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Karaoke:The stars shined at Stonewood!
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We walked in during the game; Red Wings Vs Chicago Black Hawks. There was a table full of people. I saw Ken, (pictured, to the right) Gene, Kathy. At first I didn’t see “Barb”, the karaoke host. She saw me. I discovered quickly, that hockey overtime, was ready to begin. Chicago speedily won.
The place was pretty crowded. Maybe at least 40 people. A medium sized bar. In Roseville, it’s a “diamond in the rough”; a karaoke enclave. A place where some of the outstanding singers of the East side will occasionally drop in unexpectedly. Of course, some of the regulars are quite accomplished, in their own right!
Before long, I heard the “specially voiced” Mark Juresich sing “Paint Me A Birmingham”. Great lyrics. Never heard it before. His version was tremendously good. Great tones, pleasantly delivered. A technical masterpiece. Difficult to match, but online karaoke singer, "Crooner 65" is right there, “in the ballpark”, with a similar voice. A wonderful sing & video, which also shows the fine sensitivity that he shares with Mark.
“Paint me A Birmingham” http://www.singsnap.com/snap/r/bcb67646 “Crooner 65”
Barbara Staley is the host, and of all the many karaoke hosts, I’ve never seen a better singer! She has as much power as anyone would ever want. A topflight range, whenever called upon. Professional vibrato. In fact, Barbara was on Ed McMahon’s “Star search’, some 20 years ago. She came in second, and appeared on TV. Thousands competed, initially.
Barb’s an excitable and very expressive, dark, pretty brunette; capable of a broad smile. Sometimes a “hard nosed realist” and sometimes endearingly naive! She has a natural belief & faith in people. She can’t help herself! This is “double edged”.
In life, she has also experienced the exasperation, dismay and disillusionment of embracing and believing. Barb is no lazybones. She’s busy with other karaoke gigs , weddings and various parties.
"Gene" was at the microphone. A white haired, bespectacled, dignified looking fellow. He’s singing (his autobiography) “You Don’t Know Me”; the smooth sailing, classy tones of Gene. A longtime regular, who assists Barbara in set-up and other technical glitches.
Here’s a version of “You Don’t Know Me”, by "Libby 12", a long-haired blonde. It goes lockstep with Gene. She displays such excellence and warmth amidst smiles. Gene only WISHES the two of them were dancing and singing this together, off into the sunset!
“You Don’t Know me” http://www.singsnap.com/snap/r/b910e248d
"Kathy", a regular, has done some really great songs here, at Stonewood, and did a deeper, strong voiced version of “White Horse” (Taylor Swift) It’s a nice story, within a song. Another very interesting sing, of this one, was by "Linda", an on-line karaoke singer. This featured the use of an acoustic guitar, while singing; quite a mean feat, for sure!
“White Horse” http://www.singsnap.com/snap/r/bb122a333
"Brian L"” was on hand, and was superb, with clear sings, showing feeling and fine technique. “The Dance” and ‘After The Lovin”. Commit Rowson also had dropped in. Commit sang a deeper version of “Aint No Stoppin Us Now’, the energetic disco number. He has opened for people like Peabo Bryson, in the past.
Here’s a fun filled “dancersize” alternative by "SimplyBabette", the lady from “across the river”. (Windsor Ontario, Canada)
http://www.singsnap.com/snap/r/c1e0424f “ "Aint No Stopping us Now”.
"Ken", who always appears, served us: “Diggin Up Bones”, sung in his ever friendly, smooth, deep bass voice. A super sing!
"Bill Wilson was part of the proceedings and in this line-up of stars. He has boxes full of karaoke CD’S. With Bill, this is serious business. He is a talented master craftsman. You can just see him spending hour upon hour perfecting songs, of all types. The song details, can be visualized, as parts lying under his microscope.
Emerging from this mad scientist’s test tubes, are numbers like Eva Cassady’s "Bridge" and " Want it”, featuring Bill's patented high notes, that are l-o-n-g, l-o-n-g, and l-o-n-g-e-r, in duration, but still with terrific vibrato! A phenomenal sing!
A different, also exceptional, rendition is by "Sedaley", online. She’s a winner of many contests.
http://www.singsnap.com/snap/r/bc1110736 “ Want It”
Stonewood Lounge is on Utica Road just West of Gratiot in Roseville. Karaoke nights are on Wednesday and Saturday. (586) 779-5630
Committ Rowson.jpg)
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