A guy doing a karaoke version of the Violent Femmes' "Add It Up" was about the last thing I would've expected to find at Smokin' Joe's Bar & Grill (4700 Kipling Boulevard, Wheat Ridge), which until recently was Jammin' Joe's. But the guy nailed the '80s alt-pop tune, from the a cappella intro right to the end – and the big dip of chew packed in his front lip might even have helped him capture the nasal sounds of Femmes frontman Gordon Gano.
A lot of folks were nailing it this night, even though most of them were belting out either '80s hair metal like Lita Ford or classic rock like the Guess Who and Styx. One dude did a darn good Robert Plant on Led Zeppelin's "Ramble On," and a gal killed on Elton John's "Levon." But the guy who tried the Allman Brothers' "Ramblin' Man" came off sounding like Corky from Life Goes On. His performance was painful, especially since it was so frickin' loud. In fact, Smokin' Joe's gets my vote for Denver's loudest karaoke night. Since the bar brings in bands Thursdays through Sundays, it has a hell of a P.A., which was definitely being maximized during last Wednesday's karaoke. (It also hosts karaoke on Mondays and jams on Tuesdays.)
Coloradorock, which used to film bands at the now-defunct Brando's and at Andolini's before that, just set up shop at Smokin' Joe's, so that it can capture the live performances on Thursdays and Sundays. The footage will then be broadcast on Comcast Cable channel 56 and on www.coloradorock.com, which is also where bands can sign up to schedule a slot at the club. No karaoke singers allowed, although that Violent Femmes guy might just be ready for prime time.
Club scout: DJ Klaw just started Ghetto Bottle Service for his Thursday-night Mommy's Little Monster parties at Bender's Tavern (314 East 13th Avenue). Bring in five people on Thursday, February 19, and get a free bottle of booze; after that, bottles will be $8 when you bring in five people. Also starting February 19, DJ Uplifter will host "Roots Dance," a positive and conscious roots/reggae night, every third Thursday at 8 Rivers (1550 Blake Street); he starts spinning at 10 p.m.
Posh Ultra Nightclub & Lounge will celebrate its grand opening at 4040 East Evans Avenue (the former home of Skin/Midtown Beat/Dead Beat) on Friday and Saturday, February 20 and 21, with cash giveaways every hour and free bottle service with complete groups of ten. Posh will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays; George McFly from 95.7/The Party will broadcast live from the club on Saturdays. On Saturday, February 21, Jessica Burciaga, Playboy's Miss February 2009, will host "An Affair With a Playmate" at Suite Two Hundred (1427 Larimer Street), with DJ Danny spinning mash-ups. Also on February 21, Myke Martinez will host a benefit at One-Eyed Jack's, his spot that opened last weekend in the former home of the Continental Club, at 475 Santa Fe Drive; Black Lamb, DIHYF, Lyin' Bitch & the Restraining Orders, Lead Beater, Disease Called Human, Pitch Invasion, Dead Pan, Inebriators and the Ooh La La Burlesque girls will all perform. Admission is $7, and proceeds go to Martinez's friend, Cutler, who almost died after being stabbed.
Finally, George's Food & Drink, the restaurant and bar next door to the Boulder Theater, at 2028 14th Street, just started Clusterpluck, its Tuesday-night open jams with $4, 24-ounce PBR specials. All levels of musicians are welcome; the music starts at 9 p.m.
