Karaoke

Music lovers and aspiring singers will have the chance to take the stage during Karaoke Night at the Pour House Tavern on Wednesday, Aug. 5.

The event begins at 8 p.m. at the tavern, located at 444 N. 42nd St., and is open to anyone who wants to perform or simply enjoy an evening of live entertainment.

Karaoke, a popular form of interactive entertainment, originated in Japan during the early 1970s. The name comes from the Japanese words kara (“empty”) and oke (“orchestra”), reflecting the concept of singing with recorded instrumental tracks instead of a live band.

Participants sing into a microphone while the song’s lyrics are displayed on a screen, making it easy for both experienced performers and first-time singers to join in. Popular beginner-friendly selections include classics such as Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” and more recent hits like Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.”

Poker Night

The Vida/McKenzie Community Center is inviting area residents to try their luck at the card table during its weekly Tuesday Night Poker gatherings, which feature both casual play and a Texas Hold’em tournament.

The evening begins with Dealer’s Choice cash games from 4 to 5:30 p.m., with 25-cent and 50-cent blinds, offering players the opportunity to enjoy a variety of poker games in a relaxed setting.

The Texas Hold’em tournament starts promptly at 6 p.m. and continues until 9 p.m. A $15 buy-in includes 7,000 tournament chips, with optional $10 re-buys and a $10 add-on at the break, each providing an additional 7,000 chips. Tournament organizers recently introduced a new blind structure and also feature special prizes such as a “three of a kind” pot and a “bad beat” pot.

The outings typically attract 16 to 24 players each week. New and experienced players alike are encouraged to attend, with opportunities available for beginners to learn the game.

Manufacturing

Spark’s Manufacturing Excelerator at Booth-Kelly, 303 S 5th St, Ste. 150 in Springfield is a launchpad for youth interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing but who would benefit from workforce readiness training. The Manufacturing Excelerator consists of paid training, including education in OSHA-approved safety practices and the basics of CAD, 3D printing, CNC operation, and welding. Students, from 18 – 24, who demonstrate strong performance may also have the opportunity to participate in a paid internship with a local manufacturing employer.

No previous experience or prerequisites are necessary for the course, provided by Connected Lane County from July 27 to August 24. Info available at: connectedlane.org