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!