Club Cal Neva Karaoke

Now, I did warn you guys and gals up front that the majority of these entries were going to be for karaoke bars.  I suppose this one isn't going to be any different, so I'm going to skip talking about other aspects about the Cal Neva such as their slots, gaming tables or restaurants.  The focus of this particular entry is for their karaoke only.

Titan and I have been semi-regulars there since we moved here and discovered that the Cal Neva does karaoke Thursdays - Sundays from 8pm to 1pm or there abouts depending on how busy it is. 

The very first time we went there we were accepted not only by the KJ, Darren, but by the crowd.  On any given night the majority of the crowd is comprised of locals with a smattering of tourists.  And on the majority of nights, be they week day or weekend, are super busy.  If you want to get in more than one or two songs, be sure to be there early.  Otherwise, forget it.  Cal Neva karaoke is VERY popular.

Not only do they have an amazing song list (as most of the karaoke bars in the vicinity do), their drink specials are unmatched in the downtown Reno area.  Where else could one possibly get $1 tall cans of Budweiser or Twisted Tea?  Of course, I don't drink, but Titan does and for him it is usually these dollar beverages or double Whiskey and Diet Coke which for $4.25 (I believe) is not bad, either.

Darren is a super nice guy and has an amazing voice.  He is really accommodating to the singers providing chairs to those who may need one and gently reminding people that they can't bring drinks to the stage or take the wireless mic off the stage.  One thing I would like to see for his show is music in between singers, like filler music - NOT that multi-song crap that some places play. The silence in between songs is sometimes deafening.  In addition, I would love to see Darren get a little more engaged with the crowd.  Sometimes he'll remind the crowd to take care of the bartenders and the dealers, but not often.  Energy is sometimes lacking otherwise, LOVE Darren to death!

Sound is good although due to it being a casino environment the sound cannot be as loud as either I or Darren would like.  There is a stage monitor which is awesome because otherwise I don't believe that anyone would be able to hear the music being projected outward.  I guess the pit bosses don't like to hear super drunk people try to sing horrible country songs.. lol..

They have a regular sized stage that they used to have live shows perform on. I remember when I was in my younger days seeing all sorts of live shows on that stage.  The stage really gives the performance a "real" feel so how one entertains the crowd is up to them.  I usually find some way to engage the crowd in one way or another.  It's truly fun, but makes me nervous sometimes.

So, if you're in the area, you should certainly come down to the Cal Neva, have a drink and sing a song with Titan and me.  You won't regret it.

Overall, I give karaoke at the Cal Neva: