What an exciting post, I just have to put in my shilling's worth.
I agree with all the comments, especially
1. Thank God for the regulars. These people (we) are a useful commodity to a KJ in persuading a booker towards karaoke (or a disco) because (s)he can virtually guarantee patronage. Also, assuming they are behaving acceptably, provide a friendly and supportive core to the audience.
2. Karaoke shows are patronised by amateurs. It must be remembered that most participants of a karaoke have no access to musicians, and this is their only means of performing in front of an audience. And because they have no experience of a professional show they will have absolutely no idea about repertoire balance. They just want to sing their favourite songs. Thank goodness the days are long-gone when I have to sing songs I don't like just because they are popular and it was my job to give the public what they wanted.
3. Polite, helpful, supportive, but firm. It is not the KJ’s place to police a venue, but in the interests of everyone unacceptable behaviour MUST be dealt with. A quiet word in the offender’s ear should be tried first. If this fails then Management might have to be involved. Often the offender is unaware of the problem being created; a private word, sensitively spoken, can often work (softly softly catchee monkey) but not always, I’m sorry to say. As an ex-professional entertainer myself I am fully aware of the difficulties involved where delicate egos and booze are closely associated.
I understand that most, if not all KJs went into the business because it is a whole lot more fun than being a clerk or a street cleansing operative. Pardon me if I upset anyone (that is not my intention) but where is it written that you have an inalienable right to enjoy the songs your patrons sing? The important factor is the enjoyment your patrons experience. If you also enjoy their performance, that is a bonus. I cannot think of a single occupation that does not have a minus element, and KJs must accept the good with the bad, just like everybody else. Hearing the same song sung more than several times in one evening must be a bore, but hey, that's life.
Regarding "old farts" not listening to new music, surely that's their choice. There are some, me among them, who cannot abide a lot of recent chart music. My radio is permanently tuned to Classic FM, and they don't play much pop (well actually they don't play any, it's a classical music station). I am, however, always ready to listen to a new song. The only qualifications required for me to like a song is that it is melodic and has reasonable lyrics. I enjoy listening to, and performing, all sorts, from slow sexy blues right the way through to raunchy rock and roll. Please do not make the mistake of assuming that anyone over thirty is not worth a listen. You never know, you might hear a song you like. In turn I have found many that I like from our visits to karaoke, some have even been added to my repertoire!
KJs: Enjoy presenting your shows if you can. If you find the public more annoying than you are enjoying, find another profession.
Patrons: You have gone to karaoke to have a fun evening. Try not to have your fun at the expense of others.
In short treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself.
Best wishes
__________________
Lauraine graduated from her earthly life in July, 2010. We will all miss our "Damsel in Distress". She was an excellent Beta Tester, and a wonderful, dear friend across the pond.
|