Congratulations and many heartfelt thanks to all of the KJs, clubs, patrons and friends who came together to help our fellow Americans in need to the tune of $13,212.01. Every penny raised was presented to the Salvation Army’s representative, Warren Johnson, and will be sent, dollar for dollar, directly to their 120,000 square foot warehouse/headquarters located at “ground zero”. We have published a copy of the Salvation Army’s thank you letter to the Karaoke community in this edition.

A very special thank you and a big tip of the Karaoke Scene hat go to Manny Pacheco who devoted countless hours and worked tirelessly in helping to make “Karaoke Cares” a success. Be sure to look for his “Unsung Heroes” article in the current issue.

A warm welcome to our new editor/art director, Tony Avery. We look forward to working with Tony and anticipate many new and exciting ideas which he promises to bring to our publication. And best of luck to our departing editor, Julie Turnbaugh. It was a pleasure working with Julie on the past 3 issues and I thank her for sharing her talent and for all her hard work.

I would like to personally thank you for visiting our new, completely redesigned website. The site offers many new things including a remodeled and innovative discussion forum and a new “Ask Sammy” forum where you can get answers to all of your technical hardware & software questions. You may now subscribe to Karaoke Scene Magazine online, purchase merchandise (“Scene Gear”, decals, etc.) and even sign up for a free email address. The events calendar will guide you to contests and other special Karaoke happenings and don’t forget to check out the classified ad section.

We have designed the site to be able to grow and many other new features are being added all the time. For instance, in the very near future, clubs may purchase an entire page on our site so that when someone clicks on the name of that establishment, a customized page opens describing everything about that venue including pictures, logos, special events, etc. Club owners, this a great new way to promote your business. Also, there is still some space available for banner ads. This space is very limited so reserve yours now. For more information you may inquire by email at ads@karaokescene.com or phone us at (714) 826-2212.

Kudos and much gratitude go to Phill Cross of Cross Web Tech for all of his hard work and dedication in the building of this site. We can highly recommend him and his company.

Finally, many are asking about the dates for KaraokeFest 2002. At this time, we are still looking at late spring. We hope to make this the best “Fest” ever and plans are currently in the works to that end.

Thanks again for your visit and your support and please remember, we are here for you!

Over the past few months we have been diligently working with Phill Cross with Cross Web Tech to re-design and re-build our website, KaraokeScene.com. This was to be the issue that would launch the new site, which included the cover being devoted to our new home page. In lieu of the tragic events of September 11th, we have decided to postpone our original plans and, instead, devote the October/November 2001 issue cover to “Karaoke Cares”, a fundraising effort where we, as a Karaoke community, can do our part to provide assistance to the victims, their families and the rescue/recovery efforts that continue in New York City, Washington D.C and Pennsylvania.

“Karaoke Cares” nights will be held at clubs and venues throughout Southern California and perhaps across the country between October 21st and November 4th. On these designated nights, all singers will be asked to make a donation for each song they sing throughout that evening’s show. The recommended donation is $5.00, but any size donation will certainly be most appreciated. Singers may also collect money from sponsors, either in advance or during the show, to make an even larger contribution. We are, after all, trying to raise as much money as possible for the people so in need of help. For those wishing to write checks, they must be made out to “Karaoke Cares”. Please do not make any checks out to Karaoke Scene, or any club, or any individual. If you cannot attend one of the Karaoke Cares nights, you may send donations directly to:

Karaoke Cares c/o Karaoke Scene
5470 Orange Ave. Suite B
Cypress, CA 90630

A full 100% of the money raised will go to one of the major charitable organizations taking part in this effort, the Salvation Army Disaster Relief. Karaoke Scene Magazine and KaraokeScene.com will underwrite any incidental expenses incurred so that every penny raised will be donated to the cause

At press time, we were still receiving numerous requests from clubs and KJs who wish to participate. If you wish to host a “Karaoke Cares” night, please call (714) 826-2212 or (714) 373-8959 for details. Time is of the essence. Please call immediately so there will be adequate time for you to promote your event.

This is an opportunity for the Karaoke community to come together for the worthiest of causes and sing out to extend a helping hand to our fellow Americans so devastated by this tragedy. Please help if you can.

I would like to personally thank all of the clubs and KJs who are, and will be, participating in this effort. The unselfish donation of their time and talents is greatly appreciated. We encourage you, your families and your friends to join in this humanitarian effort where we, as a Karaoke community, can make our contribution to this extremely urgent and important cause.