ADVENTURES IN KARAOKE: Stogie Joe's

The first thing I heard when I walked into Stogie Joe's was a group of women yelling the lyrics to Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive." Then I looked left and saw several "Happy Birthday" balloons at one of the tables, and I knew I had walked into a good time.

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ADVENTURES IN KARAOKE: Stogie Joe's

POSTED: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 4:00 PM

The first thing I heard when I walked into Stogie Joe’s was a group of women yelling the lyrics to Gloria Gaynor's “I Will Survive." Then I looked left and saw several "Happy Birthday" balloons at one of the tables, and I knew I had walked into a good time.

Shortly thereafter, another baby boomer grabbed the mic singing Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” paired with the best rock ‘n’ roll strut I’ve seen at a karaoke yet. Her female rocker singing voice grabbed everyone by the bits and pieces and they all joined in on the chorus, clapping to the beat.

“I Drink Alone,” came up next, which wasn't really relevant, since the bar was packed from wall to wall. Every seat at the bar was taken and every table was crowded — inside and out. “It’s like this every Tuesday,” said Paula, a Stogie Joe’s karaoke-night fanatic. “But everyone’s always accepting of whatever karaoke songs and its always a good time.”

The classic “Citywide” special, which includes a shot of Jack Daniels Honey and a Lionshead for $5, was surprisingly unpopular. Looking around, it seemed like people were sticking to a traditional forumula of a domestic beer or mixed drink.

The youngest-looking guy in the joint gave the Springsteen’s “Born to Run” a shot with a Long Island in hand — but he forgot to dedicate it to the late Clarence Clemons (RIP). However, a woman sent everyone home on a good note when she performed Etta James’ “At Last" — signifying a well-rounded group of folks who can start a party strong, but know how to wind it down when the time's right.

Nitty Gritty for Performoers: Tuesdays, 9 p.m., free, Stogie Joes, 1801 E. Passyunk Ave., 215-463-3030.

(brian.wilensky@citypaper.net)

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Featuring everything from event roundups to concert reviews and sex talk, City Paper's Critical Mass is a space for off-the-wall coverage of Philly's A&E scene.

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