Karaoke Forums

When i go to a Karaoke club, the bartender doesn't know whether or not I'm going to sing. I only order coke, and to this day I've never been charged yet! (although I tip anyway) So water drinkers must not be a problem in this part of the country. Only in yours.


DJ Jim

... Why Is This Thread still Going round and round like the big yellow school bus tires??? Didn't you kids learn anything in elementary school???

Different strokes for different folks...

Brian D.

Oy ....

Let's go around one more time! Anyone for a glass of water?
Just kidding....think its a problem some places, some times. Everyone has their own opinion. It can get to the point that it may be a problem. For some it is - For some it ain't. If it does become a problem at one of your particular venues and you tell them its their problem, not yours as a KJ, they could very well solve "their" problem by letting you go (doing away with Karaoke or replacing you with another KJ) in order to solve "their" problem. I don't like the idea of doing the venue's job either, but would rather work with them to both our benefits rather than doing nothing while they make a mistake, or a decision I don't like but will have to put up with.
That having been said, I've talked long enough to dry out my throat - think I'll go get a drink of water.

I'm an After Shock drinker.....used only for medicinal reasons....to lubricate the vocal chords.....my wife is the designated driver......a coffee and soda drinker....I am therefore the designated drunk....

In the venues where we sing there are a lot of water/nurser drinkers...
especially toward the end of the month...........

I buy a lot of drinks for them....guess I'm just too easy.....anyway some of them are damm good singers....down on their luck

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[glow=blue]Tequila & A Song
KKid[/glow]

Since everyone else adds their 2 cents ... it's catching ...

1. It's a good thing to support the venues that let you sing and let people watch you sing.
2. Stage presence comes easier when you're a little tipsy.

Plus the bartender at this one place I go to is the best bartender ever. Once his tip exceeded the tab. He's that good.

Now there's another end of it though, falling down nasty drunk is not acceptable, they tend to damage the equipment and make life unpleasant for everybody. You have to be intelligent. Sometimes you can't always afford a drink but you can afford to sing if it is technically "free" (they do not charge cover) ... if the venue doesn't bring it up as a problem then I don't see why the karaoke crowd should see it as an issue that is any more than an individual conscience issue (I want to support the venue that gives me this opportunity) ... otherwise if they think it is their responsibility to generate revenue they ought to be up front about it and charge a cover.

Merrye

Ron,... Like I Have Always Said....

Damnit... Great Minds Think Alike...

I'm Just Too Long Winded..

NOT MY PROBLEM versus TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

I think a few have got it kinda, the club sells the water, soda, coffee, consume alcohol. Yes, that is the club's job and that is what they do. The persons who come in and ask to sing just occupying space, the bar makes the rules that ONCE THEY MAKE A PURCHASE THEY TOO MAY SING. I DO NOT LET THEM SING UNTIL THEY MAKE THEIR PURCHASE, like other the rest of the CUSTOMERS, in to enjoy the service. Kobey if you work for free great! I work for profit by bringing in customers who pay for merchandise like food and drinks be they non alcoholic or alcoholic. If I don't make the club money they can't justify paying me to play, and I don't earn a living.

There have been some ridiculous comparisons here, but to those who do karaoke for profit, don't get into a snit when those who tire of lost gigs over freeloaders begin to wise up to the task of playing for paying customers. Some may go blissfully into the oblivion as the monetarily successful gigs keep on playing through.

If the waistaff is on their toes they ask what you are drinking as soon as you are comfortably seated or at the bar, at my clubs the waitress will point you out to the KJ in case they should ask to sing. To some this may be a difficult concept unless you are on the business end and operating your karaoke as a business. I do forget many are in it for the fun. Heck I ran into 2 shows that do it for free (and in the same breath said they lost a gig for $100 at a tiny club).

Designated drivers pay for their nonalcoholic beverages, they as designated drivers do NOT consume alcohol, and don't expect that they will drink these free. A designated driver is someone who is there to drive someone else home who IS drinking.

Some bars don't charge until it becomes a problem. As I said I know KJ's who have faced this locally and around the country. The reason it is NOT a factor for my shows is I and my clubs and I DON'T allow it. For the big spenders buying the rounds great, for the ones in my shows NOT spending a dime - NO SINGING until. Some common sense goes a long way in making up scenarios.

Someone may slip though the cracks a time or two. Chronic abusers are watched by the waitstaff and myself. Sometimes they stay away a while and try to sneak back in later, others get the message and come in when they can make a purchase. The waitstaff tells me if these types have or have NOT made a purchase and tell me they are NOT to sing.

I will say that I do make an effort to go down and explain that their purchase is their ticket to sing and that I will put them into rotation upon making that purchase. The waitresses are not so nice. I have a whole repertoire of their comical comments when they could not sing. It is very sad to think of the lengths people will go to sing free. I have seen it, and I know what other shows who allow this to affect the bottom line are up against. Many people have a sad and sick mentality and think it is their right to sing without making 1 purchase for them or anyone else.

For the bulk of those who get it enough should have already been, for those who still beat a dead horse to try to justify not buying ANYTHING but taking time from paying customers to use the service they are paying for-facts won't stop them. For those KJ's who don't get it I hope this will never be a factor into a loss of work in the future-if it does, pay attention to what I have said here.

Many KJ's excuse about the lack of sales because of people drinking for free-IT'S THE BAR'S PROBLEM (as they pack their gear once the boss says they aren't making enough money to pay you). It happened to a show down the street a few months ago.

Selling is the bar's business, attracting paying customers is the KJ's problem-YES THE KJ'S PROBLEM. That is why entertainmant is hired. Entertainment that consistently attracts paying crowds keep on working, those that don't, in all likelihood won't keep the gig. So, if you don't understand that the business is SELLING, you do not fully understand the business side or dynamics of the job as a KJ (if you own the KJ company).

Let me clear up a business basic, beyond simple playing of the music....

SELLING is the BAR'S PROBLEM
SALES are the KJ'S PROBLEM

Deb,
I have never seen your show, but i think being pushy about it is not the answer and if you have a great, honest and really professional show. the water problem will take care of itself in the end..

i think it goes for all who have posted on this topic ...

here in Albuquerque.. the only time i buy a glass of water is if i find a silvery minnow in my glass of water.

Perspective makes all the difference
I expected to hear you repeat repeat repeat repeat what you do not want to understand, since you are not a karaoke business like most KJ's why would you? I am stating not what is MY problem, I will not let be a problem at my shows but IS a problem for many KJ's nation wide. The bottom line is what keeps us in the clubs, only the foolhardy would think otherwise.

It's obvious that there's a huge problem in Alabama of very cheap people of whom hordes of them invade bars and order nothing but water. Don't they pay a half decent wage to the people there. If water drinkers are that big of a problem at your shows, then your working in the wrong area and it's time to move. Again it's making a mountain out of a mole hill or your area is really filled with a bunch of cheapskates.

Deb
PLEASE come to New Mexico and run a show with that attitude..

you'll see my prospective in 6 months and be in a real hurry to go back to 'bama.. not to be mean or rude.. but keep your present gig if it works for you.

Deb, I have had a discussion before with you about this, and I wholeheartedly understand your point. I still must disagree with you to a certain degree.

You have been in business for a while. You work in a club 5-7 nights a week with a permanent set-up. You negotiated a killer pay plan. And lastly, you are female.

In this business that last point is a double edged sword. If I tell a guy he can't sing because h didn't buy a drink, I'm likely to be swung at! And since you are a very determined woman, I'm sure you've been called a b$tch one or two time unjustfully.

Next, I think you will agree a GOOD reputation takes time to build. A crowd attracts a crowd. Being new in the business, I want warm bodies that aren't scared to sing in the seats regardless of their beverage. The word will eventually spread, and the drinkers will come eventually.

I wish I was the only one in this area, and had the time to do 7 shows a week, patrol the bar for freeloaders, and run the best dang show possible.
Please remember Deb, you hav a unique, great situation not all of us are fortunate to even have the opportunity to do something compareable.

I don't expect to change your opinion, but try to remember- EVERYONE STARTED SOMEWHERE!!

Rant over.

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Let's Kick the Tires and Light the Fires!

Handling drunks, people skills are a must for all KJ's. You need to develop them over time. No one has it easy in entertainment of any kind as far as obtaining and holding work. The gender thing can work both ways dear. Some think a woman should be a pushover.

I worked hard to get where I am and I work even harder to hold onto where I am. Once you get to the top of what you want you have others working to get there too, so you better work twice as hard as the next guy. Have a good idea on your worth and value of what you do. Some do have an inflated idea of their worth, some undervalue themselves, settle for the status quo. I hope you set your sights and know how to get there!

It takes a lot more than warm bodies make and keep a sucessful show; I hope you won't ever have to use my advice, but chances are as this industry becomes more saturated you and many more will come to understand this all too well. As far as pushy, I never forget that as a KJ I am in control of my shows. I have had to grow a thick KJ skin as all KJ's must over the word NO. My JOB is to run a fair and sucessful profitable show.

I wish you well as a new KJ. If you do want to rise above the rest work twice as hard as the other guy, take care of BUSINESS, not ego or buddies. Remember sticks and stones...spell that with a Capital B! Good shows attract crowds, don't let anyone fool you, paying customers do lots more for your show than warm bodies ever will!

dbk1009, I wish you well. You do face a tougher entry into this industry, not just by other KJ's but all who may want to work in entertainment like DJ's, bands, etc. You also face those of us who have been established. It can be done.

PS: I have 2 shows directly across the street from my 3 nighter and 15 in a two mile radius (I have had it next door before twice too) NO ONE HAS IT EASY.

isn't this a re- post deb???

Look, I know I promised but this is just ridiculous!
Let them eat cake, let them pee themselves!
I DON'T CARE!
I am merely an entertainer, I entertain, that's what I do!
If I wanted to run a bar I would buy a bar!
How simple can I possibly make it?
You can worry all you like about how many water drinkers you have in your venue but, if it's still a problem then you're not doing the job that you insist on telling us that we should be doing!
Do me a favour!
Sell all your gear and go in to the Water Utility business. You seem to be far more interested in that than you are in entertainments!

Just bemused!

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Imagine!

Berry..
EXACTLY.. Come to NM.. I'll Buy you all the damn beer you can drink.. water you can take home.. including our beloved "Silvery Minnows" from our subjective Rio Grande river.. And I'll Tell ya This Week I have Bought More Balloonists Beer this week and taken them to more karaoke shows
during Albuquerque's International Balloon Fiesta.. than any other event..
and STILL I DRINK THE WATER!!!

and if they don't like it LIKE YOU SAID BERRY... they can go buy a bar.. I PERSONALLY LIKE BUYING SOUND SYSTEMS AND HOT AIR BALLOONS..

I'm new to the forum, but in no way new to karaoke. I've been a KJ for two years with an established small company (just myself and the boss this last summer) that averages eight or nine shows a week between us. In Wisconsin, there isn't too many people who don't drink something, but we have our small share of water drinkers. I let them sing, and oftentimes they get the crowd going. To keep the bar's business going, I focus on those who are already drinking, suggesting that another Jagerbomb would be fun, or whatever. I'm probably going to hell for being like that, but in the usual run of announcements are the reminder that "This is a point-oh-eight state" and often I'll check to see if people have safe rides. Yeah, I have to be extra vigilant as to where drinks/mics/dancers are, but I'd have to do that anywayThe biggest part of my show is a large, drunken fan base, and I want to preserve that. One note on something that was brought up: We don't accept tips. Ever. If a patron wants to tip me, I direct them to the bartender. If they leave it with me, I pass it on to the bartender. It just makes it so much easier to deal with people who don't think that they can buy you.

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"C'mon people! We can get drunker than this!"

I like Randy already!!!

I've always shaken my head in shame when I hear the oh-so-familiar "It's not MY job!" line....

I believe a successful k-show takes teamwork...from everyone including the KJ to the waitress to the bartender to the owner and not leaving anyone out in between. If your venue is losing $$ to water drinkers, suggest that they start selling bottles of water and start a 2 drink minimum during karaoke. (You sure can't go into a comedy club and drink free water and eat free popcorn.)

My .02

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Tricia Patterson, KJ/DJ
Pink House Productions, Inc.