THE GLOVES are off and the belts are loosened. The South Bay's best are out and caterwauling at watering holes scattered throughout the area. What's going on? Why, it's the Karaoke Entertainer of the Year Competition.

Currently, the preliminary rounds are being conducted at 20 different bars. The categories are Top 40, R&B/Jazz, Oldies, '70s and '80s, Country and Rock. Go cheer on locals and hear some new talent. A word of caution: while some of the contestants can be incredibly gifted, a few are painfully bad. I suggest taking alcohol to ease the ringing in your ears.

For full info about the venues go to: www.karaokestarmagazine.net/EOTY/Venues/BayArea/SJ09.htm.

Campbell

Effie's Restaurant; Ike's Quatrain Lounge

Gilroy

Chevy's Fresh Mex Restaurant

San Jose

Britannia Arms Downtown; Britannia Arms Almaden; Cardinal Coffee Shop; Carlos Goldstein's Mexican Restaurant; Chevy's Fresh Mex in the Plant Shopping Center; Dive Bar; Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge; Flames Coffee Shop; Game On Sports and Pizza; Red Stag Lounge; Three Flames

Santa Clara

Woodham Sports Lounge; Ye Olde Royal Oak

Sunnyvale

Bogart's Lounge; Cabritos Mexican Bistro; the Oasis

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