Karaoke in Stuart

Locals will get the chance to show off their singing skills under bright lights and in front of a crowded room at The Lyric's Flagler Center's free Karaoke Nites series.

The series' opening night last week brought out Jacquez Huell, 22, a self-proclaimed karaoke-ist who this month will go to Las Vegas for the Talent Quest Nationals karaoke singing contest. Huell was a finalist in the West Palm Beach contest.

"I found out about Karaoke Nites through Facebook, and I decided to come check it out," said the Stuart resident, who brought his daughter, fiancée and future mother-in-law to the event. "I just came to sing. I'm a huge fan of Smokey Robinson and Motown."

Huell performed various songs in front the crowd of 30, including The Temptations' "My Girl," for which he received a standing ovation. Some in the audience even requested Huell perform a Michael Jackson song and "Amazing Grace."

Port St. Lucie resident Domenick Scarlato, 83, also was a crowd favorite.

The singer performed Frank Sinatra's "That's Life," among other songs.

"Six years ago, someone dared me to sing karaoke and I did," Scarlato said. "I got hooked. Before you knew it, my wife and I started going out three days a week for karaoke."

Scarlato, who enjoys Big Band and Swing, is glad he has a new venue to sing.

"I think this place is great — nice decorations, nice people," he said. "I'll come back."

Throughout the night, the audience enjoyed drink specials from the center's full bar and interaction with the event's hosts, Stripling Entertainment's Karaoke Kops. Some karaoke participants were selected to win prizes.

For his enthusiasm while performing the song "On The Road Again," by Willie Nelson, Jerry McIntee won tickets to last week's J.J. Walker comedy concert at the Lyric.

"This has been so much fun," said Patti Miller, an audience member who was accompanying McIntee and other friends. "What a crowd, what a room. In season, I think this will definitely be a hoot."

What: Karaoke Nites, every second and fourth Thursday of the month

When: 6 p.m. Sept. 8,22; Oct. 13, 27; Nov. 10

Where: The Lyric's Flagler Center, 201 S.W. Flagler Ave., Stuart

Cost: Free

Contact: 772-286-7827