Karoke Fun

Tim O’Leary was home in Lavallette for Thanksgiving when he found out that the Crab’s Claw Inn was holding weekly Karaoke contests with a $1000 grand prize to the winner at the very end of the competition. The 28-year old who teaches writing and now lives in New York City hit the stage that night more than five months ago and it paid off. Last night he dazzled a packed house and wowed the judges, of which I was one to capture the top spot among the four finalists. O’Leary opened with a Josh Groban ballad which was very good but it was his rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen which separated him from the other contestants and clinched the $1000 top prize. Second place and $500 went to Sophia Dulitosh of Bay Head, Toms River’s Ricky Waller was third and Meredith Wilson from King of Prussia, PA finished fourth.

As one who can’t carry a note what impressed me the most is the fun everyone seemed to have and while the stakes and crowd were bigger I’m told it’s pretty much like that every Wednesday night. Last night’s show included a couple of group numbers and also brought back some of the weekly regulars who have their own little support groups, including last year’s champion Greg Walls who was back as a judge. Host Cindy Datoli ran the show with help from Dave of Karaoke on Fire and while last night was supposed to be the end the Crabs Claw has decided to hold weekly contests every Wednesday until the end of May. They won’t need any judges but if I’m asked I’ll be back next spring…well maybe.

Congratulations to Brick Township High School softball player Heather Figula for pitching a perfect game Tuesday as the Green Dragons routed Toms River South. Speaking of Brick, the Green Dragons baseball team
has really opened some eyes over the first two weeks of the season. Picked to finish last in Class A South, Brick is tied for the division lead after beating the shore’s top ranked team Toms River South earlier this week. The Green Dragons are 6-1 overall under coach Jason Groschel and have already matched their win total from all of last season…they host Toms River East.