There were superheroes, men in kilts, and women in banana suits. The entire cast of Wizard of Oz paid homage to Sara Bareilles. Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs even made an appearance.

On Oct. 22, more than 150 people turned out to see their friends, family, and coworkers compete for costumed karaoke glory during Sing Your CASS Off at iStrategylabs in Shaw. The event, sponsored by social, team-based karaoke league District Karaoke, invited karaoke veterans and newbies alike to sing for a panel of judges, including District Karaoke founder Jesse Rauch, local musician Maryjo Mattea, and Miss DC 2015 Haely Jardas.

Performers from Congressional Chorus faced off against staffers and board members of CASS itself, while DC Bocce went head-to-head with DC Brau. Representatives from the Washington Nationals took on CASS’ friends at Zipcar, and staff of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Co. battled a fierce fivesome from the Women’s Information Network.

In true District Karaoke style, performers were asked to play to themes, including Ladies of the ’80s, Songs of Empowerment, and Oh! The Places You’ll Go – songs about transportation and public spaces. Needless to say, there was much Kelly Clarkson, Pink, and Whitney Houston throughout the night, as well as a healthy dose of anti-street-harassment-themed costumes and choreography.  

Though DC Bocce took home the top prize of gift certificates to Oliva’s Diner in Farragut North, everyone won in the end, as the karaoke contest raised $2,732.22 for CASS programs like RightRidesDC, our safe rides home program for women and LGBTQ-identifying individuals in the DC area.

For more photos of the night, make sure to check out photo albums from Round 1, Round 2, and Round 3. Special thanks to Bryan Arminio and Mediavolution for photo coverage!