Man Walks In To Stray Bar, Gets Amnesia

Amnesia, Tuesday, June 22, 2010 and Stray Bar, Friday, June 25, 2010

Okay, I know it is unusual for me to write about two different venues in the same post. The reason I am condensing these nights is a demanding daytime schedule that has left me with precious little time for writing. Let me just say, however, that I had a great time at each bar.

Starting Amnesia last Tuesday night, a few guys got together to host live band karaoke followed by Glenny Kravitz with his Amnesia karaoke night, now in it's 10th year. The band were slow to get things started, but soon they had the crowd on their feet dancing and singing along to their own sometimes out of time and improvised renditions of popular songs. It was fun to watch. Next time, I'll make sure to go to their website to sign up for a song, in advance. Next, it was the Glenny Kravitz's turn to make even the worst Amnesiac remember Tuesday night karaoke. A fun time is guaranteed when the Karaoke Shark is in the house!

Next, and again starring the crazy, irreverent Glenny Kravitz is Stray Bar's Friday night karaoke on Pride Weekend. What could be more fun? I'll tell you, it is amazing feeling for a singer when a bar is packed yet only a few people are singing. All night long the rotation ranged from 4 to 7 people. And we singers were collectively happy as F*ck about it! Glenny kept things grooving along, doling out some serious karaoke roulette for those who dared. The crowd, even though most of them came just to socialize and drink, made the night by being so freakin' nice! They are some of the most cordial and well-mannered bar peeps I have met in a long time. I would like to thank everyone at Stray Bar that night, for such a memorable evening!

Now, for some interesting photos from both nights. Additional photos will be available for viewing at Ash Wednesday Karaoke Insider's Group, on Facebook. Enjoy!

Ed's Shady Birthday

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

First, let me say Happy Birthday to Ed Shady, man of the night at Amnesia. The timing was perfect: Glenny Kravitz Karaoke Shark was hosting his 4th Tuesday of the month Karaoke gig and dedicated the night to Mr. Shady. Many were in attendance to celebrate Ed and sing in his honor. Unfortunately, nobody sang "Kung fu Fighting," which would have fit the occasion like the color blue fit on Mister Ed!

Amnesia is not a forgettable bar, and with a full calendar of events, many people return for the live bands, dance nights, and open mic on Tuesdays.  I hope to try out some of my own material here sometime.

Ok, now I'm rambling. Back to the facts: Everyone had a great time. Glen managed to keep the eager crowd in fits with his Comedioke--a combination of comedy and karaoke--as a backup singer, faux-guitarist, and human sound effect machine. A force of nature in his own right, Ed crooned to the raucous crowd as they cheered him on. An anonymous stranger presented Ed with but two official Pierce Brosnan chapsticks and disposable razors, showing his love for the man with the silky smooth vocal style. Like Buttah!

Katie Holman did a sweet tribute to Brett Michaels singing "Nothin' But a Good Time," sending him some good vibes for a speedy recovery. Michaels is now lucid and in stable condition. Any coincidence? Patrick Maloney came straight from band practice and helped me get through Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water," my first time ever. Thanks Mr. Maloney, your awesome! Although I do not remember what everyone else sang that night--I was so caught up in the moment taking photos that you can view at Ash Wednesday Karaoke Insider's Group on Facebook--the level of talent who showed up to sing that night ran strong like Usain Bolt's 100m in the 2008 Summer Olympics. These vocal (and at least one oral) Olympians gave their all that night, each delivering a gold-medal performance for their champ, Ed Shady. Happy Birthday to you, Ed!