This karaoke rocks your world

Steve Lucas steps up to the microphone as the opening notes to AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” ring through the room.

He bellows the opening lyrics, “Livin’ easy … livin’ free.”

As the chorus approaches, the music builds and the live band behind him kicks into overdrive as he shouts, “I’m on the Hiiiiiiiiii-ghway to Hell!”

Lucas isn’t actually a rock star.

But right now he feels like one.

The 45-year-old resident of north Seattle is one of the many who’ve taken centerstage at Canoes Cabaret inside the Tulalip Casino.

Dubbed “Rockstar Live!” it’s karaoke with a live band backing would-be idols, and it runs from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every Wednesday.

“You just let loose, man,” Lucas said moments after rocking the house. “It’s full-blown. I do regular karaoke, but the music’s not loud enough. It sounds too small.”

It’s the natural next step in the karaoke revolution.

But where the traditional form is likely to have folks trying their hand at Whitney Houston and Patsy Cline ballads, so-called “Rockaraoke” more often brings on the likes of Boston and AC/DC.

Ruth Harper, 26, of Bothell gave her own rendition of “Highway to Hell” later in the evening.

“I was a little nervous because the other guy did the same song,” Harper said. “But once the guitar kicked in … it gives you chills.”

Host Dan Weeda, 25, of Bothell keeps the night moving with a quick wit, some amusing antics and sampling some songs to keep the crowd engaged.

With three live musicians – bassist Jon Bayless of Edmonds, guitarist Bob Boyd of Kent and drummer David Jensen of Eatonville – providing the background, song selection is more limited than the thousands of tunes available at karaoke.

The group has 113 songs to choose from, and is occasionally adding titles to the collection. The number seems low, but the variety is impressive.

It’s heavy on rock, including The Doors, Deep Purple, Motley Crue and Green Day, but features an array of pop selections from the likes of Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears, and classics such as Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys and The Beatles.

“Everyone’s going to have an idea of what songs they would like to see on our list,” said Bayless, 48. “But they usually make a compromise and come up and do a song anyway.”

Bayless plays in two other bands – a funk band called Seven Deep, and a blues trio dubbed Rod Cook and Toast. He said Rockstar Live gives participants a taste of the real thing.

“The attraction is to not have it sound so canned, like the way karaoke is,” Bayless said. “You have a live band interpreting the music and being dynamic. You have volume issues, monitor issues. Welcome to the real world.”

Kelly Boston, 38, of Marysville said he has been doing karaoke in the area for 10 years and sees a bright future for the new singing outlet.

“Everyone wants to be a star,” Boston said. “This is going to take off. It’s a good feeling to have a good live band behind you.”

Rockstar Live is scheduled for at least a couple more months and could continue if attendance is good.

Cathy Williams, Tulalip Casino’s entertainment manager, said she has been very pleased with the turnout in the first two months.

Weeda hopes the event sticks by developing a following in the middle of the week.

“Hopefully we’re not the pilot for the TV series that gets canceled,” Weeda said. “We’re hoping to get picked up by the network.”

Reporter Victor Balta: 425-339-3455 or vbalta@heraldnet.com.

Jennifer Buchanan / The Herald

Rockaraoke regular Rick Chase from Monroe sings recently at Canoes Cabaret while bassist Jon Bayless plays in the background.

Rockstar Live!

It’s karaoke with a live band.

When: 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Wednesdays