This past weekend, we hosted our company holiday party. Yes, I realize that January 8th is long past any wintertime holiday, but there are good reasons for waiting until the odometer spins past New Year’s Day. For one thing, everyone is busy in December. You might be able to get some people to attend on any random Saturday night, but there will be others with family commitments. It’s hard to beg off an invitation for free food and drink when the party is in January.
The other big reason in waiting until the New Year is…well, how can I put this? Things are cheaper then. The hospitality industry suffers a bit of a slump during January and February, especially in these parts. Who wants to go to Detroit even in the summer? Not many will make a detour for fun in the winter. Thus, food was extra-specially marked down, hotel room fees were slashed, and even the karaoke DJ reduced his fee to get the work.
I have to say, I had a wonderful time, but I always do when there is a karaoke machine nearby. I’m not a good singer; I’m not even a fair singer. My husband characterizes my singing as terrible. I would acknowledge that my range is somewhere between there and fair. Either way, I like to sing. I don’t care what I sound like, and I don’t need an alcoholic fix before I take the stage. Just don’t get in the way of me and the microphone.
I tried to get the crowd involved in the festivities. We offer prizes: one for the best singer, one for the worst singer. Being management, I am unable to claim a prize. Past winners were disqualified and we had a room full of newbies. The reactions were mixed. Some of our guests were frozen in fear. Others were seasoned singers (I used to ask new hires if they could sing); a couple are professionals.
Upon later reflection, I wondered why some people will get up on stage in front of 80+ people and belt out Elvis or “Tainted Love” perfectly or off key, while others shy away.
Article comments
1 - Jon Sobel
And what about the urge to use "karaoke" as a verb? As someone who's only "karaoke'd" once in my life, that's a new verb to me... but I'm all for it.
2 - Joanne Huspek
I don't know, Jon. It's probably incorrect grammar but it's what I grew up with. Singing without a screen flashing the words is singing. Singing with is doing the karaoke. :-)
3 - Luigi Bastardo
I frequently use the term "karaoke-ing." I also confuse people by pronouncing "karaoke" correctly.
4 - AudreyMusic
Here you have a great singer! cover your ears!
Cheers, Audrey