I was first introduced to karaoke while vacationing in 1992. I was staying at a resort in Mishicot, Wisconsin. At night in the lounge they had karaoke. I was immediately taken by the prospect of giving it a try.
Feelin' the "Zoot Suit Riot"
As with anyone first discovering karaoke, I watched and listened to the host who demonstrated how it worked. While I checked out the song list, I enjoyed a few others sing their songs. I finally decided on my song, filled out the slip and handed it in.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
The anticipation and nervous energy mounted as I awaited my turn. Finally the moment arrived. My name was called and I headed on stage. After a brief chat with the host, my song, Bad, Bad Leroy Brown, started. I followed the words and sang the song I knew. I finished the song, the audience applauded. I was hooked!!!
When I got home from vacation, I told a friend about the karaoke experience and how cool it was. A few weeks later she mentioned that she'd found a place in Minnetonka that actually had karaoke. So I and a few from work made plans to check it out.
From these tentative beginnings, I worked my way to frequenting different karaoke venues seven (7) nights a week. I'd travel from one end of the Twin Cities to the other.
I FOUND MORE BACK HOME
As I think about the karaoke community at large, I have to say I've met some of the nicest people. I have plenty of karaoke acquaintances and a number of good friends that I would never have met if it wasn't for karaoke at various venues. Ah, the power of song!!!
I look forward to traveling as I seek out new places to sing. Where have I performed karaoke?
FRIENDS AND TRAVEL
* Mishicot, Wisconsin
* Orlando, Florida
* Fort Lauderdale, Florida
* Williamsburg, Virginia
* New Port, Rhode Island
* New Port, Oregon
* Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
* San Clemente, California
* Las Vegas, Nevada
* Minnesota State Fair
* Aboard Carnival Cruiseline's TRIUMPH
THINGS JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER
I still head out a couple times a week. Besides enjoying the performing aspect of karaoke, I've done some karaoke contest judging (e.g., WE Fest Karaoke Contest 2004; various Primere Entertainment contests 2003-2010; Stoli-oke Lavendar Idol contest 2005, 2006).
In 1999 while participating in a karaoke contest I was interviewed for and quoted in an article on karaoke published in the Star Tribune newspaper. A few years later, I was again interviewed for and appeared in a karaoke news story on KARE.
In 2002, I had the chance to purchase a karaoke system from a friend. I just couldn't pass up the opportunity. I took the plunge and decided that I was going to focus on private parties, have more fun and share my love of karaoke with others. Thus, Galaxy ofStars Karaoke was born.
If you'd be interested in having me host a party for you, please contact me. I look forward to meeting you. Let's have some karaoke fun together.
Kool 108 started doing karaoke on the radio on April 4, 2008 and I was there (click my picture to see the video).
+ Many locations across the greater Twin Cities area
