AH, BUT OH, THOSE SUMMER NIGHTS!

By: Margaret
Williams

And what better place to spend them but in the cool, fun atmosphere of a Karaoke Lounge!

I began reminiscing about how I spent summer nights aeons ago back in Minnesota. There were the church group picnics, the sailboating on one of Minnesota's 12,000 lakes, the boating on Lake Minnetonka or the St. Croix River, the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer on the beach. But oh, those summer nights! It wasn't unusual to take in the popular Old Log Theater (Don Stoltz' pride and joy), or dancing in the huge Excelsior Amusement Park ballroom, or dinner and dancing in a Country Club in suburban Minneapolis, or someone's home for burgers and popcorn ­ wherever there was music, singing around the piano, and dancing was where you'd find "my people."

But alas, something was missing back then. You guessed it, KARAOKE! What a blast that would have been! And especially since we had only about 3-1/2 months of summer weather to enjoy those "summer nights." How fortunate we are here in southern California to be able to enjoy both those awesome summer nights AND Karaoke! Following are a few of the popular spots I like to frequent.

Just north of downtown San Diego, we have SKIES Lounge in the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton. Here is a really smooth operation, hosted by Johnny Stewart. The recently remodeled lounge has a black tile dance floor with disco lighting, a stage to feature singers of all varieties, a state-of-the-art sound system, and friendly customers seated in comfortable chairs at round tables for either an intimate group or "extended family" gathering place for regulars or hotel guests. A great place for "attitude adjustment" Friday or Saturday nights, 8:30 till ... closing!

Then out in East County is VIEJAS Casino. The nights I have been there for Karaoke the sound was great, the lighting technicians were pros and the stage (with stairway for those agile enough to navigate) is a fun place to sing. The dance floor is oversize. It's a well-managed Club and the waitresses are accommodating and friendly. Karaoke is gaining as a popular attraction each month.

Moving on up to North County, closer to the beach, we have THE ALLEY in Carlsbad. David Kelley is a friendly host, and makes everyone feel welcome. The stage is adequate, as is the sound system. It's a busy place, with Karaoke located near the front entrance, so one might "escape," if so inclined. It's a busy place, so get there early if you want to sing.

Traveling inland is QUAILS Lounge in San Marcos. Pete Pattynama, in his inimitable style, has had popular shows and Showcases going on for many a year. Beside the great sound system for singing and ample dance floor, the Lounge overlooks Lake San Marcos where one can watch the "floating porches" skimming across the lake amid the water fowl ­ the ducks and coots ­ who are permanent residents.

For those singers inclined toward the sports bar style, there is the MAIN EVENT in Escondido. A more "country" type atmosphere is what one will find here. The western style wooden tables and friendly waitresses add to the evening of singing, along with Steve and Barry on guitar, at the "Musicians' Karaoke." They say the food is good, too.

Again a more casual, "home town" atmosphere is prevalent at the COMSTOCK Bar in Escondido. The vivacious French hostess, Nicole, is always a display of endless energy and smiles. The singing space is flanked by a pool table and small intimate tables, with a small dance area. It's a popular spot for a lot of locals.

A little more centrally located in Escondido is the larger FIRESIDE Lounge with Nicole also hosting Karaoke on Thursday night. The lounge has an adequate stage, large dance floor and is popular with groups of friends or singles. Here people also "sing with their supper."

Then traveling a bit farther north on I-15 is the Lounge in the LAWRENCE WELK RESORT. Whether one is a "regular" several nights a week or a week's guest at the Resort, KJ hostess Holly encourages everyone to take their turn at Karaoke. One Thursday night I met Resort guests visiting from a Minneapolis suburb who had played ball with my nephew and who also own the same timeshare as I at Breezy Point Lodge in Minnesota. Small world. They had never sung before, but by the end of the evening, they were "Sonny and Cher."

AND just a few miles north in Temecula is the soon to be completed new night spot called THE EDGE NIGHTCLUB, promising to be the classiest and most avant garde Club in North County. Adjacent to the bar at the entrance is a cozy reception area leading to the black terrazzo tiled floor, with another wall bar flanking the dance floor. The entertainment stage is large enough to accommodate the Karaoke singer, as well as to showcase local and "imported" top-rate performers. But that's not all ­ for a more intimate, romantic atmosphere there is the second floor lounge, lending itself to Karaoke nights, wedding receptions, private parties, etc. Another unique feature of The EDGE is that patrons can be on the INTERNET! World class equipment affords guests and friends worldwide the opportunity to view or be viewed around the world. Sounds inviting, doesn't it? Alison and Ron Hannah, proprietors, and I will meet you there for the Grand Opening, SATURDAY night, AUGUST 5th!

The schedule for the lounges reviewed here may be found in the "centerfold" of this magazine.

So now you know what to do on OH ­THOSE SUMMER NIGHTS!