Cheers, music, and a healthy dose of competition filled Rocker’s Bar & Grill on Saturday August 2nd the 91st Missile Wing and the 5th Bomb Wing went head-to-head in the first round of their karaoke showdown. With a packed crowd and a $500 check on the line, the stage was set for an unforgettable night of performances.
This event marked the first in a series of karaoke competitions between the two wings. Each month two contestants, one from each wing the 91MW and the 5 BW, will be picked to move on to the finals in January. Also, any contestant who does not win their first try, may compete again at the next monthly karaoke battle! Part morale booster, part community builder, and all-out fun, the series gives musically inclined Airmen a chance to unwind and let loose, one song at a time.
Both wings brought a mix of performers who delivered everything from soulful ballads and 2000s pop hits to hard-hitting rock anthems. Some came for laughs, others for glory, but all brought the energy.
One performer, SrA Daniel Rolon Nazario from the 791 Missile Security Forces Squadron sang an incredible rendition of “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down. He had the crowd in rapt attention through the song’s fruition. After his performance, he mentioned that he has a karaoke machine at home and has been practicing. TSgt Tesse Odhiambo from the 5 Force Support Squadron gave a memorable performance as well. She sang “No Scrubs” by TLC, and at one point the crowd joined in to sing the chorus along with her! She comedically mentioned she came out the womb singing.
SrA Joseph Todd, from the 5 Maintenance Squadron, also performed, singing the song “Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi. He told the crowd that he had been belting tunes since the 4th grade, and the crowd definitely could tell since his pitch was right on key! Finally, TSgt Dorian Garland, from the 5 Logistics Readiness Squadron performed a heartfelt rendition of “My Cherie Amour” by Stevie Wonder. To complete his performance he adorned some dark black sunglasses, and mimicked the deep tenor voice of Wonder himself.
The crowd at Rocker’s played a key role throughout the night, not just as spectators, but as the deciding factor in the competition. At the end of the night, audience members voted using applause and cheers. The louder the reaction, the higher the score.
The contest was neck-and-neck from the beginning. Some performances had the crowd pulling out their flashlights, while others turned the venue into a sing-along. By the end of the night, the vote was close. With one performer chosen from each squadron, TSgt Odhiambo and SrA Rolon Nazario, both snatched victory for the evening and will continue to the finals. The night had no real losers. Both wings showed up, showed out, and showcased the kind of spirit that makes Minot AFB more than just a place to serve, it’s a place to belong.
Whether you’re behind the mic or cheering from your table, karaoke night at Rocker’s is proving to be one of the most anticipated recurring events on base. It will be great to see how the finals turn out this January, dates are currently not announced so keep an eye of the 5 Force Support Squadron website for the dates, sign ups, and rules!
