Johnny’s At Fife’s big karaoke contest

By Sue Sawyer

Don’t miss out on this one! No one named ‘Simon’ will be judging Candy Lynn’s “All-Around Idol” contest starting Saturday, June 17, through August 5 (except July 1) at Johnny’s At Fife. Each week, 14 contestant’s names will be drawn from a hat, and at the same time, the night’s music theme will be chosen at random as well. “I like to show all-around talent,” says Candy, “and make things fun for everyone, while keeping it on a level playing field.”

Candy’s contest will run on a progressive point system, and each week’s first, second and third-place winners will roll over to the following week and compete once again, in an attempt to rack up the necessary points to stay in the game. A $5 registration fee will be charged to performing singers, and the accumulated fees will be divided up and presented to the finalists as part of their package of prizes. Asked about American Idol’s Simon, Candy expressed that she’d like to give the entertaining gent a kick in the butt every so often, “but whatever brings people together to talk about music is a good thing. Music brings wonderful medicine to the soul,” she exclaims. Candy’s contest will have three judges, the third being a special guest, while her goal is to get her non-singing audience involved.

Candy Lynn brings to her karaoke shows a sun-shiny glow, a wealth of talent, and extensive knowledge of the entertainment/music business. She was born into it, and spent most of her young adult life in Nashville working on the sound stages as well as touring with country superstar performers. Mementos of those days are displayed in a photo collage hung behind her karaoke stage. Candy has a nine year old niece who has joined the ranks and is now performing on Nashville stages.

“We’re one big family karaoke nights at Johnny’s, and everyone is invited,” proclaims Candy. Her favorite time is visiting with her customers and getting to know each one. “My best friends in the Northwest have evolved from my karaoke shows.” Since Candy has been the room’s hostess, it has received new speakers, new equipment, a fresh paint job, new carpets and a new menu. The kitchen begins with early morning breakfast, and closes at 10:00pm. Choices are extensive at each meal; and during “Happy Hour”, drink and select food prices are rock-bottom. Johnny’s is one of the few bars that allow smoking patrons to take drinks outside to their umbrella-covered patio, only a few steps from anywhere in the bar. Their strategic location along I-5 brings people from Renton to Olympia together to sing. Good singers from every style perform. It’s a treat for the ears, and not a “drunk tank.” Personal CDs are welcome, along with the thousands of song choices in Candy’s books. Johnny’s At Fife, 5211 20th St. E.; (253) 922-6686; Thursday through Saturday.