Karaoke Forums

Im am a very active church member and I have thought many times about young adults or old getting together and karaoking. My only fear is the selection of music. Some can deal with secular music better than others and the last thing I want to do is cause an uproar. Dont get me wrong I love christian music but a full night of it on the karaoke machine would be short and tiresome.

Actually, there are many discs geared towards exactly this sort of thing. With the wide variety of music available in the 'Contemporary Christian' category - AND available on karaoke it should go over pretty well. While many of the 'older' members may or may not care for NewsBoys, DC Talk, or Petra they can't deny the message in the music.

By carefully limiting the songbook to those songs that are more acceptable it should be fairly easy to get them to accept it as a possibility. I'd put together a proposal for the church and a copy of the songbook for review and see what comes of it.

Remember, each church as feelings about what is acceptable in music, dance (or lack thereof), games and similar events. Work within the boundaries of the church(es) you're discussing this with for entertainment. Example: I had a friend that went to a conservative southern Baptist church where they don't allow dancing. Offering to host a karaoke and dance party will get you nowhere within her church, but the church down the street hosts dances every couple months for the young adult members.

If your going to talk christian music lets not forget the one and only STRYPER. To bad they only have one song out on karaoke.....

I think the OP is saying that he doesn't want just a night of contemporary Christian music and wants to stretch beyond the Strypers and DC Talks of the music world. There are plenty of good Christians out there who aren't into Christian music at all.

I would think that if people are that actively involved in the church, they would be trustworthy enough to pick songs that are appropriate for the venue. I wouldn't worry so much about putting together a special book for church karaoke, but I'd make sure the KJ is familiar enough with contemporary music that he or she can screen the song submissions for appropriateness.

There are a lot of Christian tunes available.
Anyone remember the old Buryl Red cantatas of the 1970's? My favorite was one called "Celebrate Life." We had soloists and a choir, singing with a reel to reel tape accompaniment. Sort of pre-karaoke.

_________________
Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans
~John Lennon~

I agree that there is a wide selection of music that may be acceptable at many churches, but others may have a much more limited taste in music. It will vary church to church and while the Rodeo Song, and I-95 song are pretty much out at any church venue there are some songs that should get tossed right away if anyone knows the lyrics (ie Macarena) but it might just get sung.

I listen to a LOT of music and I can't tell you for every song in my selection which ones are appropriate for a church venue. I've also found that if it's in the book it might get picked - especially if they don't listen to the lyrics too closely when it plays on the radio. If the church gig(s) are an ongoing thing I'd trim my master book of obvious problem songs for the church and print up some copies. If you plan to play various churches then it probably won't help to create your own books for each venue, but I would let them review the book prior for songs they don't want played at all and respect their wishes. I'd then keep a list of those songs handy to compare as the slips come in.

Playing a church could be a lot of fun but it will require a little more work on your part to insure the content of the show is appropriate.

I would say that 50% of my business is with churches or church groups.
I have never had a problem with my songbook. I have two songbooks however. 1 PG rated the other is for bar gigs.
If you are playing in a church hall, you will find that the people actually govern themselves.. they don't want to sing something offensive!
I have played in Catholic, Lutheran , Methodist and even Southern Baptist churches with no problems.

Bubba

_________________
You can choose to be an Actor in your own life... or a Reactor in someone elses.

I really appreciate all of the help. Our church just recently bought a K-mart store that closed down two years ago. They are "talking" (many ideas being tossed around) about puting a stage inside for bands and or music /karaoke on the weekends so those who dont want to hang in the smoke and dont drink can come have good time with friends (mainly young adults)