Back to Viva South Sound

Settlers of Kaletron mixes board games with space music and booze

Family-friendly game Settlers of Catan goes adult at The New Frontier Lounge

Kaletron will trip you out at The New Frontier Lounge Oct. 14. Courtesy photo

Email Article Print Article Share on Facebook Share on Reddit Share on StumbleUpon

Forget Uncle Wiggily. Say bye-bye to Risk. Aloha Candyland. The Settlers of Catan is the best board game of all time. The Weekly Volcano cannot overstate the coolness of this fast, ever-changing, family-friendly game. If you haven't played it yet, then get to it. Of course, finding this world-renowned German board game can be a challenge. See, Settlers is something of a rarity. You're not going to find it at a typical toy store or a big box retailer. But you can find it - and a tasty adult beverage - monthly at The New Frontier Lounge.

"Settlers of Kaletron is a now monthly event that started back in the fall of 2013 as a Settlers of Catan game night," says Abby Kok, who pours drinks every Tuesday at the Tacoma Dome District lounge. "The idea came about as a result of some brainstorming between Kale (Iverson) and a few other New Frontier friends and employees. We were looking for a fun event for Tuesdays, and because Kale is an avid musician and game player, we thought, why not join the two?  Spice up the traditional game night a bit by adding live music, which is not the main event, but a serenade to the gamers."

Gamers are serenaded by "Kaletron," aka Kale Iverson, who plays a mix of groovy dance hits and all original spacey tunes, which are many times inspired by the games out on the floor. 

"This year we open it for any and all board games," says Kok. "Players are encouraged to bring their own board games and their friends and teach people how to play, or get involved in a game they've never played before. It's a great way to engage with people, make new friends and learn how to play some super cool games."

Kok encourages participants to check out Terra Crux or Tacoma Games for a new board game. Kaletron and The New Frontier have a few games available to play too.

"I genuinely enjoy our Kaletron game night and want to see it thrive. It's great to have a bar full of people playing games, laughing and having fun. Kale's music is always upbeat and cool, and with the mix of people interacting and having fun, it makes for a great overall vibe."

Kok's shift ends at 8 p.m., "which means I get to be a part of the action as well," she adds.

There are not any prizes, but a fully catered and sometimes drunken game night - especially if you win a game and get to rub it in your friends' faces - seems to be enough for most folks.

"It's just a bunch of game nerds shouting, laughing and vibing out to Kaletron's synthy musical goodness," says Kok.  

The New Frontier Lounge offers specials during Settlers of Kaletron night, including $8 and $14 microbrew pitchers, $2 pizza slices and dollar tacos. A bevy of nonalcoholic beverages is available for those who want a clear head, including Italian cream sodas, ginger beers and root beer.

SETTLERS OF KALETRON, 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 21 and older, The New Frontier Lounge, 301 E. 25th St., Tacoma, free admission, 253.572.4020

Read next close

Music

Forest Beutel pushes Americana for a livin'

comments powered by Disqus