Officials prep their voices for the annual Karaoke Clash

WEST ORANGE There already have been sightings and whispers of teams preparing for the West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s annual Karaoke Clash.

Video footage of Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn singing a “Phantom of the Opera” tune into a shower head was shared to Facebook last week. 

The Town of Oakland has recruited both Oakland Preserve’s Managing Director Jennifer Hunt, a known music aficionado, and Orange County Commissioner Betsy VanderLey to bolster its team. 

While teams are keeping their musical selections under wraps for now, there is chatter that the competition from all parties will be fierce.

This year’s annual Karaoke Clash After Hours will be held on Thursday, Sept. 14, at Citywalk’s Rising Star at Universal Orlando Resort.

In past years, the competition has been based on individual performances, but this year, the chamber decided that competitors will compete in teams. So far the list of teams includes the city of Ocoee, the city of Winter Garden, the town of Oakland, the town of Windermere, Orange County Public School board members and Orange County Commission members. There also may be a few local police officers and firefighters mixed into the teams, according to the chamber.

Having won two out of the last three competitions, Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn said winning the competition is always a challenge because the decision lies with the audience.

“You never know what it is that’s going to strike their fancy,” he said. “One time it might have been talent, another time it might have been the humor and being willing to don makeup and a wig. It’s all up to what the audience gets a kick out of.”

Singing at Rising Star is anything but a typical karaoke experience.

“When you think karaoke, you think you’re singing along to a recording, but what makes this unique is that you’re singing with a live band and backup singers,” Bruhn said. “It’s not your mother’s karaoke. There’s a heck of a lot of talent on that stage. They can make you look pretty good.”

This year, Bruhn will be competing with Windermere Town Council members Allen Pichon and Bob McKinley.

In addition to enjoying the competition, attendees will also be able to enjoy food and drinks.

“It’s for a good cause, and it’s a fun time,” Bruhn said.

Tickets and additional information can be found at bit.ly/KaraokeClash.

Contact Brittany Gaines at [email protected].