your music if you want to bring your own. Currently, they are in the process of upgrading a little at a time, which is awesome.

The crowd welcomed each singer, regardless of age or ability, and made each singer feel like they were a real superstar.

The big stage features an even bigger screen behind the singer so you can sing along if you like. If you’re shy, you can turn and face the big screen while you sing, which is a little less intimidating when you’re a budding karaoke star.

The Mirkwood & Shire Cafe is open 7 days a week, and each night/day features something different. Sunday is Industry Night with karaoke from 6pm-10pm, Monday is Magic Tournament night, and Tuesday is all-ages karaoke night from 6pm-10pm. Wednesdays feature Acoustic Jam night from 7pm, and then more karaoke on Thursdays from 6pm-1am. On Friday and Saturday, Mirkwood Shire & Cafe packs the house for their live music – only $5 cover. Check out their Webpage at www.mirkwoodshirecafe.com to see who and what’s going on if you plan a visit here, which you should!

Have you been searching for something different, we’ve found a gem here!

We’ve become regulars at the Mirkwood Shire every Tuesday night for DJ Lil’ J’s all ages karaoke show, and continuously stop in  to check out each shop and grab an espresso.

DJ Lil’ J is a super-fun host with everyone, including the kids, and did a great job mixing everyone to sound their best. He’s got a top-notch sound system that even I was comfortable enough to get up and sing on. For those of you who know me, know that it’s rare for me to get up on stage and sing unless I feel like they can do a really great job of making me sound good. Props to Lil’ J for doing a super job in that department!

That’s it for this month’s Karaoke Corner.  See you right here next month, and as always, feel free to contact us with your favorite locations, questions, comments or just to say hello!  (425) 359-9450 or rocknkris@yahoo.com  We’re also on Facebook; Kristine Sumstad Fields, and Rocky Fields. We’d love to friend you!

Whether you play an instrument, like to sing with the band, or just sit back and listen to some fantastic music, Thursdays at Dave’s of Milton should be at the top of your list.

Right now, you can join the iconic Bad Company’s bassist (2008-2012) Lynn Sorenson, for a live jam session every Thursday at Dave’s, deep in the heart of Milton, WA. Lynn is calling on some of his closest musical friends, some of the industry’s greatest local talent, to Dave’s for a heart-pounding night of incredible music jams, filling the bar with bodies and great tunes.

Coordinating over 25 local musicians to and from the stage, Lynn often sits in, providing his legendary bass licks, and his raspy-rock vocals to anyone willing to get up and play. The result is a full night of musical deliciousness to be savored.

At the request of Lynn himself, local Drummer Eddie Mendoza brought in his own drum set, and proceeded to party with a barful of fellow music lovers. Later, he hauled in his African Bongo drum, pulled up the microphone, and laid down his own barehanded percussion to six other instruments already on stage.

We heard master guitarists, drummers, singers, keyboardists, saxophonists, bongos, and of course, Lynn’s skills on the bass guitar, meld together to create an amazing show to behold.

Add in an exuberant crowd, cheap eats, strong drinks, and solid table service, and you’ll be in heaven. Dave’s of Milton is a great place to bring your best girl or guy, and settle in for a tasty dinner, drinks, and a memorable show.

On Wednesdays, Dave’s of Milton presents The Rubber Band Open Mic Jam, a show that continues to grow in popularity. Saturdays at 8pm, enjoy a hilarious live comedy show, featuring top national comedians, followed by more live music at 9pm.

If it’s more karaoke you’re looking for, visit Dave’s of Milton every Friday and Sunday, and sing with William Anthony of Rat Pack Karaoke.

There’s always plenty going on at Dave’s of Milton. Make it your mission to get over there and join in the fun. Dave’s of Milton is at 1502 11th Avenue, Milton, WA (253) 926-8707.

Right in the middle of the super-swanky West Seattle Junction resides the best pizza joint you’ll find out there. Talarico’s Pizzeria serves up $4 hot and fresh East Coast slices with a nice West Coast flair during happy hour twice a day! Just out of this world pizza, pure deliciousness – you’ll never go back to delivery pizza again!

Talarico’s karaoke is rockin’ the Junction every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 9pm with host Aaron Smokes, aka: KJ “Smokey” at the helm. Everybody loves KJ Smokey, and he does whatever it takes to make his ginormous karaoke crowd happy.

Talarico’s is one of West Seattle’s destination party places for the beautiful people on any given night. The bar and restaurant, with private candlelit booths, fill up quickly with nicely-dressed West Seattle varietals out for a good time. Drinks fly out of the bar, servers swerve between each and every table, and Smokey’s doing everything possible to fill the bar with sweet music.

He keeps a tidy system of song slips in line, ready to go. Talarico’s karaoke set-up is right alongside an open-flame fireplace in the round. Most singers use the firelight to navigate his song books. Eventually, everyone gets a chance to sing to an avid karaoke audience.

Brian surprised us with his version of A Praise Chorus, followed by Chad singing Read My Mind, and Kerry’s Pretenders song. Simone jumped in with Journey’s Separate Ways, and Chloe sang Don’t Dream It’s Over beautifully.

Huge antique mirrors hang on the walls, and big gothic chandeliers light the way softly. Giant carved wooden buttresses run from floor to vaulted ceiling.

Birthdays are huge at Talarico’s. What a fabulous experience, to celebrate a birthday here. The staff takes care of everything, and everyone is guaranteed a great time.

Talarico’s guests enjoy happy hour prices seven days a week from 3pm-6pm and again from 11pm-1am. With traditional American, Italian, Pizza, Sandwiches, and more from $10-$30 a plate, this is a great place to bring the whole family for lunch or dinner.

Visit them online for more information, at their Website www.talaricoswest.com, or on Facebook under Talarico’s Pizzeria.

Better yet, lend your voice every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday with KJ Smokey, and bring your friends!

Talarico’s Pizzeria is at 4718 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA (206) 937-3463.