Lights… camera… KARAOKE!

That pretty much describes what has been going on around the Southern California Karaoke Scene these past few weeks. The “Songburst 2002” event has been drawing contestants from all over the region and the competition has been sensational, attracting more than 650 contestants resulting in 248 semi-finalists competing for 44 finalist positions. What fabulous talent! The people at “Painless Productions”, the company producing the documentary based on this event, are very excited about the what they have captured on film so far and, at the time of this writing, are preparing for shooting at the semi-finals and, of course, the finals (which will be held on December 4th at Jillian’s on the Universal CityWalk located within the Universal City Studios complex. For more explicit directions please call Jillian’s at (818) 985-8234). Please see the “Songburst 2002” page on our website, for more details. We will post the broadcast date for the documentary as soon as it is finalized and available.

Karaoke is more popular than ever and appears to be on its way to even greater heights. More and more clubs across the nation are choosing Karaoke as their primary form of entertainment. KJs report to us an increase in folks attending their shows who are bringing their own discs which indicate the individual’s rising interest in making their own decision on what version of which song they wish to sing. Our information is that sales of home Karaoke systems are also on the rise. This is very positive stuff. If the documentary continues to go well and ultimately blossoms into a possible series based on the “Crème de la Creme” competition for “KaraokeFest 2003,” there is no limit to how high Karaoke can soar. We’ll all keep our fingers crossed.

The NAMM (International Music Products Association) Show will take place from January 16-19, 2003 at the Anaheim Convention Center. This is the largest show of its kind anywhere in the world and our information is that Karaoke will have an even more prominent presence than in previous years. We are very pleased about that. Unfortunately, the NAMM Show is not open to the general public but if you have the right connection in the music business, you might be able to attend.

Huge congratulations to Orange County KJ of the Year, Donna Thomas, for her annual fundraiser (at the Town Tavern in Buena Park) to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. This year Donna, who gives so much of herself to this worthy cause, raised $11,688.38 with an additional $7,500 (pledged by the Eagles) plus 5 truckloads of toys! Wow, what a haul for those youngsters! And Donna’s wonderful friends are to be congratulated as well for all of their generous help and support. Way to go Donna and friends and Town Tavern!

Finally, all of us at Karaoke Scene Magazine would like to thank you, the Karaoke community, for your much appreciated support this past year and wish all of you, everywhere, the happiest of holidays and a most prosperous and song filled New Year.

There is so much going on…where can we start? How about here? Coming soon…a new major singing competition, authorized and sponsored by Karaoke Scene Magazine which will be filmed as a documentary for possible airing on national television! That seems like a good starting place.

“SONGBURST 2002” will take place starting on October 31st (Halloween) and lasting until November 27th at 11 venues throughout Southern California. This is a big one offering thousands in cash and prizes to the winners. The event will be modeled after the popular and very successful “Crème de la Crème” competition for KaraokeFest. You may qualify at any of the 11 venues and, as always, the contestants are the judges. And the best part is that the film crew from Painless Productions (producer of the documentary) will be on hand at various venues throughout the run of the event. They will be collecting footage from qualifying rounds, semi-finals and of course the finals. Also included will be personal interviews with various contestants as the production crew follows the progress of the event, kind of an American Idol meets Survivor meets Your Big Break. It should be a wonderful opportunity for all and a big boost for Karaoke. (Here’s a little teaser…if this documentary goes well, it may pave the way for a series based on the “Crème de la Crème” competition for KaraokeFest 2003!) For complete information and rules, please check the “SONGBURST 2002″ link on this site.

Speaking of KaraokeFest…congratulations to our “Crème de la Crème” finalists from KaraokeFest 2002, William Jordan and Jenny Eisenhart, for their fabulous performance on the syndicated Mark & Brian radio program! They were sensational…so much so that Mark & Brian have personally asked if our KaraokeFest 2003 “Crème de la Crème” winners could come back and sing on their show next year. We think we could arrange that.

Guess who we found while at the House of Blues in Downtown Disney? It was the former owner of Karaoke Scene Magazine, Dennis Snyder, playing with his Neil Young tribute band, “The Neil Deal.” Man, were they good! Many of you may not know that Dennis is an accomplished guitarist and vocalist and has been involved in playing with bands for more than 3 decades. You can find out where “The Neil Deal” is playing at www.neildeal.com. If you get the chance, go see him…you won’t be disappointed.

Big Bob and Phil of Penguin Karaoke inform the “Scene” that their Karaoke Cruise is filling up and that the Anaheim Angels baseball team has booked space aboard the ship. You may get the chance to see and meet many of the present Angels plus many Angel heroes from past years during the cruise. It should make for a most memorable trip. Don’t forget, space is limited…so to make your reservations now, please call (800) 600-4548. See you aboard!