It’s a common occurrence at local restaurants, pool halls, and anywhere a bachelorette party is taking place that makes some cringe and others perk up in expectation. Karaoke, whether you love it or hate it, if you are a regular on the stage or have never mustered up the courage for it, is a fun and unique pastime when you can enjoy the company of your friends and family, order up a drink or two, indulge in a great meal, and listen to the entertainment (or humiliation, depending on your point of view).
If you have yet to visit our restaurant, 4 Way Bar & Grill, it’s time to come and experience the festivities, the great food, and, of course, the karaoke! To get you in the spirit of it all, here is a brief history of karaoke.
From the Japanese words kara (empty) and oke (short for “orchestra”), karaoke is a surprisingly new form of entertainment. It got its start in the 1970s in Kobe City on Osaka Bay in central Japan. The legend goes that when a guitarist was unable to perform at a bar, the owner would prepare tapes and a vocalist would sing along. Ever since ancient times, the Japanese would try to liven up a party when a guest would begin singing and others would clap along to keep time, whether or not the vocalist was good or not. With the invention of karaoke boxes in 1984, local restaurants and establishments began advertising karaoke rooms in which people could sing to their heart’s content.
If that’s not enough to make you grab the mic and start rocking it out, here are a few reasons why you should try it.
It’s Not That Scary
We understand that it can be overwhelming getting up in front of people you don’t know and start performing, especially when singing is something you only do in the shower. But the hardest part is getting up from your seat and getting behind the mic. However, when you have the mic in your hand and the music starts playing, and the crowd starts clapping along, you’ll find that the energy is enough to keep you going.
You Will Get Better
You may be thinking that if you do get up and sing, once will be more than enough. But you may be surprised to find how addicting the rush can be. Once you have endured one song, you will keep coming back for more, and you will get better with each pass. You will find it’s easier to put some power behind the lyrics which will fuel the restaurant’s energy.
Spend Time With Friends
When your Friday night has become a cycle of “what do you want to do tonight?” “I don’t know, what do you want to do?” It’s time to break the routine! Gather your friends, put on your cowboy boots and come to 4 Way Bar & Grill! You can make sure that everyone in your group sings at least one song and everyone else is obligated to cheer and clap regardless of how out of tune the singer is. Karaoke is a great way to get out of your comfort zone, spend time with friends doing something out of the ordinary, and maybe even meet new friends!
So Many Songs to Sing
You have probably been to a karaoke event and have seen the giant book of songs you can choose from. Whatever your taste in music is, there is probably a song that you have memorized the lyrics to and can rock out even without the music. If you’re worried about getting up there and fumbling over the lyrics, you can rely on the screen. Here are some of the most popular karaoke songs in case you need some help making a choice:
- Hey Jude – The Beatles
- I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
- Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
- Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
- Like a Virgin – Madonna
- Something to Talk About – Bonnie Raitt
- Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffett
- Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
- Say It Ain’t So – Weezer
- Torn – Natalie Imbruglia
So now you know the history of karaoke, four great reasons to try it, and even a list of songs to choose from. If that’s not enough, you can at least come to our restaurant and experience the great food, tasty margaritas, or you can challenge a friend to a game of pool if karaoke really isn’t for you. When you come to 4 Way Bar & Grill, you can always expect to be among family.
