Insider Perched At The Crow's Nest

Thursday, May 6, 2010

At a time when many bars are attempting to swim up market in search of wealthier clientelle, for the average person, it is the small, neighborhood bar unaffected by the push upstream that makes the most sense for many singers. I mean, who wants to hang out with a room full of pretentious douchebags? Unless that is, you yourself are a pretentious douchebag, which I'm assuming you're probably not. We've come to sing, not to Douche!


One such unaffected bar is The Crow's Nest, a.k.a. Shifty's, on West Sahara. It is the quintessential neighborhood bar set in a free standing building amongst the strip malls so common in Vegas. The place is a throw back to the late 1970's and early 1980's--cheap and stiff no-nonsense drinks, pool table, poker machines set in the bar--with its old-school Vegas vibe. But one look around the bar and you'll know instantly that it's all about the Karaoke here.

Thursday nights are Co-hosted by Shawn Johnson and Jonathan Lynn, also the makers of fun at Shifty's on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Their very professional, yet easy going personalities make these guys a popular duo in the Karaoke world. Attention to detail is important to these guys. From the expensive light displays and amazing sound system to the three-hundred-thousand song list (yes, it's for real), and you've got one of the best places to sing on a Thursday night. Plus, if you can't find a song in their book and it's not in their database, then they can download it for you. Immediately.

Being only the second Thursday night Karaoke the place was fairly quiet, which meant more singing for the small group of singers swarming around the bar. Sweet! A guy I will call Buddy sang GNR's version of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door", while I sang "Outshined", by Soundgarden. Yeah, that's a rare song in the Karaoke world, but they had it! Thelton sang Prince's "Purple Rain", while Jonathan sang rock and roll songs from the 1950's. He was really good, too.

By the end of the evening I had sung a total of sixteen songs, more than I've ever done at Karaoke. Everyone had a great time including the bar staff and Dynamic KJ Duo. If only there were time left to sing just one more song...

Shawn and Jonathan, I had a great time. You Guys Rock! I will come to sing again. On a Wednesday. Or Thursday. Or maybe Saturday? Maybe all three! Regardless, if you are in Vegas come see these guys. They will hook you up!

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!