by John Hoty

Created on: July 31, 2007

There is really only one guaranteed formula for hosting a successful karaoke party: shame on tap. Assuming we're all adults here, by now we've realized that karaoke feels best when it's done amongst friends who have accepted us for who we are and who we are not. Most of us, certainly, are NOT professional singers and though we all love to belt out a tune on a daily basis - in the shower, in the car, at work, during happy hour - it is a hard truth that the noise we produce is rather unpleasant to the bystanding ear. How do we ease our suffering...? Karaoke, of course!

Most karaoke machines for the home are very affordable and great for any size party. But buying the machine is only the first step. You must announce your party and its purpose with a reinforced belief that karaoke is not only fun, but a great way for friends to get together and shamelessly sing in front of one another. It's a great source of entertainment that will carry on through the evening once you, as the host, break the ice and croon your way through the first awkward song of the evening. Whether you stink or are actually somewhat decent is beside the point - it's all about having fun and sharing the love of some of your favorite rock 'n roll tunes and heartfelt ballads. We all have a song that we love to sing. Some of us have several. These are the people that you need to assemble for your party so that once your guests take turns, the rotation never stops.

Is it important to serve booze at your party? No, it is imperative. The more your guests imbibe and loosen up, the more their inhibitions about performing will evaporate and the more they'll want to sing! Karaoke, after all, found its spotlight in the bars and taverns of cities large and small around the globe. "A shot of courage," as they say, "is all you need before taking the stage."

Karaoke is a reliable source of entertainment for parties big and small, formal and informal. Once the songs begin, the mood becomes infectious and soon no one will be able to resist the beckoning of the microphone and stage. All those practice rounds in the shower, in the car, at work and during happy hour have prepared your guests for their star-shining moment when they make that classic ditty all their own in the comforts of your living room. Rock on!

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