Karaoke Forums

There's a KJ that I know who plays a mean harmonica while he does karaoke

Another time, before I became a KJ, I witnessed a guy play the spoons to Billie Jean. I thought playing the spoons was a myth, until then. He was excellent. It felt like something I'd witness again by the same guy, but no. Never saw him again.

As a KJ, a guy plays the sax I think like 2x a year tops, alongside a choice instrumental karaoke track. He hasn't done it in a while though.

One night a young keyboardist asked if he could plug in and play along. I always oblige folks to keep my show interesting. He could sing to but he mostly played alongside any karaoke song that came up. Folks really dug it. He made $20 that night too. I took his # and invited him to return whenever. He came back once more. It was another fun night. He got a lot of attention especially by the ladies. I'll bet in a band he's unnoticed on stage. But bring your keyboards to a venue and play by ear along with karaoke instrumentals and ladies were swooning. He loved it. Folks also enjoyed singing with live keyboards backing them up.

I announce regularly that people are welcome to bring in instruments to play if they like. In fact, we are doing a mixed karaoke/open mic starting next week at one of the bars I have been working.

But at my downtown Seattle show I have had harmonicas, guitars, banjos, keyboards, saxophone, and a trumpet. Oh, and a flute.

I have one patron that keeps promising to bring in a theremin.

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-Chris

Over the years I have had many patrons bring in instruments to play especially harmonica's, guitars, electric violin, sax, and various horns. One even did an act with a drum. Anytime the musician was good it added to the show, and pumped up the interest of the crowd, it was something different. As a host you are always looking for something new to generate interest in your show, you don't want to get stale or be like all the other hosts. A harmonica added to "Steamroller Blues" or some of the Bob Dylan songs is always a hit, if the player is good.

I allow it as long as it doesn't take extra time to plug in or tune. I've had a few sing their own compositions. For the most part it has always been a special moment.

I had a new one last night--I plugged in a phone. It was at the end of the show and a group wanted to dance to a song that I didn't have--electronic music, not karaoke. The fellow asked me if I did phones like that is a common thing in the DJ world now???? It isn't something I plan to make a habit of doing but I was curious to try it that one time.

I have allowed phones, MP3 players, iPods, iPads, laptops since the beginning. If the audience wants to hear something and the moment is right, let them supply it and go with it. I have heard some great original music doing this.

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-Chris

And I bet some you wish you hadn't

I have had several different instruments played during my shows, but I have never had them plug anything into my mixer. I would probably allow it if it didn't cause any delays in my show. I take great pride in faithfully delivering a flawless show with zero glitches.

I have a lady that plays her sax every week at my Tues night show. She is really good and the people love to hear her play.

When she first started coming to my show, I did have to warn her a few times though because she would start playing her sax while other people were singing. Right now, she can only play her sax on her turn or if the current singer tells me it's okay.

Stuff like harmonica or something small, sure bring it in. Nothing that requires amping or mic'ing up.

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I have two guys that bring a bass and one the bring his fiddle and like to play along with anyone that sings country or old rock and roll ( the bass guy ) I advertiser it as open mike/karaoke and we all have fun. That's my sat. night gig.

I have had people play harmonica, which is fine. But it's a double edged sword and I am generally against other instruments. Especially after you have some guy show up thinking karaoke is "open mic night" and he can sing all the songs he wrote that week, most of which suck.

Yup. Accordions, banjo, guitar, harmonica, flute, harmonica, etc. Love it. I think it really spices up a show!

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Sound Choice and Chartbuster Certified

We've had some harmonicas. We did a multi-band event once and a horn player form another band came up and did "Comftrombonely Numb"...