The weekends tend to go by so fast. Last weekend, in fact was a whirlwind…and when I say a whirlwind, I am of course talking about the whirling magic of karaoke (duh). I have not been able to go by one weekend with out getting a small amount (at least) of karaoke in. I recently bought a karaoke video game for my PS2, which included a microphone (that sealed the deal). Since buying this wondrous Karaoke Revolution video game, I have not been able to stop. I think in the last couple weeks I have used the thing at least 3 times a week for a couple hours at a time (that is passion). I feel like I am in American Idol but, in my living room.

Now, I am not usually into video games (I still have a PS2) and I am not an amazing singer but, this is not just any game. It judges you on pitch, tone and tempo and did I mention, you feel like a star. So as the obsession goes…I have ventured out and found that the VFW in uptown has karaoke Friday through Sunday every week. The atmosphere here is okay, full of hipsters and veterans (literally). It is quite cramped but, the microphone is practically whispering for you to come over and give it a try!

When I was at the VFW last, I sang Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler. The start was quite nerve racking (from living room to live) but, after about 30 seconds in I was belting my little heart out. I even received a compliment from some lady that was attending an all girls night out. I am starting to think this whole karaoke thing has gotten a bit out of hand. It may make me feel like a star for a little bit but, can it be of use in real life or am I wasting time on star filled dreams.

After a little bit of digging, I realized that a lot of people are WAY into this karaoke thing. This is not just a fad and has been around for quite awhile. It was developed in Japan in the 60′s and 70′s and then patented in the Philippines in the 80′s. It is quite amazing how the Asians are so into it. They have full out, karaoke rooms, which include couches, a huge television, disco lights and all the microphones you can imagine. When it first came out it looked very much like an arcade game and now…you can have karaoke video games, karaoke on your mobile device, computer and in your car (which sounds unsafe). What does sound cool is a karaoke taxi cab (think of cash cab with singing and no cash).

Though karaoke is much more popular in other countries, it is creeping up as favorite here as well. Japan’s love of karaoke rooms are invading as well. I just read about one, in Eagan, MN called DoReMi. The website is kind of scary but, for not that much money you get a private room for about 15 people, food and microphones. It seems as though Minneapolis should get more of these but for now, they do have karaoke in a lot of bars, restaurants and you can rent the equipment and take it to a venue of your choice. So…whether you are shy or made for the stage, there are a lot of choices for you.

With all of these options I do believe this past time can be marked as an okay one to have. This all may have something to do with how much of a Gleek I am as well. :) Oh well.

That is all for now.