Karaoke Forums

This may sound like a bizarre topic, but I was just curious if anyone knows of any karaoke venues which would be readily accepting of Opera/Classical performances as part of the show (especially in the Los Angeles area). So far, I've had a number of not-so-good experiences with not just the crowd, but the KJ as well. Is it ethical for a KJ to put a singer down in front of the audience for any reason whatsoever, especially for singing something that is non-mainstream- and how would you deal with the situation (from either a KJ's or a participant's point of view)? Or, better yet, do any of you know any venues anywhere which cater mainly to non-mainstream genres of music? Lastly, I know of several venues which do hold karaoke contests, and some even which break the competition into genre categories so each has a chance, but I have NEVER seen one for Opera/Classical- so is there anyplace you know of that would give people who specialize in Classical genre a fair chance in a competition?

I would say, if the venue is receptive to various kinds like showtunes, they might like classical.  It depends on the crowd, the KJ and how well you sing the songs.  I think it's very rude of any KJ to make fun of any singer, but that won't stop them from doing it...I would complain to the manager, at least, and find a better place to sing.  You can always ask the KJ first if they think the crowd will like it.  People generally prefer to hear songs they know so that might be part of the problem.

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~Suzanne Lanoue~

I dunno much about the LA area...but when I'm at a karaoke club here in Raleigh and feel like a showtune...I usually start out with something I think the audience will have a good time hearing.  Usually, I'll start with an upbeat song like "This is the Moment" or "Where's the Girl" cuz they have that "pop" feel to them.  Then, if I see they are receptive, I may go for something a little more operatic, like a number from Phantom or something like that.  It's been my experience that ladies especially love music from Phantom, and they will often scold their dates for jeering a well done phantom tune....

Maybe you need to try a similar approach.  If the audience is on your side and digging what you're doing, then it becomes easier for you to try different styles that they will still accept.

Hope this helps!
Jason

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Simon: Alright, so we're missing the echo! Robert, I can honestly say you're the worst singer I've ever heard in my life!"

Robert: Thank you!

From X Factor.

I don't know about an LA area, but a friend of mine named Tim is in a venue called Rita's.

Rita's Restaurant & Lounge 138 Calistoga Rd Santa Rosa, CA 707-537-0106 Thursday Night, KJ George 8:00pm-12:00am Friday Night, KJ Tim 9:00pm-1:30am

Now Tim does Opera as well...

I think the way to do it in your own local place is to flat out ask people if they wouldn't mind. Opera is NOT everyone's cup of tea by any means. I can respect those that sing it, and especially those that sing it well... but when you're singing something in a foreign language (or even your own), but it's from something that only some people like, you're going to have difficulties.

If you go to a C&W bar and try to sing Marilyn Manson, you'll have difficulties.
If you go to a Hard Rock bar and sing Hank Williams, you might have difficulties.

I once got heckled for singing John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High" the night he died. there are just going to be idiots out there. If someone heckles you, including the KJ, you have the choice of not attending their place. I would also encourage you that if you DO make that choice, you let the management know right away the business that they are losing, and refer to your dinner and drink tab, not the singing. MONEY has a way of speaking volumes.

If it's a house kj, mention that you don't mess with him with his $8.00 an hour job, why is he or she messin' with you when you're singing something you love?

As with all things, it also helps to develope a thick skin about criticism, too.

I would think that it's just plain bad business, and extremely rude for a venue, or any of it's employee's to mock anything they provide in their library that a customer might choose.  Yet Matt brought up a good point as well.  Common sense works both ways.  If a guy goes to a place that is predominantly a rock bar and chooses to sing Mary Poppins gendre benders, he's pretty much going to be received as well as a loud fart during a sunday church service.


Have you thought of doing a web search ?  Might be something listed if you're resourceful with your search.

i would much rather sit through someone trying something a little different at a karaoke than 25 bad versions of crazy by patsy cline or i will survive  LOL think you have been offered some good advice above phoenix good luck lassie

I don't know, I have been to a lot of karaoke bars all over the country and I have yet to go to one where they didn't like a particular type of music.  I haven't seen opera, of course, but I have been to country bars where I sing disco, and bars with young people that seem to mostly sing recent stuff and sung oldies.  As long as you're good and/or confident, they usually don't mind.  Also I think that even they get sick of hearing the same type of music all the time.  Texas and Alabama sing MOSTLY country at their karaoke but they really appreciate it when anyone sings something different.

If you want to get a good crowd for opera, you might want to take voice lessons at a college or someplace where they have recitals.  That way you will get a crowd that appreciates that type of music and also you will learn how to sing it better (from the teacher).

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~Suzanne Lanoue~

Suzanne,

you're STILL talking about a type of music that was at one time pretty popular... Opera is a totally different situation... Very select group of fans there!

Yes, I agree that opera is very different. I was responding to your comment:

If you go to a C&W bar and try to sing Marilyn Manson, you'll have difficulties.
If you go to a Hard Rock bar and sing Hank Williams, you might have difficulties.

That's all!

When Cueball and I did "All I Ask of You" in Philadelphia, I was a bit reluctant (it is opera-like), but they really loved it, even though the music there was more rock and roll.  I think with some crowds they will be very impressed with anyone who sounds halfway decent with "hard" music, so they will applaud regardless.  But it definitely depends on the crowd.

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~Suzanne Lanoue~