If you’re looking for a drunken way to embarrass yourself — or if you want to be a rock star for a night — Chucktown has plenty of karaoke nights to choose from. One of the most popular is Cumberland’s weekly “metal Monday Karaoke,” where wannabe rockers can sing along with a liveband every Monday.
Dubbed “Haireoke,” the band originally formed in 2004 with four acclaimed local musicians and a rotation of guest players. Guitarist/singer Ward Williams, bassist Jonathan Gray, drummer Evan Bivins (all formerly of Jump, Little Children), and guitarist Kenny Harris (of The Films) kicked things off. Through the years, Josh Kaler (of Slow Runner) and Chris McLernon (of Iron Cherry, Weird Science, and L.A. band Saigon Kick) stepped in as additional lead guitarists. The band regularly pump out flawless renditions of ’70s and ’80s hard-rock and metal classics. The guys change their band name every week and have adopted stage monikers like “Shit Sandwich” (thank you, Spinal Tap!) and “Immortal Retort.”
When it comes to Metal Monday success, Williams says that heart beats singing skills every time. “The most important thing is just to give it your all. We have ‘bad’ performers who aren’t technically great on vocals — but are as entertaining — if not more so, than the people who know how to sing.”
As for bravery, Williams agrees that imbibing may help. “I think you need a couple drinks to do it,” he says. “If you’re a performer and used to being on a stage, you’re fine. But be careful: if you’re too wasted, you’ll fall into the drum set.”
If belting out pop songs is more your style, Art’s Bar & Grill in Mt. Pleasant hosts “Lowcountry Karaoke Idol,” a weekly karaoke contest geared toward real singers. Every Thursday evening, those people with the nerve and the pipes duke it out with hopes of becoming the $1,500 grand prize winner (to be decided during the grand finale on June 10). First and second runners-up get $500 and $250, respectively.
Of course there’s always classic, Charleston-style karaoke at local bars like the various Wild Wings, the Upper Deck Tavern, Fiddler’s Green Pub, and Big John’s Tavern, among many others. There are so many bars hosting karaoke nights that every neighborhood can have their own spot to hit up when they’re feeling musical. Whether you’re a wannabe Billy Idol or an American Idol, there’s a Holy City stage that’s waiting.
Karaoke events are listed each week in City Paper’s Music Board on the web at
www.charlestoncitypaper.com
.
WEDNESDAY
Fiddler’s Green Pub
Karaoke Dave 8 p.m.
Jack’s Place
Karaoke w/ Bear 8 p.m.
Loco Joe’s Food & Spirits
Karaoke w/ Robby G 8 p.m.
McNeill’s Pub
Open Mic w/ Andre MC
Palmetto Brick House
Karaoke w/ Larryoke
Shooter’s of Summerville
Karaoke
Thirsty Turtle II
R & P Karaoke
Trayce’s First String
Karaoke w/ Steve Russell 9 p.m.
West Wings
Karaoke w/ Negative Eleven
Wet Willie’s
Karaoke
THURSDAY
Art’s Bar & Grill
Lowcountry Karaoke Idol 10 p.m.
Brinson’s Beef& Brew
Karaoke w/ Demokies 7-11 p.m.
Charleston on the Beach Holiday Inn
Karaoke w/ Charles Shaw
Checkered Flag Bar & Grill
Open Mic w/ Everette Bigbee 8:30 p.m.
Jack’s Place
Karaoke w/ Jack 8 p.m.
Jitterbug’s
Karaoke w/Larry-o-ke 8 p.m.
Kudu Coffee House
Open Mic w/ Will Acuff 7 p.m.
Patrick’s Pub
Karaoke
R-Pub
Karaoke w/ Larryoke
Shooter’s of Summerville
Karaoke
Wild Wing
Karaoke w/ Ed Miller
FRIDAY
Cisco’s Cafe
Karaoke 9 p.m.
Firehouse Bar & Grill
Pass the Mike Competition 9-11 p.m.
Jack’s Place
Karaoke w/ Bear 8 p.m.
Sodawater Grill
Karaoke w/ All Purpose Entertainment
Sonia’s Manila Grill
Karaoke w/ DJ Donny
Thirsty Turtle II
R & P Karaoke 9 p.m.
SATURDAY
Jack’s Place
Karaoke w/ Jack 8 p.m.
K.C. Mulligan’s
Karaoke w/ Tigger
Thirsty Turtle II
R & P Karaoke 9 p.m.
SUNDAY
The Break Room
Karaoke w/ J.J. Gordon 6-9 p.m.
Jack’s Place
Karaoke w/ Bear 8 p.m.
The Map Room
Karaoke w/ Negative Eleven 9 p.m.
T.J. & Tommy’s Guitar Bar & Grill
Kamikaze Karaoke w/ Hinckey and the Puerto Rica
Trayce’s First String
Karaoke 8 p.m.
Upper Deck Tavern
Karaoke w/ Negative Eleven
Wet Willie’s
Karaoke
MONDAY
Cumberland’s
Metal Monday Karaoke w/ Haireoke
Firehouse Bar & Grill
Karaoke w/Benson
Pickled Parrot
Karaoke
Thirsty Turtle II
R & P Karaoke 9 p.m.
The Village Tavern
Karaoke w/ Negative Eleven
TUESDAY
The Dark Room
Karaoke
Firehouse Bar & Grill
Charleston Karaoke Idol Contest w/ Benson 9 p.m.
Frankie Biggs Sports Grill
Karaoke @ Frankie Biggs
Henry’s on the Boulevard
95SX Karaoke
Jack’s Place
Karaoke w/ Bear 8 p.m.
K.C. Mulligan’s
Karaoke w/ Tigger
The Krankee Yankee
Karaoke w/ Udayna 9 p.m.
Oasis Bar & Grill
Karaoke Dave
R-Pub
Karaoke w/ Larryoke
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