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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 1, 2001)
It’s Happening at Chinook Winds ... by Teresa Simmons Local Talent Square Off in Karaoke Competition Some terrific local talent competed in Celebrity Star Search Karaoke that began in May at Chinook Winds Casino. The eight-week contest, which took place every Wednesday evening in the Rogue River Restaurant and Lounge, required that performers dress the part of the singer whose song they presented. Each week, one person qualified to be a finalist in the Celebrity Sing-Off, with the exception of week seven, when there was a tie. The “sing- off’ took place on July 18. Those who qualified as finalists were Kali Martin, Lincoln City; The Polka Dots, Yachats (Sue the “Psychic” Dot, Caroline the “Sultry” Dot, and Phasha the “Sensuous” Dot); Murphy Smith, Lincoln City; Frank “The Governor,” Lincoln City; Jac Genovese, Tillamook; Jim Rodriquez, Lincoln City; Michael Kelly, Keizer; Nathan Munsell, Tillamook; and Joelden, Lincoln City. All but one contestant was on hand for the final competition. Michael Kelly of Keizer, with his rendition of Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It,” won the sing- off and the $300 grand prize. The Rogue River Restaurant and Lounge was packed for the event, with everyone anticipating some fine performances. The crowd certainly got the entertainment they had hoped for. Contestants performed Billy Joel, Cher, Moody Blues, and Elvis hits, among others, with the audience cheering its approval throughout the two- hour competition. That was the first in a series of “sing-offs.” The second round (eight week session) of Wednesday night karaoke is now in progress, with weekly qualifiers becoming eligible to compete in a “sing-off’ held on week nine. A grand sing-off with all the winners will be held in the future, with the winner receiving a very substantial prize. Stephanie Worral (I) and karaoke sing-off winner Michael Kelly Celebrity “Star Search 2” Karaoke Date: Aug. 8 through Oct. 3, 2001 Where: Rogue River Lounge When: Every Wednesday night Time: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Contest Rules 1. Grand prize winner of first contest not eligible. 2. No professional singers or groups are eligible. 3. Ties between contestants are possible. 4. Contestant’s songs will have an 8-minute maximum time limit. 5. Contestants have the option of repeating any song at any time during contest. 6. Everyone is welcome to “sing-along” after each week’s contest. 7. Those who wish to participate in the Celebrity Contest will be required to “dress the part.” That’s right! Pick your favorite star and song and become the artist for the contest. 8. You may still sing karaoke even if you are not in the contest. 9. Participants will be judged in four categories: talent, costume, audience applause, and overall performance. 10. The ninth week of the contest is the finals. Each weekly winner will now compete against the other weekly winners to determine the grand finale winner. 11. Registration begins at 8 p.m. and closes at 9 p.m. Contestants must be present to enter. 12. There is no registration fee. 13. Contestants must be at least 21 years old to compete. 14. No repeated weekly winners allowed. 15. Contest concludes on Oct. 3, 2001, with a “sing-off.” All eight previous weekly winners will compete for the grand prize. Weekly winners will receive their names in the local papers, $25 cash, plus assorted prizes. The grand prize winner receives $300 in cash and assorted prizes. The second place winner gets $50 and the singer who places third receives $25, both with assorted prizes too!