We last tackled karaoke in a QoD in July 2005 and just when we thought it looked like it was probably on the way out in Las Vegas, this popular form of entertainment seems to be undergoing something of a resurgence, which we're guessing owes something to the ever-growing popularity of "American Idol" (we even overheard some very macho iron workers in the yard next door discussing the show one lunchtime recently!).
Karaoke arrived in Las Vegas in the early '90s and spread like wildfire -- by 2005 there were about 175 casinos and bars in town holding a karaoke night at least once a week. While there have since been some casualties, including the Barbary Coast and Stardust (for obvious reasons), and Mist at TI (which now offers that other popular spinoff, Guitar Hero in the form of the "Almost Famous" battle at 10 p.m. on Monday nights), longtime favorites like Ellis Island, Imperial Palace (now upstairs, its former home occupied by the Rockhouse Bar), and the Bootlegger Bistro (more of an open-mic session for local performers) continue to rock on.
And some new additions (or discoveries on our part) include Planet Hollywood's EXTRA Lounge, and Puff, the new hookah lounge located at 1030 E. Flamingo, which has recently launched the latest of its nightlife offerings in the form of "Fantasy Karaoke Thursdays" -- karaoke with backing from a live six-piece band (like the long-running Rockstar Karoake night at House of Blues). It's a chance to show off your vocal or guitar skills, and the best performances will be recorded for inclusion on upcoming CDs and perhaps even a TV show. For more info visit www.myspace.com/pufflounge.com or www.pufflounge.com
The Bunkhouse (on S. 11th Street) has open-mic comedy sessions on Monday nights, but no karaoke. However, we did discover that the Western Casino on Fremont Street has karaoke on Sundays from 7 pm to 11 pm. The next-closest venue we know of to downtown would be Dino's Lounge, the ancient dive bar on Las Vegas Blvd. just south of Charleston, which has karaoke nights on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
You can find our full karaoke listings in the Entertainment & Nightlife section, by clicking here.
