What’s New Dec 2002
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.
