unleashing your inner william hung
As I sit here perusing Sticks of Fire this morning, trying to present some guise of work that will keep The Man off my back, I’m listening to a group of co-workers hanging around the company coffee pot, prattling on about American Idol.
It amazes me to no end how a glorified karaoke contest can capture the attention of not just Americans but millions of other TV zombies around the world (it was called Pop Idol in the UK, ya know; Katie Couric didn’t know that the other morning, but I digress). It also brought to mind just how popular karaoke has remained in all the various bars around Tampa. I’d much rather watch local folks singing their hearts out in person instead of on TV.
I used to hang out at Good Time Charlie’s on Waters Avenue and was actually impressed with how well some of those folks performed. Lately I’ll stop in at Elmer’s on MacDill Avenue on Saturday nights to check out the local talent. I’ve even seen a few amateurs jump up on stage with the legendary JGLB over the years and nobody ever got hurt.
So my question to you, fellow SOF faithful, is which karaoke joint in town do you think is the best? Also, if you’re good enough to sing with a live band, who would it be?
Tags: music, tampa, things to do
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April 20th, 2006 at 4:49 pm
Pegasus Lounge on 30th Street in Tampa.
On Wednesday nights, they offer pornaoke - karaoke with adult films playing in the backround.
April 20th, 2006 at 5:30 pm
I went to a birthday party once at the Azalea Lounge on Fl. Ave., and they had a mean karaoke, not to mention a pretty nice outdoor patio area.
The other best local karaoke I’ve done has been in people’s living rooms.
Nothing says karaoke to me like singing Joe Cocker after about 4 or 5 whiskeys.
April 20th, 2006 at 8:58 pm
I’ve been to Good Time Charlie’s - good stuff there. Gaspar’s Patio on 50th in Temple Terrace has some good stuff too.
And David…I’ll see your Joe Cocker, and raise you It’s The End of the World as We Know It. Yes, in front of people.
April 21st, 2006 at 6:20 am
The only place I ever ever ever considered singing karaoke was in New Orleans. Some lame bar at about 4am when I was so drunk I felt sober again.
April 21st, 2006 at 9:51 am
Try doing “Pinch Me” by Barenaked Ladies! That one takes practice, as I found out the one and only time I attempted it. Worse than that was “What’s the Frequency Kenneth” by R.E.M. Weirdest lyrics I’ve ever seen on a screen.
April 21st, 2006 at 11:32 am
I like just about anything by Garth Brooks for karaoke, though I haven’t done it in a while; Two Pina Coladas is probably the best karaoke song ever. The great thing about Garth’s music for karaoke is neither he nor I can carry a tune in a bucket.
April 21st, 2006 at 1:38 pm
Besides a place known as the “Wild Bar” in New Orleans years ago, I’m all for the cheap drinks at Elmer’s. It would take several for me to sing live, although I may occasionally make an exception for an up and coming band named “Trainwreck.”
May 7th, 2006 at 11:56 am
Good Time Charlie’s on Waters Ave in Tampa USED to be a great place, but lately the owner is more concerned about $$ than customer service and appreciation. The bartenders and manager have no personality, and treat you like a nobody. And if you ever drop in one night and see that the KDJ is a very tall thin man whose name starts with a K, turn around and walk out. He also covers the door as security some nights and sits there and broods all night. I have been going there for about 2 years and finally experienced the last straw. I tried to cheer him up when I first arrived one night by saying hello and offering to tell him a joke and he said “Say one word to me and I WILL stab you.” The owner would have backed him up, believe me. He treats customers like he’s doing THEM a favor by letting them sing. The only friendliness you’ll find there is from other customers, the waitresses and the other KDJ, B.R. They karaoke every night of the week, but Saturdays are the only days worth going. Anybody know a good bar in Tampa that does karaoke on Friday and Saturdays?
May 27th, 2006 at 3:27 pm
the best karaoke in tampa happens on tuesdays at Bobalouie’s on skipper road east of skippers smokehouse.
west of 22nd street a small strip mall houses it.
they have karaoke tues weds fri and sat but i only go on tuesdays.
May 31st, 2006 at 4:35 pm
Check out our shows at http://www.mysticentertain.com We’ve got over 22,000 songs, with a killer sound system.