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For us "older" folks
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Author:  Kellyoke [ Thu Mar 02, 2006 6:46 am ]
Post subject:  For us "older" folks
Just curious how long some of you plan on KJing. I turned 50 last year and between chiefing full time and KJing part time (3 nights a week) I wonder how long I'll be able to keep it going. Last night even makes me wonder more....I had a young guy come up and sing. He did a great job. As he turned to hand me the mic, he said, "Sir, you need to get some seven dust."

(Yea, some of you know where I'm going) I looked at him and said, "Seven dust? I'm playing karaoke, not plantin' a frigin garden." He looked at me with this long blank dumb founded stare. I started laughing and told him not to worry. "It's a generation gap thing."

So this morning at work I look it up and lo and behold there is a "Group" called Sevendust. I'm at 9,500 songs right now. (No dupes) Guess I better look for number 9,501!

Kelly  LOL
Author:  Babs [ Thu Mar 02, 2006 7:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
I'll do it as long as I can physically. Lifting the equipment as you guys know is
a problem for me. I just dropped one of my part time jobs. I'm only working 2 now.
I can't keep killing myself. I just hope I'm not working this hard when I'm 70. I do get paid well at my full time job, but I have 2 kids to get through college. So I
think I'll be doing karaoke for a while.

As for the new music. My kids keep me young. I'll probably lose touch when their out of the house. I find myself listening to talk radio instead of music on the radio as I get older. I like a lot of the new stuff.

I find it strange sometimes when the younger crowd sings oldies. I think in my head a lot how do they even know of those songs. There are some songs that will always past the test of time.
Author:  SwingcatKurt [ Thu Mar 02, 2006 7:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
Why would it be strange for young kids to sing old songs? Those songs are what they grew up with as LITTLE KIDS hearing music around the house being played by their parents--so thats how they LEARNED those songs. Plus with never ending air play on oldies/70's/80's stations. But its mostly from hearing the songs as little kids. They remember and KNOW the songs--better than they do alot of the new stuff---(which to my mind WILL NOT STAND THE TEST OF TIME: and I dont mean rap either). So I dont find it strange at all that they choose the old songs to sing at Karaoke---its just BETTER MUSIC THAT THEY LOVE best!
Author:  Steven Kaplan [ Thu Mar 02, 2006 7:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
I don't find it strange at all when a younger kid requests anything classic from our era music, or prior.. In fact I get that "twinkle in my eye".. It's great to know there still is some hope for the "younger generations"
LMAO


I suppose what would freak me out abit,  is if this really punkish looking teenager with purple, pink, orange, and green spiked hair went up on a stage with cinged pants on backwards, and started requesting "The Kingston Trio"


...."not that there's anything wrong with that"  :shock:
Author:  Steven Kaplan [ Thu Mar 02, 2006 8:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
Kelly,  I think what you bring up is a very interesting point, because although what I'm going to bring up is MUCH different from someone elses perspective who touched on "crowd Alienation" a few weeks back, and all kidding aside, there is a HUGE component of age gap between certain generations, and groups of individuals. It's conceivable that honest preference in one individuals music CAN inadvertently alienate another type listening age group

Back in 1985 I played some of the Electric Flag (Michael Bloomfield) for a younger kid who loved Bon Jovi, (which isn't "far out've mainstream" in terms of musical tastes~ or at least it wasn't to my observational ability).. The kid HATED Bloomfield's voice, and slower blues... THe response was "It's all the same boring 3 cord crap"...

I suppose his particular circle liked dynamic changes in style, and mood... as opposed to a more structured melodic content...

Also, as you know, we are about the same age... The energy involved in certain tasks, stamina, and unfortuneately health in general doesn't last indefinately,  I DO hate to say it,  but I noticed during my 40's, despite how hard I tried to stay young,  I COULD NOT do it... Endurance went first, and slowly strength is going....
Author:  karyoker [ Thu Mar 02, 2006 8:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
Quote:
Just curious how long some of you plan on KJing. I turned 50 last year and between chiefing full time and KJing part time (3 nights a week) I wonder how long I'll be able to keep it going. Last night even makes me wonder more....I had a young guy come up and sing. He did a great job. As he turned to hand me the mic, he said, "Sir, you need to get some seven dust."


 AARP, Soc Sec, and Kj'ng go hand in hand LOL  You are just a young whipper snapper.... LOL
Author:  Steven Kaplan [ Thu Mar 02, 2006 8:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
Quote:
AARP, Soc Sec, and Kj'ng go hand in hand   You are just a young whipper snapper....



Wait,  that can't be,  I'm always getting stuff from AARP  :headscratch:
Author:  Flipper [ Thu Mar 02, 2006 8:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
Just turned 50 myself and have been doing this for about 8 years. Up until about 3 years ago I was doing 4-5 nights a week and working a fulltime job. I finally had to pull back and hire someone to do some of the gigs because it proved to be too much for me to handle. I ran at this pace for about 4 years straight and while the money was good I didn't have a life.

I've often thought about my longevity in this business. I have come to the conclusion that when it stops being fun that's it for me. I think that I can go another 8-10 years but I will probably opt to hire people to do it for me a few years down the road.

Frankly the only reason I do it now is that I have reached the top of my pay scale in my full time job and will only see small cost of living increases in future years. Karaoke gives me the all the extras (vacations, cars, etc) I'm also trying to store away everything I can for retirement as I'm not as fortunate as my parents with regards to having an excellent pension and benefits package. Dad retired from Major League Baseball in the early 60's after 22yrs and also put 25 yrs in as a Longshoreman. God I would love to have his retirement package. But that ain't gonna happen!  I still have enough years ahead to provide a decent income provided I stay healthy.

It would be nice to have a crystal ball and see what karaoke will be like 8-10 years down the road. Will it be as popular as it is today? Who knows....
Author:  Kellyoke [ Thu Mar 02, 2006 9:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
Good point Steve.  The place I kj at; I am going on my 5th year.  My crowd is very diverse. 21 - 70.  If I could best describe the place it would be similar to the TV sitcom "Cheers."  A full night we have about 175 to 200 folks in there.  It is really a KJ's dream place to work.  In 4 1/2 years I've seen maybe 7 "fights."  The people watch out for each other.  They all appluad the singers.  They except me as having final say.  They like my rotation. I just couldn't ask for it to be btter.

However, about after 2 1/2 years I began trying to buy more of the newer musaic out there.  The first thing that happened was I was shocked to see the language and the references that the songs were making.  Very quickly a whole new crowd was coming around.  Our older and mature younger crowd stopped showing up as often. This new crowd was much younger on the average; less respectful, we started seeing drug use, and the 7 fights I refer to, were mainly during this time.

I quickly went back through my songs pulling many.  As I did, "that crowd" begin to dissapear and the "regular fun crowd" began coming back.  It taught me a very good lesson.  70% of the music I buy now is country, 25% is old rock; and maybe 5% is "newer stuff."  BUT, only after previewing.  Hate to say it, but on most new stuff I buy, I find 50% unacceptable to me and the crowd that has been paying the bills the last 5 years.

The establishment is one of many pubs in Jackson, TN. Population 60,000 plus. Jimmy D's is the name of the place and this week they just were named best bar in Jackson for the second year in a row.

The youngin's as I call them that have become regulars hardley ever ask for "the new stuff."  They ask for current counrty and Oldies! 50-60's.

My whole point is that yes, we do determine the crowd we have by not only how we run our show but by quality and content of the music.

Glad to see some of the rest of you hanging in there also.  I'll also will continue until it's no longer fun.  

Kelly
Author:  Lonman [ Thu Mar 02, 2006 9:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
I'll continue as long as there are gigs to work & pay.  I know quite a few people that are well into their 50's & some in their 60's hosting & doing well.
I listen to the music of today, but couldn't tell you who half of them are - just like what happened in the 80's & 90's, they are all sounding the same again.  When anyone asks for a band I don't know I just hand them my request board & tell them to write down their requests & i'll try to get them soon - we do pull for language as well per the clubs request & as I used to fight it saying we'd lose customers - which we did, what I didn't anticipate is the GAIN of better singers, so I quit arguing a few years back.
Author:  Babs [ Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
You are telling me you aren't surprised when a youngster sings
a song that was written way before they were born?

I'm not saying there is anything wrong with it - I am actually very amused
by it.
Author:  Steven Kaplan [ Fri Mar 03, 2006 8:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
Quote:
You are telling me you aren't surprised when a youngster sings
a song that was written way before they were born?



Of course MANY of us aren't surprised Bab's,  "Oldies", and "Classic Rock" stations are EVERYWHERE now-adays,  The classic's WE grew up with as the british invasion, and even the 1970's classic ballads are ALL over now-adays..

Look at it this way,  Kid's that watch Nickelodean on cable TV,  often like our old black and white programs every bit as much as we did...

EVEN as early as the  late 1980's, I new 14 year old kids that loved "CLassic Rock of the 60's",  In New England, and city areas (Especially where you are around CHicago)  Classic ROck radio has BROUGHT BACK the old songs !    They aren't really OLD.... THey are STILL being played !!!

"Oldies" radio stations are all over... In many many work places, and homes !
Author:  Karaokespirit [ Fri Mar 03, 2006 10:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
I'm the youngest 55 yr. old you're ever going to meet. That's what I tell everyone at my shows.
I started as a KJ when I was 50 yrs. old. Now it's the only thing I do. I'm not retired and never plan to retire. I'll be doing this as long as I can get someone to lift my speakers onto the stands, when I can no longer lift them. I love it, I live it and it keeps me young at heart, although the body hurts a little sometime.
I love people and get along with "almost" everyone. I have all ages at my shows from 18 to 80 (the oldest singer I've ever had was 87 yrs. old) and all of them show me love. I get more hugs and kisses from the young ladies now than I did when I was that age and I get more "Hugs" from the guys too. I tell all of them nightly how much they mean to me and make sure to return the love they show to me.
As far as the music, I listen to the singers, what they want and try to get it if possible. I have over 12,000 songs from 1930's to today and I add every month. I listen to various radio stations and try to keep up with what's going on try to stay on top of all types/styles of music. It's impossible to do, but I try.
How long will I be a KJ? Just as long as possible.
If I'm lucky, I'll have a heart attack on stage and they can, as the song says:
"Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox If I Die"
                                                  Catch the "Spirit"
Author:  Singing Squid [ Fri Mar 03, 2006 10:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
Babs @ Fri Mar 03, 2006 9:08 am wrote:
You are telling me you aren't surprised when a youngster sings
a song that was written way before they were born?

I'm not saying there is anything wrong with it - I am actually very amused
by it.


Well, I don't know if I qualify as a "youngster" anymore, but I'd probably have you laughing most of the night.  Here's my list from a night not too long ago...

"Chantilly Lace"--The Big Bopper (Late 50s?)
"Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)--The Looking Glass (1972--the year I was born)
"The Letter"--The Box Tops (mid-to-late 60s, IIRC)
"On The Dark Side"--John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band (1983)

So, 3 of 4 that night were my age or older...just because we weren't there, doesn't mean the music isn't good or that we don't know about it!!   :oh yeah:
Author:  karyoker [ Fri Mar 03, 2006 10:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
One Night we went into a campus bar CSU on a halloween night. It was sro only.. I finally got up to sing and done some old hank williams. Iwas trying to get back to the bar stool One of the cutest little things hugged me and said you remind me of my grandpa... My sensitivity took it more as an insult to my age. It happened again at another bar and I took it more as a compliment.  When it happened a third time it hit me like a rock... I had this gals respect but most of all I had her love.

But I never will forget the time a lil gal came runnin up Are you going to do your song?  Which one?   " Baby Get Back"  I fell on the floor in hysterical laughter. It was my song for about a year...
Author:  Steven Kaplan [ Fri Mar 03, 2006 11:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
Quote:
Well, I don't know if I qualify as a "youngster" anymore



Back in the "FidoNet" Stationary BBS days, We had a few Musicians rooms. The "Guitar" room made one acception for a member who was under 35 as qualifying for the prestigious "OF" category  (which stands for Old Fart). In those days at least, a guitarist of 35 or older might qualify as an "Old Fart".  There was always arguments of course, because the "OF"s were the veterans with abit more knowledge of some of the "cool" stuff..  They also had more gear.  Since everyone that belonged to the room had GAS (Guitar Aquisition Syndrome) it was the "OF
s" that had the most interesting collections !
Author:  Karaokespirit [ Fri Mar 03, 2006 12:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
I realized that I was beginning to get older the first time I bought a beautiful young lady a drink and she said "Thank you, Sir." :dancin: "May not be good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was!"
Author:  Steven Kaplan [ Fri Mar 03, 2006 12:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
At least you get one chance at bat !   I've been waiting on the bench for quite some time.
Author:  Lonman [ Fri Mar 03, 2006 1:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
Babs @ Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:08 am wrote:
You are telling me you aren't surprised when a youngster sings
a song that was written way before they were born?

I'm not saying there is anything wrong with it - I am actually very amused
by it.


I don't understand why you'd be surprised at all.  Most children grow up listening to what their parents listen to (I know i did - LOTS of 50's-60's rock & country also through the 70's) & most of the time will like & enjoy it - at least until they turn into teens, then they'd have to tell their friends oh that music is lame while still secretly loving it.  Now they turn 21 go into a bar sing karaoke for the first time, chances are it's going to be one of the older songs the break their vocal virginity on over something new.
Author:  knightshow [ Fri Mar 03, 2006 1:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: For us "older" folks
Yep! I turned my ex's kids onto Billy Joel in a BIG way... and now they're as big of fans of his work as me, if not moreso.

I taught them to listen for the lyrics. Imagine my chagrin when they found the song "Captain Jack"! LOL!
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