“Faces & Places”
By “Dangerous” Dan McKay
In the Northwest, we’re lucky to have our pick of great local places to sing karaoke every night of the week. For me, the adventure of going to a venue I’ve never been before is exciting – but even more interesting is enjoying each bar’s unique mix of singers.
In this new feature, I’ll head out to a couple of popular karaoke spots each month to share a quick show review, and snap the faces of the singers who make each karaoke spot special. This month I chose a Friday and headed to Lynnwood.
You won’t see a karaoke sign outside Taster’s Wok, 15128 Highway 99, but I found it to be a hidden gem among the local 7-day-a-week Chinese restaurant/karaoke bar mashups. Not to mention they serve a full menu of awesome Chinese food until 2 am!
The bar isn’t huge – 30 people could pack the place out – yet host Julia met the challenge of keeping the energy up even with an early rotation of only four singers. She was patient and encouraging to some of the shier and less talented singers, even helping them out by singing a little backup. And Julia proved to be an awesome singer herself!
Then it was on to One Eyed Jack’s Roadhouse, 14019 Highway 99, where they feature karaoke Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. From the outside of their strip mall location, you’d never guess they would have such elaborate lighting and sound on such a big stage with several big screens for singer lyrics and music videos between songs.
The friendly patter from host Tiger made it a real party atmosphere. Lots of table seating in the stage area also makes One Eyed Jack’s a natural for large groups of friends to sit together and get wild. From 80’s pop to speed metal, their books had something for everyone.
Want to suggest a karaoke spot for us to check out the “Faces & Places”? Tell me at KaraokeReporter@live.com. Next month I’m circling Thursday on my calendar to find more new karaoke places – and faces. If you see me there… smile for the camera!
“Dangerous” Dan McKay is a local karaoke host, blogger, and president of the Seattle Disc Jockey Association.
PHOTOS:
ROSLYN A., Marysville
Why I like karaoke: “I’ve been singing for 11 years. It’s a great way to socialize!”
Favorite song: “Already Gone” by Kelly Clarkson
My other favorite place to sing: Taster’s Wok
BOBBY K., Lynnwood
Why I like karaoke: “It’s the people giving of themselves, it’s not about being the best.”
Favorite song: “Dream Lover” by Bobby Darin
My other favorite place to sing: 13th Avenue Pub
JOHN D., Lynnwood
Why I like karaoke: “It makes me feel less lonely. I found a voice!”
Favorite song: “Add It Up” by Violent Femmes
My other favorite place to sing: O’Finnigan’s
JEFF R., Seattle
Why I like karaoke: “It’s in my blood, I’m Filipino.”
Favorite song: anything by Bruce Springsteen
My other favorite place to sing: Little Red Hen
SYCHO, Des Moines
Why I like karaoke: “It keeps my voice warmed up for when I sit in with bands”
Favorite song: anything “hard and fast”
My other favorite place to sing: One Eyed Jack’s
JULIA F., Mountlake Terrace
Why I like karaoke: “Singing sets my soul free!”
Favorite song: “Anyway” by Martina McBride
My other favorite place to sing: O’Houlies Pub
KATY L., Mukilteo
Why I like karaoke: “It’s where everyone can be supported by the audience.”
Favorite song: “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes
My other favorite place to sing: With my band, “Dirty Old Man”
LARRY D., Lynnwood
Why I like karaoke: “It’s my 15 minutes of fame!”
Favorite song: Anything by Dion
My other favorite place to sing: Taster’s Wok
ROSS S., Mill Creek
Why I like karaoke: “It feels really good!”
Favorite song: “This is the first time I’ve ever tried karaoke.”
My place to sing: One Eyed Jack’s
RENA L., Greenlake
Why I like karaoke: “I like being the center of attention”
Favorite song: “All That Jazz” by Catherine Zeta-Jones
My other favorite place to sing: Little Red Hen
