PACIFIC LANES; TACOMA, WA
KJ Rose is all beauty and no thorns at Pacific Lanes

By Sue Sawyer

Karaoke hostess, Rose, has “seen it all” over the six years she’s held the karaoke contract in the bar at Pacific Lanes Bowl in Tacoma. She often wonders why none of the Mo-Town hot shot scouts have come to view the very talented singer/performers that regularly pass through her shows.

For example, Anthony who came in second at the September Puyallup Fair Karaoke Contest stops in several nights a week. The audience always delights in hearing “One Last Cry” and “Sexual Healing.”

Elaine Patterson, another regular, went to Florida as a contestant finalist for the National Karaoke Bowling Contest and brought home a fourth place prize on behalf of the whole USA. Her nice, clear voice rang out “My Cherie Amour” and “You’re The Best Thing That Happened To Me.”

Johnny, another steady customer, did a slick rendition of “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag.” Wyesha who is well known in Tacoma’s singing circles sang “On And On” and “Don’t Cha?” Malissa always shows great mic technique with “You Were Meant For Me” and Kim charmed everyone with “Let’s Hear It For The Boys” while also showing her fans “I Found Love On A Two Way Street” and what “Freeway Love” is all about. Donna, the singing bartender, shook her stuff while performing “Baby Got Back” and “What A Kick.” LeRoy, another regular, crooned “Seven Spanish Angels”, “Georgia On My Mind” and was hip doing “Snap Your Fingers.” Rose encourages you to “do your thing” and plays numbers like “Funky Cha Cha” to get the dancers moving in the aisles. Johnny was encouraged to perform “La La Means I Love You” and Audry “Neither Of Us” plus “Chain Of Fools.” Being a single mom to a passel of kids, it’s easy to get the crowd moving to their groove. She also takes a “go with the flow attitude” too, which makes it very easy to fit in at Pacific Lanes, no matter what the agenda. Rose has a beautiful singing voice but only performs when it is slow. And, that is not very often. It’s not uncommon for Sunday night to be filled with “night off” karaoke hosts trying out new material.

Pacific Lane’s restaurant is open until midnight so there is a wide variety menu to satisfy any late night munchie craving. Food can be eaten in the bar, which overlooks the bowling by a glass partition. TV’s are strategically located around the room and you’re welcome to sit at the bar and sing instead of standing in the front of the room. Thick songbooks allow for a wide variety of song choices and laser disc songs still prevail. Your own discs are welcome. On Sunday the show starts at 8pm. Other nights, Wednesday through Saturday, the show starts at 9pm. It’s a very friendly spot and old friends keep up to date on what’s happening. Being new to the crowd is no problem. You’ll be “old hat” by the end of the evening.

Find Pacific Lanes at 7015 South “D” St. in Tacoma, (253)474-0594.

Anthony	Donna	Elaine	Host Rose
LeRoy		Malissa