Sing, Eat, And Drink At A Korean Karaoke Bar

After my last more serious post, I thought a quick fun one was in order.

I heart music. I am a proud owner of a karaoke machine (which unfortunately has not been used in years), and I used to regularly sing at a karaoke bar in LA.   Going to a Korean Karaoke Bar has been on my "I SO gotta go!" list for a LONG time.  My friend and I share October birthdays, and for the last few birthdays we had been talking about going to a Korean Karaoke Bar.  Our schedules have never meshed well around that time frame because either she is out of town, or I am galavanting around the world.  My friend told me a few weeks ago she was moving to North Carolina to be closer to her boyfriend.  I immediately squealed, "We need to FINALLY go to the Korean Karaoke Bar!"  So I put up an invite on Facebook and rallied up some of our friends for some karaoke fun.

We're ready to break some windows with our singing!

I bet you are wondering what makes a Korean Karaoke Bar so special?

• Basically, you rent out private rooms for your party.  These rooms usually contain a crazy disco ball, several TV screens and microphones (depending on the size of the room you book), as well as a huge table to eat and drink, and massive encyclopedia-size karaoke books in multiple languages.
• Soju and Korean Food!!
• More opportunities to sing (since you are sharing the karaoke machine with just your friends)!  This could be a good or bad thing.

I booked the largest room, and luckily it was Happy Hour so the room rentals, soju and bulgogi were HALF OFF!!  I had to pinch myself to make sure it wasn't a dream! 

We weren't singing to impress, and decided that singing serious songs would be too American Idol'ish for us.  So we busted out some TLC, Boys II Men, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber (guilty!), Eminem, and Coolio.  OH YES WE DID.....


I am definitely going back!

Date Accomplished:  January 31st, 2012

Music & Me

January 27th, 2011

So I was going to write a post about my love for music, and how it plays a role in my life...but I felt I couldn't do it in words, so here is a video instead....

Warning:  Once you press PLAY you will see how much of a dork I REALLY REALLY AM!

Be In A Music Video

This is the closest I will probably ever get to being in a music video.  Back in college I was a total Jason Mraz groupie (before most of you even knew who he was!).  I would go to all his coffee shop shows at the now extinct Java Joes (I think it might be at a different location now).   I was even part of his street team and I remember vividly passing out fliers at a Jack Johnson show once.  After he got signed to his record label he had a show at Spreckels Theatre (my favorite venue in San Diego).

I scored 2nd row seats and sat next to a famous news anchor from San Diego (which is a funny story in itself...he emailed me after he found my old webpage that described the concert).  But I digress, they had the cameras rolling throughout the show, more specifically during "The Remedy" song, as the music video was for that song.

Before he began singing the song we were told to all jump to our feets, and at times the lights were blaring in our faces to accentuate the presence of a full stadium of people at a concert.  Cameras were in constant motion as Jason did what he did best, which is singing his heart out during a live venue!  

Here is a screen shot of one of the parts where you can see me....

Uhh yeah...I had a difficult enough time finding myself (even after knowing exactly where I was sitting)!  But I say it counts!!  In the beginning you actually see my friend Lily for a few seconds (those bloody speakers covered my two seconds of fame!).

I felt like such a proud, sappy mother as I watched my boy go from small coffee house gigs to being part of a bigger venue while recording a music video for a major record label.  *sniff*  Hand me the tissues please, or perhaps just watch the full video here.

Date Accomplished:  February 1st, 2003

Be Serenaded By A Mariachi Band In Mexico

Mariachi is a type of folk music in Mexico. A Mariachi Band usually consists of string instruments, and men dressed up in large sombreros (hats), and suits.

While having margaritas and fresh lobsters in Puerto Nuevo, Mexico, a mariachi band approached us (minus the huge sombreros).  They asked if they could sing to my friend since it was her bachelorette party.  The Mariachi band serenaded us for a few songs, and they weren't annoying like they are sometimes portrayed in movies.  They played a few upbeat songs along with some soft, gentle songs perfect for serenading. 

Plus, how many mariachi members have thrown you a peace sign while serenading you?

Date Accomplished: February 18th, 2006

Sing At A Karaoke Bar

 Singing with the girls at The Tattle Tale Room

Okay...before you even proceed, you should probably read the post and watch a video of how Music plays a role in my life.

I always tell people that karaoke runs through my veins.  Karaoke plays a major role during family gatherings, and I confess I even have a karaoke machine.  I do have to point out, that just because I own a karaoke machine doesn't mean I am any good.  I am deafening actually.

In 2004-2005, while living in LA I met a group of friends that loved going to a local karaoke dive bar called the Tattle Tale Room.   It was such a great little place where you could play pool with famous soap opera stars, blush as you flirt with the cute bartender, and mingle with all the patrons of the bar.  If Cheers made an LA version I would imagine it would be a little like this place.

My karaoke crew

As soon as we arrived my friends shoved a song book the size of a Britannica Encyclopedia into my face and said, "Here pick a song."  I timidly said, "I don't know if I could do it!"  I was more comfortable singing in front of family,  and I was a bit weary of singing in front of complete strangers.  This is the day that I began coining the term, "Liquid Courage."  Give me a drink! And another!  Okay just one more!   The liquid courage was doing its job and I was finally able to sing.  I started singing with a few friends ('Love Shack' if you are wondering), and with every visit to the Tattle Tale I got a little more confident.  I required less and less Liquid Courage, and in no time I was singing on my own!

Date Accomplished:  September 7th, 2004