KaraokeFest 2009 has come to a close…but what a party it was! This was, by far, the biggest and best “Fest” ever with the finals for 3 major singing competitions and 5 Karaoke stages going all day and night. And did they go! Most of the stages had well over an hour rotation for most of the day!

First of all, we would like to thank our sponsors, VocoPro and Ace Karaoke for their generous support and enthusiasm for this event. They make it possible to have this day-long celebration of Karaoke every year for all of us to enjoy. Please support these fine companies for all they do for Karaoke.

This year’s KaraokeFest was all the more special because the Oprah Winfrey Show sent a crew to this year’s KaraokeFest to shoot video of the event and some of the singers for an upcoming show Oprah is doing about Karaoke. Gospel music superstar BeBe Winans was Oprah’s “man on the ground” at KaraokeFest, interviewing Karaoke singers throughout the day, not only on the Main Stage, but at the open singing stages located around the Fairgrounds as well. It made for an extra-exciting day for everyone. Our deepest thanks go to the Oprah Winfrey Show and their staff for all their efforts as we look forward to watching the program (possibly airing sometime in November although no exact air date was available at press time).

88 singers competed in the finals for the Crème de la Kids, Crème de la King and Crème de la Crème Singing Competitions. The big show started at noon and didn’t finish until around 11:30pm resulting in a huge day of fantastic singing! The children in the Crème de la Kids contest were really terrific as they melted everyone’s heart with their performances. The Crème de la King competitors revived the memory of Elvis in a huge way and really lit up the stage with their colorful costumes and exciting renditions of some of the King’s most beloved tunes. And, of course, the Crème de la Creme Finalists rocked the foundation of the Fairgrounds for over 4 hours with world class singing and sensational performances.

Due to a set of unfortunate circumstances, Shawn Parr was unable to attend KaraokeFest this year. He was called away at the last minute to take over the announcing duties at this year’s Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon from recently departed Ed McMahon. From all accounts, Shawn did a tremendous job. Special thanks go to the phenomenally talented Marshall Thomas of KFROG 95.1 FM for stepping in at the last minute to host the Crème de la Crème Finals Competition. We sincerely appreciate all that he did for KaraokeFest this year. Thanks also to our good friend, Manny Pacheco, the best emcee for an important event like this that anyone could ask for. And making her debut at KaraokeFest was well known radio personality, Barbara Brooks, hosting the Crème de la Kids and Crème de la King Final Competition. Thank you, Barbara!

A tip of the Karaoke Scene hat goes to Crème de la Kids coordinator, Tony DeFazio and to Crème de la King Coordinator, Julie Woodcock, for their tireless efforts in making the dream come true for all of their contestants. And many thanks to every single one of the gracious volunteers who gave so much of their time and energy to make KaraokeFest special for everyone.

We would like to acknowledge all of our Karaoke Expo Exhibitors, Ace Karaoke, SingIt.TV (Ethermedia, Inc.), YourVideoke.com and Manny Pacheco. We, and the Karaoke community, sincerely appreciate your participation at KaraokeFest 2009 and we hope to see you all again next year.

And then there are our prize sponsors, VocoPro, Ace Karaoke, Chartbuster, MGM/Lakeshore Entertainment and Manny Pacheco. Their generosity speaks for itself and these companies are certainly deserving of everyone’s support.

Don’t forget that, for a limited time, you can purchase your own professionally produced DVD of any or all of the exciting singing competitions at KaraokeFest this year…a perfect memento of all the fabulous performances that made KaraokeFest 2009 such an entertainment extravaganza. The Crème de la Kids and Crème de la King DVDs are only $19.95 each and the Crème de la Crème DVDs are only $29.95, or you can order all 3 for only $59.95 (all prices are +S&H). Order yours today at www.KaraokeScene.com or by calling (714) 826-2212.

Thanks also to our fabulous Karaoke Stage hosts at KaraokeFest this year, Ace Karaoke, Blue Collar Karaoke, Helen Scheuplein, PR Entertainment and Surfbum Karaoke. These talented people make KaraokeFest fun for everybody all day long and we want them to know how much they are appreciated.

Speaking of Manny Pacheco, some of may not know that he has written a book, “Forgotten Hollywood – Forgotten History,” an amazing study of some of the most important character actors and actresses from Hollywood’s Golden Years and their relationship to American historical events. We highly recommend this book to everyone, either for yourself or as a perfect gift for a friend or loved one (Christmas is coming). For those of you who are interested in buying a copy of this fabulous new book, please go to www.forgottenhollywood.com to order yours today.

Now that this year’s KaraokeFest is in the books, we are already getting calls asking about the next big Karaoke event in Southern California. Of course, that would be SongBurst 2010 at the Orange County Market Place starting in February. There will be both an adult and a junior competition with thousands in cash and prizes! SongBurst has really taken off over the past couple of years to become the premier winter Karaoke event in Southern California. You won’t want to miss this one. All of the details can be found in the next issue of Karaoke Scene Magazine or at www.KaraokeScene.com.

All of us at Karaoke Scene Magazine would like to wish all of you and your families a Happy Halloween and Happy Thanksgiving!

BIG NEWS! Beginning with this issue, we are proud to announce the launching of the new “digital edition” of Karaoke Scene Magazine, “Karaoke Scene DE.” This is an electronic version of our publication that will be available to everyone, everywhere, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The “DE” will be filled with all of the exciting features, articles and information available in the print edition, plus many new surprises. You can access Karaoke Scene DE at www.KaraokeScene.com or you can subscribe and have it sent directly to your email address where you can read it any time you wish. And here’s the best part…it’s FREE! That’s right, no charge! If you wish to subscribe, all you have to do is go to www.KaraokeScene.com and click on the “Order Magazine” link and your own edition of Karaoke Scene DE will be sent directly to your email address.

KaraokeFest 2009 is looming like a huge cloud of excitement over Southern California. By popular demand, his year’s “Fest” will again take place at the L.A. County Fair in Pomona on Saturday, September 5th. That’s right, Saturday…especially nice not having to get up the next morning to go to work so we can all party, party, party.

The Crème de la Kids Singing Competition Finals will kick things off at 12 noon. Tony DeFazio of Starlight Entertainment is once again the contest coordinator. He and his staff have done a wonderful job of looking after the youngsters and providing them with this opportunity to show off their talents…and there are some extremely talented kids this year that will be competing at KaraokeFest. This year’s show should be a great one!

At 3pm, the Crème de la King Singing Competition Finals takes center stage. We, at Karaoke Scene, are devoted Elvis fans and are really looking forward to this one. This year we welcome Julie Woodcock as the new coordinator of this exciting event. The qualifying rounds for this contest will begin on August 15th and continue through August 23rd. For more details please check out page ???????? of this issue. And we are very excited to announce that the Crème de la King Finals will be hosted by popular Southern California radio personality, Barbara Brooks. Welcome aboard, Barbara!

The Golden Achievement Award nominees are listed on page ?????? of this issue. These are individuals and venues that have been voted best in their respective categories by the Southern California Karaoke community at large from all 6 Southern California counties, from Ventura to San Diego. The winners will be announced and the awards presented at KaraokeFest by radio and television personality (and KJ extraordinaire), Manny Pacheco. However, each of these nominees are already winners just by having been selected from the many hundreds of venues and thousands of individuals in Southern California Karaoke. The “Best” and “Most Supportive” Male and Female Awards will be presented at 5pm. The KJ and Venue of the Year Awards will be presented at 8pm. It is very important that the nominees be present at the event to receive their awards. And remember, the Golden Achievement Awards are truly the “Oscars” of Karaoke and the very best way for the Karaoke community to express their appreciation. So please be on hand to show your support for these talented people and special venues.

The Crème de la Crème Singing Competition continues to rock at the 25 venues across Southern California. It looks like it’s going to be a sensational show at KaraokeFest when the 50 finalists (25 male and 25 female) will compete for thousands in cash and prizes and the coveted title of Male & Female Karaoke Singers of the Year. We are so pleased to welcome back the incredibly popular Southern California radio and television personality, Shawn Parr, as the host of the Crème de la Crème Finals Competition this year. Shawn has become such an important part of KaraokeFest and always does a fantastic job hosting this event. We can’t wait to see what surprises Shawn’s got in store for us this year.

And don’t forget, in addition to the main show, there will be multiple Karaoke stages located throughout the Fairgrounds where everybody can sing all day long. Last year a whole bunch of folks made it a point to sing at each and every stage at least once. How many of you will be able to do that this year?

Then there’s the Karaoke Expo featuring Karaoke & music industry related vendors who will be there to exhibit and/or sell their latest products. Visiting the Expo is always a great experience. The Expo will be located in very close proximity to the main stage where our show will be taking place. Be sure to make it a point to visit the Karaoke Expo.

All you need to enjoy all of the special events and activities of KaraokeFest 2009 is a ticket to the L.A. County Fair which can be purchased at many retail store locations throughout Southern California. You can also go to www.LACountyFair.com and purchase your tickets there.

Karaoke Scene would express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our sponsors, Ace Karaoke and VocoPro. KaraokeFest would not be possible without the generous support of these fine companies so please show them your support.

The Karaoke Scene staff looks forward to seeing all of you at KaraokeFest this year on Saturday, September 5th. Gates open at 10am and the “Fair” is open till midnight. See you there!

“LET THE COMPETITIONS BEGIN!” This is the season of KaraokeFest singing competitions, and there are 3 to choose from again this year. The hugely popular and prestigious Crème de la Crème singing competition will be held at 25 venues throughout Southern California beginning on July 5th and continuing through the month of August. This is the big one, the “mother” of all Karaoke contests everywhere, so don’t miss your chance to compete for thousands in cash and prizes, your opportunity to perform on the main stage at KaraokeFest 2009 and be named “Male or Female Karaoke Vocalist of the Year.”

We are proud to welcome back Manny Pacheco who will be coordinating the event again this year. Remember, you may qualify at as many venues as you wish in order to increase your chances for making the “Finals” at KaraokeFest 2009 hosted by Go Country 105 FM radio personality, the incomparable and ever popular, Shawn Parr. All of the Crème de la Crème venues are listed on page 15. Best of luck to all!

Then there are the “Crème de la Kids” singing competition for juniors 17 and under, and the “Crème de la King” singing competition for Elvis singers/impersonators. Tony DeFazio of Starlight Entertainment will be coordinating the “Crème de la Kids” contest and Julie Turnbaugh will be coordinating the “Creme de la King” competition. These events will take place at venues throughout the Southern California area during the months of July and August. Please see pages 13 & 16 for all of the exciting details. And we are pleased to announce that the Crème de la King Finals will again be hosted by KRTH 101 radio personality, Sylvia Aimerito. And new this year, the Crème de la Kids Finals will be hosted by Tony DeFazio and KOLA 99.9 FM radio personality, Vic Slick.

Note: Be sure to check out the special late dates for qualifying for all 3 contests at the Orange County Market Place.

Rule change note for all contests: Any contestant who has taken first place for two consecutive years will not be eligible to compete again for a period of one year. You may bring your own CDGs or CDs without restriction. No other formats are acceptable.

Karaoke Scene is excited to announce that all three contest “Finals” at KaraokeFest (“Crème,” “Kids” and “King”) will be streamed live to our website, www.KaraokeScene.com so that anyone, anywhere in the world, can enjoy the program. This is also a great way for the families and friends of contestants who cannot make it to KaraokeFest to be able to watch the show. Live streaming will start at noon, Saturday, September 5th.

KaraokeFest would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. I would like to take a moment to personally thank our Major Sponsors for KaraokeFest 2009, VocoPro and Ace Karaoke. We sincerely appreciate their support in making this the biggest and best “Fest” ever! We strongly encourage you to show your appreciation to these fine companies and their products.

PLEASE BE SURE TO VOTE! It’s that time of year for everyone (now including San Diego County) to support their favorite KJs, Karaoke venues and the most supportive individuals in the Karaoke community. The Golden Achievement Award voting has begun (May 15th) and you may cast you votes through June 30th. This means there is still plenty of time to show your appreciation to the venues and individuals who have helped to make your Karaoke experience a special one by voting for them. These exceptional people and venues deserve your support and your participation is very important! In the interest of fairness, only one vote per valid email address and two votes per IP address will be accepted. You can vote right now through June 30th at www.KaraokeScene.com.

We will be looking forward to seeing many of you at the numerous contest venues throughout Southern California over the next couple of months…and we want to wish you all the best of luck!