Sunday was the first time any Hooters has ever hosted karaoke in any of the 50 states in the Union, and the speakers couldn't handle the greatness. It's tough as a KJ chartering new territory to anticipate any problems that might occur at a new venue. Due to lack of familiarity with how compatible his equipment with the sound system at Hooters would be, Gary Palmer had a late start.
I anticipated as much. Being a veteran, you must know NEVER be on time for karaoke. It's not one of those time sensitive jobs like driving a train or a bus. Some people, I felt, took it a little too seriously. Honestly, it's a short window of time to sing 8 - 11pm. They came on time or early. Me? I'm always late. That is unless I'm stressed, then I MUST SING NOW. You will see me early only then! Still, I'm very understanding. Things happen. He had technical difficulties. It takes at least a few times to get familiar with the house speakers, PA's, and monitors.
The venue also closes early. It's not like places in San Francisco where they cut off the list at last call 1:30am sometimes later. The suburbs have different zoning and codes for entertainment not to mention demographic of people who don't usually party into the late hours. This new location has a lot of potential. I heard a lot of complaints about the food, the service, the fact that Gary didn't take CD's. It's a new day and age. This era of KJ MUST have a laptop. For portability's sake, it's a must. Not every location has a huge stage to set up on or a dance floor large enough for your library of CD's and the rest of your rig.
You can request a song that isn't in the book from the KJ to download off the internet if it isn't on his hard drive already. Always ask a KJ if they have a song that's not on their printed song list on their hard drive. Printing costs are hefty! It would not be cost effective for a Karaoke Jockey to reprint his books EVERY time he downloaded a new song. On average a song can run anywhere between $2.99 to $5. Tip and see where that gets you. If you really REALLY MUST sing it NOW, where there's a will, there's a way. Believe me KJ's are easy. Money talks.
I felt the older patrons who were used to other restaurants and bars with older more seasoned staff and service were expecting a bit too much from this young Hooters crowd. They're young girls not veteran waitresses. We did sit ourselves down without being sat down by the hostess. Things aren't going to go seamlessly when you're not using your own gear which you are completely comfortable and familiar with. Good news is the youngsters who were at Hooters were TOTALLY into it. They're going to be the regulars at this new location anyway. It's not really for your older more serious crowd for sure. Let the kids have somewhere to play.
There are plenty of karaoke places for everyone to enjoy that are a better fit for personality, palate, and price. I foresee this being a VERY popular spot, and a new generation of karaoke addicts cropping up. Exccccellent!
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