Brew Brothers Live Karaoke Lives Up to the Hype

Live karaoke band provided by: Karaoke Rockstarz

Not only am I a Reno local, I am a native to this city, and I had never been to Brew Brothers.  Mostly because I considered it just another tourist attraction inside one of the many casinos in downtown. However, I have been hearing ads for their Monday night live band karaoke for a really long time and I have been wanting to try it for a while.  I had Tuesday off, so I thought, "What the heck!"

I went a bit early because their website said that it started at 9pm, but in actuality it began at 10pm, but signups started at 9pm.  No big deal. I took the time to enjoy the Blackened chicken alfredo from their restaurant.  The staff was really great and the food was excellent.  My dish tasted a bit different than I am used to, but it was not bad at all.

I will admit to being a bit nervous, even after singing karaoke for 16+ years.  I've sang on all sorts of stages, including Sammy's Showroom in Harrah's Reno for a kamikaze karaoke competition several years ago.  I had never sang with a live band before...until tonight.

I went up to the lady who was taking song slips and she explained to me how everything worked.  I asked her about the words.  It's a live band, how did they work that?  It's the same as regular karaoke.  The words are on the screen.  It's just with a live band instead of a recording.  I gotta say that it made it that much more realistic and fun.  She was really nice, and sang Alanis Morrissette nearly better than Alanis.


I was the fourth singer to sing.  Which was good because I wanted to see other people sing first to get an idea of what I was in for.  I sang "I Want You to Want Me" by Cheap Trick.  Apparently, it was one of the band member's favorite songs to play.  I smiled when I heard that. And, it went over well with the crowd.

The band was really good.  They sang backup as well as handed out props such as hats and feather boas for the singers to use on stage.  The lighting was such that really created a great atmosphere which made it feel like you were really the lead singer of the band. 

The audience was very receptive to everyone who went on stage.  Good, bad or otherwise it didn't matter.  There are many places that I have sang where the audience will not applaud for anyone except for their friends, or sometimes not at all.  The audience at Brew Brothers applauded for pretty much everyone and that really helped brighten the atmosphere, too.  Some random guy even gave me a hug after I got off the stage.  That was nice, too.

Every Monday they have a contest to give away bar tabs.  $20, $30 and $50.  I didn't know I was even in the competition.  Just after midnight they gave away the prizes.  They called the 3rd and 2nd place winners.  Sweet.  I'm out of this competition.  No worries.  And then they called the 1st place winner.... Onyx!  (For anyone out of the loop, that's yours truly).  I was really surprised because there were others who sang way better than I did, so the conspiracy theory is that they just wanted to find out my real name..lol... either that, or the crowd reacted better than I thought. hehehehe....

Either way, it totally made my night.

Even though they only do karaoke for three hours on Monday nights, and you pretty much get to sing once, tonight that didn't matter.  I had one of the best times that I've had in a while at karaoke and that is what mattered to me. I enjoyed watching everyone else singing, good, bad and otherwise.  I just wish that Falcon could have been there.  I know he would have had a great time.

I give Brew Bothers Live Band Karaoke:

I may not get another Tuesday off in a while, but when I do, I will certainly be going back to Brew Brothers!

P.S. I have a few pictures that I wasn't able to upload tonight, but I will get them off my phone asap for you guys.

Roller Kingdom Review

This is basically a cross post from my Chaotic Ramblings blog because it happened to coincide with Raven's visit for her spring break.  So, without further ado....

Raven and I went to the rink known as Roller Kingdom. (Really guys, you couldn't come up with something a bit more ... unique?)  When I was a kid, my dad took my siblings and I nearly ever Thursday for family night.  That was soooooo long ago.  I think the last time I was on skates was over 20 years ago, and I remember a few things.  And some of those things hasn't changed over time.  Back then, it was known as King's Skate Country.

1. The building interior is almost exactly the same!
    That's right.  There has been very little change to the interior of the place, as I remember it.  Even the floor is the same.  Actually, I think it's gotten worse.  Hey guys, do us all a favor and replace the surface before we all fall down! Sheeesh!

2. They still play the same lame games!
    Yep, Red Light, Green Light.  Simon Says.  All the games are still the same.  Hey guys, you COULD try changing it up a little bit.  I'm sure that over the last twenty years or so there have been some new skating games invented.

3. The DJs are still as snarky as ever!
    Yep.  The DJs still cheat at pretty much every game and good luck trying to get a request in.  I guess that's what comes from being young and full of themselves.

4. The concession stand still carries ring pops!
    Among other things, the food is still the same as it was when it was King's Skate Country.  At least, from what I remember.  And it's still as expensive as ever.  And, the staff is not very nice there at all.  Especially to us "old timers".  I mean come on.  I've never seen anyone slam food around like that before.  It wasn't MY fault you forgot to make my nachos!

5. The lighting is the same as it used to be.
    While there have probably been a few updates to the lighting over the rink, there is still that same star pattern of light bulbs above the center of the rink.  And kids still go to the center of the rink to pretend to be cool.

6. Their skates are the same ones they've been using for the last million years.  Guys, please update.  Oh, you did make the addition of roller blades.  (I think I remember a time when roller blades weren't allowed, but I could be wrong about that.)  However, new skates would be an improvement. 

Overall it was a good time, and Raven had fun. She even made a few new friends and I saw at least one person that I already knew.  I went back a second time, but I ended up leaving very early.  There were too many kids around. I might have to go on the adults only night one of these days.  

The music that was played was all the Top 40 garbage that one can hear on the radio with very few exceptions.  They do have an 80's night, so I might check that out one of these nights.  Otherwise, I don't think that I could make a request for a song because the DJ probably never heard of it.

One of the nice things about Roller Kingdom is that they do private and birthday parties. I might have to put together a goth/industrial themed party and bring my own music to play.  I know they do that in several larger cities, but I think it would be fun to do here, too.  Any thoughts on that from my old scene friends?

Overall I give Roller Kingdom:

And really guys, that's being generous.

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:

Faces Nightclub - Sacramento

So, on that same Sacramento trip when Titan and I went to the Distillery, we also went to Faces which was located a block away.  So, we walked.

Faces is not just a karaoke bar, but an actual nightclub and one of the best ones in Sacramento.  It's been around forever it seems, just like the Distillery.  There is a video bar where DJs play and mix music videos for patrons to dance to.  There is a back room that is lined with several mirrors and a booth for different DJs to play music for the dancing masses.  Off of that is a back patio for those who smoke.  Several years ago California passed a no smoking law.  The front room was where karaoke was held.

It is a really nice room although not the best for hosting karaoke.  The fireplace is a nice touch, though, especially during the cooler weather.  Out of the doors off that room was another smoking patio (pictured above).

Howard the KJ is one of the best I have ever sang with.  He keeps his rotations is good order and is fair when it comes to adding new singers, even those who show up in the middle of the evening.   I was not surprised to see how many people were there even for a Monday evening.  The song selection was excellent and the sound was great for the room.

Garrett, the bartender, was awesome.  He continued to fill my soda glass (always the driver am I) without me even asking (or charging me).  He was very attentive to Titan.  And, Garrett even moved our glasses down after some people usurped our chairs. Drink prices were just about the same as other places in downtown although higher than what we're used to.  Otherwise, the patrons were very friendly, and overall this was the most amazing karaoke I had been to in a while.

Overall, I give Faces Nightclub:

Now For Review: Rail City Casino (Sparks)

Ah, Rail City Casino.  When I was a kid it was called the Plantation.  I can remember going there once for a family breakfast.  Back then, it wasn't so great.  That I'll admit up front.  However, times have changed and so has the establishment that has now been transformed into Rail City Casino.  It's been that for a while now... Anyway, onto the review. I won't get into too many specifics as they can be found on their website. (Hint: Click the above picture to view the website.) :)

Open 24/7. Located on Victorian Ave just off of the Prater exit on I-80.  Home to many penny slots as well as all the usually priced slot machines.  My favorite is the Ghostbusters penny slot located in the corner.  I personally won the mini jackpot (all of $14 and change) a few weeks ago. It's always fun to try my luck at any of these machines. 

Restaurants include the Ale House and the Rail City Cafe.  Both have excellent service and the food is a far cry better than when the building was the Plantation.  The cafe has monthly specials, usually for around $5.  And with the right player's card, breakfast including two pancakes, two eggs and two strips of bacon can be yours for a mere $2.22. here. The cafe is open 24/7 except for the first Sunday of the month when they do their deep cleaning.  The Ale house is open from 11am to close.  Their website doesn't exactly state when "closing" time is.. lol. But, the food is excellent. Don't forget to check out their buffet! The absolute least expensive anywhere! More information on Rail City's restaurants can be found here.
 
On the other side of the casino lies the table games which consist mainly of Blackjack, my personal favorite.  The dealers are friendly, fun, and have a great sense of humor.  I definitely recommend stopping by some time for a $3 or $5 game.  They also boast live Texas Hold 'em Poker for those who want to get their game on.  More information can be found here.

 Overall, from their rewards program to their staff, to their food, Rail City is definitely a place to visit for good fun and food.  

So, considering atmosphere, staff, food, games etc and comparing them with other casinos in the Reno/Sparks area I give Rail City Casino:

First Review - 5 Stars for The 5 Star Saloon (Karaoke Night)

For the first review of this new blog I have decided to go with somewhere I am familiar with.  Somewhere fun, somewhere really great.  The 5 Star Saloon.

The 5 Star is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) bars in downtown Reno.  It is located on West Street right off First Street and just a stone's throw from Java Jungle and the Truckee River.  When walking down the street this bar may not be too noticeable at first with only a sign above the door to let people know its existence. 

Upon entry, there is a hallway that leads directly to the sound booth.  Turn your head to the right and you'll notice a good sized dance floor with a stage that contains not one, but two stripper poles.  (I've used those a few times while singing in order to make sure I don't fall over.. lol!)  If you turn your head to the left, you'll notice a long primary bar where all manner of drinks are created and served.  From Angry Balls to Budsweiser on draft, from chilled Jager to Black Opals, AMF, and anything else your imagination could possibly want, you can find it here.  Except for Midori.  I didn't see any Midori the last time I was there.  :(

And, across from the main bar is a nice metal cage that people can dance in if they so choose.  Toward the back of the bar is a pool table and a secondary bar for those really busy evenings on the weekends.  Comfy chairs can be found near the cage and there is ample seating at the bar.  Rainbow flags proudly line the ceiling behind the bar, and mirrors line the wall of the dance floor.

On the weekends the 5 Star has various events going on including a drag show, which I haven't had the chance to attend yet, but hope to soon, and live DJs spinning all sorts of ear candy for those who enjoy dancing.

In addition to various bar crawls such as the Zombie Crawl, Santa Crawl and Pirate Crawl, the 5 Star also engages in the monthly wine walks. Several bars in the downtown area participate in this event and it is really one that should not be missed.

My favorite aspect of this bar is the karaoke.  There is really nothing else like it anywhere that I have found in the Reno or Sparks area.  Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening beginning at 10pm KJ Ricky Rick hosts the best karaoke in town.  What makes this so different from other places?

Each night the bartender on duty picks between 12 and 16 different artists ranging from Top 40 to oldies, rock, and R&B.  Sing a song by a chosen artist and get a FREE drink from the bartender.  (Limit one per hour.)  I believe that last time I got a free drink from the bar I sang "Ghost in You" by Psychedelic Furs.  :)

In addition to the opportunity for free drinks by singing, after each song the singer get to pick a plastic egg out of the bin at the Ricky Rick's booth.  In them are free bar tabs which may include $25 bar tabs, buy one get one free, bartender's choice and even the time Titan picked 3 Free Drinks on his first song.  The rest of the eggs contain blank tickets for a chance to win a $100 bar tab.  As soon as they reach 100 entries, they pull the winner.  Must be present to win, which sucks because I think that between Titan and I we probably had about 20 entries in there alone and weren't able to be there for the drawing.  No matter.  Singing is what is really fun for us. Not only are the drink specials really great, the song selection is amazing.  If there is something that Ricky Rick doesn't have, he attempts to find it online for you. As for the crowd, the people there are fun, friendly and very accepting.  It is sometimes nerve wrecking to sing in a new place, and I didn't really have any anxiety the first time I went.  It was wonderful. 

So go ahead, be brave and visit somewhere that is a bit unconventional, but everso amazingly fun!

I give the 5 Star Saloon: