10 E.V. karaoke spots to bring out the
American Idol in you By KELLY WILSON
Get Out
June 12, 2003
If you're in a tizzy over the latest American Idol winner asking Why cant that be me? maybe it can. Every night, people take the stage at East Valley bars and clubs to partake in karaoke.
(Karaoke) is a way that anyone can get into the limelight and become a celebrity in front of a large number of people anytime they would like, says Joe Carreiro, owner of Web sites azkaraoke.com and wannasing.com. Its as close as going to their favorite club and becoming a star.
If you're itching to unveil your mean Bon Jovi rendition after a couple of beers, head out to one of these 10 haunts.
Dive bar karaoke: The Dirty Drummer
Though the Dirty Drummer may not look like much to sing about, the small Tempe strip-mall bar is usually packed with people of all ages drinking beer and discussing what song theyll sing.
I like to sing empowering girl power songs, says 52-year-old Mesa resident Jennifer Wesley, perusing a book of songs with her daughters on a recent Saturday night. It makes me feel good.
Karaoke is offered 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday at the Dirty Drummer, 1400 S. McClintock Drive, #15, Tempe. Info: .
Anti-meat market karaoke for women: BS West
Women will be able to relax at BS West without being subjected to lame pickup lines. The club, which predominantly caters to gay men gets people on their feet with covers of everything from Diana Ross to the Village People.
Get there early if you want to bask in the limelight: The bar gets crowded and youll even find people on the dance floor.
Karaoke is offered 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday and 9 p.m. to 1 a.m Sunday at BS West, 7125 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale. Info: .
Vegas-style karaoke: Casino Arizona Cactus Garden Patio
Its standing room only on Thursdays when Casino Arizonas Cactus Garden Patio hosts a weekly Casino Idol contest. Besides receiving $250 in cash, the weekly winner may get to open for a major act at the casino. Prize money also goes to the night's second- and third-place finishers ($150 and $100, respectively).
The first 15 people to sign up are guaranteed a performance opportunity; the next 25 people are entered in a drawing for a chance to sing that night.
Karaoke contest runs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday on Casino Arizona's Cactus Garden Patio, 9700 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, .
Karaoke and sushi: SA Sushi TV Bar
Indulge in an order of California rolls and sake before taking the stage at hip SA Sushi in Gilbert. Singers will find themselves on a large projection screen, as well as on smaller televisions around the bar. Singers can win prizes ranging from cash to trips in multi-week contests.
Its hard to believe, but there is actually a cool place to do karaoke in Gilbert, Bryan Lavery, 23, says of his hometown.
Karaoke is offered 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday and Friday at SA Sushi TV Bar, 848 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, .
Rock star karaoke: All Starz Sports Bar
I feel like a rock star when Im on the stage here, says Deidre Jackson, 30, of Chandler, gesturing to the large karaoke stage at All Starz Sports Bar. Its easy to get into karaoke more when you have props like this.
Customers often don hats, colorful wigs and leis to help them get into the karaoke spirit and win weekly prizes. Its easy to have fun here, Jackson says. Picking out a song is the challenge.
Karaoke is offered 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday and Friday at All Starz Sports Bar, 4929 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, .
Karaoke and bowling: Kyrene Lanes Corvette Lounge
You cant get much more low-key than the Corvette Lounge, where an older crowd much of them bowlers turns the small space into a loud singalong. Songs range from Bruce Springsteen to the Beach Boys.
My mom comes here a lot, Jessica Allenstein, 32, of Ahwatukee Foothills, says on a recent Friday night. Shes been trying to get me to come and check it out with her and I finally gave in. Its very relaxed. I like it.
Karaoke is offered 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday at Kyrene Lanes Corvette Lounge, 6225 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, (480) 961-3388.
Quality-sound karaoke: Longshots Bar & Grill
A 25,000-watt sound system at Longshots Bar & Grill lets a mixed crowd of twenty- to fortysomethings sound as if it's performing at one of the East Valley's large live-music venues.
I was surprised by the turnout here, says Corey Wallace, 25, of Tempe. I didnt expect it to be so full during karaoke. Ill come back.
Karaoke is offered 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Longshots Bar & Grill, 7436 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale, (480) 947-3304.
College karaoke: The Vine Tavern & Eatery
Its clear who rules the Vine on Thursdays ASU college students who can walk, jump or skateboard to this campus hangout, where they channel Jay-Z and Britney.
Ive never done karaoke before, Lori Evans, 21, of Tempe, says during a recent visit. And Im going to need at least a few shots and drinks if Im going to get up there.
Karaoke is offered 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday at the Vine Tavern & Eatery, 801 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe, . Theres a $2 cover.
Karaoke for the drinkers: Giligins
You'll find everyone from college students to older folks on the mike at eclectic Scottsdale hangout Giligin's, which offers three nights of singing. The wildest night is White Trash Karaoke on Mondays, when the bar offers $1 shots.
I think it's more comedy than karaoke, says Marcus Tooley, 27, of Tempe. A lot of people here can't even carry a tune.
Karaoke is offered 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday, Monday and Thursday at Giligin's, 4251 N. Winfield Scott Plaza, Scottsdale, .
Party karaoke: Doc & Eddy's
A younger crowd flocks to Doc & Eddy's, which projects a party vibe with its light show, interactive host and dance-move-bustin crowd. The bar offers various drink specials.
I've been to a few of these different karaoke nights, and I think this is one of the better spots to sing, says 26-year- old Hilary Ross of Tempe. It reminds me of something I would see during my college days.
Karaoke is offered 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday and Sunday at Doc & Eddy's, 909 E. Minton Drive, Tempe, .
10 most difficult karaoke songs
"Babe," Styx
"Sherry," the Four Seasons
"Faithfully," Journey
"I Will Always Love You," Whitney Houston
"Power of Love," Celine Dion
"Loving You," Minnie Ripperton
"Waiting for a Girl Like You," Foreigner
"White Rabbit," Jefferson Airplane
"Wicked Game," Chris Isaak
"Don't Know Much," Aaron Neville and Linda Ronstadt
10 songs for karaoke beginners
"Tequila," the Champs
"Margaritaville," Jimmy Buffett
"I Love Rock & Roll," Joan Jett
"Friends in Low Places," Garth Brooks
"Goodbye Earl," Dixie Chicks
"Get the Party Started," Pink
"The Chair," George Strait
"Ring of Fire," Johnny Cash
"Crazy," Patsy Cline
"Oops, I Did It Again," Britney Spears
SMoCA hosts karaoke events
Want to try karaoke but suffer from stage fright?
Then head to Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (7380 E. Second St.), where you can croon your favorite tunes in private.
The museum's current Lee Bul: Live Forever exhibit, which runs through Aug. 17, features three futuristic car pods by the Korean artist that serve as private karaoke booths for museum visitors.
On Thursday, the museum will explore the international fascination with karaoke with Gary Olson, a karaoke disc jockey at Scottsdale's the Grapevine; James Palazzolo, who taught the history of rock n roll at Penn State University; and Kevin Steele, owner of Phoenix's Karaoke Star.
The presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The museum will host Crazy Karaoke a family day with workshops for children and a karaoke group performance from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday.
Museum hours are noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is $5-$7, but free on Thursdays.
Call for more information.
Ready to take center stage?
Check out these E.V. karaoke spots
APACHE JUNCTION
Cobb's Restaurant and Lounge, 944 W. Apache Trail, (Friday and Saturday)
Longhorn Bar & Grill, 495 W. Apache Trail, (Tuesday through Sunday)
Los Vaqueros, 285 N. Apache Trail, (Monday through Wednesday) Superstition Skies Restaurant, 945 E. Scenic St., (Monday through Thursday)
CHANDLER
AMF McRay Plaza Lanes, 3825 W. Ray Road, (Friday and Saturday)
Copper Canyon, 5945 W. Ray Road, (Thursday)
Dirty Drummer, 3002 N. Arizona Ave., (Tuesday and Saturday)
Draft House Sports Cafe, 393 W. Warner Road, (Tuesday)
Famous Sam's, 940 N. Alma School Road, (Sunday and Tuesday)
Gallagher's Food and Fun, 2050 N. Alma School Road, (Thursday and Saturday)
Hidden Shamrock, 7200 W. Chandler Blvd., (Wednesday and Saturday)
Howie's Pub & Eatery, 6045 Chandler Blvd., (Monday, Thursday and Saturday) Max and Ted's 480, 480 N. Arizona Ave., (Friday and Saturday)
Native New Yorker, 4960 S. Alma School Road, (Saturday)
Priceless Primetime, 3016 N. Dobson Road, (Sunday and Thursday)
Redfish, 2530 W. Chandler Blvd., (Sunday)
Sidney's AMF Bowling Lanes, 3825 W. Ray Road, (Friday and Saturday)
Stadium Club, 2060 W. Chandler Blvd., (Friday)
The Wild Hare, 801 N. Arizona Ave, (Friday and Saturday)
Tom Ryan's, 70 W. Warner Road, (Sunday and Wednesday)
GILBERT
1st Round Draft, 1520 W. Warner Road, (Wednesday through Saturday)
Cafe Posada, 25 E. Ray Road, (Friday and Saturday)
Famous Sam's, 720 W. Ray Road, (Saturday)
The Wild Hare, 3495 E. Baseline Road, (Wednesday)
Time Out Pizza, 3921 E. Guadalupe Road, (Thursday)
Tulie's Restaurant & Sports Lounge, 1661 S. Val Vista Drive, (Thursday and Saturday)
MESA
Benchwarmers Grill, 801 S. Power Road, (Friday)
Chico's Paradise, 1948 E McKellips Road, (Wednesday)
CJ's Dart Inn, 1241 E. Broadway Road, (Wednesday)
Dirty Drummer, 1211 N. Country Club Drive, (Saturday)
Famous Sam's, 2860 E. Main St., (Wednesday and Friday)
Famous Sam's, 430 N Power Road, (Tuesday and Wednesday)
Famous Sam's, 2730 E. Baseline Road, (Saturday)
Friendly Irish Pub, 1423 S. Country Club Drive, (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday)
G Bar G Lounge, 5324 E. Main St., (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday)
Gabbys, 635 N. Country Club Drive, (Thursday)
Jimenez's Mexican Food, 540 W. Broadway Road, (Friday)
Native New Yorker, 318 E. Brown Road, (Saturday)
Native New Yorker, 1559 S. Gilbert Road, (Thursday and Saturday)
O'Kelley's, 2120 W. Guadalupe Road, (Monday and Thursday)
Painted Mountain Golf Club, 6210 E. McKellips Road, (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday)
Papillons Too, 525 S. Gilbert Road, (daily)
Simpleton's, 2639 E. Broadway Road, (Saturday)
The Duchess, 3929 E. Main St., (Thursday and Friday)
The Hambone, 903 E. Main St., (Saturday)
Three Cheers Lounge, 5750 E. Main St., (Friday and Saturday)
TJ's Bar and Grill, 1734 E. Main St., (Wednesday and Friday)
UB's, 1911 W. Broadway Road, (Tuesday, Saturday)
Uncle Monkey's, 1720 W. Southern Ave., (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday)
SCOTTSDALE
Buster's, 10999 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., (Wednesday and Saturday)
Chances Are, 7570 E. Sixth Ave., (Sunday through Tuesday)
Chateau, 8708 E. McDowell Road, (Friday and Saturday)
Dirty Drummer, 2730 N. Scottsdale Road, (Wednesday)
Duke's, 7607 E. McDowell Road, (Thursday and Saturday)
Ernies Inn, 10443 N .Scottsdale Road, (daily) Grotto Bar at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale, 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, (Wednesday through Saturday)
JJ's Cantina @ Hospitality Suites, 409 N. Scottsdale Road, (Saturday)
Livingston's, 7111 E. Thomas Road, (Tuesday)
Patties 1st Ave. Lounge, 7220 E. First Ave., (Sunday through Thursday)
Redfish, 7401 Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., (Saturday and Sunday)
Shadey O's, 10893 N. Scottsdale Road, (Tuesday and Thursday)
Sushi N' Rock, 15111 N. Hayden Road, (Thursday through Sunday)
The Grapevine, 4013 N. Brown Ave., (daily)
The Tango Grill, 7365 N. Via Paseo del Sur, (Wednesday through Sunday)
The Vine, 2323 N. Scottsdale Road, (Saturday)
Victory, 7103 E. McDowell Road, (Tuesday and Wednesday)
TEMPE
Ball Park Pub, 1855 E. Guadalupe Road, (Tuesday and Thursday)
Boston's Bar, 1730 E. Elliot Road, (Thursday)
Brewski's, 5235 S. Kyrene Road, (Wednesday)
Carmen's Bistro, 219 E. Baseline Road, (Thursday and Saturday)
Champions Sports Bar, 1825 E. Apache Blvd., (Saturday)
Chuy's, 1831 E. Baseline Road, (Friday and Saturday)
Dirty Drummer, 2747 W. Southern Ave., (Thursday and Saturday)
Doc & Eddy's, 909 E. Minton Road, (Thursday and Saturday)
Final Round, 5030 S. Mill Ave., (Friday)
Fumbles, 560 S. College Ave., (Wednesday)
Skip & Jan's, 7700 S. Priest Drive, (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday)
Tailgate Sports Bar & Grill, 930 W. Broadway Road, #17, (Tuesday and Wednesday)
The Derby, 6463 S. Rural Road, (Wednesday and Saturday)
Yucca Tap Room Lounge, 29 W. Southern Ave., (Thursday)
