Here’s the up-to-the-minute, or more accurately up-to-the-song, status report on my challenge to sing 40 karaoke songs before I turn forty. The following were belted out at Grumpy’s in Roseville on February 9.

This is where the challenge got difficult. I couldn’t convince anyone to join me this round and thought about canceling. But the drive to get more songs under my belt was just too strong. I wound up flying, or rather singing, solo not knowing a soul in the bar. It was lots more fun than I imagined and I got pretty chummy with some really talented regulars. Onward and upward!

#5: Separate Ways (Journey)
One of my all-time favorite songs. It’s hard to find the karaoke version but Grumpy’s huge catalog has it. First time singing it and I was very happy with the result. Best song of the night in my opinion, and possibly the best first song of the night I’ve ever done.

#6: Right Now (Van Halen)
Probably not the last Van Hagar song that will make the countdown, but a fun one. First time for me too.
[Video malfunction - i.e. I forgot to hit record]

#7: Just A Gigolo (David Lee Roth)
The Louis Prima classic with Diamond Dave’s spin on it. I actually bought this EP (on vinyl) when it came out. I’ve sung this at least once before.

#8: Oh Darling (The Beatles)
Not a first, but so fun much fun to sing. Nice way to slip some Beatles in the list as well.

#9: Here I Go Again (Whitesnake)
Another standby and a great way to end the evening.

Stay tuned for more details as the challenge continues.

UPDATE – I did it! Song lists and videos: #1-4, #5-9, #10-14, #15-16, #17-21, #22-32, #33-39, #40