The United States of StageDrop is a series highlighting customer success stories from a different state each week. This week's United States of StageDrop features the Grand Canyon State, Arizona!

One of the area's best kept secrets, Kobalt is the premiere karaoke bar in Phoenix, Arizona. Since its opening in 2006, Kobalt has filled a niche in the local scene, describing itself as "a blend of neighborhood bar and trendy without the 'tude' feel ... with some of the friendliest and best bartenders in town."

Located in the heart of central Phoenix, the bar sits inside Park Central open air mall and features an upscale indoor lounge and outdoor patio, serving locally produced liquors and craft cocktails along with craft beer selections.

While Kobalt is best known for their award-winning karaoke - they've been voted "Best Karaoke Bar in Phoenix" several times - the bar also hosts watch parties, live comedy, fashion shows and unique performance art events. Their theme nights, local entertainment and special events have become community traditions. One such tradition is their wildly popular 4Some Revue show every Friday night.

When Kobalt decided last March to purchase a new stage for 4Some Revue's upcoming anniversary show, they looked to StageDrop for a versatile portable stage solution.

Creating a New Runway Stage

Kobalt ordered 9 Biljax ST8100 4'x4' Portable Stage Units at a 16" height to create a custom shaped runway stage. Biljax ST8100 is a heavy-duty, modular stage system that utilizes 4'x4' steel frame platforms that can be locked together to create a larger stage. With its steel frame and heavy-duty galvanized steel legs, Biljax is one of the strongest portable stage systems on the market; it's also one of the best values costwise.

StageDrop shipped Kobalt's new stage out a few days later, sending it on its way across the country by freight, and Kobalt’s stage was delivered just 10 days after ordering, in plenty of time for the upcoming 4Some Revue anniversary show.

Kobalt set up the new Biljax stage in front of their video wall in a custom runway configuration - an 8'x12' rectangular stage at the back with a 4'x12' runway projecting from its center. Adding a gray box-pleat stage skirt around the perimeter, the result was stunning. Elegant, robust, spacious - the new runway stage commands a presence in the room, and the 16" stage height raises performers so they can be seen from the farthest reaches of the bar.

The Show Must Go On

Just days before the anniversary show, when Kobalt was set to debut the new stage, Arizona's governor issued an executive order limiting business activities due to COVID-19, and Kobalt was forced to close temporarily. But Kobalt kept the entertainment flowing for their loyal community throughout the closure with frequent livestreams of karaoke regulars, 4Some Revue shows and several live fundraisers to benefit food and beverage industry workers - all performing on the new stage.

Kobalt has recently reopened, taking a measured approach with reduced capacity and safety guidelines to keep customers and staff safe. Karaoke performers wear face masks and sing on the stage behind a Plexiglass screen. And what do they call these karaoke theme nights? Well, what else but "The Masked Singer" of course!

StageDrop would like to thank Kobalt for their business and for allowing us to highlight their karaoke bar, representing Arizona in this week's United States of StageDrop. We wish them and their performers all the best as they make sure the show goes on!

Looking to add a new portable stage to your venue? Check out our extensive selection of Portable Stages, or call or email us today for a free quote!

Based at the Jersey Shore in Forked River, NJ, StageDrop LLC is a leading provider of stock and custom portable stage systems, stage accessories, truss and event furniture to businesses and consumers nationwide. We specialize in delivering custom stage configurations for business, government, education, religious, fitness and nonprofit organizations. We offer free quotes with expert recommendations to fit our customers' specialized needs.