So, being supported by the corporations who pay me, I should say something as to the topic of karaoke etiquette... It is often times something that is discarded as not important or lame.  
My mind recalls a common idea of a girl at a club that just goes to dance, and doesn't want to deal with all the strings of the venue, the drama of guys hitting on her, and the social restrictions placed on her by her relationship status.  "I Just Want To DANCE !!!" can often be heard from the mouth of one of these individuals who honestly came to do one thing.  

And so it can be with Karaoke.  There are plenty of people out there that just want to sing, perform, and Rock The Mic... without all the limitations and guidelines provided them.  I will see this displayed by individuals upset that they cannot be on stage more often, or people who take their performance as literal as an American Idol audition.  But in the end fail to realize that there is some responsibility placed on them for the opportunity TO SING.  Karaoke songs, equipment, lights, microphones, speakers, screens, computers all have something in common: They Cost Money!  And so does the cost to bring them to the consumers, paid for by the venue.  In most places around The Karaoke Nation, venues will charge for you to enter the place, and the bigger more popular shows require you to TIP (a term not found native in Utah) a Karaoke DJ every time you get on the stage.  Luckily, most venues in Utah pay for the karaoke in hopes of boosting sales, NOT to make an obscene amount of money off a cover. They usually just want a little support, and a nice tip for the server.  

You could ask: "What does this mean to a ME as a Karaoke Singer?"  Well, it means that if you are not getting charged a cover, then BUY SOMETHING !!!  Most places do not have the kindness and generousity to let you live or rent for free, and restaurants are no different.  If you are going to attend a free night of entertainment somewhere, at least support the place that you are benefiting from.  A lot of times, the venue wil even have specials that make it easy to save some dough and have a good time, thus keeping the show going and everyone having a great time.  

Again, a fast recap: Remember to do your part to keep these great karaoke shows alive.  Buy Something From The Place Paying For Karaoke, or The Show May End... Keep On Rockin'.

I want to just briefly mention how much I love High School Dances!!!  I say that with slight sarcasm in my voice, but it is true.  The biggest reason I mention this is because I just got back from a High School Dance, and I noticed the kids all have a little ADD.  Being the DJ with the responsibility to entertain the kids for 3 hours, it seems to be a task that requires literally 100% attention for the entirety of a gig.  It helps me to stretch and grow as a DJ, and it assists me in picking only the best, most hip music there is.  I also find myself going out of my way, searching long and hard to find stuff that they will enjoy!  It is very fun to be involved with a high-paced dance environment that is a High School group of kids, and in the end, some of the best parties I have been to are high school aged kids in attendance.  There is something to be said of the youth... They Love To Party !!!

We just got back from attending a big rock concert at the Avalon Theater in SLC... and can I just say... THAT Is What We Are Going For !!!  Our goal is to aim to please, and getting people to feel like Rockstars is the best way we know how to do that.  
We do have quite a few people get on the stage every week, sing their song, get some claps, and get off.  While this is completely normal, it should be mentioned that no one will be talking about it at the water-cooler the next day!  It is those individuals and groups that get up there with every intention of leaving a Blaze of Glory following them to their table when they are done.  It is the people that pick songs they know the audience will love, and the ones that put their souls into the song that will be remembered.  It is the groups that get you moving, dancing and cheering that you will remember!  The next time you are going up in front of everybody to Rock The Mic, remember that Singing a song and Performing a song are TWO DIFFERENT THINGS!