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I am always looking for a new gig that #1 ) Pays More #2) Is a little closer to home #3) appreciates a decent KJ host and s karaoke friendly.

I have been noticing in this area some Bars/Sports Pubs etc have opened under new management and or owners. They are "done up" inside and now seemed to be catering to a -YOUNGER base then before ( 21yr-30ish).   They all now have someone with a MYSPACE pages and are hiring YOUNGER CLUB TYPE DJ's.

I would love to be able to host Karaoke in a bar like these as I can imagine the excitement from a new bar and a younger crow.   BUT HOW is the question  
being 47 years young is a tough sell to these bar managers who are in their 20's
and looking t hire all young talent( can't blame them)   What are your thoughts ??? or suggestions ????

I'm about your age and it's what I'm doing. It is possible. All I've got is how I did it...

I tried to do my old routine at first and almost blew it. I had to ditch all my old stuff. You've got to lead by example.

I also knew  a core group of singers  who were uncomfortable with  the karaoke rooms in the area and wanted a contemporary list and more freedom.

I brought in  full PA, complete with quad 18" subs at that time. We cranked it up and put on a show until we got others to give it a shot. The room was already a hang-out for a few young people and it didn't take them long to get involved. A little prodding from me but not much. They multiplied in a hurry once the word got out about InYourFace Karaoke (what I call it).

My owner was an old friend and she gave me the time to get things going. If I had to do it cold it would be tougher. If I had to do it that way I'd set up an audition and bring a few singers with me who were doing the style to demonstrate it's potential.

First I'm going to say that YOUR AGE really should have no bearing at all on your ability, ultimately, to get into one of these young places. We fell into ours through kismet almost 3 years ago - it is a very YOUNG bar. Owner is great - is there during the day and I think in the 3 years we've been there, we've sat and talked with him face-to-face maybe 3 times. We're in our '50s, but because of our approach to music, the kids couldn't give a DARN how old we are. Of course we have designed our Monday night show to reflect that. Our bumper music is pulled straight off the radio stations that they listen to ... Both of us sing new release stuff off those stations ... things like that make a huge difference in a 'young' bar.

I think you really have to pay attention to what's 'hip and cool' and use that as your basis - your marketing should reflect that ... I have contemplated doing up a marketing dvd (I have the camera but just haven't done it yet) that we can send to these kinds of places - edited clips, background music, interviews, etc.  It is possible to create that sort of appearance to what you do.

I have many friends who are my kids' age (30 and 32) - in fact, most of the Monday night crowd are younger than my kids, but that has NEVER been an issue for either of us. There is nothing like being around youth to keep you young.  (Helps that we do silly things like wear 'spiked' hair...)

I think if you are able to shift gears in your mind about your age (which by the way is only a number!) and check out these places what that in mind, you'll have a better chance of landing a job in one of them.

The other issue is, these kinds of clubs run fast and hard, and you might find that they aren't really the kind of place you'd like to work - some of these kids have a real sense of 'entitlement' for lack of a better word, and can really be a pain to deal with...

There, my two cents on fighting age discrimination!

K

Karen, thanks for the reply.  Age is never a problem with me , my current gig has  a younger than me crowd but more 30's than 20's if you know what I mean.  
I think if you have an older owner /manager it may be easier to GET YOUR SHOT to prove that your show is up to date.   I already play all the top filler music and dance tracks.   I really haven't had an bad experiances yet this is more of a proactive question on HOW TO land these type of gigs.  It seems the CONTACT person I notice on the websites and myspace pages are all YOUNG themselves ...These are the people I think a prospective KJ must "get to".   I imagine if I present myself in a way that comes across as "contemporary" it may work.      I do like your suggestion of learning the most recent SONGS to be able to sing.  I will have to look into that.

Bill - I also like the idea of being able to offer a GREAT sound system along with wall rattling bass . ( This I don't have currently) but wouldn't be out of the question to add some power and and sub to my system.   I guess I'll have to visit some of these places and see what is currently going on in the form of djs and music.

Jam I'm rolling on the floor. Wait till you get my age. You are a young whipper snapper.I do have a host about your age though.

For younger crowds use fill with a high energy beat with no gaps of silence. In this area (college) the students sing just as much old stuff but thats where a good selection comes in. Also the crowds here are never dominant in any age bracket but range from 21-70. Thats nice because everybody gets a variety of music.

Another thing to remember is most of the young singers now grew up with a karaoke machine in the basement. They are very good and are not the old hard core pestering singers. They are very polite and a pleasure to host for.

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I'm not sure about the karaoke machine in the basement for my group, but I totally agree that this is a wonderful age group to host for!  They are much more polite and less demanding than their parents. And when they nail a song, they give you this huge reward by looking your direction and  flashing an ear to ear smile that's priceless.

This whole gig has really pushed me out of my own zone and into new music. Another benefit. I'm rapping!!! My own kids who are just coming into this age can't believe it.

Do you find at these "YOUNG" bars you need to mix the karaoke up with filler/dance tunes ?

My host probably plays longer fills and occasional dance than most. The hottest one right now surprisingly is ymca... A picture is worth a thousand words. I think the guy at the right end of the bar is gay!!!! And I dont know what the two creatures are watching from the right side. The gal on the left end and the one the middle are waitresses.

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I sometimes start out as a DJ. But once the singers start it's all karaoke. We go all the way until 2:30am and it's still full with a large rotation most nights. Even Thursday (my only weeknight).

Young ones don't stop at midnight. They're just getting started.

I don't even run filler between singers but I might start doing that once I get the computer all up and running. But we're pretty loud and the break gives people a chance to talk. Even shouting it's hard to hear once we're rolling.

The young just want music in any form. But when we have a big rotation it is more of the old format. Last sat it was one of those nights when rotation was never above 15. But those 15 are a foundation of top singers. The crowd goes nuts.

The mood and genre of the filler music makes or breaks a show.

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The mood is definitely created by the filler music in this case. We have always had filler music and will probably continue to do so once even when we have the computer system up and running (FRIDAY! WOOHOO) - Have to maintain that level of excitement, and I have to say, even though I was raised on Beatles, Hollies, Stones, Three Dog Night, I'm loving Danzig, Toadies, Maroon 5, Finger 11, Daughtry, etc. Not so much the rap stuff, unless it's really done well and we are blessed with a couple of dudes who come in occasionally who are incredibly good.

k

Karen I dont have my system computer here now but maybe next week I will go into history and get a list of what we play. Greg my host works the crowd into a disco type frenzy.

Not much wrap unless it is radio version and good upbeat tempo...

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It helps to look younger than you are.

If you have gray hair, go to the parlor and get it changed.    Not too many people look very hip, gray.

I don't cater to that crowd, so that's all i'm gonna say on the subject.  But i always try to have a more mixed group.  I don't really want all young or all old.  Diversified.   Just like you retirement fund investments should be.

Ollie, FYI

I don't think your crowd is going to appreciate you broadcasting pictures and suggesting certain people in those pictures are gay, straight, drug dealers or illegal aliens.

Strictly from a legal aspect.

Do you want his email addy? Legal accusations require more than I Think.

As someone who has been in the broadcast industry  I am very familiar with broadcast laws.

The F.C.C. says of itself:

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent United States government agency, directly responsible to Congress. The FCC was established by the Communications Act of 1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S.

That being said, the F.C.C. has no jurisdiction over what content an individual broadcasts over the Internet, assuming it is legal. For instance: broadcasting a video stream of child pornography is not legal and therefore would subject the person to criminal action.

source

Are the critters watching from the right legal or illegal?

And BTW I went to the parlor and put out $29.95 And that was just for the estimate.

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Jam, I suppose I see the shoe as being on the other foot, meaning, play their music, speak THEIR music, and they will love you BUT... Could YOU stand that stuff ?  I couldn't personally !

They want young, because young speaks the language of "young", we old farts can do that too assuming we are familiar and feign being enthused with what young likes.  I could not !  I'd go home nauseated each night feeling like Baby Huey, but,  if they get to know you, and like you despite your age (just go in as a patron a few times and sell YOU),  you've got the gig... I'll bet you do !   If not the first few weeks,  shortly after somebody else falls thru... If you can TOLERATE the young stuff,  good for you.. Personally,  my entertainment days ended when I was in my 30's.. and there was no relearning for me.. My time was shortlived trying to make money as a fish out've water in a different crowd,  I'm not too adaptable.

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

"If it's not classic rock, R&B, or old fart music,  Kappy doesn't last"...


I'm just being honest.. Unless there's something VERY VERY VERY attractive their that makes it worthwhile compromising something and becoming a ho, and such women aren't that young, and money alone wouldn't enable me to stay at such a place that likes todays 20 crowd entertaiment  LMAO

My thoughts are is they just need to get to know that you can speak their music, little more.. You need to be somewhat visible to them,  you'll get the gig assuming you are willing to work for the pay scale they offer, and play the music they want, assuming to the new management of these chains or franchises, GOOD KJ doesn't constitute attractive female with no experience, some places want that.. Attractive, energetic, with many friends, or ability to make many friends and sort've "metriculate" into the crowd... SPorts bars that are that young might.. How old is management of these new joints ?  Business owners would be more inclined to hire those with experience that'll optimize revenue assuming experience at such places will...  Managers that hire and aren't overly experienced with diversifying, also adding older clientel might overlook reasonable business practices you and I would consider, and additionally assuming you get the gig, such managers aren't usually the easiest to work for.

I guess I don't know if once you got inside, you'd be happy.. Would you be ?  Our age and experience do set us apart from those a generation+ younger, but I think WE feel the gap more as entertainers that aren't truly into their music. A jazz/ blues clubs club knows no age... It's "music".. age is GENERALLY bridged,  Karaoke, if you could survive that young a crowd, you've got something few others have, (at least to my knowledge).


These places might not be those types of environments Jam.



Sidewinder has a point.  I'd go a step further, if your hair is brown, black, or blonde get it changed... Purple, Green  Magenta are preferrable.  Also is your tongue or nose pierced Jam ?  Do you have flashing lights that you can put in your teeth ?



Now I'm ROTF.  All places want a host that calls the patrons:

"Young coddled liberal spoiled babies that don't know the meaning of the tax-payers dollar", Patrons just LOVE hearing "that they are ruining the world, and have no values"...

Of course,  telling them stories about taking your hat off at the table, importance of putting their teeth in prior to heading to the 12th floor", "calling their 89 year old mother" don't go over too well either.. Make sure you tell a kid that drives up in a nice car that his "Hunk of metal isn't worth nearly as much as the insignia on one of your relatives uniform" too.


 LMAO ... But Ollie can teach them stuff Sidewinder  LMAO  LMAO

THat's all that the bar owners care about !
Hey Ollie,  what makes  you think that the kid you believe is gay, and his creature friends aren't members of Karaoke Scene ?  You're reminding me of an internet -aged "Archie Bunker" dude  LMAO

I don't know todays laws in retail,  I don't know about todays PC stuff, or laws one must adhere too..  I'd have to learn before I could work in any service related place because no one cares about how stuff was when I was working in retail, or CS related areas..  I must conform to today.. That's how the world is.. Like it or not,  it doesn't care !   I don't even know what is acceptable to say or not to say in a bar setting, or any public place..

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Kappy I do not understand this personal tirade. But I can walk 3 feet away from this keyboard and welcome real life again. I run a very successful karaoke business which adds to my social security income. Click on the WWW below.

It appears you harbor memories and grudges which hint of mental extremes or at worst case mental problems. Do not assume your intelligencia surpasses everybody on this forum. I do have an IQ of 170. My mastery of the english language and articulation is in the upper 5% according to school and military tests.

My resume would astound all on this forum. I do have a masters degree and and an associates degree in engineering.


I will say it again. My karma is based upon real life and nothing said on this forum is real enough to change my life or change my history. I use it as a forum to get certain opinions and learn from others and integrate into my successful business.

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In which case I am not nearly as intelligent as you are, and my composition skill sucks, I do try to improve it however. Though in your case, what happened to affect all this brilliance of yours so profoundly Ollie ?  :shock:   LOL  

If you've got it apply it, otherwise you don't have it ~



This is an internet Karaoke forum, your past, NOR my own past is not asked about, or requisite for membership here. Very few, if anyone at all care about non-related  haughty diatribe. Similarly our past credentials (especially credentials we don't display by our online behaviour) shouldn't be used to denegrate, judge, or one-up others, yet you do that frequently.  Intellect, degrees, personal ethical constructs, and sage are virtues others formulate without hard-sell, or life resume's handed to those not hiring. These aren't things that should, or can be thrown at others that don't have an interest in them, or necessarily believe we have much skill based upon how we conduct ourselves. (Others in many cases have MORE than we do in MANY aspects) yet remain humble, and MOST realize trying so hard to show others how brilliant they are on the internet in the same fashion 10 year old America Online kids do only backfires, yet you can't see that.. I wish you would !

All that matters is how we get along IN HERE TODAY.  It's not important how well you say you sing, or how long you have sung if nobody here has ever heard you sing Ollie,  Your IQ here is what you display in here and all that matters. Your younger days are of interest to YOU solely, and NONE of this is to be impinged on others in total disregard for context (yet you do this frequently).

Reason being, it's not indicative of the behaviour of a mature highly intelligent, wise person. It appears foolish, and It's not "exchange" when thrown at people, it's talking down to them.

Real IN HERE, is how you interrelate in here.  The non-related personal stuff which usually is of a strong political nature, or unsolicited judgment of others character thrown with condescension (such as IQ score that is in an almost unheard of high percentile) superior past conditioning, degrees, ongoing boasting about past experience is also what you return to when you WALK AWAY from your computer ( assuming you can find people there that care), most of us just carry it in our head, because it doesn't matter much TODAY..  The really "smart" folk in here, are the ones that socially get along with others, adapt today, and do not keep tellling others in totally unrelated forums (with condescension) how inferior their ways and times are, especially when MANY being talked down to appear to be smarter, more experienced in many ways, and certainly more adaptable living TODAY, but more importantly they don't impinge themselves on those that don't wish to be judged, so if nothing else, their social skills are MUCH more evolved...

It's annoying to them, and it makes the person doing these things look like a total fool !

Sorry to take this OT Jam..  

Yeah Ollie,  Your life experience isn't something to throw at others in a venue where few might very well not care, yet you don't care.  BTW, Chatter in these forums is also a form of REAL to those exchanging "content" as opposed to condescending upon others.

Oh yeah,  I try to keep the mental probs out've the forum too.. I suck at it though, however at least I can say I suck at stuff..  Try it sometime, others are laughing at you Ollie,  laugh at yourself more often rather than the polarized one day lucid-superior next day incoherent-incomp shifts...Remember Ollie,  it's not how superior you think you are that matters,  it's how close you actually come to acting like Kappy that matters  LMAO  LMAO  LMAO

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Next time you do a wedding consult or bargain for a contract in a bar I really hope you take all these things into consideration and fully discuss with the potential employee..

I run a successful business do you? What I do in real life and fanatsies here are totally different. When anybody here can provide me with a website that proves their existence then I will listen to them Otherwise get lost. Your opinion is nothing but theory and fantasy. And you can jack your jaw until the cows come home.  

I think your siggie ought to read Not a Kj but will argue with a real one.

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