Sing Minnesota is one of Minnesota's best and most competitive karaoke circuits. It starts with competitions in participating locations, mostly bars, and builds to a finale with the 20 best singers competing for a $10,000 prize and recording studio time. It runs yearly in the fall, and the top 10 all go home with cash prizes.
Sing Minnesota
2752 Pampas Court
Shakopee, MN 55379-4480
763-755-7464
singminnesota.com
Located in Buffalo, Huikko's may not cover the entire state, but it offers prizes almost as good as SIng Minnesota: a first-class trip to Las Vegas and a $5,000 first prize. Huikko's also has mini-golf, volleyball and, of course, bowling. The karaoke event moves around the calendar a bit, so you should call ahead to confirm when the contest will be held.
Huikko's Bowling Center
1207 N. Highway 25
Buffalo, MN 55313
763-682-4180
huikkosbowl.com
Louie's doesn't offer a cash prize, but it offers something almost as good: airtime. Louie's records a show called "Karaoke Vision Southwest" between 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. and has open karaoke before and after the taping. It's a great way for a new singer to get his name out there and create a record of his work.
Louie's Bar and Grill
3020 133rd St. W.
Shakopee, MN
952-445-8112
louisvillelanes.com
If you're not looking to win thousands of dollars or get on TV but just want to have fun with friends and maybe make a little extra cash in the bargain, there's always the Chatterbox Pub's weekly contests in midtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. Contests run on Monday in Minneapolis and Wednesday and Sunday in St. Paul and are fun, informal affairs to experience with friends.
Chatterbox Pub
Midtown Minneapolis
2229 E. 35th St.
612-728-9871
Highland St. Paul
800 Cleveland Ave. S.
651-699-1154
chatterboxpub.net