The article below was in the May 2011 issue of Karoake & Live Entertainment

Showcasing Kathy Fox

By Sue Sawyer

Amateur singer showcases are rare in the Northwest. A planned evening of song, almost like a recital, the Singer Showcase is a controlled evening of entertainment. It’s a time when the featured singer gets two solid hours to control their song choices grouped into sets. They can also choose who will perform during their short breaks.

On Sunday evenings (after children’s karaoke), Dave’s of Milton transforms the room to tablecloths and candle-lighting, giving it a nightclub atmosphere. One of the few “family friendly” venues where kids, relatives and underage friends can enjoy front row seating for the Singer Showcase. They’ll be served food and soft drinks without being banished to some outside area to peer over a divider wall, or through the window until 10:00 p.m.

Cliff Satterwhite (soundfxentertainment@hotmail.com), Dave’s host, is always interested in good singing talent. Interested singers should show up for karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays and talk to him about future dates. There is also a bar/food ”gratis tab“ offered to the featured singer as a “thank you” from the management. Cliff makes personalized fliers to hand out. Photos and video with sound are available through Fantazia Studios during the performance.

Kathy Fox has been working on her singing technique and vocal strength with a singing coach for over eight months now. The Showcase provided her the forum to put together her own song sets, show off her talent, and master her own gig.

“Of course,” says Kathy, “It’s fun going to karaoke with friends and possibly singing three songs during the night, but with the showcase I got to know what it’s really like to entertain, pulling out all my energy to make sure my songs came off well - one right after the other!”

Excitedly she admits, “It’s not easy to pull off two sets of songs like a seasoned pro!” But she did it and the audience loved her.

Kathy opened with Today, went on to sing Que Sera Sera, You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This, and How Do You Like Me Now. Her grandson, Ethen went on stage to sing Puff the Magic Dragon, and Teddy Bear Song with her. Kathy hit on other novelty songs such as Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah, If I Only Had a Brain, Dark Lady, and Second Hand Rose to keep things lively. She sprinkled in Country Rock, and love songs too.

If you think you are more of a supper club crooner and don’t want to present several sets of music, talk to Cliff about entertaining on Saturday nights during dinner before Dave’s featured Comedy Hour. Remember, a gratis tab will be afforded the singer, plus free entry fro the comedy show, and later, karaoke. If this peaks your interest...SHOW UP!