April 24, 2011 
This past Saturday I accomplished something that was on my original list from high school-Sing Karaoke. In choosing a venue to accomplish this goal, it was necessary that I sing in front of strangers, so I couldn’t do a private room at a karaoke bar. I also desired to do it at an “authentic” Asian karaoke bar. A Facebook friend suggested Able Bar and Grill in Cary, NC, which serves authentic Chinese food and becomes a Karaoke bar late in the evening.
Able Bar and Grill is a small establishment and when we first arrived, my group of eight were practically the only ones there. I wondered if I would have much of an audience for my singing but slowly people began to trickle in as the karaoke hour loomed near. Throughout the evening, my friends were the only Caucasians present besides perhaps half a dozen others. By the end of the evening, it was standing room only. The large majority of those dining and singing were young Chinese, most likely graduate students at the nearby colleges (UNC, NCSU, or Duke) seeking a taste and cultural experience that reminded them of home.
My group was the only one to sing any songs in English and choosing a song was an experience in of itself as it was all in Chinese. The owner, Able, was there and bent over backwards to make sure we had a wonderful experience, bringing out plates and plates of dumplings, kabobs, and spring rolls. For my vegetarian friend, he also grilled some corn, wanting to make sure he had enough to eat. I’ve recently been turned on to Moscow Mules and upon ordering it, he sent an employee to the grocery store next door to purchase ginger ale so that he could provide my cocktail of choice. He repeatedly visited our table, laughing and joking with us, and as we left, he asked us to tell our friends, exclaiming that he wanted “more of us” and, gesturing around to the crowd, “only Asians!”
The food was delicious and we had a wonderful time, even if we couldn’t understand any of the songs sang by the others. I first chose “Killer Queen” by Queen as a ‘warm-up’ song and then unleashed my signature song. You know, that one you sing when perhaps you’ve had a bit to drink? Mine is “Let’s Stay Together” by the Reverend Al Green. I apologize for the quality of the video, the angle at which it is shot, and, most importantly, how horrible the singing is! But it serves as evidence that I have accomplished this goal: Sing Karaoke-COMPLETED!
What is YOUR signature song? Have you sang Karaoke before or are you too shy?
Congrats! Karaoke is great fun. I have two songs, mood pending: don’t speak by no doubt and zombie by the cranberries, but then, I have several songs I usually end up singing if I end up in stage…
I also like singing “You Oughtta Know” by Alanis Morrissette but they didn’t have that one.
I’m a big karaoke fan. I remember going to the American Legion hall in my town every friday nights for karaoke. Our signature song is Bon Jovi’s It’s My Life, I rock out to the guitar solo. Congrats on completing this you’ve got a good voice!
Other people in my group sang Paradise City and Livin’ on a Prayer for their songs. Thanks for the compliment. It’s what I hear in my head at least so I’m not under any delusions-I’m really sharp but it could be worse!
Hahahaha so cute! I like your top in that video too! The owner sounds hilarious- I love when restaurants make you feel so welcome like that, it makes you want to go back again. Glad you had such a good experience. I’ve never done karaoke actually, I have just the worst voice ever. It would scare everyone away ha!
My friend Steve is completely tone deaf and he got up and did it. You should add it to your list!
Great job girlie! Karaoke is in my blood…my entire family owns a karaoke machine, and every family get together is out and being used.
Yeah, for some people this wouldn’t be that big of a deal. With things like Rock Band, I think people have to occasion to sing in front of friends pretty often nowadays.
This is an awesome karaoke song! I will try not to steal it from you
You are a very brave soul, my friend, for not just getting up to sing but actually posting a video! I don’t think I have the balls to post a video.
PS: Who is that giggling?!?! It’s gotta be the funniest giggle I’ve ever heard!
That’s my good friend Lydia giggling. She’s my number one fan. And you can steal it-it’s a fun song to sing!
Ahhh you did it! Great job!
Who was that laughing at you? lol
You didn’t sound too bad. I would say that “Let’s Stay Together” is my signature song too. Love that song.
You go head with your inner Teena Marie!
P.S.
How was the hot pot?
It was my friend Lydia laughing but she’s not laughing AT me but more with me. I’ve heard worse, but I didn’t sing too good either!
We didn’t try the hot pot b/c Able discouraged us since we had such a large group. And we didn’t try the chicken hearts either. We’ll just have to go back!
Congrats for accomplishing this one. I am jealous that you did it before me. I also plan to get my performance on video, when it happens, and post if on my site. Way to go, great job!
Hope your video is better than mine. When are you going!?
Good job! Karaoke is pretty darn fun! I don’t really have a “signature song” myself, I just kind of stare at the book and think about which 80s song definitely needs to be played that particular day.
My friend Bree and ex Brody are both singers in bands though, and they have “Call Me” and “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” respectively.
Although now that Lady GaGa has karaoke tracks out, finally, it just may be “Bad Romance” for me… But I’ll sing karaoke whenever just for the heck of it.
You go, Girl. Look like you’re really into it, too. You’re giving me encouragement to sink Karaoke, too. Any Motown song will do.
Oh, this is the song that when I’m singing going down the highway, people are looking at me like I’m crazy
Thumbs up for you!!!! Karaoke is something I’ve always been afraid of doing because I sing horribly, for real. I recently did it for the first time at my friend’s party; I had to have some liquid courage before I did it. After a few drinks I got all into it and wantted to sing again and again, although I was indeed singing very, very badly – my friends comented on how long the songs were everytime I sang… I had fun nonetheless.
I’ll have to agree with Carola, I’m terrified of karaoke I don’t think there’s a worse singer out there! But this is great looks like you had a ball!!!
Well done Jessica, #86 Sing in Front of an Audience is on my list of things to do and one of the ones I am dreading the most!
As much as I’d like to give karaoke a try, I’m much too shy to do it–right now. Perhaps some day. I’d probably have to be on vacation somewhere so no one would know me or care that I’m terrible. Perhaps I’d be a surprise hit like in the scene with Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz (Just Don’t Know What to do With Myself)!
I was thinking about that scene in My Best Friend’s Wedding today! I think you should do it on a cruise ship. 300+ people watching and not a single person you’ll ever see again!
I’m glad your experience wasnt like MY karoke machine-in which i woke up confused and not in my bed. But I am so glad you finally knocked this out!
Ahhh you’re so brave! Though I like to sing (in private mostly like in the car), I’m too embarrassed to sing in front of other people even close friends in a private room at a karaoke place. Will you try again, maybe at a larger venue?
Yeah, I think I’d like to try to do it on a cruise ship. There are like 300+ people there! THAT would be scary!
I remember the last time I sang karaoke in front of people. Even though it was several years ago, I still remember the song. It was “Can’t Keep it In” by Cat Stevens. I screwed up the words half way through, but I didn’t care. I still had fun.
I LOVE karaoke. I’m normally deathly shy, but singing is one of the few things I can do decently well, so it’s my chance to let loose! My song is “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Moricette.
I think you did a great job. What fun!
I sing Alanis too when I do rock band. Apparently I look really mad/angry when I sing it so everyone requests it when we get together.
Awesome! It’s liberating, isn’t it? I’ve done it once, but I vow never to do it again. I had a bad experience (It involves an electric chair and the crowd screaming “Fry, fry, fry!”…
Ohmigosh that sounds traumatic! You HAVE to tell that story!
You Rocked It!
Al would be proud.