In a surprising turn of events, after thirty-five years serving the community, H.D. Hotspurs closed it’s doors for good in April. Reportedly, the landlord was not interested in renewing the lease. A sad day indeed.

Award winning barbeque recipes were the backbone to more than three decades of H.D.’s success.

As is true with most Puget Sounders, H.D. Hotspurs played an integral part in my life, well into my childhood. Full-family dinner adventures at H.D.’s were always something to get excited about.

Years later, it became the hottest nightclub in town. For a decade, H.D.’s was tops for local party clubs. That circular sound booth in the middle of the dance floor, and those massive and sophistocated banks of recessed lighting will never see the action again.

DJ OldSkool was the last one to spin the knobs at H.D.s. Jules and Andrew was the last dart team to shoot for H.D.’s. Rebecca, Angela, and Sarah were the last judging panel to critique the final singing performances at H.D.’s.

We will miss that old place, and carry the fire in our hearts.

“The contest must go on”, says Angela Calhoun, originator of the long-running karaoke contest. DJ Old Skool will be qualifying singers on Wednesdays for the remainder of the contest at Casey’s on Kent’s East Hill.

They are getting 12-15 singers competing each Wednesday. Top two move to the Finals event scheduled for May 16 at Caseys.

Angela reports, “Weve added a twist to this contest by bringing back the two highest-scoring third place finishers at the end of the qualifying rounds. Weekly winners receive $50 cash, while the overall contest winner will walk away with $300!”

Casey’s Bar and Grill in Kent is always a fun time, karaoke five days a week! See their ad here for details, and get in there and sing for your honor man!

They claim to live inside a volcano in a secure, undisclosed location! Their press kit describes their music as “A one of a kind, fiery blend of original blues, rockabilly and vintage R&B.”

We’re talking about The Strangetones, Portland, Oregon’s tough, quirky, hard-hitting, rockin’, and bluesy original band. The Strangetones are “Guitar” Julie Strange, Bassist, Andy Strange, Phil “Suburban Slim” Wagner and new Drummer, Andy Gauthier. On larger stages and festivals, they appear with their back-up dancers, “The Volcano Vixens”.

The Strangetones have risen over the last few years to become one of the Northwest’s most prominent blues bands. They’ve played all the major Northwest blues festivals and clubs, and have become a fixture in Portland’s blues clubs.

The list of music awards they’ve earned is substantial, dating from their 2006 Cascade Blues Association Best Contemporary Blues Act, to their 2008 Northwest Recording Of The Year from the Cascade Blues Association.

The Strangetones have three CDs on the market, including their most recent release, “We’re On Our Way”. Their previous two releases, “Crime-A-Billy” and “Stinkbomb” appeared on both national and international blues  charts. Their overseas airplay includes Belgium, Spain, France, Denmark, Argentina, and Canada.

The Strangetones’ music has been played on numerous blues stations around the U.S. Their list of luminaries they’ve either shared billing or played with is impressive, and includes such legends as Buddy Guy, Pinetop Perkins, B.B. King, Robben Ford, John Lee Hooker, Johnny Winter, and Albert King.

They’ve also been featured on several blues compilation CDs, the likes of Blues in Portland, KMHD-FM and Winthrop R&B Festival, Vol. 1, Withrop Music Association.

They’ve even written and recorded an independent movie soundtrack called “Overdrawn”!

On stage, their shows are rockin’ entertainment. Whether one of their originals or a favorite blues cover, Guitar Julie belts and makes the guitar cry with the best of Portland’s blues players.

Andy lays down the bass groove and locks in with drummer Gauthier. Gauthier dials it in and locks the rhythm in the pocket! Suburban Slim tears it up with blistering electric leads and solos.

People get up and dance – it turns into a big party. Add the sexy dance routines of the Volcano Vixens, and the effect is hypnotic! They need to be seen to be believed! Check out The Strangetones at www.strangetones.com or on Facebook!

Photo by The Wright Image

Goodbye winter, hello spring! And summer is just around the corner. Woo-hoo!

April was a good month. I found myself back at “Stoddy’s Bar & Grill” in Bremerton on Saturday the 14th, and they were seriously rockin’ the blues. Blues man, TONY COLEMAN was sitting in with SOULSTICE and it was a blast! Two great drummers performing on stage at the same time. Of course, Tony being BB King’s drummer, who’d expect less than the best, right? But Soulstice drummer, Ronnie Newton together, absolutely tore it up! If you can imagine two drum kits ablazing during Fleetwood Mac’s “World Turning”  and “Tusk”… just awesome!

Soulstice and Tony cranked out a few of Tony’s original blues tunes from several of his CDs. For more info about Tony Coleman, and his background, visit his website at www.drummertonycoleman.com.

I’d like to bring attention to a certain venue in Port Orchard, known for many years as Sk8-Town (a roller skating rink). This place is going to be jumping with live music very soon. Owners, Mark and Darlene have been making some very cool changes to the place to make it a perfect spot for live music. For those of you that remember the live bands at “Lake Hills Rollerskating Rink” in Bellevue back in the day, you just know this is going to be a fun place to be for live music. Who knows, for all you single people, you might even meet that special someone… Just sayin’.

Their first major music event will be Saturday, June 9th with Seattle’s favorite classic rock cover band, MAGIC BUS and opening for them will be the talented SOULSTICE band. Purchase your tickets at www.BrownPaperTickets.com.

Be sure to take a peek at the Kitsap Event Center’s Web site: www.sk8townpo.com. Kitsap Event Center is located at 1501 Piperberry Way, Port Orchard, WA.

Well my friends, I will catch you next month right here in the “RockTheBlues News” part of this awesome, local entertainment magazine. Thanks for checking in!

It was a night of real heavy-hitters in the contest realm at Pacific Lanes for their monthly karaoke contest last Saturday, April 14.

Jodee, Karaoke Host at Pacific Lanes, is building quite a reputation for her little karaoke contest. They’ve seen some amazing local singers pop in and get their names on the list to compete. Jodee had 13 singers lined up and chomping at the bit to sing last month, including Ted, Peanut, Galen, Z-man, Jesne, Tiatiana, Sam, Megan, Squalee, Jacob, Angela, Kendra, and Toliver.

Now, half of these contestants could probably go out and win a contest on their own, but to have six or eight of these singers in one room, competing, made for a great little show! We heard everything from classic ballads to hardcore rap, and everything in between.

Denise, from Goodtime Entertainment was in the house, checking out the show. She’s been a host for many years, and her husband, Rick, still hosts regularly at the Mix, downtown Tacoma.

Z-man and his lovely lady, Toni, said they were out to get warmed up for the new season. I had no idea there was a season in karaoke, but I like it. They like to hit all the karaoke shows around the Sound, and he’s got a voice that will melt your heart.

Jesne could charm the pants right off ya with her vocal abilities, and don’t even get me started on Galen. This guy is a natural born performer. Why he hasn’t gone pro nobody knows. When the contestants see Galen on the list, they suddenly tend to become a bit shy for some reason. Except for maybe Z-man who’s been there, and done that.

Or maybe Toliver, who brings his own brand of entertainnent to the table. When he gets to dancing and singing MJ style, he’s easily mistakable for the real thing.

So Toliver takes a 1st, Galen gets 2nd, and Megan comes out of right field to take 3rd.

Congrats guys! See you on Saturday, May 12 for their next one.

Jodee’s been cleared for Wednesday night karaoke at Pacific Lanes!  Now you can check out her show Wednesday through Saturday!

Head out to Ozzies at the base of Seattle’s Queen Anne Hill any night of the week, and you’re bound to have a blast, especially if you want to sing karaoke.

The shows always begins at 9pm, and are hosted by Deanna, and newcomer Denny.  Currently Denny hosts Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays, while Deanna takes the reigns every other night of the week.

The karaoke books are huge, and the slips and pens are handy, just ask your host!  We seem to get pretty lucky when we go to Ozzies. On our previous visit, Warner Bros’ reps were giving away merchandise for the movie 50/50, and this time we got merchandise for both “The Lucky One” and for “Lock Out”, which, in my opinion, was an awesome flick! We got t-shirts, chapstick, keychains, backpacks, posters and movie tickets!

Claire Dillon, Rep for Warner Bros’ is a sweetheart. We’re Facebook friends now, so if you want to know where she’s going next (hopefully it’ll be Ozzies!) friend her and tell her Kristine & Rocky sent you. She’ll love that! Tuesday night we found some regulars we’d seen there in the recent past, and some new folks too. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to put on a show.  Matt sang Bohemian Rhapsody, Dan sang No Woman No Cry, and A.J. threw down a little Mambo #5. Callie and A.J. did a duet later of Hall & Oat’s “You Make My Dreams” that was entertainment at it’s best.

I always get a kick out of the rockin’ light show, and party atmosphere, you’ll almost always see someone getting up out of their chair and start dancing along.

If you haven’t been, or haven’t been in a long time, check out Ozzie’s on Mercer any night of the week for great karaoke.

Saturday, April 14, used to have everyone scrambling to prepare last minute tax issues, but now that we’ve got a few more days to procrastinate, everybody and their mama headed over to the All-New Hard Luck Bar & Grill for their big Grand Opening celebration. The brand-spanking new bar, still sparkling, is officially open for business after hosting half the population to mark their big day.

Finding a creative way to increase traffic and awareness, they hired a bus driver to shuttle folks back and forth to the front door of all three of their bars; the Hard Luck, the Hitchin’ Post, and the U.P. Station. The wheels on the bus go round and round!

The Boyd’s, Dave, Jackie, and Jeremy have been juggling details, and losing sleep regarding the Hard Luck for months, even longer. So when the Grand Opening day finally came and all three of their locations filled to capacity, they let out a deep breath and joined the party.

The live band played all the Classic Rock faves, people enjoyed the table of munchies, and experienced a fun and friendly, not to mention, good-lookin’ young staff.

Gary Howden hosts karaoke at the Hard Luck seven days a week, and is happy to announce their new Summer Lovin’ Karaoke Contest! In fact, all three locations are hosting their own seperate contest, and each of them will award $500 to the winner! They’re starting now, so get into any one of these three great locations and qualify!

The Getaway is much more than just another bar. This place is more like a village, or extended family. There is a strong connection to the Getaway for it’s regular patrons.

Everyone enjoys a sense of belonging at the Getaway. Sure, they’ve got top shelf booze, and top notch food, but it’s the staff that keep the day to day operations moving forward that make the Getaway so special.

Dena, who has been hosting karaoke forever, absolutely loves the vibe here. And you know what happens when the staff is happy and well-cared for… That’s right! They take better care of us, the customers, they enjoy coming to work, they whistle a little bit louder, and it’s highly contagious. They do the little things to make their customers feel important and appreciated.

No wonder why the karaoke tables fill up so quickly on Dena’s karaoke nights, Thursday through Sunday, she’s got half of Mountlake Terrace eating out of her palm. They love her as their host, and would follow her to the ends of the earth. The eight foot folding table in front of the stage at the edge of the dance floor is where the ‘real’ karaoke fans take their place as the show begins. Preferred seating for the Getaway karaoke V.I.P.’s, I guess.

Well, that’s what it’s all about right? Isn’t that what every single karaoke host out there wants is a faithful and captive audience? YES!

Dana and Caspar are new converts to the Getaway phenomenon, saying they love the bar and Dena too. Arm in arm, you’d have thought Dena and Dana had been best friends for life. That’s the point. You either have it or you don’t.

The crowd is always evolving too. It’s not always the same faces day in and day out, they get lots of visitors. And they usually wind up coming back.

New to the Getaway is the Skeeball game along the wall. Fun to play, fun to watch. There is always some good Skeeball action going on.

Join the Happy Hour crowd for $2 drafts and $2.75 wells – I’ll be waiting for you.

Gig Harbor’s Floatation Device Pub & Grill not only brings karaoke to the people every Thursday and Friday night, they’re quickly becoming known among the locals for their Live Music Saturdays.

Every week at “The Float”, after singing your heart out, come back and let the band do the singing. Bring your honey and get that long overdue dinner and dancing date night in that you’ve been promising each other. The Float brings in some of the area’s best talent, and if they’re good, they’ll invite them back.

We caught the Dark Horses last month. It was their first time playing the Float, and they absolutely packed the room, standing room only! Good times! Great music!

Come on in and cut loose at the Float, and bring your appetite – the food is amazing!

Diamond Jim’s in Federal Way is always in a state of motion. It doesn’t matter when you come by, the front door is always swinging. Out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Maybe a little hair of the dog, and some relaxing karaoke with an accepting crowd.

Gone are the mirrors surrounding the stage, gone is the cast iron railing around the KJ station. New at Diamond Jim’s is news that Debi is now their only karaoke host. She is so excited to bring a good show to Diamond Jim’s crowd every Wednesday, Thursday, Alternating Fridays, and Saturdays each week. Debi is bubbly and fun to be around. Her personality is highly infectious, and she continues to build a solid following at Diamond Jim’s.

Karaoke at Diamond Jim’s has become local lore, it’s been around that long. Dance floor, blacklights and disco ball, booth seating, excellent food and drink, service with a smile. Good sound too, although poor Debi was having trouble with her microphone batteries going dead. Guess it pays to be vigilant, even as a Karaoke Host.

There are certain things you just don’t mess with. Like your star bartender, who knows the business, and the people, inside out. Keli is that girl at Diamond Jim’s, she is awesome! Join her for a bowl of popcorn, a cold beer, and some conversation.

Join Sandy, Rosario, Doug, and Eddie for a fantastic karaoke experience at Diamond Jim’s.

Goddess Carla is working her Saturday night crowd at the 13th Ave Pub. She’s got the entire bar singing along with her as she does what she does best. And that is the shear exploitation of the public’s dreams and fantasies. No wonder they call her the Goddess! I get it now!

Carla’s sound station is right up on the stage, surrounded by full-length mirrors and lights bouncing, it’s a real party! Plus, the 13th Ave Pub always seems to attract all the hotties, all the time. Otherwise, they’re hosting some of the greatest karaoke talent in all of the Pacific Northwest.

Carla was happy to announce that “People are starting to come out and spend money again,” something we’ve been hoping to see for a long time now.

Well she’s doing her part, keeping the bar singing, what better way to get through the tough times, Sing Baby, Sing!

Check out the 13th Ave Pub for karaoke every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights with a variety of hosts during the week. See their ad here for lots more.