Even though the word Karaoke is in the description, it’s anything but! The “Be A Star!” show is comprised of 5 amazing professionals with 4 talented musicians backing up YOU: the lead singer of their band! From every instrument solo to all backup vocals, the entire show is live with absolutely nothing on tracks! This is truly impressive seeing as the song list is in excess of 470 hits. From Marvin Gaye to Metallica, they span all genres: No live karaoke band in North America has a bigger song list than Steel Rod.
Add in the bands high skill level, the dynamic host, & their collective understanding that this show is truly about you, the singer, & what transforms is an exciting, amusing & memorable music event that people become drawn to every time. This is not just some mediocre band playing casual songs; this is a professional, interactive, musical showcase!
Be A Star! Live Band Karaoke with Steel Rod is the premiere Karaoke show in America.
Who's In The Band?
Johnny Reyes - Percussions & Vocals
Whit Petrell - Bass & Vocals
Eric Mondragon - Keys and Vocals
Rod Pantoja - Guitar & Vocals
Greg Chard - Host
Based out of L.A., Steel Rod is a cover band that has been playing for over a decade. The “Live Band Karaoke” show was born about 6 years ago when they added Eric on Keys to increase their already impressive song list, & Greg as the host to add some comic relief and get the crowd fired up.
The 4 musicians are members of 6 different bands (Steel Rod, DW3, Soul Dragon, Fistful of Steel, Deland’s Alley, Phat Sabbath), and Greg is a TV Host in Hollywood. With their efforts combined, their resume is very impressive. From USO tours to corporate events, radio sponsored singing competitions, weddings, cruise-line jobs, festivals, TV shows, residencies at established music venues, & casino gigs; Steel Rod have done more than most bands, and the Be A Star! show is a polished, professional act.
Locally, they have played premier venues like the Staples Center, House of Blues, BB Kings, Home Depot Center, the San Manuel Casino, Fantasy Springs Casino, the Belly Up Tavern, L.A. County Fair, Fiesta Del Sol, & countless smaller venues; & gig well over 300 shows a year. With performances in countries like Germany, Japan, Iraq, Guam, Canada, Afghanistan Austria, Puerto Rico, Bosnia, Singapore, Mexico, Kosovo, & the Caribbean; these men bring a high level of showmanship to every event.
Regularly, the Be A Star! show produce and host large Singing Competitions and work with radio stations that include JackFM, KCal-FM, KLOS 99.1 KGGI, X103.9, 99.5The Heat. They also have an impressive private and corporate event resume.
What The People Say:
"“As a renowned live music venue, we host amazing shows and see many true professional musicians. Steel Rod and the Live Band Karaoke (Be A Star!) is no exception, and that is why they also play our own Holiday Party every year. That should be a good indication of the amount of respect we have for them.
- Jeff Keeping - General Manager Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach
“I have worked with Steel Rod, while managing the Tuku Lounge, for over 3 years. Not only did they come in and more than triple bar sales on Monday nights, they also became my friends. I have been to their other shows and even Rod’s wedding, and feel as though we are all family because that’s the quality of people these guys are. But bottom-line, they are music and entertainment professionals who create loyal fans and fill seats at every venue they play; and over the years, have made us a lot of money.”
- Josh Gomez – Entertainment Supervisor, San Manuel Casino, Highland
“A few months ago our Friday nights at the Rockyard, our outdoor entertainment facility, were really slow in comparison to our Saturday nights. So we started Rockaoke with Steel Rod. Immediately we started packing the place on Fridays. Steel Rod and the Be A Star! show is an amazing event with a huge playlist and a great crowd pleaser. They put their heart into everything they do and are absolutely incredible performers. They have become a permanent part of our Rockyard family and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for an incredibly talented band.”
- Mandi Witkower, Director Of Advertising, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio
“Other than the annoying fact that every time we book Steel Rod our staff try to get the night off work so they can party with them; they are a pleasure to have here!! Recently, as hosts of the South Bay Singing Battle, they brought us a ton of new business, and filled the place on an otherwise slow Tuesday night.” - Patrick Molloy - Owner, Patrick Molloy’s, Hermosa Beach
“The band’s show can include promising singers, the mundane and mediocre; Steel Rod’s expert musicianship is the equalizer that pulls off every song with professionalism. Everyone in the group can sing lead or background vocals, which comes in handy if someone forgets the words…”
- Marcia Manna, Arts & Entertainment Writer, The San Diego Union Tribune
“A great band with an awesome selection of songs! It’s a great experience to sing with a live band! I’ve been singing with them for over 2 years and will keep coming back! “ - Katie Bell
“Be A Star is the best interactive show to come to the Belly Up & San Diego in a long time!” – Beth Rae
“In my eyes, they are the best band we have in the casino on a regular basis. I even go to see them play other venues and it’s always a great show!” - Aaron Sindelar – Casino Employee
“I have been coming for over three years, and I will keep coming back. Recently, I moved to Las Vegas and I travel over 300 miles to come see them whenever I can. I even had T-shirts made in their honor. I love you Greg, Rod, Johnny, Eric and Whit” – Jackie Mena
“This type of karaoke is way beyond anything else I’ve ever done before! You actually feel like you’re a part of the Band…and the host really gets the crowd pumped up.” – Alex Lemos
“The best live karaoke band I have ever seen or heard. Thanks for the fun times!” – Ashley Radar
“The most entertaining band in Southern California with such a great selection in music. This band provides the audience with great comedy, talent and fun to anyone’s night. I love them!” – Valerie Mora
“I have been coming out to see Steel Rod for almost 3 years and have enjoyed every minute of it!! With Greg and the Band’s sense of humor, you can’t help but have a great time!” - Erica Guilliam
“The best Karaoke I’ve ever been to; and I’ve been to a lot!” - Elizabeth Trejo