MUSCATINE, Iowa — Singing isn’t just for the shower anymore.

Would-be vocalists no longer need to daydream of that ever illusive recording contract.

Instead, Patsy Cline or Lady Ga-Ga wannabes need to do no more than hop in their car and hit the local karaoke scene for their three minutes of near fame.

Liz Curtis, 40, has been singing karaoke since she was 17.

“It’s fun, exciting, and helps you get over stage fright,” says the six-time Iowa State Fair Bill Riley Talent Show contestant.

Curtis, the mother of three singing daughters — Abby, 17, Arianna, 14, and Arika, 12 — says she came from a musical family. She enjoys singing country, Broadway numbers, gospel and some rock tunes, but never over-plans her night of karaoke.

“I never decide what I’m going to perform until I walk out the door, but when my voice is right I like to sing “The Power of Love” by Celine Dion.”

Curtis sings at The Lighthouse (formerly known as The Chart House), Plamor Lanes, Mad Marv’s, Rumors and other locations. She says she especially enjoys venues that permit children. She and daughter Abby participated in Muscatine Community College’s River City Idol contest twice.

The small business owner and pest exterminator by day gets ready for a night of karaoke by listening to a new song over and over again until she thinks she has learned it. Curtis also participates in her church’s choir and often plays the piano at The Jesus Mission.

She says that music has always been meaningful in her life.

“Music can either make you sad or happy. It can make you think of things you’ve never thought of before.”

She remembers a special night when the radio was playing Chad Brock’s country tune, “She Said Yes,” and she and her late husband Rick danced to it in the gravel. “I remember thinking that song is just us — perfect. On our fifth date, he asked me to marry him.”

Fun and friends

Rob Wittmer, 23, is newer to the karaoke scene. He decided to give it a shot on New Year’s Eve in 2007, but now he sings nearly every Thursday and Friday night.

He describes karaoke as “a good way to get out of the house without getting too wild.” He adds that he knows he’ll always run into friends at karaoke events.

Wittmer won a semi-finals contest at Plamor Lanes for his rendition of Blake Shelton’s “The More I Drink” and Gary Allan’s “Watching Airplanes.” He and other finalists will perform three songs Friday, June 5 at Plamor Lanes for a chance at $300.

Most people do karaoke for the fun not the funds. Ronda Rogers, 27, has been singing since she was 6. She favors country and classic rock.

Jeff Mills, 25 and his girlfriend, Amanda Foor, 23, hang out at Plamor Lanes. They say they like the friendly atmosphere. “Everybody cheers for each other. I’m just glad we get up on stage and sing in front of other people. That says something right there,” Foor said.

Santos Bueno Jr., 41, said he likes the challenge of doing karaoke, but he’s really there for the camaraderie, “I come out with my friends and we make fun of each other.”

Karaoke comeback

Don Maylone, DJ and partner for T’Zer Entertainment, says karaoke has made a comeback.

“It seemed like it died there for awhile, but it’s going strong again. People can be themselves (when they sing karaoke) and nobody really cares how you sound.”

He says singers range from the regulars to those trying to get enough courage to sing in front of an audience. He says the most popularly requested songs include: any newer country, Lady Ga-Ga’s “Poker Face”, Johnny Cash and Elvis.

Details

Plamor Lane’s First Annual Karaoke Contest

Last night of semi-finals Fri., May 29 at 9 p.m.

Finals Fri., June 5 at 9 p.m.

Grand Prize: $300

Second Place: $100

Third Place: $50

Fourth Place: $25

A $10 entry fee for semi-finals gets you a free drink and the winner of semi-finals wins a $25 bar tab. Semi-final contestants are expected to sing two songs. Those who advance to the finals will sing three songs each.