|
STORIES
BARS + CLUBS
Chicago Bars
Chicago Nightclubs
|  |
 |
 |
|
Subscribe in your favorite reader using the links below. To learn more about feeds and RSS, click here.
 | |||||
|
Articles
Sections
>>
>
|
|||||
|
Totally Karaoke, Part II
Wednesday Aug 31, 2005.
By Heather Blaha
|
|||||
| |||||
I always assumed that karaoke with live bands was made up of all sorts of bands doing their own thing, playing at any bar that would have them and surviving among a scattered subculture with no real core. But in fact, Live Band Karaoke Chicago is a beloved entity with a very devoted following. Run by three bands that rotate their schedules at different locations in the city, adding special events and parties to their calendar from time to time, the collective is an organized weekly mini-tour always in search of lead singers. The Hootenanners, The Karaoke Dokies and Liquid Courage have been going strong since 2002, expanding from their initial single location to now accommodating seven. Each band has its own song list (though many songs overlap) ranging from ABBA to X-Ray Spex. The list ensures that the crowds will hear sing-along favorites, which is good since the volume significantly limits conversation. You'll find several songs by the same artist (think Journey, Rolling Stones, Elvis) mixed in with a few singular stand-outs like Hall & Oats and Nena (of "99 Red Balloons" fame). While you won't have the video screen showing each lyric in time with the Casio recording, the band prepares you with lyric sheets and supports you with back-up vocals and an energy that steers your audience away from boredom. You can't hide from the intimidation factor, but the hosts and band members at these places are so fun and encouraging, you'll soon remember that after all, it's only karaoke. Check out the schedule and song lists before you head out at: Livebandkaraokechicago.com. Fizz Bar & Grill This large, long bar makes it nearly impossible to see the band unless you grab a seat near the back, but prepare yourself for some late-night ear ringing if you choose to remain that close to the action. The crowd numbers can be deceiving since Fizz is so huge, so make sure to get your name on the list early if you want to make it to the microphone before closing time or before you lose your nerve. Some favorites from the evening (other than my friend's version of "Let's Get it On," which resulted in a room full of people dancing and his very own fan base) included Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer," "Boys Don't Cry" by the Cure and "Tempted" by Squeeze. Having nothing to do with Waikiki or karaoke, Fizz also offers $5 pizzas and $2 Rolling Rocks on Wednesday. Hye Bar Following the host's lead, two women started the night's session with Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart" and Pat Benatar's "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," as the dudes looked on and downed their shots. The barstools and few tables were full early on, so the only place left to stand was smack in the middle of the room, which only added to the arena rock feel as guys started signing up for Pearl Jam and Rage Against the Machine. Pontiac Cafe Piece Also try: Stanley's Kitchen & Tap Hard Rock Cafe
|
|||||
| |||||
