[font=Verdana] I know my preference if I am in a club, is to be able to hear the music, the person singing, and to hear the people I am with.
I know the younger crowd seems to think that the louder the music the better, but can anyone give me some opinions on just how loud a karaoke show should be? .When I sing at some shows, I can barely hear myself over the music, makes it difficult to sing your best. [/font]

I try to get the vocals just over the music.
As far as overall volume, as loud as the crowd requires. We tend to run a bit hotter because I want people to experience a live performance, so the sound reflects the levels that a live band might produce. We don't target older singers - although they are more than welcome, chances are they won't stay long usually because of the volume.

To loud is when you see people putting their hands over their ears and complaining.

Of course it depends on your crowd, the song, venue and equipment, I can just tell you what works for me.

I like to keep the volume at a level people can still talk to each other without screaming. Of course if you are standing right next to a speaker this could be difficult. A complaint I hear a lot is bands are to loud and people can't talk to each other, so I'm careful not to make the same mistake. I'll stand in front of the stage then in the middle of the room several times night to check sound. It is very important to me to make sure it isn't to loud.

If there isn't a lot of people in the bar and the night hasn't gotten rowdie yet I keep it a little lower. I bring the volume up as the night gets pumping. Certain songs are just going to be louder, like Bodies. People don't mind a popular song that is by nature loud as long as it isn't every song played.

Most songs I keep the vocals slightly above the music. If I have a horrble tone deaf singer I'll try to blend their voice more into the music.

#1 You should always be able to hear yourself --either with monitors or speaker placement.

Vocals should be above the music but JUST above as to blend.

Those two are often not the same. If the vocals are *just* above according to the KJs evaluation and location, it still may not be enough for the singer to hear themselves adequately in their location.

One of the reasons I love singing at a system I set up is that I know I will be able to hear myself. Singing out at karaoke venues, it is usually less than 50% where I can hear myself well.