January 28th, 2010   Huntington Beach Elks Lodge - The first-ever... but hopefully at least annual, ELX Factor Karaoke contest was held at the Huntington Beach Elks Lodge last Saturday.  This was a district-wide FUNdraiser that raised $1,281.50 for our next California Hawaii Elks Association State President, Art Echternacht and First Lady Shirley.

Styled in parody of the TV show with a similar name, the master of ceremonies in the role of Brian Seaweed was performed magnificently by PER Dave Rudder... who also coordinated & orchestrated the event.  Serving as our All-Star Celebrity Judges were Jim (Simon) Vecchio, Karen (K-Lo/Gaga) Seeley and Bob (Poo Bah) Genelle. In attendance and graciously assisting with the karaoke were professional KJs Dave Rudder, Adam Sokol, James Radar & Bob Clemens.

The contest was open to the first 24 Elk members to arrive and sign up. The competition followed the classic multi-round elimination process with nine finalists selected for the finals.  In addition to the official judge's score for each contestant, the audience took an active part in the judging by purchasing raffle tickets that could then also be used to cast votes for their favorite performers.

Between rounds, there were open mic sessions for everyone who wanted to get up on stage and perform. Between the contestants and the members, family and guests who performed, there was great singing and entertainment throughout the entire event.

Tom “Bubba” Bagshaw (Buena Park) took top honors in the contest with Newport's own Adam Sokol and Kevin Gray placing second and third.  Many other Newport Harbor karaoke "regulars" participated in the contest and several also made it to the Top Nine final round.

This was certainly one of those "bummer you missed it" events for those who were not able to attend. Although Elks prove time and again that they have no problem having fun when they come together to support a worthy cause, events such as this simply take it over the top. Proving once again and always that Elks are the Best People On Earth.