Karaoke and billiards in local bars may have a little competition on their hands. Many Baton Rouge bars have added video games to their repertoires, such as Pluckers Wing Factory and Grill, Rotolo’s Pizzeria and Shady’s. Every Thursday night at Pluckers, faux rock bands jam out to a hodgepodge of sounds, from ’90s metal ballads such as Nirvana’s “In Bloom,” to classics like the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter,” to more modern, mellow songs such as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Maps.” “[Video games] are just a good way to take a load off,” said Brett Liuzza, civil engineering senior. Liuzza is a member of the band Flickerbean, a regular participant at Pluckers’ Rock Band Night. Drew Galloway, manager of Pluckers, said he started Rock Band Night about six weeks ago. “I just wanted to do something different,” Galloway said. “Rock Band is a better version of karaoke for people to participate in.” Jason Abendroth, civil engineering senior and member of Flickerbean, said he has been attending Pluckers’ Rock Band Night since its first night. Abendroth, who alternates between the drums and bass, said he likes Rock Band Night because he always has fun playing with his friends. “It is better than Guitar Hero because it implements all band members,” he said. Rock Band Night has been a success, Galloway said. Pluckers is always packed for the event and has seen an increase in sales, he said. “Basically every Thursday, different people hear about it and more people come each time,” Liuzza said. Pluckers is not the only bar around town catching on to this trend. Rotolo’s has hosted a Wii Night every week since the beginning of the fall 2007 semester, said Megan Thomas, University alumna and manager of Rotolo’s. “I think people enjoy any distraction they can get at the bar,” she said. Thomas said about 15 to 20 people show up each Tuesday night just to play the Wii. “Bars are interested in having Wiis because people get so into it,” she said. Thomas said she started Wii Night because the system comes out with new sports games each week, and people always seem to enjoy playing them. Shady’s also has a Wii at its bar. Shady’s advertised a Rock Band Night this past semester, and several people showed up, said Travis Olinde, University alumnus and former Shady’s bartender. Although video game nights are not a set part of Shady’s agenda, the Wii is always available to play, he said. Olinde said male customers mainly play the Wii because the games offered are sports-related, such as Golden Tee and a bowling game. “It gives people something to do besides drink,” Olinde said.
—-Contact Drew Belle Zerby at [email protected]