PRINTThe Guide: Karaoke
Where to go to hit the right notes ... or at least try to
February 17, 2011 | 12:00 a.m. CST
About the Video: The King’s Pickle is just one of many bars in Columbia that host karaoke, but when Wednesday nights roll around, the stars at this bar shine, and there’s no genre of music left unturned. On Feb. 9, patrons sang along to the likes of Jo Dee Messina, Boys II Men, Drowning Pool and Van Morrison.
Vox asked local DJs and bar owners which songs and artists songsters are most likely to hear at venues throughout town.
Mike Davis, owner of Davis Entertainment Network:
“Picture” by Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow
“Need you Now” by Lady Antebellum
“Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood
“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
“Stay” by Sugarland
Pitt Potter, owner of Arch and Column Pub:
“Summer Nights” from Grease
“Seasons of Love” from Rent
Carla Crockett, co-owner of Cool Chix Karaoke:
“I Love Rock ‘n Roll” by Joan Jett
Old country classics
The Eagles
Sal Nuccio, owner of Eastside Tavern:
“Under Pressure” by Queen
Journey
--RACHEL KRAUSE
If day-to-day obligations are causing a case of the blues, why not sing away the sorrow — in front of a bunch of total strangers? There’s something strangely cathartic about putting it all on the line and belting out Elton John classics. Vox has the guide to bars and restaurants in Columbia so you can brave the stage and reach for the microphone.
Most laid-back atmosphere:
Tiger Zou Pub and Grill
When: Wednesdays, 9 p.m. to midnight
Where: 3200 Penn Terrace, Suite 121
Cost: Free
Call: 573-214-0973
Online: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Tiger-Zou-Pub-Grill/163546886996944
Not in the mood for a rowdy night at the bars? This cozy bar hosts midweek karaoke nights in a relaxed environment. Manager Connie Zullo says DJ Mike Davis always has fun with the crowd and has a binder 5 inches thick, full of “everything from Patsy Cline to Michael Jackson to the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Lady Gaga.” Patrons range in age from those in their mid-20s up to 70 years old.
Best place for a bar-wide sing-a-long:
Arch and Column Pub
When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10 p.m. to 1:15 a.m.
Where: 1301 Business Loop 70
Cost: Free
Call: 573-441-8088
Online: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=25230799043
When thinking of a quintessential pub, many imagine drunken strangers swaying together as they sing in unison. Chris Cordray, a bartender at Arch and Column Pub, sees a similar thing happening at the local gay bar three times a week. “If someone’s having trouble, DJ Wilma will grab the mic and get them back on track, and sometimes the whole crowd will join in,” Cordray says. About eight to 10 people sing throughout the night, which includes some very talented regulars.
Most devoted singers:
Eastside Tavern
When: Thursdays, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., the second Saturday of each month
Where: 1016 E. Broadway
Cost: Free
Call: 573-256-1500
Online: facebook.com/group.php?gid=46525351386
The downtown bar is notorious for its outrageous dance parties, but for the past three and half years, Eastside has become a haven for karaoke aficionados. With the ability to download songs, Eastside’s song selection is nearly unlimited. Manager Joshua “Pants” Windle describes the packed crowd as a diverse scene of college kids and Stephens girls which makes for a young, progressive type of karaoke. Expect things to get a bit wild.
Best pre-show drink specials:
Jake’s Bar and Grill
When: Mondays and Fridays, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: 5695 Clark Lane
Cost: Free
Call: 573-474-0999
Online: facebook.com/pages/Jakes-Bar-Grill/178517516708
Some people need a little liquid courage before gracing the stage. At this northeast Columbia restaurant, drink specials help convince even the most timid performers they might actually have some talent. Monday deals include $2 wells, $4.50 UV bombs and Bud Light and Miller Lite buckets for $9. Friday nights are also host to $4.50 UV bomb specials. Co-owner Steve Reynolds says the neighborhood bar and grill has a regular crowd but welcomes everyone. “It’s a fun atmosphere,” he says. “People you’d never suspect get up and sing.”
Best place to people watch:
SoCo Club
When: Tuesdays, 9 p.m. to midnight; Fridays, 10 p.m. to midnight
Where:128 E. Nifong Blvd.
Cost: Free
Call: 573-499-9483
Online: sococlub.com, smartypants-trivia.com/
Drag queens, college kids, trivia junkies and karaoke performers — they all have their night at SoCo. Every Tuesday and Friday, karaoke-lovers congregate in the lounge. Tuesday nights, DJ Rhonda fields requests mostly for older, classic karaoke songs. On Fridays, guests can win cash and free drinks at Smarty Pants Trivia starting at 8 p.m. and then sing newer hits with DJ KJ. “I’m guessing the number of guys that do Lady Gaga here is higher than those that do at other bars,” Assistant Manager Kevin Lancaster says.
Best place to avoid public humiliation:
Osaka Japanese Sushi Bar and Hibachi Steakhouse
When: Reserve the party room with karaoke machine
Where: 120 E. Nifong Blvd.
Cost: A $200 minimum is required to reserve the party room
Call: 573-875-8588
Online: osakacolumbiamo.com
Want to belt out “Livin’ on a Prayer” without facing the ridicule of total strangers? Reserve a party room at Osaka for up to 30 people, and choose from a wide selection of Japanese and English songs on the karaoke machine while enjoying sashimi, steak and California rolls.
Most customized karaoke experience:
Cool Chix Karaoke at The King’s Pickle and B12 Bar & Grill
When: Wednesdays (at King’s Pickle) Saturdays (at B12); 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: 200 Business Loop 70; 10 W. Nifong Blvd.
Cost: Free
Call: 573-303-6947
Online: facebook.com/pages/COOL-CHIX-KARAOKE/187854111584?v=wall
Gone are the days of blurry monitors and scratchy microphones thanks to DJ duo Susanne Langston and Carla Crockett of Cool Chix Karaoke. The two can be found spinning Wednesdays at The King’s Pickle and Saturdays at B12 Bar & Grill with their own soundboard in tow. Crockett, who worked as a musician before becoming a DJ, says by bringing lighting and adjusting the sound to people’s voices, they make guests feel more like professional singers. The pair also does private events and adds a personal touch to every gig. “When people have stage fright, we’ll go up with them and sing with them,” Crockett says. “It’s about making them feel at home.”
