KJ's Place in the rotation

[madjim- with the Lord]

Originally Posted by bryant

That's the going theory and seems acceptable. I am always able to get someone else to start the show, they get to feel special (that the host let THEM sing first), as they are announced as the "opening act". I don't believe (at least in my case) that if I sing first, people will get going as a result and create a special "want" to sing afterwards.

I now have people run up to me as soon as I walk in and ask to sing first.

Bryant,
We agree again. I have folks who like to sing first and of course I let them. I only sing to get things started if I have to. I prefer that the my singers sing every song, all night.

Jim

[karaoke koyote]

Actually, I think this depends on the host. I think that as the night progresses the host can "mix it up" a bit with certain set piece songs... either for their comedy value, or as group montages.

I actually get requests from my regulars to sings certain songs that mean something to them, or ones they would like to hear. For a goof, I'll do "the streak" , and get one of my regulars to do the reporter... Always gets a HUGE laugh and thunderous applause.

"Boondocks", by little big town. I get two of my lady regulars to help out with that song... always gets a great reaction... especially when we go acapella at the end.

Of course, once the rotation gets long, I'll bow out and just run the show, and goof off with the singers. I don't think that's something you can define... you have to "feel it" a bit based on what's happening.

I always close the show with "goodnight sweetheart" and thank everybody for coming out... and I get folks wanting to to "do it with me"... and while I may start off (with 1 or 2 singers ), I usually hand the microphone off to someone in the crowd and let it run out... Its a lot of fun when a bunch of folks come up (especially the non-singers) to dance "sha na na" style to the song... its a great finish to the evening for those who stayed.

The key is participation... even from the "non-singers"... but this is the way I do things... and it works very well for me... other KJ's may not find this appealing. Conversely, I couldn't NOT do it this way... it just seems so natural

I don't think of karaoke as a bunch of people getting together to sing... I think of it as a bunch of people getting together to actively enjoy music.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by karaoke koyote

Actually, I think this depends on the host. I think that as the night progresses the host can "mix it up" a bit with certain set piece songs... either for their comedy value, or as group montages.

I actually get requests from my regulars to sings certain songs that mean something to them, or ones they would like to hear. For a goof, I'll do "the streak" , and get one of my regulars to do the reporter... Always gets a HUGE laugh and thunderous applause.

"Boondocks", by little big town. I get two of my lady regulars to help out with that song... always gets a great reaction... especially when we go acapella at the end.

Of course, once the rotation gets long, I'll bow out and just run the show, and goof off with the singers. I don't think that's something you can define... you have to "feel it" a bit based on what's happening.

I always close the show with "goodnight sweetheart" and thank everybody for coming out... and I get folks wanting to to "do it with me"... and while I may start off (with 1 or 2 singers ), I usually hand the microphone off to someone in the crowd and let it run out... Its a lot of fun when a bunch of folks come up (especially the non-singers) to dance "sha na na" style to the song... its a great finish to the evening for those who stayed.

The key is participation... even from the "non-singers"... but this is the way I do things... and it works very well for me... other KJ's may not find this appealing. Conversely, I couldn't NOT do it this way... it just seems so natural

I don't think of karaoke as a bunch of people getting together to sing... I think of it as a bunch of people getting together to actively enjoy music.

Participation, in any form, is definitely the key. As we are considered the ONLY interactive and entertaining Hosts in this area, we always get called to start up Karaoke at the new bars or new places . Actually, a bar owner visited our show Sunday night and offered me a position on Thursday nights (forever), at a bar down the street, closer to my home (3/4 mile away). Got a requst for a wedding ($550) for this August 17. Happens all the time, we have zero advertising, don't want more work (but can handle a little more during summer) on a permanent basis.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by bryant

Participation, in any form, is definitely the key. As we are considered the ONLY interactive and entertaining Hosts in this area, we always get called to start up Karaoke at the new bars or new places . Actually, a bar owner visited our show Sunday night and offered me a position on Thursday nights (forever), at a bar down the street, closer to my home (3/4 mile away). Got a requst for a wedding ($550) for this August 17. Happens all the time, we have zero advertising, don't want more work (but can handle a little more during summer) on a permanent basis.

Just for the record, if I may boast a bit

During my Sunday night show, a new restaraunt and bar one building away (new place), asked if I was available on Monday nights, last week I spoke with a bar owner up the street who wants to get karaoke running again (last guy couldn't bring in a crowd last year) about Thursday nights. That would make me seven nights a week at 5 different places within a mile from my home. Gotta love it!

[Lonman]

DOn't get locked into 7 nights unless you need the money - do it too long & burn out will set in VERY fast, 2 nights off is a nice break - or if you do you may consider a host (if you don't already have one).

[bryant]

Originally Posted by Lonman

DOn't get locked into 7 nights unless you need the money - do it too long & burn out will set in VERY fast, 2 nights off is a nice break - or if you do you may consider a host (if you don't already have one).

Thanx, Lon, I've been doing three weekday nights with a full time teaching job during the school season, thought I might make a few extra bucks over the summer, however, when summers over, I plan on dropping the Sunday and Tuesday gig (The Monday one will phase out on its own, Monday is bad night around here), then maybe keep the Wed. and Thurs. (if it succeeds) next school season. Those two nights are much easier as they are toward the end of the school week.

But you're right, seven nights is crazy for a long period of time, and I don't need the money that bad.