Rally winds down

Music replaces rumble of bikes

Singing, dancing signals end to Bikes & Blues.

FAYETTEVILLE — A different noise emanated from the final day of Bikes, Blues & BBQ.

The usual rumble of motorcycles was replaced with karaoke serenades at the Washington County Fairgrounds.

The fourth annual contest, sponsored by Shirley’s Bar in Springdale, whittled down more than 300 contestants since June, said Brandy Harp, bar manager.

At Saturday’s final round, 31 singers helped turn Thompson Hall into a rocking honkytonk replete with audience sing-alongs, dances and catcalls.

Long before the singing started, dancers lined up and grooved to the Electric Slide.

Hailee Mason sparked several of those group dances.

“I’m looking forward to just enjoying the aroma of the energy,” said Mason of Fayetteville. She added the contest is all about “letting loose and having fun.”

The mood was set from the outset when emcee Ty Bottorff told the crowd, “if you hear somebody you like make some noise. And if you hear somebody you don’t like, make some noise.”

“Don’t be afraid to show some stage presence,” he added.

Bottorff and Karaoke Madness worked in conjunction with Shirley’s Bar to hold the contest.

Li Bohannan captured first place with a passionate rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain.” The Lowell resident won a $500 prize, a Slim Chickens gift card and one hour of recording time at 825 Studios in Kansas City, Mo.

“I love Bikes, Blues & BBQ, [my husband and I] come every year. I’m so freaking excited.” — Brenda Forbes, who traveled from Huntsville

“It was very exciting,” said Bohannan, who plans to put the winnings toward her wedding.

“We lost a lot of people from the music industry this year,” Bohannan added. “I thought a tribute would be great.”

Bohannan, who grew up in a musical family, also won last year’s contest. She started honing her singing voice as a toddler, sitting on the edge of the bed while her

RALLY,

parents jammed.

Brenda Forbes traveled from Huntsville to compete in this year’s contest after barely missing the cut last year.

“I love Bikes, Blues & BBQ , [my husband and I] come every year,” said Forbes, an activities director at Meadowview Healthcare and Rehabilitation. “I’m so freaking excited.”

Forbes’ rendition of a Martina McBride song was good for second place. She won $300 and a Slim Chickens gift card.

Cherise Perkins of Rogers won second place. She performed “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town to net $200.

And while Thea Rush didn’t place, she said delighted the crowd with a lively performance of Credence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary.”

“It was fun,” said Rush, who danced across the stage as the song crested, driving the audience into frenzied applause.

Rush said she often sings karaoke, but this was her first competition since ninth grade of high school.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/MICHAEL WOODS • @NWAMICHAELW Scotty Robertson from Steele, Mo., reacts Saturday after winning the Best of Show at the Battle of the Bikes competition during the annual Bikes, Blues & BBQ motorcycle rally in Fayetteville. Robertson, also known as “Memphis” by his friends, has won...

NWA Democrat-Gazette/MICHAEL WOODS • @NWAMICHAELW Kids from the School of Rock in Fayetteville perform on the main stage Saturday during the motorcycle rally in Fayetteville.