“And First Place goes to…”

By Yoyo Walls

A pregnant pause seemed to last forever. Look around The Loose Wheel Bar & Grill and you could swear you saw giant knots under everyone’s shirt as they awaited the announcement of the winner’s name… “Precious!”

Wolves, cows, milkmaids, and even James Brown howled and hollered on Halloween night at The Loose Wheel. It was anything but a regular Monday Night!

Pulltabs were being ripped to shreds, as were the hot wings and sliders. Well drinks pooled, and pool was enjoyed.

On this night, there was a karaoke contest between ten contestants, that would produce three winners. Prizes to be awarded were $50, $75, and $100 gift cards to enhance your Loose Wheeling experience.

Ten names on the list, but only nine song requests did not stop the show. In fact, it was barely a whisper, thanks to the expertise of DJ Bobby Miller of the Village People.

First up, Karen Rose knew how to get the crowd pumped with Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.” Would her crowd-pleaser be enough to win over the judges as well?

“You’ll never find another love like mine,” Daddy Rich assured us that night (I think the wolf howled at that notion).

Then, a real life angel named Precious was called to the mic and completely enchanted the crowd, and more importantly, the judges.

“Someone Like You” by Adele never sounded more beautiful. All I can say is Adele, eat your heart out!

Upon her final note came the roar of applause from the entire bar, but mostly from her tableful of supporters.

A vivacious lady brought us back to the Funk with some Wild Cherry, singing “Play That Funky Music.”

Louis Armstong’s reincarnate came through with “What a Wonderful World”, leaving a few customers reminiscing on childhood memories.

The show really got spicy when Mr. Edward “James Brown” did his rendition of Prince’s “Nikki.” As if Nikki’s spirit had possessed “James,” he started to gyrate his hips, and my oh my, could he get down! Only time would tell if the judges were excited by Ed’s sultry dance.

Precious’ group of supporters was also shared with another contestant by the name of Tupu. He got us floating on Cloud 9 with John Legend’s “So High.”

Clean up in aisle 7! Tupu’s voice melted a captivated audience. The milkmaid fainted.

Now, watching a cow taking a shot of whiskey would be weird on any other night, but certainly not this night. The same was true for this lad clad in white face paint to resemble The Joker. No tricks up his sleeve though, only a dynamite voice that contained as much soul as even the fullest cemetery. He blew the audience away with a song from his own private CD collection. There were no words on the screen to aid him, but he certainly did not need them.

Last, but certainly not least, was Adam doing a little Guys and Dolls, Sinatra style! Perhaps luck would be his lady tonight!

After a wonderful round of performances, the judging was cast. In 3rd place; Thrilling Tupu, in 2nd place, Soul Bro Joker, and in 1st Place; the incredible Precious!

Congrats to all the winners at the Loose Wheel in Tacoma, and a great big woohoo! to all the gutsy contestants.

This is Yoyo saying Happy Hollow-oke!