After being asked several times to join the party in the lounge after bowling, Todd Avery, (A.K.A. T-Bone) decided one night to see what he was missing. Much to his surprise, Todd found many of his bowling buddies singing, dancing and really whooping it up! Todd decided to stay but, had no intention of singing, mostly due to the fact that most of the singers were surprisingly talented.
A few minutes later a girl got up and completely butchered Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” but the crowd went nuts for her! Todd figured if she had the guts to do it, so could he. A couple beers later he finally had enough “karaoke courage” to sing “Hard Luck Woman” by KISS. Todd was encouraged by his friends to do another song and before he knew it, he was hooked.
After frequenting many of the karaoke watering holes, Todd eventually became friends with many of the local karaoke jocks. After watching how it was done he eventually began to fill in for some of his protégés. Todd soon teamed up with his wife’s uncle Dean-O to purchase a karaoke system and “D&T Karaoke” was born.
Todd admits many of his singers don’t even know him by his real name. His stage name, “T-Bone,” was given to him by his friends because Todd was a big fan of drummer Tommy Lee from Motley Crue, who went by the same nick name. As Todd launched his new career as a DJ/KJ, he decided to keep the moniker. Todd’s love for drums and beats also made for an easy transition into DJing for parties and clubs.
In the early 2000’s, Todd got his first full-time club gig at McCormick’s (now The Hood) in Palm Desert. During his six years as the resident KJ, Todd established a reputation and a large crowd of some of the Valley’s top singers! His meticulous mix of music and vocals along with his strict and fair rotation have made Todd one of the Valley’s most sought after KJs. “I do not play favorites, and have turned down many good tips (or bribes),” quips Todd.
When Todd is not hosting karaoke shows, he likes rocking out to music from The Who, Pink Floyd, and Judas Priest, to Fleetwood Mac, James Taylor, and Sade. Todd is also an avid golfer with a seven handicap and likes to hang out with his wife Tammy. Todd’s future plans include expanding his business by training up-and-coming KJs to work for him so he can increase his income and have more free time for my family.
Currently, you can catch T-Bone doing his karaoke shows Wednesdays at Hamilton’s Sports Bar & Grill in La Quinta and Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at the 19th Hole Sports Bar in Palm Desert. If you would like to contact Todd regarding his karaoke shows or to DJ your party, you can contact him at: tuneswithtbone@aol.com.
Written by: Craig Michaels
Musical Affair Entertainment
(760) 619-3276
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