What’s New June 2003
Well, KaraokeFest 2003 is in the books and what a show it was! There are so many people who contributed so much to the success of this year’s event that this entire article could easily be just a long list of names. So let me say to all of you who were so generous with your time and effort (and you know who you are), thank you, thank you, thank you!
Kudos to 4 time Grammy winner Deniece Williams for a spectacular performance as she lead the multitude in attendance in “Sing With One Voice,” the Karaoke community’s moving salute to the brave men and women of our armed forces (idea suggested by 2002 South L.A. County KJ of the Year, Cassidy). Many had tears in their eyes as the singing rang out through the historic Queen Mary’s decks. It was quite a moment. A special thank you to Johnnie Carl, musical director at the Crystal Cathedral, for all his help in making ‘Sing With One Voice” a reality. Thanks also to videographer, Mark Warshaw, for donating his talent and time in the creation of a music video of the tribute for distribution to our armed forces around the world. And a tip of the Karaoke Scene hat to Renee Downing and the folks at Sound Choice for providing the CDG version of “Sing With One Voice” for KaraokeFest.
The Karaoke Expo was bigger and better than ever with vendors and exhibitors of all kinds including major Karaoke hardware and software manufacturers and retailers. Many folks spent a lot of time checking out all the products and goodies there. We have plans for an even bigger Expo next year so stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted.
The outdoor charity stages were very popular places at this year’s “Fest.” Donna and Bobby from Martini Blues and Tony DeFazio of Star light Karaoke each sponsored one of the stages and, with their stellar lineups of KJs, raised nearly a thousand dollars for the Salvation Army. We like the concept of additional stages so that everyone can have an opportunity to sing. Thank you all for a job well done.
You can talk about American Idol all you want, but the “Crème de la Crème” finals at this year’s KaraokeFest featured some of the finest talent seen anytime or anywhere! The competitors earned their way into the finals aboard the Queen Mary through an arduous process of preliminary and club final rounds lasting over a period of 7 weeks at 20 venues located throughout Southern California. We couldn’t be prouder of all the talented performers who performed at KaraokeFest and we wish them success and good luck, both in their singing and in their futures.
Our Female & Male Karaoke Vocalists of the Year, Stacia Gardner and Sheldon Tarsha, were invited to sing and be interviewed on the nationally syndicated Mark & Brian Radio Show (KLOS 95.5). They were wonderful and really did Karaoke proud by their performances. We’d like to express our special appreciation to Mark & Brian and their fine staff for their support of Karaoke and our KaraokeFest event.
Congratulations to all of the Golden Achievement Award winners and nominees! You have been single out and honored by the Karaoke community for excellence in your respective categories. Both individuals and venues alike should be proud to be recognized.
In closing, here’s a reminder…the pilot for our new internet based radio show, “That’s Karaoke,” is now up on our website at www.ThatsKaraoke.com. Give a listen and let us know what you think.
