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So You Think You Can Sing

Rockstar Fridays at Stumps Supper Club takes karaoke to the next level with a live band.

Tribune photo by JASON BEHNKEN

Audience members dance onstage to the music of Jimmy James and the Velvet Explosion during Rockstar Fridays at Stumps Supper Club at Channelside. The popular event features live karaoke.

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By SARAH HOYE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 7, 2008

TAMPA - It's close to 11 p.m. on a recent Friday night and a steady stream of patrons is handing over $5 bills to the doorman at Stumps Supper Club at Channelside.

Above the entrance a lighted marquee with flashing light bulbs like a Bat signal broadcasts the evening's draw: Rockstar Fridays. The event features a night of live karaoke where guests have the chance to sing alongside the house band, Jimmy James and the Velvet Explosion.

After a brief introduction from James, guitarist and band front man, Brett Johnson saunters up to the stage to perform Beastie Boys "Fight For Your Right (To Party)." Donning a short-sleeved red and blue plaid shirt, the crowd cheered with approval while Johnson screamed the chorus into the mic and scanned the crowd during verses.

"I never sang with a band before," says Johnson, 29, following his performance. "I play guitar and to get out with an actual band is fun. Most people don't get this opportunity."

Stumps started its karaoke twist night six months ago to help boost business on Fridays. Guitarist and Velvet Explosion front man, James, got the idea after catching a live karaoke show in New York City and pitched it to his boss, Guy Revelle.

"We wanted to try something different," says James. "It could have gone either way, but we were surprised at the talent in Tampa."

Throughout the evening onlookers tipped back drinks and clapped enthusiastically for those who dared to get up on stage. Stumps' staff helped the female vocalists on and off the shag carpeted stage while servers weaved through the crowd.

"It's way different than other karaoke," says a breathless Summer Lowe, 22, of Tampa, who was accompanied to Stumps by her father, after she performed "I Love Rock 'N Roll" by Joan Jett. "I was so scared and it's hard not to get lost. But it's better on stage with the band and the lights. It was awesome."

Performers sign in with a "Karaoke Hostess" and chose from an extensive playlist (the band can perform more than 400 songs). Once on stage they may use the lyric book — there's no monitor and bouncing ball to follow here.

Regis Lima, 34, arrived on stage with slightly more trepidation than his predecessors. Lima, wearing grey fitted T-shirt and jeans, gripped the mic while singing "With Or Without You" by U2.

Although off-key at times, Lima had plenty of help from the band and nailed the chorus. Singing with a band proved harder than it looked, he says.

"I've been doing karaoke for awhile, but this is totally different," says Lima, of Port Richey, who learned about Rockstar Fridays from a friend. "Its hard but fun, and you get a taste of what it's like to be a singer."

Making the trek from Bradenton, Julie Grayson captivated the audience with her version of singer KT Tunstall's "Black Horse & The Cherry Tree" while cavorting with the band like a regular member.

"This is in your face and appeals to anyone who likes live bands," says Grayson, 26, a karaoke host at Esca Restaurant & Bar in Sarasota and The Speakeasy in Siesta Key. "This is so rare and just an amazing experience."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Rockstar Fridays Live Band Karaoke

WHEN: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays

WHERE: Stumps Supper Club, 615 Channelside Drive

HOW MUCH: $5 (813) 226-2261

Songlist

Think you have the right stuff to get on stage? Here's a look at a few songs on the playlist:

"Hard For the Money," Donna Summer

"Beat It," Michael Jackson

"Blister In The Sun," Violent Femmes

"Sweet Caroline," Neil Diamond

"Crazy," Gnarls Barkley

"Don't Stop Believing," Journey

"Losing My Religion," REM

"September," Earth, Wind & Fire

"Walk This Way," Aerosmith

"I Will Survive," Gloria Gaynor

Reporter Sarah Hoye can be reached at (813) 259-7832 or shoye@tampatrib.com.

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