With A Grain Of Salt

By Tim “Tubbs” Hoffman

After reading the Karaoke Guide, I’ve noticed so many articles about what makes a good karaoke host. I’m going to touch on a few things on that make a good karaoke singer.

After hosting over 15-plus years in this crazy business, here are a few things that really could make a better karaoke singer. Take it with a grain of salt.

“Do I Give This Request Slip To You?”
I’m not sure where you go for karaoke, but at most places, if you see a person up there talking on a microphone and playing music, chances are that’s your host. Give your slip to that person, enough said.

“When Am I Next?” or “How Long Is The Rotation?”
Oh my gosh, look around your place of karaoke, do you see a lot of people? Chances are most if not all those people are singing, it’s a karaoke bar. Sit down, enjoy your coffee or soda, enjoy the free snacks on the table and kindly wait your turn. Trust your karaoke host, really, they know what’s going on.

“Can I Sing Next My Friends Are Leaving?”
Were you just up a few singers ago? If so, I DON’T THINK SO. Your karaoke host is trained in sound and lighting and showmanship, we are not travel agents, don’t whine. “C’mon, c’mon it’s just one song”. We are not being jerks, other people have been waiting just as long as you have, and trust me, each singer out there is paying attention to the rotation. On the other side of the coin, if you have not been up yet and you’re just a couple of singers behind, most karaoke hosts will move you up in the rotation.

“Did You Lose My Request Slip”
NO! Refer to #2, then refer to #1 - did you give me one?

Okay folks are you with me so far? Isn’t this fun? Now on a side note, here’s a few things that happen and will slow down the show; not filling out the request slip properly, I can’t tell you how many times Pasty Cline and Garth Brooks have sang in my karaoke club. Please put YOUR name on it. And for all you smarties that have nicknames and such, use that name all night long don’t try and slip in another song using a different name.

Put the song number on it. In some books, you’ll see more than one version of the song, as the singer you should know what version suits you, If the karaoke place does not have your version, DO NOT throw a fit, we’re hoping you either know more than one song, or just use whatever version is in the songbook. If you’re that into karaoke, you’d have your own disc. If it’s your first time singing, just pick one and I’m sure the host will play the better version.

If somebody sang the same song you put up, sing it better, or switch your song with another, it doesn’t matter to us we just want you happy.

Look for the next part of this entry in the July issue and remember, “Take It With A Grain Of Salt” and give us a break.