If you read my column often, you know that I am passionate about the Paris Community Theatre. I think PCT is a cultural gem to Paris and needs to be supported. In case you don’t know, PCT receives no funds from the city, state, or federal government. PCT is 100% funded by ticket sales, individual donations and local businesses’ sponsorships. This year, PCT is holding the 1st ever, and hopefully 1st annual, Karaoke Night Fundraiser. This is definitely not going to be a stuffy, black tie affair. If you spend any time around a PCT production, you know they are just a fun bunch. This will be a fun night of karaoke, laughs and probably more than a few drinks. It’s Saturday, March 2nd from 7:30pm – 10 pm at The Depot, 1264 South Main.
Most moms I know actually get pretty excited when they start talking about Karaoke. It’s a guilty pleasure. Usually focused on songs from the 80s. Karaoke’s been around in Asia since the 1970s–no big surprise that Japan is credited for starting it–but it’s a fairly new form of entertainment here in the US. Many karaoke fanatics have bought karaoke systems and have karaoke parties in their living rooms with friends. The brave often sing in crazy Karaoke bars. But whether you are an old veteran or a Karaoke newbie there’s a few things to think about when picking your songs.
Karaoke “Do’s”:
1 – Like I said, most moms get stuck on the 80s and there’s really nothing better than belting out some of the 80s rock songs. Think Bon Jovi, Guns n”Roses, Poison and Def Leppard. “Pour Some Sugar on Me” just never gets old… trust me.
2- If you stick to the true 80s legends – Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson – you’ll be fine. But in my opinion stay away from silly pop songs like Wham’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.”
3)-Duets – always easier to get up on stage with someone else – a few good choices “Love Shack” by the B52s and “Summer Nights” from Grease or my all time favorite, Meatball’s “By the dashboard lights”
4. Journey. Enough said. “Don’t Stop Believing” is #1 Karaoke song –okay, I’m singing…
5. ABBA – refer to #4. Dancing Queen – LOVE it!
6. If you want the crowd to sing along with you go for “Sweet Home Alabama” or “Hotel California” or of course “Freebird.”
Karaoke “Don’ts”:
1. Don’t pick a song no one has ever heard of before
2. Don’t pick a slow, sad song, where here to have fun people not get depressed
3. Don’t pick anything looooong. Get on stage, sing for 2 minutes, go have another drink
4. Avoid the overly sexual song… awkward!
5. Don’t think you can rap- seriously.
6. Unless you really, really can sing. Do not attempt Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston or Alicia Keys
7. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” is just a “don’t”. Really don’t.
Hope to see you Saturday night at the Depot! Tickets are just $15 each, and all funds raised go to support PCT. The night will feature great prizes, a live auction, and complimentary appetizers from 7:30-8:30pm. Cash Bar, over 21 only. For tickets email pct@1starnet.com, or call 903-784-0259 weekdays 1:00 – 5:00pm.
From one Mommy to another,
Jenny Wilson
Jenny Wilson is a mother of three. She teaches a Mommy & Me class at Central Presbyterian Day School, is a member of the Paris ISD school board and serves on the board of Paris Community Theatre and Children’s Advocacy Center. She also is on the PCT Children/Teen Theatre Advisory Committee, the Aiken Parent Association Board, the PJH Parent Association and is a Sunday school teacher at Holy Cross Episcopal Church. She also is a certified yoga instructor and owner of Everyday Yoga.
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