PJ POCKETS CASINO; FEDERAL WAY, WA Live band karaoke at PJ Pockets

By Ty Hughes

The incomparable Virginia Ashby and Star Machine’s live band karaoke takes the stage every Thursday night at PJ Pockets Casino in Federal Way.

PJ Pockets provides a close-up, intimate layout featuring one of the area’s most popular karaoke bands. Of course the always fantastic and gorgeous Virginia Ashby, a star in her own rite, heads up the show. Just her presence will bring out handfuls of great people and singers. Those of you who have not tried live band karaoke yet, really ought to get over to PJ Pockets next Thursday for a karaoke experience like none other. Pete and the rest of the band will play any of nearly 300 song selections available, while you take center stage as lead singer for your very own live band performance. Virginia is right along side you to provide any backup vocals if and when necessary.

Star Machine has vowed to add new songs to their list every week to keep it fresh. True to their word, they’ve added over fifty songs to their repertoire since January, including one of my favorites, Boom Boom Pow from the Black Eyed Peas and plenty more.

PJ Pockets is an excellent room for live entertainment. They’ve got the open interior concept, without walls, except for the 12-table casino area, which is isolated from the rest of the sportsbar. They’ve got a humongous pool room and darts.

The stage is in the lounge area, on a raised level of its own, packed with tables and chairs, a dance floor, and it’s even wheelchair accessible. The acoustics are great! You can enjoy the live music from anywhere in the building, and Star Machine’s biggest fans are anxious to fill the place with their own sounds.

The lights bring the stage to life for Jessica, who says, “This is the only place we feel comfortable enough to sing whatever we want”. No judges here, just fellow singers with a shared love of music. Bill, Lisa, Gary, Jim and Dan each got up for a song of their own. Even Peaches and her friend Donna were in the house to see Virginia!

Virginia’s experience in the industry is incredibly vast and diverse. She’s certainly one of the busiest artists we know. Not only does she serve as lead vocals for the band NiteCrew and Star Machine, she’s always working on her own solo work, putting out several albums of her own. Her latest, Strongest Weakness, just hit the shelves. She’s awfully smooth people. See her Web site at www.virginiaashby.com.

Federal Way’s Vince’s Italian Restaurant hosts Virginia for a night of jazz and blues every Sunday and Thursday from 6pm-9pm. Star Machine invites you to come sing live band karaoke with them at PJ Pockets every Thursday from 9pm-close, and then on Wednesdays at the Muckleshoot Casino in Auburn at 8:30pm.

For more information from her Promoter, Hit Connections Entertainment, check out www.hitconnectionsentertainment.com.

PJ Pockets is expected to roll out a huge karaoke contest in April, where they will reportedly be giving away big cash money every week, plus a huge cash added finals event! So, keep your eyes on the Karaoke & Live Entertainment Guide for details forthcoming. Meanwhile, get on over to PJ Pockets every Thursday and join in the fun with all your karaoke-loving friends. You can feel comfortable here.

PJ Pockets Casino; 1320 South 324th St., Federal Way, WA 98003  (253) 529-9298 www.pjpockets.com.