You may have noticed from our poster that we are offering prizes for "best and worst" performances at Live Band Karaoke at The Mambo Room on Saturday, March 13. Perhaps you are curious as to what exactly this means. This was intentionally left ambiguous to (a) give us some time to figure it out and (b) maximize the competitive spirit, enjoyment and potential reward for the audience. With the event only a few days away, it is still not totally in focus (see reasoning below), but the following should help clear things up.
What are the prizes?
Still to be determined, but we can assure you that these prizes will be something of value and something with broad appeal (no white elephants). The exact value and the number of prizes will be finalized based a sliding scale. What drives the sliding scale? Well... let's be honest, the number of people who show up! The more singers we have, the more competition and the greater conceivable number of variations amongst the performers (think... best male / female, best duet, best group). Reason number one to tell your friends and get them out to this event.
What exactly are the categories in this competition? What constitutes the best and worst performance?
The idea here is to both get to hear some people who can really sing, while also encouraging participation from everybody at all levels of talent. For us, the best karaoke is when the singer's heart and soul is evident in the performance, regardless of whether they have American Idol-worthy vocal chops. When you're connecting with the music, when your love of the song comes out, when you are truly entertaining the crowd... that's when the magic happens. And that's what we're looking for. Heck, bombing is a part of the grand karaoke experience. We want to embrace that and even (gulp) playfully encourage it.
Check out this video to see what we mean...
Who are the judges? How are these prizes voted on?
Rather than pin down a panel of judges, we are going to let the wisdom of the crowd help make some decisions. We'll have several objective observers judging the quality and quanity of the audience reaction. If you are set on taking home a prize, its a good idea to get your peeps out and have them cheer you on.
Granted, there is some subjectivity involved, but hey, talent contests are subjective.
What else do I need to know?
You don't have to be present when the winners are announced to claim your prize. We'll notify you by email and also announce the winners on our website and distribute your prizes to you after the event.
Most importantly, have some fun. At the end of the day, this isn't about prizes. This is about getting up on a real stage with a real band, with awesome sound and rock-n-roll lighting and expressing yourself. It is connecting with the music and putting on a little show. If you can do that, you're putting yourself in a position for a prize, too.
To summarize, we're suggestion you come out with a great attitude and no fear. Come with a crowd and get the word out -- we know this type of thing is more fun with a group anyway. You can also save a few bucks by buying tickets in advance at Brown Paper Tickets.
See you Saturday!
