"Fiesta de Canto y Comida" At Ernesto's.

On the eve of my storming of the stage at the finals of the Kentucky State Fair karaoke competition, I needed to relax. I decided to mosey on down to the Mexican restaurant over by Mr. G's, called Ernesto's. Now, I won't lie to you; I had ulterior motives to coming to this place. April of the FKP crew was going to be KJing, and karaoke music always aids in my digestion. Walking in, I found what I expected to, south of the border flavor, but combined with a almost mid western sports-bar feel. Very unique. This might be from the fact that the building used to house a Buckhead's Mountain Grill, but regardless, it definitely made the atmosphere fun.

I was early, as usual, and sat myself down at the bar. The beautiful bartender, Sarah, took my drink order (can you guess), and brought back with her a menu. The fare is distinctly Americanized Mexican food, including a huge burger dubbed the "Mexi-burger (7.99). Ignoring my northern tendencies, I ordered from their ala-cart menu on the back, and got three regular tacos, without tomatoes. They arrived in under a minute, with a nod and a smile, steam still pouring off of them. They were topped by some delicious Chihuahua Cheese, that made them almost melt in my mouth. The contrast with the lightly salted almost brittle shells, made the experience very delightful.

After I was finished, the clean up was just as quick, and then I was served with a bowl of tortilla chips and salsa, which was a great topper to an awesome meal. As I was eating, the show began. April, and her darling sister Crystal Wedekind, were rocking the mic, and I was ready to sing. Remember what I said about this being a relaxing night? I lied, this is practice! The small area squirreled away across from the entrance seems like it used to be a recording studio. While the area is essentially open, the floor is made of wood, and the ceiling appears to be made of a type of stucco tile that reflects audio waves very well. This results in almost an echo chamber. Phil Spector should eat his heart out, because his "Wall Of Sound" has nothing on this little area.

While the evening might be slow, coming up here to Ernesto's, with the great staff, the awesome food, and the surprisingly good acoustics, is a night you may not want to miss. Just to let you know, April and her sister are here every Friday night from 10-2, making sure that your karaoke needs are taken care of. Do me a favor, and come out to take care of them in return.

Next time, if I can snag him, an interview with Jeff Harper.

That's all from me for now, children...
The Fuzzy One *~<;)

Putting the "G's" in Singing, Eating and Drinking...

Note ; I have to admit, this post might be a little bit biased.
Long ago, when I first started singing karaoke, I went to only two places: Josie's, a little out of the way bar on Rockford Lane, hosted by my friend Mike Walls, and 'R' Place Pub, down on Whipps Mill. Teri French was over there running a show when I first met her. Soon after moving out to the East End, she started KJing at a little hole in the wall called Mr. G's Lounge. In my opinion, that was the start of the FKP Empire.

From this little bar, wedged in the back end of a little strip mall on Shelbyville Road, between a Chinese Restaurant, a Hair Salon, and a Mexican Restaurant (which has karaoke of Fridays, and I will be reviewing soon), a karaoke dynasty began. Even though she started DJing at a different place, by many, this is considered where it started. From Bo, the huge bouncer that sits by the door, keeping the trouble makers out, to the Bartenders; Dave, Tommy, and the lot, every part of this little place is filled with great memories and experiences.

But, I pride myself on my impartiality, so I mush steel myself for the oncoming rush of nostalgia as I walk through the door. It is rather early, as I came in at 9, and the show doesn't start till 10, and then goes on till 2. As I enter, I am greeted from the bar by Dave Przybylek (pronounced Shebuick), one of the bartenders here. He pours me my usual, a coke, with no ice. They know me here. I flag down the cook, one Mike Parker, and order a double cheeseburger. Of all the bar food I have ever had, Mike's is some of the best. The prices are reasonable, and while the kitchen isn't always open late, when it is, it is a treat to behold.

I sit myself down and drink in the ambiance. It was a dark little place when I first new it. The tables that were set up, about half a dozen, faced towards the BIG, big screen TV, and the stage that would hold the singers in the show to come. Teri would perch herself at the edge of the stage, and kibitz with the various singers and patrons who took the stage, while their song selection was in cue. Now that the bar is under new ownership (which happened a scant number of weeks ago), the number of neon alcohol signs has almost tripled, at least to my casual gaze. behind me, as I usually sit at the front table, closest to the stage, is lined up about seven booths, which line the back wall, from the kitchen to the front door.

About half past 9, my burger comes to me, delivered, as with all of the fare, by Mike himself. My mouth waters as he lays down the plate in front of me, and makes a little joke of me having a computer up in a bar. I laugh it off, and start to eat. To the burger's credit, it took me most of the night to finish. So huge was it, that I almost didn't win the siege. A little after 10, Teri was inside and all set up, and the show began. Thursday's aren't known for being super busy here, which suited me just fine. After several repetitions of singers, Teri called me up while someone else was singing. This is usually our time to gab, and catch up on conversation. Unfortunately for me, I wasn't able to talk to her long, as the bar began to fill, with the knowledge that Teri's tunes were in town.

Luckily for me, a fellow patron, Amanda Mays, was able to give me a lift back home. I left feeling a little better than when I went in. To be honest, I was a little apprehensive about visiting G's since the change over. Was the old place gonna feel the same? Let me tell you, it feels about as it always has. The new owner has kept all the old staff, including Teri, and most of the decor, only removing things for improvement. it feels like I never left. If you're ever on the east end, crusing around on a Thursday, or Saturday, and looking for a great time, come see my favorite little hole in the wall, here on Shelbyville Road. Please, come to G's... they know me there. hahahahahah

That's all for this week children. I will be busy with the State Fair Karaoke Contest for the rest of the month, and then the Gaslite begins. Keep checking back here for the latest info, and in the future, and interview with the Gaslite Festival Karaoke Contest coordinator Jeff Harper, and possibly even an interview with the Queen of Karaoke herself!!

See you on the stage...
The Fuzzy One.

The Smokey Bones Trilogy Part III: The Management Strikes Back

Sorry for the delay on this third post in the series of Smokey Bones' interviews and reviews. This double header will feature Wayne Burns, manager of Smokey Bones, and Morgaan Wilson, the woman who was our server that night.









First up to bat, Wayne.

The Fuzzy One: Alright guys, this is The Fuzzy One, and I am here speaking with the manager of Smokey Bones, Wayne Burns. Hi Wayne, how are you?

Wayne Burns: I'm doin' great! How you doin'?

TFO: Not to bad. I know our readers have a couple of questions for you. First of all, you seem like a very prolific singer of karaoke, which is one of the reasons you staff enjoy the experience so much. How did you get into singing?

Wayne: I actually got into singing back when I was in high school. Did musicals and plays and such like that.

TFO: When did you get a first interaction with Teri French and FKP?

Wayne: Oh wow! That's back when I first got into Louisville, shortly after college. I started going up to Mr. G's and met up with Teri and have been a follower of hers ever since.

TFO: How long ago would you say that was. I don't want you to date yourself to terribly much.

Wayne: I don't wanna sound to old (he laughs). it's probably been about 8 years, so far.

TFO: Very, very cool. Now, when did you contact FKP about doing a show up here at Smokey Bones?

Wayne: We tried this last year, so it's been about two years since I contacted her. Last year we had Sunday nights, which worked out for a little while, then just kind of tapered off. So we tried it again this year with Thursday nights, and Thursday nights are working out a lot better for us.

TFO: Yeah, I have noticed that. And that coupled with your half price appetizers' night is definately a way to go. What do you think of April Wedekind as your local FKP Karaoke Host?

Wayne: She fits in great with the crowd here. She's very social, got this bright personality and her persona back behind there. She jokes around, so it's a good fit for all of us here.

TFO: Well, as a manager of restaurant that actually does karaoke, and a karaoke aficionado yourself, what would you like to see as something extra, or unknown, to be included in a karaoke show?

Wayne: What would I like to see, as far as our shows here?

TFO: Yeah.

Wayne: Well, just more people. I mean, we got a great, fun staff here. We have great karaoke, we break out the beer pong tables, and if we can get some more people, we can get more tables out. Throw some corn hole tables out as well, just some more people is what I would like to see.

TFO: Depending on the reaction to people coming in on Thursday nights, would you think that another night could possibly be added to the Smokey Bones repertoire in the future?

Wayne: I think that would be very possible. we're looking for another night of doing some kind of late night activity. We stay open until one doing these things, so possibly something in the near future with us.

TFO: Would you want to have karaoke there, if you could get it? And if so, would you want to invite April back as your hostess?

Wayne: Absolutely! I would definitely have both of those. April is a great fit for us, and I would love it if I could get her.

Alrighty guys, well that was our interview with Wayne Burns, manager of Smokey Bones.







Now, the interview with Morgaan "Mo" Wilson, a server at Smokey Bones.


TFO: I have with me one of the wonderful servers here at Smokey Bones, Mo. What's you real name , if you don't mind?

Mo: Morgaan Wilson.

TFO: Well, it's an honor to have you, and I was honored to have you as my server. How long have you been working here?

Mo: Like six or seven months, probably.

TFO: So, your working on your first full year here. How do you like it here?

Mo: Oh, I love it. It's the atmosphere. Everybody is really nice and good to get along with. We all kinda like the same things, and we can hang out after work, and be friends inside work.

TFO: Well, that's always a good thing. And what do you think about your manager, Wayne Burns?

Mo: Wayne's awesome! I think he makes the party a lot more fun. He's not so uptight. He can get in there and, you know, have a good time with us, and with all the people that are here to sing karaoke.

TFO: I heard a rumor that, be fore he comes to work, he takes a solid does of adrenalin. That man is so animated!

Mo: I wouldn't doubt it. Wayne, he suprises me a lot. Even when we're actually not like a party atmosphere, he's still pretty much the same while we're working. unless we do something wrong.

TFO: Well, hopefully that hardly ever happens. What do you think about Thursday Night Karaoke?

Mo: I have a lot of fun. Sometimes it's not as easy to work karaoke, and watch all my friends party and not being able to, but the money is awesome. I wouldn't change it. It's a lot of fun.

TFO: I know that you've been working here longer than the current run of karaoke. Do you ever get up on stage and sing?

Mo: Never!!!! I'm probably not a very good singer. The worst singer ever. And I have a little bit of stage fright, I think. So, never do karaoke. I know in Japan, the worst singers actually get appluaded better than the better singers. Saw that watching Japanese television.

TFO: Haha, I can understand. No pressure from me. Is Thursday your normal night to work?

Mo: Yes, I work Monday through Sunday, and I close probably every night. And even if I don't work, I would be here, regardless.

TFO: Being here, and experiencing the atmosphere in a unique position, not being a karaoke staffer, or a karaoke patron, but actually working for the venue, what would you like to see and/or here in a karaoke show?

Mo: That's a good question, not sure I have an answer right now. I'm not sure what I would like to see. I mean, we see everything. I get to laugh at the people that get up, and they know they're hilarious, and they put on a good show, but they know that they are being funny also. I get to laugh at them. But some people come out here to do awesome things and show they really can sing, and I think that's awesome too. And I get goosebumps still when I hear people sing certain songs, and when they hit that certain note, and I feel awesome for them. But, as far as anything I could see, I see it all already.

And there is Mo's interview. A very lovely young lady, and worth the time to get to know. Make sure you ask for her when you go to eat at Smokey Bones, and say hi to Wayne while your at it.

Check back later this week for a review of Mr. G's. Now under knew management, but same great place!

That's all for now, children.
The Fuzzy One.

A night with April/ May relieve us/ In this August weather...

As earlier posted, I had the pleasure of attending a Thursday night show over at Smokey Bones on S. Hurstbourne. The KJ presiding there was none other that FKP alum April Wedekind. After the show closed up, I managed to coax her out for an interview with yours truly. She graciously said yes, with the only hitch being that, should the actual audio of said interview ever reach the light of day, my life was forfeit. Hehe



The Fuzzy One: Heya folks, this is the Fuzzy One, comin' at you here from Smokey Bones on Thursday Night Karaoke, and I have one of our favorite hosts here, April.

April Wedekind: Hi Johnb-- um Fuzzy One.


TFO: First of all, how the heck have you been. I haven't seen you normally since way back when, when you started your karaoke singing career over at Mr. G's as a bartender. Tell us about that.

April: That was many, many moons ago. That was back in 2002 when I started working there. And we had a few different karaoke hosts before we finally scored the greatest one ever, Teri, with French Kiss Productions. I've since moved on. Gone up to Chicago for grad school, and I have come back. I now work at Yum! Brands during the day. And my fun job is this one right here, where I get to host karaoke at Smokey Bones.

TFO: How did you end up landing the job here at Smokey Bones?

April: A lot of years knowing Terri, and a lot of years helping her out through different things.

At this point, the interview was invaded by a ninja, one Lance Sorrels. He is a local karaoke junkie, and had to be shooed away :)

TFO: In all honesty, how does it feel to be on the other side of the mic, as it were?

April: It's a lot of fun. I still never know what song to sing, though.

TFO: I still enjoy it when you do "A-Tisket, A-Tasket", but that's always be a favorite of mine. Anyway, what's it like being up here at Smokey Bones? Do you like the atmosphere?

April: Absolutely! It is so much fun up here. Everyone in here is just down to have a good time. They get silly, they do little dances, and the line dances!. They like to do the Cupid Shuffle, and the Apache. They will get up there and sing N'Sync and Backstreet Boys. We just have a great time.

TFO: If Smokey Bones ever optioned to do another night of karaoke, what would your opinion be of that?

April: It's a great idea. We finally built this crowd up, and I know that they'd all be happy to have another night to come out here, partake at Smokey Bones, hang out with their friends, play beer pong... I've even seen them break out hulla hoops!

TFO: What do you like best abut being a host, not just here, but in general?

April: I love just hearing everyone just get up there and sing. Whether they are fabulous singers, or they just wanna have a good time. It's just so much fun to see other people having that much fun.

TFO: We had spoken earlier about your start at Mr. G's, but what did you do prior to that?

April: I was a DJ for WQMF, The Fox, The Star, and I was also a production operator for Talk 790.

TFO: Wow, you voice has gone a lot of places. And, as a final question; where do you see yourself in 5 years? You said this was your fun job, after all.

April: Making websites from a remote tropical location. (She laughs)

TFO: I see. So you never have to commute. I can see that. Well, April, thank you for agreeing to come out and let me interview you, and I hope to see you soon.


And there you have it. April is a happy part of the FKP family, and now you know a little bit more about here. As do I.

I have one more post to do, in this three part Smokey Bones Extravaganza, so I will drop off for now.
The Fuzzy One

(Deletes the audio recording, but not before secretly making a copy, for later blackmailing. Muahahahahahahahaha)

Singing With Charred Skeletons

Tonight, I am here at Smokey Bones to do this week's review. This show, while part of the FKP family, is not normally manned by Her Frenchness. This show is part and parcel for a dear friend of FKP, April Wedekind. We'll we conversing with her in another post.

Upon walking into this establishment, accompanied by my dear friend Rita, I was greeted by the manager here, Wayne Burns(Who we will also be speaking with in an upcoming post). He greeted us warmly, and passed us off to his talented staff, who promptly sat us down and took out drink orders. Beer for her, soda for me (The Fuzzy One is a non-drinker). Mo, our server, is very attentive, and made sure that neither my soda, nor Rita's beer, ran dry. I found it fortunate that the day that karaoke is usually ran here (Thursday's from 9-1), is also half price appetizer night. Right, time to feed my face.

The karaoke is set up in the back corner of the restaurant, over looking the bar, the majority of the seating, and the entrance. The smooth sounds of April's rendition of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" floated lightly all the way across the place. The staff seems to genuinely enjoy the karaoke show, which is a rarity in today's fast paced service industry. This probably has something to do with Wayne's enjoyment of the medium, as he gets to sing too.

The menu delighted me, and the inexpensive appetizers called me. I ordered the Silders trio(6.99, normally), and they arrived before I even finished ordering them. I have got to get a hold of this time permeating order technology. Mo then gave ME a tip. Rather than bringing me the already drenched mini pulled pork burgers, she brought me the plain ones, and explained their saucing secrets. I was introduced to the table sauces and was able to flavor to my hearts content. Mmmm, KC BBQ. Om nom nom nom (ad infinitum)!

In the middle of the evening, while Wayne was singing, I was astounded, as the servers produced a Beer Pong table, of all things. Will the surprises never end? While, as earlier stated, alcohol and I run in different circles, watching people play with beer is amusing in it's self. All in all, this night eating here, and partying with the staff and patrons, and with April and Wayne, was a night that is worth repeating. And, on a plus, it is a family friendly establishment. Bring the kids, have some darn good shredded oink, moo, or cluck, and sing your ever-lovin' heart out!!



P.S. My friend Rita, who accompanied me on this excursion, wanted to mention that their draft beer was absolutely delicious!!

P.P.S Remember to stay tuned to this space over the next few days to see my interviews with both April and Wayne, plus more reviews of the FKP rotation's stops.

P.P.P.S ( wow, that's a lost of posts) The Leo is doing it's yearly Best of Louisville competition, and we need YOU to help put Teri and FKP on the map. Simply go to this link, Leo Weekly, and go to the Nite Life section, and for the Best Karaoke Bar, put in "where ever French Kiss Productions is hosting". With all of the Mafia's help, we are sure to let everyone know the Teri French and FKP is the BEST that Louisville has to offer!!!!

That's all for now, children.
The Fuzzy One.

Here is the SCHEDULE!!!!!!!!!

This has been updated for December 2010!!!!!!


Please note that the links I am providing are to Google maps info pages, for directionary purposes.

Please Note: These are only the venues which she is currently scheduled at. Any show is likely to be manned by either Teri herself, or one of her talented staff from FKP. Also, more venues are being added every week. Please check back often for updates.



Sunday:
Off Day!!!!!!!!

Monday:
Off Day!!!!!!!!

Tuesday:
Joe's OlderThanDirt: 9-1
The Sea Hag (Village Anchor Pub & Roost) 8-12

Wednesday:
Off Day!!!!!!!!

Thursday:
Good Times: 9-1

Friday:
GT's Too: Family Friendly Location, 7-11
Good Times: 9-1
Ernesto's: 10-2

Saturday:
Good Times: 9-1
Ichiban Samurai 10-2

Everything Has A Beginning....

and this blog is not exception. Most of you who will read this will probably figure out who I am, but for those who don't, just call me the Fuzzy One. I am FKP's (French Kiss Production's) unofficial chronicler. Wherever Teri, or one of her many cohorts are in Kentuckiana, the Fuzzy One will be in close proximity. I will posting running commentary on her many venues and performances. Interesting singers will be highlighted, as will songs that we wish she had in her selection. Also, I will be including reviews of the place that we call karaoke home.

This week's karaoke stopping place is a relatively new kid on the block. The Bard's Town is located on the corner of Bardstown Rd. and Speed Rd., right across the street from The Body Art Emporium. Owned by the trio of Scott Atkinson, Doug Schutte and Jon DeSalvo, it's a wonderful little tavern. Walking in, you are almost immediately greeted by a warm and welcoming staff, who will lead you to a seat in the wonderful main dinning room. Or, if you wish to sit in the cozy lounge, and sing a spell with Teri, that's OK too.

The lounge area is a little small, compared to the main dinning area. This is alright, though, as it makes the atmosphere that much more intimate. Each table, during the evening is adorned with these adorable little electric candles. The stage is in the corner of the room, and is large enough to accommodate a small band, which is perfect for a single, or duet karaoke performance. Teri is situated in the opposite corner, with two large widescreen TV's hunge on the wall. One is facing the stage, for the singers, and the other is around a small corner, just so the audience can sing along.

The menu is, in my humble opinion, awesome sauce incarnate. The names of the dishes are plays on Shakespeare's classical literary wit, that I am sure the Bard, himself, would appreciate. To date, I have only had the honor of trying The Bard Burger, a huge ground beef masterpiece that I had to take home with me, for lach of belly space. Their prices are reasonable, and, even though I am not a drinker, their alcohol selection was satisfying.

One thing that attracted me to this place, was the knowledge that they were in the process of renovating the second floor of the establishment to create an actual theater. Upon talking with Scott, he was happy to say they planned on putting on locally written performances. Not only that, but to my understanding, the stage will be up for renting to other acting troupes for their own productions. Woot!!!!

But, I digress. This place was nice enough to include the first lady of karaoke, Teri French, as one of their varied entertainment attractions. This includes a weekly jazz band, and even an open mic night. Teri is there from 9-1 on Wednesdays and 8-12 on Sundays. My understanding is that this is a family friendly place. So, with the great menu, the reasonable prices, the great entertainment, and the awesome atmosphere, it would be my recommendation for even a non-singing outing

Well, that's the end of this inaugural post, and my first review. With the advent of my little NetBook, on the go blogging has become a real and honest possibly, and more will be coming soon. Look for Teri around town. Next post will be a detailed listing of all her gigs, and those of her various stand ins that work for FKP.

See you folks on the stage...
The Fuzzy One

PS. Here's some Pics from this night...