Karaoke Forums

I know this topic has been brought up a few other times, but in light of recent experiences, I feel it is time to start looking for fresh perspectives again.

I currently have 3 shows, Wed, Sat, & Sun. The Sat is fine, but the other 2 are struggling. People that find my shows, and wander in have a great time, and are usually blown away by the selection.

The problem is getting people there. I know once they come to see my show, they will have a good time and come back.

The obvious problem here- how do I get people to come down for that 1st time?

I have posted flyers all over the areas, put signs up all over the bars, registered with every internet search engine- both local & National- that I could find. I send out emails to everyone's email addy I have collected, and have a 'tell a friend' promo.

What am I missing here? I am almost pulling the hair out.

P.S.: The Wed nite bar also does a Sat nite show, where the place is standing room only. The person doing the show is a former stripper, and has a lousy selection, and knows nothing about sound except "PLAY IT LOUD". The owner looks at me and says if she can do it, why can't I get more then 10-15 people. I am beginning to wonder myself.......

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Let's Kick the Tires and Light the Fires!

I live in an area that really doesn not have the population base to support a weeknight show. I have maaged to build a fairly successful Thursday night show though, but even so it is not as well attended as my weekend shows.

As you state, even a lousy KJ can get a good crowd on the weekend because people are already out and about looking for something to do. During the week, you almost have to cater to a bit more hardcore karaoke crowd.

Perhaps the venue could help itself by running some sort of drink special during the karaoke show.

Another thing to try is to offer to split the cost of an ad in the local paper with the venue. People won't come if they don't know there's a show there. I think flyers are a waste of time and money, and I'll bet that 97% of all flyers simply become litter on the ground.

If you're really desperate, you could always resort to running the dreaded contest. It's a pain fer sure, but it is a pretty hi profile way to get your show noticed.

My Thursday night show has developed with singers who are frustrated by the long rotations at my weekend shows. I've started billing it as "New Music Thursdays" and as a "Singer's Show" where people (regular karaoke siners or not) can come and try out new music in an extra-supportive environment. They come and sing, and if they suck, we just chalk it up to NEW MUSIC THURSDAY! Regulars at my other shows use the shorter rotations to try new music or to polish pieces for when they are in fron of the big crowds on Friday and Saturday nights.

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Spreading the karaoke gospel

That could be one reason....hehehe. One thing to try, is get with the Saturday DJ and see if you can promote each other at that venue. Have her announce that there is Karaoke on Wednesdays and you do the sme for her. It benefits both of you and the establishment.

I currently have a Wednesday show in a very small town and we pack 'em in every Wednesday. And we have tried Karaoke at the same place on the weekend and it didn't do so well. There is no easy fix-all answer to this dilemma. But to keep trying.

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OUTLOUD Karaoke, where everyone is a star.

Sometimes its Location, sometimes its timing.

Shows starting at 7:00 pm and ending at 11:00 pm seem to work best here weekdays. most people, even drunks, have to work the next day.

Shows on Weekends here usually start at 9:00pm, and last till 4-5:00 am

If your market is oversaturated with karaoke, getting started is tough till you get a reputation.

I have a reputation here for being Entertaining as well as having the best sound in the area. I don't play loud, you couldnt stand it. But I surround the room with sound. I mix for each individual singer so they sound their best.

as a last resort......... hire a Stripper.

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I'm Not Dead yet...... But every day Im getting Closer !

Thanks so far. It is strange how different parts of the country do differrent things. When I went to Atlanta, they ONLY have karaoke on weekdays, and here it is usually weekends. The owner doesn't want to commit to advertising, because he is so near to pulling the plug.

I guess another factor I didn't mention is that he has a pool league there on Wed, and they hate the loud music. Even when I have it on 1/2 the power I usually use, they complain. Unfortunately tho, there are more pool players than singers- especially that drink, and I become 2nd class.

This past Wed I ran a contest, and sure enough, 13 singers showed up. 5 had sodas, 1 had water, and the winner of the $20 2nd place bartab only had a $2.50 draft! To award the prize money, I had to take a pay deduction.

I think it may be time to write this show off as experience.....

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Let's Kick the Tires and Light the Fires!

We used to have that problem with dart players. The dart players spent more money eventually (well they went from 2 boards to 8 & started leagues). Darts & karaoke NEVER mixed, now I have quite a few dart players that sing but it did take some time.
Contests - Anytime you have a contest, either have them submit an entry fee (for the prize $$), or any contestant that wants to compete has to spend a minimum $5 in the bar either on food or drink (virgin drinks are non-alcoholic if this is their issue).
Did your contestants bring anyone in besides themselves? Our contestants generally do not drink much, but they often bring in friends that do.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

This is one of the reasons why a lot of shows don't make it, along with location. For some reason bar owners do not understand the concept of "you have to spend money to make money". And the thing is the easiest/cheapest way to do it is to put it on the marquee. We play one place who had us on the marquee for a couple of months and it was building nicely and for some reason they took it off and things started dying. I spoke to them to put us back up and since December they have been having the best sales they've ever had.

It takes teamwork. The bar to let people know you're there and to come in and you to put on a great show so they keep coming back. Only through cooperation will you both be successful.