Worcester’s Karaoke Craze

By Kim Dunbar

We’ve all done it.  We’ve belted out the lyrics to our favorite songs in the shower or in the safety of our cars while driving.  In these places where no one can hear us, we are our own American Idols.  Who cares if Simon called it a little pitchy or Randy thought it was “a’ight,” we sang loud and proud and weren’t being judged.

Take these reasons, mix in some alcohol, and you have the answer as to why we flock to karaoke bars for a good time.  “Karaoke lets you rock out to close representations of the original rock songs, but gives you a chance to sing them yourself. You get to be the rock star for your favorite songs,” said Scott, 27, of Worcester.

Megan, 24, also of Worcester, agrees.  “Everyone loves to sing but no one likes to do it in front of others. At karaoke everyone knows this, so the awkwardness and judging is laid to rest when you get on stage,” said the self-proclaimed master at karaoke (but only after a few drinks).

For some, liquid confidence is a prerequisite for grabbing the mic.  “Karaoke should not be attempted stone sober,” said Monica, 25, of Worcester. “At least one drink should be imbibed to lubricate the vocal chords,” she added. This kind of support is found at your local bar, which is why so many of them are hosting karaoke nights for their songbird patrons. Fun + profit is a winning combination!

Emerald Isle in Worcester hosts karaoke every Thursday and Friday night, and beginning on Wednesdays in September, the bar will start Emerald Idol 3, a karaoke contest modeled after and run just like the Fox reality show.  The pub offers a $1,000 cash prize to the winner. “The three judges even drink out of Coca Cola cups,” said John Lloyd, Emerald Isle owner. On karaoke nights the bar offers appetizer and draft specials to a packed audience, all of them enjoying themselves whether they are singing or sightseeing.  “Karaoke has made a comeback,” said Lloyd.  “It is individualized and people can put their own spin on their favorite songs,” he explained.

Andy Rome, owner of Classics Pub in Leominster, enjoys the live bands he hosts on the weekends but loves the nights his bar hosts karaoke ~ Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.  “People like to sing and karaoke is inexpensive entertainment,” said Rome, who added that the bar is always crowded on karaoke nights. “It’s not about whether you are good or bad, it is about getting up there and just doing it, and having a good time,” he said, even though some nights he is amazed at how talented some of the singers are.

Partners Pub in Fitchburg hosts karaoke every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and entertains bigger crowds than they see on nights they have live bands.  “My boss came up with the idea years ago and they have turned out to be the busiest nights of the week!” said bartender Lauren Cormier.  “People have fun I guess!”

Heather, 26, of Auburn frequents karaoke bars. “I think that most everyone has a performer’s bone in their body and karaoke is a way for them to get up on a small stage, knowing that they have the security of the screen, the practice with the shower loofah… and it’s just plain fun,” she said.

Advice from Rome: “If you haven’t been to a karaoke show, you have to go see one.”  And as a karaoke “pro” myself, I have to agree!  And even if you aren’t yet 21 and can’t put away a drink or two for that extra confidence, just go have fun…no-one’s going to judge you and it’s just a good vibe all around!