Karaoke Scene

What’s New Apr 2002

Well, it’s KaraokeFest time again and what an event this one’s going to be! Our staff has been tirelessly working to put together a truly outstanding party for the Karaoke community. On Sunday, May 25th (Memorial Day weekend), the fabulous Queen Mary in Long Beach will once host this fantastic “celebration of Karaoke” in grand style offering all kinds of fun for all members of the family.

The Karaoke Expo promises to be bigger and better than ever with vendors of all kinds showing off their wares. Major Karaoke manufacturers will be there to display and demonstrate the latest and greatest in Karaoke hardware & software. VocoPro and Audio 2000s will be there as will Top Tunes, Sound Choice, Priddis and Music Maestro, just to name a few. Top Karaoke retailers such as Ace Karaoke and MTV Karaoke will also be on hand so you can purchase new Karaoke products of all kinds. And, of course, there will be many other vendors with unique and exciting products for you see and experience.

This year there will be two outdoor charity stages so everyone should have their chance to sing their favorite song with the Queen Mary as their backdrop for any sized donation to the Salvation Army. Martini Blues and Star Light Karaoke will each sponsor a stage and they’ll be rockin’ and rollin’ all day and into the night so we can all sing our hearts out.

The “Golden Achievement Awards” will be presented on the main stage to the individuals and venues chosen by the Karaoke community to be honored for their contributions to Karaoke. These awards are so important because they reward excellence in these respective fields of endeavor. Karaoke needs a way to recognize these extraordinary individuals and venues and we are proud to provide the “Golden Achievement Awards” for that purpose.

The prestigious Crème de la Crème singing competition will again take center stage as the top male and female Karaoke vocalists in Southern California compete for thousands in cash and prizes and the coveted title of “Male & Female Karaoke Vocalist of the Year.” See page 4 for the complete list of venues at which you can qualify. For complete contest information go to www.KaraokeFest.com and click on the Crème de la Crème link. And don’t forget, popular radio personalities Mark and Brian have again invited our top male and female winners to appear and sing on their syndicated radio show (heard locally, Monday through Friday, 6am-10am, on KLOS 95.5fm). This is truly a great opportunity to sing for a huge audience.

We have added multiple big screen TVs to the second level so that many more people can enjoy the show in comfort without any overcrowding. There will be many more surprises and exciting things happening at this year’s “Fest” so make your plans now to attend. Don’t forget, KaraokeFest 2003 explodes on Sunday, May 25th. That’s Memorial Day weekend, and with Monday being a holiday; we can party into the night without having to worry about getting up for work the next day.

Karaoke Scene has arranged for special rates for outside staterooms aboard the Queen Mary for those who wish to stay over on either Saturday or Sunday night (May 24th & 25th). For your special rate please call the Queen Mary Hotel at (562) 432-6964 and mention KaraokeFest for your special stateroom rate. We are trying to arrange for there to be Karaoke in one of the lounges aboard the ship on the Saturday night before “Fest” and there are several Karaoke venues in beautifully redeveloped downtown Long Beach for those who want to party there.

And here’s the best part. In an effort to make the KaraokeFest experience affordable to all, ticket prices are only $7.00 each if purchased or ordered before May 20th ($12.00 after May 20th and at the door). That’s less than a movie or a halfway decent fast food meal. You may order your tickets by credit card online at www.KaraokeFest.com or you may order by phone at (714) 826-2212. No one will be admitted without a ticket so ORDER YOURS NOW!

What’s New Feb 2002

We are pleased and proud to announce that KaraokeFest 2002 will take place on Sunday, May 19th on board the world famous “Queen Mary” in Long Beach. This promises to be the biggest and most exciting “Fest” ever. Our staff has spent a lot of time, and we are expending a great deal of resources toward making this a most memorable event.

There will be many new wrinkles this time including the first ever “Karaoke Golden Achievement Awards”, honoring venues and individuals throughout Southern California for outstanding contributions to Karaoke and excellence in their fields of endeavor. The recipients of these prestigious awards will be selected by region-wide voting both at the local club level and also on-line at www.karaokefest.com.

The “KJ of the Year” competition has been totally transformed and revitalized. The new format will honor KJs from five separate areas of Southern California and the voting will be done in the same manner as the “Karaoke Golden Achievement Awards” described above.

We are planning a large and exciting “KaraokeFest Expo”, where vendors of all kinds will be exhibiting their products and services. You will be able to check out the latest Karaoke software and hardware as well as experience the products and services from exhibitors of other realms of endeavor. It should make for a jolly good time for all. If you are interested in reserving a booth at “KaraokeFest Expo” please contact Denise Barnum at (562) 879-5632. Call now for the best locations!

KaraokeFest 2002 entitles you to free access of the ship. You may stroll her decks, immerse yourself in her rich history, visit the many interesting shops or make plans to come early and enjoy the famous “Queen Mary Brunch” (reservations recommended). Don’t forget there is a first class hotel aboard the “Queen” and KaraokeFest/State Room Accommodation Packages are available. There are only a limited number of these packages available so please make your purchase early. You may purchase your KaraokeFest/State Room Accommodation Package online at www.karaokefest.com. For more information please call (714) 826-2212.

Of course, the finals for the “Crème de la Crème” regional singing competition will be held on the main stage as will the “Karaoke Golden Achievement Awards” portion of the program. You will see the very best of the best singers and performers that Southern California Karaoke has to offer competing for thousands in cash & prizes and the honor of being crowned Male & Female Vocalist of the Year. Come and enjoy the show as we celebrate Karaoke and its supporters and recognize those whose contribution to Karaoke is voted worthy of note.

Now for the frosting on the cake… we have decided that, in order to make this event affordable and accessible to all, the ticket prices for “KaraokeFest 2002” will be reduced to just $5.00 per ticket if purchased before May 10th. That’s right, only $5.00 per ticket. After that date, and at the door, tickets will be $10.00 each. (still $5.00 less than in previous years). Tickets may be purchased online at www.karaokefest.com, at your local Karaoke store or at many of the Karaoke venues located throughout Southern California. You may also call (714) 826-2212 for ticket sales and information.