by Michael Cannata

Created on: April 21, 2008   Last Updated: December 15, 2011

Growing up in the 60's I had a rock band that played at school dances and local clubs. I was the lead singer in all my bands. When I started my own family  I left behind the life I'd enjoyed as a singer. My instruments were consigned to the basement. My dream of singing the classics with a big band behind me faded... Until that day I walked into a pub and discovered the magic of Karaoke.

I was on an overnight business trip and stopped in to pass some time and have a beer. Instead of having a game on the TV they had a Karaoke setup on a small stage. The DJ was trying his hardest to get people to come up and sing. It looked like fun.

After listening to a couple of people stumble through their song without being abused by the mostly indifferent crowd I decided to give it a try. My love of singing was still strong. I figured I couldn't do any worse and I was pretty sure I wouldn't run into anyone I knew.

The DJ started "That's Life" and I felt the music move me in a way I hadn't experienced in years. I bellowed out the lyrics with the kind of blustery gusto that only 15 years of pent up frustration can inspire. When two drunks at the bar, the bartender, the waitress and a good looking woman in a booth broke into applause I was hooked. I was a Star again! The secret craving I had to sing has turned into a full blown addiction. It's a hunger that can only be satisfied by Karaoke.

I've become a frequent and well known regular at any bar that offers Karaoke in my town. There is no place too small, dark or dingy that I won't go to get my Karaoke fix. I consider four customers a crowd and as long as they're awake I'm satisfied. Like all addictions, Karaoke has been a source of both pleasure and pain. The pleasure is mine. The pain is something my family has learned to deal with. My voice hasn't suffered the aging process well.

My wife no longer takes me to the local supermarket. She lives in fear of meeting someone who might recognize me when I'm with her. I don't see that as a bad thing. My kids don't invite their friends over anymore. They don't think I'm as funny as their friends do when I walk around the house singing. Dads who enjoy demonstrating their Karaoke skills are something less than cool in a teenager's eye.

I've given up trying to get them to listen to the CD's of my best tunes at home. There are too many ways out of the room to keep them in. But I never miss the chance to play them when they're locked in the car with me. A captive audience is better than none at all.

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