Karaoke Forums

Hi all. Yeah, I'm still around and pop in every once in a while to check up on all of you...haha. Anyway, I'm doing ok, still got the one show, and that is all I am wanting at this time. I'm getting to the point that my hosting days will be winding down soon. But there is a caveat here.

My one and only show that I do is a small local dive bar. The owner passed away last October and her daughters (2 adult) have taken over. We have seen some small changes, which is good. The place was pretty stagnant before, no new life. However, the one daughter seems to be wanting to spice things up. So, I thought I would do the same. And I came up with a plan and instigated it as well.

Business, and karaoke support has been pretty low of late, so I devised this idea of "bribing" customers to sing. But it's a slightly different format that what you might think. What I have done is chosen 60 songs that fit a certain criteria. That criteria being, one: I like the songs. two: they are mostly upbeat, fun and pretty well known. Three: these songs don't get sang nearly enough, in my opinion. Those 60 songs include 20 country, 20 rock, and 20 pop,,, varying ages , but an even mix between male and female songs. From that list of 60 songs, I randomly choose 3 "secret" songs each night, for customer to try and figure the songs out and sing them. IF they find and sing the song, they get a prize. Prizes range from tee shirts that I had made with my logo on them, to small gifts like: small tool sets, pocket knives, LED flashlights, and cash is also part of the prizes. The songs range in difficulty from easy to very hard, each level raises the value of the prize,, all the way up to $50 top for the most difficult songs. If the songs aren't sang on a particular night, then those same songs will be held over for one extra week, being replaced by new selections from the list of 60. I rotate the 60 about every month,, some songs will stay, others will be replaced,,, but always 60 songs to choose from. All prizes and money come out of my pocket, but I think it's worth it if I can increase excitement and participation.... which means more money for the bar,,, "my ultimate goal".

So far, the response has been terrific, many people are singing from the list, and the crowds have been larger. Tonight was my 5th week, and it was the busiest night we have had for karaoke in a long time. I'm pretty happy with the results.

I'd like to hear your thoughts and feedback, if you wouldn't mind.

Thanks
MrScott

I think it is an awesome idea! I've tried to bribe customers to sing, offering them $10 or buying them a drink but without much success.

A couple of questions:

1. Is this only open to people who have never sang before? Is a regular not allowed to play and win a prize?
2. What if someone goes for the $50 prize but totally botches the song up. Does he/she still get the money? Or do they only win if they sing it perfectly or near perfectly.

I'd be interested to see the songs you've chosen. Is there anyway you can post a screenshot of that 60 song song list?

Anyway, love the idea and glad it's working out for you.

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Electro-Voice Evolve 50... Taking Sound To The Next Level.

Alan, it's open to anyone,, regulars and newcomers alike. Total cost out of my pocket so far is about $600,,,, and that may grow as time progresses. I can end this adventure at anytime though. The singers don't know what "level" of difficulty I have assigned to each song,, but I have that color coded at home. It's pretty obvious tho as to which songs are more difficult than others. The "fluctuating" 60 songs are songs that I like and I feel don't get sang nearly enough, or ever in fact. I call it the "Karaoke song challenge",,, it's not a competition at all, rather than a method to build excitement and involvement by newcomers. It also gets the regulars out of their comfort zones and stretch their lists a bit. As far as singing it well or not,,, as long as they give it their best,, I'm fine with that. I have also announced that one person can only win 3 prizes total. I might augment that decision tho.. we will see.

Some nights, they don't choose any of the 3 secret songs, so therefore no prizes or money are won. Last night, that was the case. The secret songs are all random as well, and if they are not chosen and sang on that night, the unsung song will hold over for one week, and then another song will be put in its place.

So far I have had great reactions and involvement in this little idea. I just figured to do something new to build excitement. So far, so good.

This is the current song list. I change it up about once per month.

Here's an idea that only you can pull off...

Instead of spending all that money on the junk stuff, you can get a 65" 4K TV from Walmart for around $300.

So, everybody that sings, they're name goes into the hat and at the end of 4 weeks you have a drawing and some lucky singer wins the TV prize. Maybe you can even get the bar owner to split it with you and you can do it every couple of months. It would be a good promotion for them as well.

You will be the only karaoke host I've ever known who has given away a 65" TV. And the word will spread. And you will become a legend.

Just an idea. But I like what you're doing. Keep up the good work.

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Electro-Voice Evolve 50... Taking Sound To The Next Level.

Alan, thanks for the suggestion, but I think I would rather give smaller multiple prizes to many people rather than one big prize to only one person. At least the smaller prizes might make them feel like it was fun and worth it.

But, I will tell you that I am making a hand made prize for one lucky winner at the end of this promotion. I bought some novelty pilsner beer glasses that I am hand making a wooden display case to house them. I did this once before, and everyone wanted that prize. It's pretty cool I think. But the winner will be drawn from a hat, like you suggested. Winner will have to be present to win, and I will announce way ahead of time to give everyone an opportunity to be in attendance.