Out & About: Karaoke night benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters

Organizers of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region karaoke party had the right idea when they held the event in a bar. Sometimes, it takes a little liquid courage to belt out a song in front of a crowd.

Asked whether she would get up and sing, Lawanna Abraham of Delmont pointed at her beer glass and said, “It depends on how many of these I have.”

But there was no stage fright for those who did get up and sing Jan. 31 in the bar at the Lamplighter Restaurant for the event organized by BBBSLR executive director Stephanie Babich Mihleder and special events coordinator Ali Iezzi.

John Beason of Greensburg broke the ice, crooning like Elvis on “The Wonder of You.” His wife Kathy Beason joined him for “In the Still of the Night.”

Next up were Harley Muir and Johnny Reardon of Elizabeth with Lady Gaga’s steamy “Shallow.”

Jerry Woodling of Export followed with “Folsom Prison Blues.”

A group of kids soon wandered over from the restaurant side, turning the dance floor into a mini mosh pit, as more singers tackled rock, country and classic tunes provided by DJ Al Bergman of North Huntingdon.

Margaret Ryan and Becky Koch of Greensburg Civic Theatre took the first guest bartending shift, with professional bartender Jen Lichius showing them the ropes. Also taking shifts were representatives of Apple Hill Playhouse, Split Stage Productions and Trafford Theatre Company.

Among raffle prizes were a set of two karaoke microphones good for practicing at home before the next night out.

Seen: Chad Mihleder, Kate Ferri Dawson and Fred Dawson, Teresa Baughman, Margery Zajicek, Ron Rukenbrod, Karen Gongaware, Brian Czekaj, Emily Balizet, Beth and Eric Lutz, Mary Lazarchik, Darlene and Keith Gerkin, Taylor Stuart, Paul and Mariana Knapp, Kelly Jo Florida, Selena Barefoot, Cristina Capuzzi, Dara Lee and Joy and Christopher Carroll.