Karaoke Night

There comes a defining moment in your career which really sums up just about everything and for me it might have come last night. I was at the Crab’s Claw Inn in Lavallette to judge the finals of their Karaoke Contest, which has been going on every Wednesday for the last several months.
At a point early in the evening I was introduced to one of the other judges in the following manner….”this is Kevin Williams and he is our celebrity judge tonight” to which the women I was meeting responded with “what makes you a celebrity?” If that doesn’t let you know that you belong in Lavallette on a Wednesday night what else will.

All kidding aside last night was about the contestants who frequent the popular restaurant and bar every Wednesday and take the stage in all shapes and sizes and levels of talent. I always pretty much thought of Karaoke as really bad singers who got up only after several drinks or because their friends forced them into it. Not at the Crabs Claw where the regulars put a lot of time and effort into not only singing but having outfits to match their songs and even dance.

I was recruited as a judge by Aileen & Becky who explained to me that what I was looking for was a combination of singing, stage presence and audience participation. Dave from Karaoke on Fire warmed the crowd up by singing but it doesn’t take long before people get up on stage and belt out their favorites. Last night featured performances by pretty much the top eight or so from the last few months and then it was time for host Cindy Dotoli to introduce the final three who we would be judging. There was Judy Mekles and Greg Walls of Lavallette and Kim Spinelli from Toms River and they all had plenty of supporters. Both ladies were very good and in truth had better voices than Greg but he put on a show that could not be overlooked. Wearing a white Travolta-like suit from “Saturday Night Fever” he belted out Lionel Ritchie’s “All Night Long” and was simply sensational. The packed crowed went crazy as he sang, danced and strutted. I don’t think anyone was surprised later when it was announced that the 30-year old was the winner of the $1000 first prize. Kim was the runner up and collected $250 and Judy got $100 for her efforts. Today they go back to their regular lives but as Dave the DJ said “we’re here every Wednesday until the end of time….or I get fired.”