Karaoke Goes Western at Local Honky Tonks : Many country fans have taken to singing at their hangouts, whether for fun or in hopes of big money and a shot at stardom.

When country fans aren’t dancing, many have taken to singing the blues away at weekly country karaoke nights or contests held in several area clubs. Some folks enter for fun, while others hope to win big money and get a shot at stardom. After all, regional favorite, Darlene O’Connell, got her start in karaoke contests. So take heart.

The Country Rose Saloon in Camarillo began its latest weekly contest series in mid-January, and previous winners will compete in the finals at 9 p.m. Saturday. The contest will go on hiatus Wednesday and Feb. 23, while deejay-host, Bill Bodenhamer, helps patrons practice country-Western open mike nights. But look for another contest to start next month.

Bodenhamer hosts karaoke from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. There is no charge to enter the contests, which are held on Wednesdays. Just sign up by 8:30 p.m. and they’ll call your name after you’ve had a chance to practice. About 12 people compete each week. And although the format is mostly country music, some rotation does occur. For example, last night was to be dedicated to Elvis songs. Winners receive certificates for food and beverages at Country Rose.

If you’d like to sample other karaoke nights, try the Ban-Dar, Ventura’s original honky tonk, on Tuesdays. Cousin’s Country Saloon in Simi Valley dedicates Mondays to country karaoke sing-along, 7 to 11 p.m., hosted by deejay James Owens, aka JYMO. Smokey’s in Ventura offers predominantly country karaoke 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. with emcee, Tony. And Nicholby’s, another Ventura night spot, recently started booking acoustic sets on Thursday nights followed by open-mike time.

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“Give From the Heart,” an earthquake relief fund-raising event sponsored by Ventura Harbor Village for the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, is scheduled noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Village. Activities will include dancing to the music of the Rhythm Rangers band and a demo by Rick Henderson and members of the Country Lovers Western Dance Club. At 2 p.m. Charlye Parker will host a live auction of merchandise donated by local businesses.

Folks are urged to attend and bring donations of canned food, bottled water, blankets, sleeping bags, clothing, baby products and other items for your displaced neighbors. All funds raised will be divided between the two organizations to benefit residents of Ventura County.

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Cupid’s Corner: Best wishes to K-Hay radio’s program/music director and on-air personality, Mark (James) Hill, and his bride, Cindy. The honeymooners jumped the Valentine’s Day gun and got hitched Jan. 29.

Also, Splash’s Rockin’ Rodeo Night’s most loyal country couple (of matching shirts fame) Jerri Holmes and her beau, Joe Noone, are expecting to tie the knot on Valentine’s Day in Laughlin, Nevada. Frances Procter, owner of Ventura’s Dancin’ Designs, made the dress for a real country-Western look.

While we’re on the subject of Valentine’s Day--doesn’t this trend of country-Western weddings make ya feel all soft and buttery? So if you’re planning a wedding, especially second time around, take note that many couples are walking down the aisle in cowboy boots.

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Changes: Until the weather perks up, don’t expect Rick Henderson to be teaching his popular outdoor dance lessons the second Sunday of each month at Harbor Landing in Channel Islands Harbor. But they’ll resume soon. Watch this column for details.

Goleta’s Galleon Room has moved dance lessons from Saturday to Thursday, 7 to 8:30 p.m. But a live country band still plays for dancing Thursdays through Saturdays.

Steve Hill has stepped into Tim Buley’s slots at Logsdons in Santa Paula. So now you can catch Steve there Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Both K-Hay’s Ray Taylor and Charlye Parker are celebrating birthdays this month. But I’ll never tell how old they are.