Karaoke Around the USA

Phoenix, Washington, Oregon and North Dakota

By Suzanne Lanoue
http://suzann.com/music/karaoke.htm
suzanne@door.net

Silver Dollar Bar in West Fargo, ND-
Very friendly place! They had some great regulars who had a good time despite the fact that most of them couldn't sing (a bunch couldn't even carry a tune in a bucket!). The KJ was very nice and went from table to table singing up singers, which was a nice change from having to go up to the KJ and hand in a song. There are two other places to do karaoke in Fargo-Morehead as well, one run by this KJ (both are on Saturdays) and one on weeknights. The other place run by this DJ is Trader and Trapper in Moorhead.

Cal-Sport Sports Bar in Portland, OR. 1033 N.W. 16th (503) 223-0099 Karaoke Tues, Fri, Sat 9:30pm-2:30 am -
This looked like a dive from outside but wasn't bad inside. Most of the customers were in their twenties so we kinda stood out. The bartender and the KJ were both VERY NICE. But THIS WAS THE WORST AUDIENCE I'VE EVER SEEN!!! I sang and guess what, not ONE CLAP ( my husband was too embarrassed to be the only one clapping at this point). There was some clapping for other singers, but I think they only clapped for their own friends. I know I didn't totally suck... SNIFF!

Eastside Mario's in Phoenix-
A small but endearing place for karaoke. We went there on a Friday night and had a good time. They have cordless mics. No stage but it's small (intimate) and you can sit right at the bar or your table to sing, if you're shy. Or you can just stand up near the front. If you're allergic to peanuts, stay way because they eat them and throw them on the floor.

Famous Sam's is also in Phoenix.
The regulars seemed to have a lot of fun. They were nice and I enjoyed myself but it was very loud and crowded. There was a big country music crowd there but I don't know if that is typical or not. The KJ was SUPER-nice!!!
Somewhat unusual song selection, too. We went there on Saturday night.

Jake's in Vancouver, Washington. 4600 NE St. John's Rd -
A real roadside place, only people in the area go to this place, I think...they only sell beer and wine, no hard liquor. Lots of pool tables. It wasn't unsafe but real seedy-looking. The people mostly ignored the singers but did clap and seemed to enjoy the music. The KJ's, who look like a husband and wife team, were nice but took way too much time between songs (like they maybe didn't know how to work the machines that well).

Tell me about the karaoke places in YOUR neighborhood! Email me: suzanne@door.net

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