Shooter's Saloon and Café
4615 Silverton Rd., Salem
(503) 378-9131
Wednesday through Saturday 9 p.m.
Our take - Brittin: "I feel like I've walked into someone's house party." A college house party, judging by the crowd on a weeknight. Everyone seemed familiar with each other. By far, this was the best karaoke experience of the tour, with a wide array of G'N'R options.  A news crawler on the bottom of the lyrics screen helpfully announced the next singer, so that he/she could drink up and get ready. Festive, enjoyable, and
all-around fun.

The Good:

Liberty Spirit Bar & Grill
2653 Commercial St. SE (503) 588-2739
Tuesday through Saturday 8 p.m.
Our take - The karaoke jockey (KJ) joined in on duets, and kept the show going. He helpfully reminded me to put my name, not the band's, on the request slip under "Name." A definite pick-up vibe is present here that could turn off wary singles just looking for fun. All in all, though, it was a vibrant scene and a fun-loving crowd that cheered each singer. Be advised, the place may be packed on weekends. Expect a long wait.

Southside Speakeasy
3529 Fairview Industrial Dr. SE, Salem (503) 362-1139
Monday only, 9 p.m.
Our take - The KJ was extremely helpful, even offering us a flashlight to see the songbook in the club's dark lighting. He worked the mixing board to adjust the sounds of each singer. He even stepped up to harmonize with a singer struggling to "Melt With You." For the one gay, lesbian and transgender bar on the tour, this venue was quite dead, but understandably so on a Monday night. If you go expecting a drag show spectacular, you may seriously regret showing up in fishnet stockings. I'm glad I reconsidered. If, on the other hand, you need some space to find your voice, here could be good.

Duffy's Hangar
2275 McGilchrist St., Salem (503) 581-5278
Thursday only 9 p.m.
Our take - A mix of sports bar, lounge and pub, Duffy's augments karaoke with multiple events such as poker nights, as well as pool tables, some video games and multiple television feeds to keep crowds on hand should karaoke fever break out. Duffy's feels out-of-the-way, but a decent time can be had here.

The Okay:

Silver Inn
3788 Silverton Rd. NE, Salem (503) 364-9498
Wednesdays through Saturdays 8pm
Our take - The KJ was helpful but distracted, taking long breaks for phone calls and the bathroom. He did kindly notify me of the 18 additional refrains of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" still waiting on me as I headed for my table. There is a distinct country vibe in this place, good for a tear-in-my-beer song, or a tush push. The weekday crowd was small, and somewhat distracted by the Oregon Lottery Commission, but those watching were supportive.

Holland's Bar & Grill
2155 Silverton Rd NE (503) 581-6900
Thursdays through Saturdays 8:30 p.m.
Our take -The well drinks had a distinct medicine-like aftertaste. It was almost empty on a weekday, but you may find a better crowd on a Saturday. It was a rather nondescript locale; nondescript evening overall.

Players' Lounge
1486 Hawthorne Ave NE, Salem - (503) 390-8463
Wednesday through Sunday 9 p.m.
Our take - The bartender brought out songbooks, and the KJ was decent, although he forgot to drop "Ev'ry Rose Has Its Thorn" by four keys and add a an echo, as I had requested. Singers have a second monitor facing them so that they can face the audience more comfortably. The second monitor also has a drink holder. Get past the banks of off-track betting monitors, and don't get your hopes up that you'll find gorgeous, bored-looking women with thick rolls of dollar bills from the adjacent business, Starz Cabaret. Focus on the karaoke, and you will be all right. There is also a leather couch and stripper pole off stage right, as well, if you feel like adding a dimension to your performance.

The Creepy:

Jammer's
1897 12th St. SE, Salem (503) 362-7494
Nightly at 9 p.m.
Our take - I distinctly felt like I had walked into someone's home. Uninvited. After bedtime. Then again, weekends may be better, but if you don't want to be lonely here, bring your own company.

Von's Corner
3095 Portland Rd. NE, Salem (503) 585-1825
Wednesday through Sunday 9 p.m.
Our take - Concrete floor and dank surroundings set a negative mood immediately. A brewing fight among the tattooed locals brought an immediate, premature end to the tour. If you do not know someone who frequents Von's Corner, do not make plans to be there.

Other venues:
Chiam Bar and Restaurant
2865 Liberty Rd. NE, Salem (503) 399-8282
Thursday through Saturday 9 p.m.

South Liberty Bar & Grill
4682 Liberty Rd. S, Salem
(503) 363-2739
Sunday through Wednesday 9 p.m.

Westside Station
610 Edgewater St. NW, Salem
(503) 363-8012
Sunday through Wednesday 9 p.m.

Iggy's
9015 Portland Rd. NE, Brooks
(503) 393-2263
Nightly at 9 p.m.