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So long, Sketchy Wednesday
BY AMY MARTIN
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Sketchy Wednesday was born in November of 2005, when sketch-ball "Hans" declared Wednesday karaoke with DJ Cougar at Munjoy Hill’s Bottomz Up to be the sketchiest place on earth. Patrons have repeatedly proven him correct, having not only rocked out most of the songs from albums Dr. Feelgood, Queen’s Greatest Hits, Thriller, Appetite for Destruction, and Back in Black, but also having managed to attract police attention a few times each month and to drain the PBR tap ($3 a pitcher!) and Jagermeister supply every week. Bottomz Up has been a haven for those looking to perform for fans appreciative of whole-hearted rocking out, sometimes with costume changes (Darth Vader and Orange Man have appeared). Without a doubt, the spirit of rock and roll (straight up) and soul (on the rocks) has fueled the energy of Wednesday night karaoke. There is even an online journal of sketchy happenings: http://groups.myspace.com/bottomzup. When the regulars found out Bottomz Up was closing due to the loss of their liquor license — which wasn’t much of a surprise; they seemed to go with the if-you’re-old-enough-to-vote-theory — they rallied together for one final sketchfest August 17. Even sketchy originator DJ Cougar, who had been karaoking in Boston, came up for the final blow-out. Most of the regulars were there — minus Hans, Opera Man, Eliza, and a few others — and the night was full of sketchy performances, random make-out sessions, and plenty of dancing foolishness. Between swilling pitchers of PBR and dancing on the slippery dance floor, regulars reminisced about old times. A list of the most karaoked songs include: Ben’s "Let the Bodies Hit the Floor," Jillian’s "Total Eclipse of the Heart" (with special lighting effects), Coco’s "Groove is in the Heart," and any fratboy’s version of "You Gotta Fight for Your Right to Party." Other highlights included the appearance of the mangina, Isaac rocking so hard that he kicked a hole in the wall, Kevin’s beer theft, the speaker catching on fire during "Hammer Time," Ace’s peak-a-boo zipper, McNallica’s bloody version of "Paradise City," Mama’s tasty food, and DJ Cougar’s engagement following the performance of Evanescence’s "Bring Me to Life." There is word that Sketchy Wednesday may be revived, depending on whether or not DJ Cougar gets the Wednesday night karaoke gig at Oasis in Gray. Most likely, the regular sketchers will travel/carpool for the experience. If it doesn’t work out, Mathew’s has a karaoke night every Tuesday. Either way, many wonderful people who genuinely love to rock out are mourning the closing of Bottomz Up. May the spirit of rock live on!
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