PORTLAND, Ore. -- Anthony Choice is out of work, but it's not for lack of trying.

The experienced cruise ship performer created an impromptu audition Tuesday at the offices of the Portland Spirit. Choice set up his own sound system in the back of his car and started singing from the parking lot.

He hoped the local cruise ship's organizers would take notice -- and they did. Rick Lewis, director of entertainment for the Portland Spirit, said he returned from lunch and found Choice in the parking lot.

"I discovered this guy in the parking lot with his sound system set up in the back of his car. I stayed in the car and said 'Oh, hell,'" Lewis said. "I didn't know whether it was a guy desperate for work. Unlike most, he was really quite good."

Choice said he's willing to work hard to find a gig. In this case, it may pay off.

"I took a little bit of a risk and set up in the parking. Fortunately, they're nice people and I've had an opportunity to sing for them," he said. "The entertainment manager came out and chatted with me a bit."

Choice said the struggling economy forced him out of real estate and into singing. He said he has sung at more than 200 retirement homes in the past year.

"Sometimes the best opportunities come when you make your own," he said.

Lewis said he came away impressed by Choice's singing.

"You don't expect to come back from lunch and have somebody ready with a set of Nat King Cole tunes," Lewis said.

Lewis said he'll try to find a place for the singer. There's no word yet on whether Choice has been offered a job.

Crooner Sets Up Impromptu Cruise Ship Audition