rate of pay around the country.

[WDEWDAD7]

There was a band that did live karaoke in Spokane, Washington at a Chinese restaraunt/bar. The band played along with the karaoke music. They were the house band on weekends, and did this on the weeknights. They did this for a few years. It was ok, I guess. The place was usually busy, but, no one I know went there for that reason.

[pelletmon]

Thanks for the reply.Can you remember how many piece band it was? Its just hard to imagine a guitar player,bass player ,drummer, etc.. being able to seemlessly jump in with those hundreds/thousands of karaoke type arrangements and still be able to complement the singer.If they are that good,they should be recording in Nashville, not giggin at a Chinese restaurant.

[SteveWalker]

Originally Posted by pelletmon

If they are that good,they should be recording in Nashville, not giggin at a Chinese restaurant.

Very true! I see lots of problems with this idea: First, you have to divide the money with 3-4 people. Does this gig pay $400-$500 a night? Second, the band needs to know thousands of songs played in different keys. And what about doing key changes?

[muzicman144]

I was doing shows (not karaoke) using cassettes, moved up to mini disc tracks, then to karaoke disc and Hoster. We have been successful at this for over ten years up and down the east coast. Depending on the venue, the pay scale can go from $250 to $1,000. I don't do karaoke although i think it is wonderful entertainment. I have just done it this way so long i see no need to do karaoke. Sometimes i use instruments, but it depends on the venue.The best thing is that it doesn't matter whether you do karaoke, shows using the karaoke tracks, there is always room for a first class show. The biggest concern i have, and all kj, etc., should have is the people getting into the business with sub-standard equip, very limited ability or knowledge that are willing to do it basically for free. Now i realize everyone is free to do and charge what they please, and truly, there is still room for everyone to play somewhere. As always, first class shows will always play the best venues at the best pay rate. I welcome any and all to play and charge the rate they can live with or get, and would be the last to shut the door on anyone.

[WDEWDAD7]

First, it was at a Chinese restaurant, and they were the house band. Having a sit down gig in a fairly large towns means a lot. Second, they weren't paying the karaoke person THAT much. Spokane was a town where you could get undercut real bad. I don't know for sure what the KJ was getting paid, but; you had to fight and scrap to get $75.00 a night(house equipment). I know there were some KJ's working for $45.00 and even $25.00 a night. I haven't lived there for about 6 years, I hope it has improved. Hence, the only people who win in a karaoke pay war is the club owner, if you want to call that winning. Sorry, I digress. Anyway, the live band/karaoke thing. It was a thre piece...bass, guitar and drums. It was unique. I prefer having GOOD sound equipment/system. You can still make the singer sound like they are backed by a good band. Being a musician/karaoke KJ.