Fortune Star Lounge – KJ duo entertains with quality Karaoke system
By Yamile DeGruy
Enjoy a fun-filled evening at Fortune Star Lounge with Karaoke, spacious dance floor, Mandarin and Hong Kong cuisine, served by a master chef (over 10 years experience). Owned by Jack Yu for two years, the Fortune Star Lounge is located at 15920 S.E. Division St., Portland, Ore., 503-760-7641
Yu has lived in Portland over 10 years and is self-employed. Past employment was as a business manager. He's a problem solver with a positive attitude and customer-care approach. He's well pleased with a staff of five bartenders and master chef as they continue to be a part of his team quality A-1 customer service.
Karaoke features Mike and Starr. KJ Mike has an associate degree in printing, became a printing teacher, achieved a journeyman's license as a machinist, tool and die maker; had supervisory roles in past employment most of his life and was at the “right place at the right time” to initiate a career as a KJ. He says, “The business is interesting. I like the music, see people having fun and like people to be happy.” Customers like his personality, attitude and supervisory management of the Karaoke program and enjoy his customer service. There's a quality sound system and stage lighting. He pays attention to customers always.
Mike has worked two years in the Karaoke business at Fortune Star Lounge. Karaoke is Thursdays through Mondays from 9 p.m. to 2:15 a.m. He initiated pool tournaments eight years ago.
When ordering $20 or more of food, you get a $5 discount. Ladies Night specials are on Wednesdays from 8 p.m. to midnight. Happy hours are all week. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight. Specials are onion rings, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno peppers, French fries and corn dogs. They have a Jaeger self-contained refrigeration machine!
There is a spacious parking lot and the floor plan is comparable to a low-roof warehouse as big as a nine-car garage. Since it’s spacious, it enables you to be able to hear yourself talk during Karaoke with peace and privacy, sitting across the room in one of the eight booths enjoying food and music. Four pool tables are in the center of the lounge. There are tall plants around the room, an ATM, cigarette, KENO and game machine, juke box, change machine, six video lottery machines, trophies displayed, framed beer posters everywhere, eight tables seating four close to the Karaoke stage near the exit to the outside cigarette smoking booth. There are ceiling vents for ventilation. It is cool and comfortable.
Check the website fortunestarlounge.com and see a video of Mike Massey, the pool champ with pool trick shots. Pool tournaments are featured and free pool is available on Sundays.
KJ Starr is Mike's team partner, born in California and relocated to Oregon 12 years ago. She loves the Lord as does her father. She sings and attends a spiritual church in Portland. She grew up singing around the house. As a KJ, she was prompted by a neighbor sharing an article regarding hiring KJs six years ago. Starr was hired and worked six years and included KJ training. Her schedule for the last four months at the Fortune Star Lounge is Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9 p.m. to 2:15 a.m. She partners with KJ, Mike, using his computerized Karaoke system. No books are provided, to choose selections. There is a computer and you type in selections with ease. When Starr works, Mike is there covering breaks. Starr receives wonderful feedback from customers. There are many regular customers and all treat each other with respect and have fun with the team KJs, Mike and Starr.
Working with the public has always been a pleasure for Starr. She is humble and pleasant with a positive and cheerful attitude. She says, “I have to keep a balance with the Karaoke singers and music lovers who don't want to sing for all to enjoy. I balance the set with music, giving a break to music lovers to hear music they love, filling in music everybody knows for their enjoyment.”
Starr’s father was a musician in the ‘60s, sings and plays every instrument. Starr has loved music all her life, as when in her mama's womb. Her mother was always in the recording studio listening to her husband playing music. Her father sells musical equipment and performs in a spiritual center.
Both KJs are songwriters. Starr “tinkles” on the piano using her knowledge as a musician and as a songwriter's tool. Singing and recording initiated as a youth, she’s been songwriting since the age of 13. Customers speak of a wonderful Karaoke and an enjoyable evening at Fortune Star Lounge with KJs Mike and Starr.
For more information, visit www.fortunestarlounge.com. Open hours are Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., with Karaoke seven days/week from 9 p.m. to 2:15 a.m. Also, the #4 Division bus stops close by but does not run after midnight, so plan for a ride home!
