Entertainment

KARAOKE: Music To Other’s Ears?

By Jim T. Chong the Wok Star / Legend Maker

Jim Chong

No matter our culture and background, most strive to live a happy and healthy life. As we consider this past decade and current events, I often hear people wanting to “focus on the positive”, “be healthy”, and often “live a stress free life”. One thing that is tantamount is what we do with our time. Entertainment is captivating, usually draws the most attention, and is often the centerpiece to any news or stories in the media.

Putting everything aside, entertainment serves us all well in its purest form. Pretty much anything that amuses us and can put a smile on our face, we can define as entertaining. What do you do for entertainment?

Singers from Karaoke Event

After talking with hundreds of people on this subject, I find that “Entertainment” can take many forms. Who’s to say that someone working is not simultaneously entertaining themselves? Some people “work” 24/7 but if they really love what they do, does that mean that cannot be their form of entertainment?

Regardless, I find that one universal form of entertainment is music. Music is known to be therapeutic, relaxing, and can definitely bring people together.

Being involved in putting together events and providing specifically Karaoke at various venues, I am understanding more about why Karaoke is so popular but also why it carries a stigma based on people’s experiences or understanding of exactly what it is. Many people in America can view Karaoke as a release and would possibly define it as “bad singing in bars.” While in some cases this may be an accurate depiction, this is not always the case. In actuality, many that do Karaoke are some of the best local singers in their community.

But what is Karaoke?

It is cited that, in Japanese, Karaoke finds its origin from singing to an “empty or missing orchestra.” The name was derived from a situation where when the musicians went on strike, a music track was played instead of the live orchestra so the performance could continue. Since then people have started using tracks of music to sing with. Not only does it give people the ability to sing their favorite songs to music, but Karaoke machines and venues are popular because they bring people together and let people “cut loose” and have a great time that builds a sense of “togetherness” or community when you think about it.

It should be noted that while Karaoke may have its stigmas, it gives the ability for people to perform a variety of songs with minimal rehearsals. It should be noted that Karaoke is simply someone singing to tracks. Today with technology, we have the words appear on the screen. However, there was a time when the words were on paper or memorized in many cases. It could be argued that any singer actually performing to recorded music is actually doing karaoke.

Today, as I visit various venues including wineries, restaurants, hotels, I see a variety of situations where people do Karaoke. Interestingly, I find that Karaoke gives people an opportunity to actually overcome their fears and inhibitions or just get away from the stresses of life. I also find it as an avenue for people to really build community. It really makes sense if you think of all the positive aspects of music in general, but especially when you bring people of all backgrounds, experiences, and cultures together.

Many cities have singing communities that come together at various locations doing Karaoke. People are brought together in many ways for entertainment, my hope is that people will find their communities that are supportive and connect them to different experiences. Karaoke can definitely play a key role in that endeavor. So when you are able, take some time to pick up the mic and take center stage…and be the “music in someone’s ear.”

Citywide karaoke coming to a city near you.

McKenzie and Matty rocking it

Upcoming singer Sha’Lena McCoy

Rochelle and Mike

Alice on the mic

The Original G-Man of Hip-Hop

“Together, let’s not just make a difference…Let’s Make History!”

Lennys mom at event

For More Information, Contact: Jim T. Chong the “Wok Star” - Hybrid Media Marketing PR Publicist Next Level Media; Visibility Professional, Founder of Global Chamber Cooperative (916)747-9366 • JTC.Publicist@gmail.com http://www.ZoomTurtle.com