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The Big Karaoke
Topics: karaoke, Bakotopia, 2007, Bakersfield
Posted by Wendylousky36 Mon Oct 15, 2007 23:56:54 PDT
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0 responses 3 comments The Big Karaoke
Japan's most popular export is more than just a fad to local DJ

(Random web karaoke fans...)

By Wendylousky36, Bakotopia.com contributor

Fact: Karaoke today was popularized by the Japanese musician Daisuke Inoue in Kobe, Japan in the early 1970s. The term 'Karaoke' comes from the Japanese word kara, "empty" or "void", and _kesutora, "orchestra".) - Source: Wikipedia.com


(With this machine, Japan will have its revenge!: Karaoke inventor, Daisuke Inoue)

Bakersfield had always been pretty jamming with karaoke since I moved here in 1993.

I would go to the Junction and be part of the fun with a local karaoke outfit. I would put in a slip enrolling myself into the song rotation and wait until it was my turn to sing. Not knowing then what I know now I would get a little moody when my turn wouldn't come up quickly. New people would come in and he would put me at the bottom of rotation making them before me on the turn around. After a few drinks and a little time I would go up on stage and become the hottest act in Kern County (or so I thought).

Karaoke grew on me as the years passed. I learned to sing in front of people and exercised my vocal chords to a professional level. After becoming a singer for one of Bakersfield’s country music bands, Nightlife, I was well on my way to a singing career. I soon opened a karaoke and DJ company in Bakersfield called Wendy’s Wild West Entertainment that has boomed over the last couple of years.



When my boss retired, I found myself without a job. I always loved music and knew Kenny Jay over at Lone Oak Lounge was interested in selling his business. I went to the owner of The Lone Oak and asked him, “If I buy Kenny's equipment, can I have the job?” He said, “Yes,” and shortly after I started my new career in karaoke. Little did I know I would be getting an offer for a new day job that same week. But, I still kept the karaoke job and loved it.

Shortly after opening my business, my band was playing at a local bar and I had my car parked right outside the side entrance. I remember being up on stage looking out the front window and saw what I thought looked like my car driving by. After the set was over I went outside to get the band schedule out of the car and much to my surprise, my car was not there. All of my original karaoke equipment, speakers, amp, monitor and CDGs for the music were in my car. I had lost all of my equipment for my one and only karaoke show over at the Lone Oak Lounge.



Thanks to good car and homeowners insurance I received enough money to purchase all new equipment. My husband and I decided since I had to buy all new equipment and music I was going to buy nothing but the best. My husband pulled out his life savings and added it to the insurance money to upgrade everything. I had tripled my equipment and had started doing other karaoke shows in Bakersfield. I ended up doing private DJ shows on the side.  I teamed up with DJ Jerry Craig in Paso Robles and now do weddings and other special events throughout Kern County and on the West Coast.

Because of growing demand, I have been working with my husband, Justin McWilliams (lead singer of the Nightlife band). He helped me start the business and has been my right hand man during the growing stages. He is now running half of my shows. I have hired DJ Jana Moore (sings with Bobby Durham and The Bakersfield Sound) to do shows for me here in Bakersfield and over at the coast. I am in the process of hiring another DJ for other events.



Karaoke is growing rapidly and has become one of the most popular choices for entertainment in Bakersfield. I enjoy the people I have met in this industry. Some are not the greatest singers but sure do put out the effort. I always tell my customers, "If you have a voice, you can sing!" I admit, there is a difference between singing karaoke and being in a live band. Karaoke has no remorse, where live band works around your mistakes. I have at times brought great karaoke entertainers to the stage with my band. Most were pretty good and they loved every minute of it.

After all, you have to start somewhere!

I'm currently providing karaoke at:
• The Lone Oak Lounge - 10612 Rosedale Highway Bakersfield, Tuesdays and
  Thursdays 8 p.m. - 1a.m.
• Trout's Nightclub -   805 North Chester Ave. Bakersfield, Wednesdays 9 p.m. - ?
• Tejon Club - 117 El Tejon Ave. Bakersfield Saturdays 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.
• Elkhorn Bar - Mission Street in San Miguel, CA Saturdays 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Hope to see you at one of our shows!

*Originally printed in Bakotopia Magazine, Issue 13, 10 - 19 - 07

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Comment From: matt

I've had a lot of fun doing karaoke. I remember being buzzed out of my head singing Santana tunes in a bar in Tehachapi one time...word. Comment From: soulajarmusic

The new recording studio coming to town, American Sound Studios, is taking some pretty cool steps for karaoke lovers! With 1 entire studio (out of 3) within the facility solely dedicated to parties and karaoke style recording, it's sure to be a big hit here in Bako. Josh, ASR Studio owner, says they're to have over 5,000 tracks legally licensed and ready for people to record their voice to! Pretty cool stuff-- Comment From: soulajarmusic

There's a site up... http://www.asrstudios.com