| What is so great about karaoke? Let's just be | | | | singer stands up and belts out an amazing |
| honest - everyone who dreams of the limelight | | | | performance. There are some semi-pro vocalists out |
| doesn't necessarily find themselves standing in it. Just | | | | there on the karaoke circuit and when they get up |
| watch the American Idol tryouts if you doubt me! | | | | to sing they can bring the house down. The down |
| For most people, real life doesn't come with a stage | | | | side of their expertise is that a regular karaoke |
| and a spotlight. And that's okay, but the magic of | | | | crowd can feel that following the "awesome singer" |
| karaoke is born from the residue of the dream. It | | | | is a privilege they'd rather not have. Who wants to |
| feeds our soul, connects us with other dreamers like | | | | get up to sing after the crowd has heard a Frank |
| ourselves, and is a lot of outright fun for those who | | | | Sinatra ringer, or a Whitney replica? Best way to |
| like standing up to perform. | | | | revive the crowd is to get a few big groups up there |
| What will make a karaoke show the best it can be? | | | | singing a few karaoke anthems like "Love Shack" and |
| A collection of talented, semi-talented, and even | | | | "The Summer of '69." That way no individual has to |
| untalented regulars intent on having fun is the basis | | | | take the hit of going right after the karaoke |
| of a successful karaoke show. Throw in a capable, | | | | professional. There is safety in numbers. |
| personable, and well equipped karaoke DJ and you've | | | | Speaking of safety in numbers, a great way to get |
| got a real recipe for good times. | | | | the karaoke virgins and the karified (short for |
| What can you do as performer and audience | | | | "karaoke-terrified") singing is the group song. But |
| member to make the most of the karaoke evening? | | | | watch out on participation in the big group number |
| You know the common sense rules of courtesy that | | | | when your karaoke show is really crowded. If you |
| are the core of karaoke etiquette - treat others as | | | | sing with a group that may be counted as your only |
| you want to be treated, respect the establishment, | | | | turn - most KJs count it. So if you want to solo, you |
| the equipment, and the karaoke DJ. This is the | | | | don't want to add your name to the group ticket. |
| foundation of good fun for everyone. | | | | (But don't try to sneak into a group under the KJs |
| But sometimes a karaoke show gets dull and you | | | | radar- stealing an extra turn really hisses off the |
| don't know why. I think every show takes on a life | | | | crowd.) |
| of its own based on the energy of the crowd and | | | | Final tips for karaoke fun: consider the audience when |
| the song selections of the performers. So you can | | | | you are choosing your tune. I've been in karaoke |
| help resuscitate a defibrillating karaoke show by | | | | clubs where the old time country songs were |
| putting in a slip for a song that changes the pace. If | | | | greeted with groans. And I've been in clubs where |
| the show is dragging, pick a fun dance song to get | | | | over half the performances were country. I've seen |
| everyone on their feet, or a karaoke anthem that | | | | more derailed rap attempts than I care to relate - |
| you know will lead to a roaring audience sing along. If | | | | rap is hard to sing without the vocal track to keep |
| the heavy metal selections are getting tiresome, | | | | you on beat. Unless you are really confident in your |
| throw in a mellow oldie to refresh the mood of the | | | | ability to sing without guidance from the vocal track, |
| show. You'll be helping the DJ and helping the show if | | | | I say stay away from rap if you want to keep the |
| you create variety in the musical genres. | | | | show on an even keel. |
| I've also seen a karaoke show slide downhill after a | | | | |