Oh My Lord, It’s Karaoke

Forget its supposed origins in Japan; Karaoke is the child of a conspiracy between small, boring towns and bars. Think about it: small towns stay lame intentionally so that being thrown up on stage in front of a bunch of people that probably hate you is not so bad considering your nightlife alternatives are a) getting lost in Walmart or b) going to Youth Group, and bars profit from your stage fright by selling liquid courage in a glass with salt and a little lime wedge, if you so request.

Although Austin is not a lame, small town, it does have a lot of bars, some of which have been infected by small-town-type karaoke. However, I believe I have found a mutation among our own Austin variety. It is Everette’s karaoke nights at Beerland on Mondays. Maybe it’s the venue, maybe it’s the crowd he attracts, maybe it’s the songs on the list… whatever it is, karaoke at Beerland is a wonderful thing, and I, among others, have been converted from bitter skeptic to karaoke obsessed addict.

There is an amazing energy at Everette’s. The crowd is mixed, but mostly 20-somethings. Everyone sings along, everyone dances. Waiting for your song doesn’t feel like waiting for your execution, waiting for your stage cue, waiting for your public speech; instead, it feels like everyone in the room is playing a game and now it’s finally your turn. There are compliments, smiles, people meeting people, people dancing with strangers.

Fortunately, Everette’s karaoke has multiplied, taking on new venues. In addition to the initial Monday night slot at Beerland, Everette is also at The Peacock (515 Perdernales) on Tuesdays and at Headhunters on Wednesdays.