What’s New Oct. – Nov. 09
KaraokeFest 2009 has come to a close…but what a party it was! This was, by far, the biggest and best “Fest” ever with the finals for 3 major singing competitions and 5 Karaoke stages going all day and night. And did they go! Most of the stages had well over an hour rotation for most of the day!
First of all, we would like to thank our sponsors, VocoPro and Ace Karaoke for their generous support and enthusiasm for this event. They make it possible to have this day-long celebration of Karaoke every year for all of us to enjoy. Please support these fine companies for all they do for Karaoke.
This year’s KaraokeFest was all the more special because the Oprah Winfrey Show sent a crew to this year’s KaraokeFest to shoot video of the event and some of the singers for an upcoming show Oprah is doing about Karaoke. Gospel music superstar BeBe Winans was Oprah’s “man on the ground” at KaraokeFest, interviewing Karaoke singers throughout the day, not only on the Main Stage, but at the open singing stages located around the Fairgrounds as well. It made for an extra-exciting day for everyone. Our deepest thanks go to the Oprah Winfrey Show and their staff for all their efforts as we look forward to watching the program (possibly airing sometime in November although no exact air date was available at press time).
88 singers competed in the finals for the Crème de la Kids, Crème de la King and Crème de la Crème Singing Competitions. The big show started at noon and didn’t finish until around 11:30pm resulting in a huge day of fantastic singing! The children in the Crème de la Kids contest were really terrific as they melted everyone’s heart with their performances. The Crème de la King competitors revived the memory of Elvis in a huge way and really lit up the stage with their colorful costumes and exciting renditions of some of the King’s most beloved tunes. And, of course, the Crème de la Creme Finalists rocked the foundation of the Fairgrounds for over 4 hours with world class singing and sensational performances.
Due to a set of unfortunate circumstances, Shawn Parr was unable to attend KaraokeFest this year. He was called away at the last minute to take over the announcing duties at this year’s Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon from recently departed Ed McMahon. From all accounts, Shawn did a tremendous job. Special thanks go to the phenomenally talented Marshall Thomas of KFROG 95.1 FM for stepping in at the last minute to host the Crème de la Crème Finals Competition. We sincerely appreciate all that he did for KaraokeFest this year. Thanks also to our good friend, Manny Pacheco, the best emcee for an important event like this that anyone could ask for. And making her debut at KaraokeFest was well known radio personality, Barbara Brooks, hosting the Crème de la Kids and Crème de la King Final Competition. Thank you, Barbara!
A tip of the Karaoke Scene hat goes to Crème de la Kids coordinator, Tony DeFazio and to Crème de la King Coordinator, Julie Woodcock, for their tireless efforts in making the dream come true for all of their contestants. And many thanks to every single one of the gracious volunteers who gave so much of their time and energy to make KaraokeFest special for everyone.
We would like to acknowledge all of our Karaoke Expo Exhibitors, Ace Karaoke, SingIt.TV (Ethermedia, Inc.), YourVideoke.com and Manny Pacheco. We, and the Karaoke community, sincerely appreciate your participation at KaraokeFest 2009 and we hope to see you all again next year.
And then there are our prize sponsors, VocoPro, Ace Karaoke, Chartbuster, MGM/Lakeshore Entertainment and Manny Pacheco. Their generosity speaks for itself and these companies are certainly deserving of everyone’s support.
Don’t forget that, for a limited time, you can purchase your own professionally produced DVD of any or all of the exciting singing competitions at KaraokeFest this year…a perfect memento of all the fabulous performances that made KaraokeFest 2009 such an entertainment extravaganza. The Crème de la Kids and Crème de la King DVDs are only $19.95 each and the Crème de la Crème DVDs are only $29.95, or you can order all 3 for only $59.95 (all prices are +S&H). Order yours today at www.KaraokeScene.com or by calling (714) 826-2212.
Thanks also to our fabulous Karaoke Stage hosts at KaraokeFest this year, Ace Karaoke, Blue Collar Karaoke, Helen Scheuplein, PR Entertainment and Surfbum Karaoke. These talented people make KaraokeFest fun for everybody all day long and we want them to know how much they are appreciated.
Speaking of Manny Pacheco, some of may not know that he has written a book, “Forgotten Hollywood – Forgotten History,” an amazing study of some of the most important character actors and actresses from Hollywood’s Golden Years and their relationship to American historical events. We highly recommend this book to everyone, either for yourself or as a perfect gift for a friend or loved one (Christmas is coming). For those of you who are interested in buying a copy of this fabulous new book, please go to www.forgottenhollywood.com to order yours today.
Now that this year’s KaraokeFest is in the books, we are already getting calls asking about the next big Karaoke event in Southern California. Of course, that would be SongBurst 2010 at the Orange County Market Place starting in February. There will be both an adult and a junior competition with thousands in cash and prizes! SongBurst has really taken off over the past couple of years to become the premier winter Karaoke event in Southern California. You won’t want to miss this one. All of the details can be found in the next issue of Karaoke Scene Magazine or at www.KaraokeScene.com.
All of us at Karaoke Scene Magazine would like to wish all of you and your families a Happy Halloween and Happy Thanksgiving!
