The Recession, Karaoke and You

While I am sensitive to the economic climate today, and it's effect on my friends, patrons and singers, I also see the economy eroding at karaoke from another direction, one which I have addressed in the following essay. Karaoke shows and similar entertainment are free to the public, but there is a hidden cost, and a threat to the future of such entertainment that the economic down turn is seeming to accellerate. The following essay addresses the impact from the perspective of the venues who pay for and provide my service, and those who work at the venues.

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KARAOKE: THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN, KARAOKE AND YOU - A FRANK LOOK AT KARAOKE IN TODAY'S ECONOMY

The recent economic downturn has affected all of us in one way or another, but most definitely has affected the karaoke community. We have seen business after business fail lately, and shows at some bars have disappeared. Many people have either lost their jobs, or otherwise do not have the discretionary income they once had to come out and enjoy an evening of food, drink, and karaoke. A good karaoke host knows what the reason for their being at a venue is, and when venues, or the people who work at them, stop making money, it puts the future of a karaoke show in peril. The following is a brief essay to explain the economics of karaoke, and an explanation of your part in that system as a consumer of the karaoke product.

WHY BARS AND RESTAURANTS PROVIDE KARAOKE

This reason is simple. Bars and restaurants hire a karaoke host to attract a crowd to spend money. While having a host who is good with people, attracts good singers, and has decent equipment and selection is a plus, at the end of the day it comes down to what is in the cash register, and what the servers can earn. Bar owners are less concerned with the content of a show, than they are that the show attracts a crowd and that the numbers at the end of the day justify inviting the host back week after week. A good host will remain aware of what the bars take is, and how much the servers are earning, to be sure that the economics of karaoke at that location are worth the venue asking him or her to come back week after week. It is important for a large percentage of attendees to support the venue, either by eating or drinking, and also for the attendees to tip their servers. Servers generally make less than minimum wage, and rely on tips solely to make a livable wage.

KARAOKE NIGHTS: HOW THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN HAS AFFECTED THE VENUES

First and foremost...smaller crowds. Secondly, those who are attending seem to spend less. It is possible to see shows that are wildly popular, with long rotations and believe that it is going to be a great night for the host and venue...but then at the end of the night, the servers have made little to no money, and the total in the cash register is very low. This has been the first year that I have gone to work at several of my venues, wondering if my future was in jeopardy there...either because the rings or attendance have been low, or because the venue overall is losing money and may close down. Where a large crowd may give the illusion of success, it is NOT NECESSARILY so.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP?

SUPPORT THE VENUE AND THE SERVERS! First and foremost, if you are supporting the venues and the servers, THANK YOU!! Supporting can be as simple as ordering a food item, maybe a couple of drinks...and tipping your server. I understand that many do not drink, and choose to drink soft drinks or water. Please understand that the venue does have an overhead of paying for the room, the staff and the entertainment, so if they charge a premium for soft drinks, water and refills, it is merely to recoup their costs in paying the bills from a shrinking audience. Some folks have balked at rising prices, or less liberal refill policies, or higher prices for drinks not accompanied by food, by taking it out on the servers and not tipping them. The servers do not make the price policies, so please do not take it out on them. When you look at your tab, factor in not only the cost of the food or drink, but also the enjoyment you got from the entertainment. There was no cover charge, so if you feel your tab is high, pretend that it includes a cover charge to pay for your karaoke host, and the electricity, etc... Cover charges COULD become the next step if we are not cautious.

THE ECONOMY OF KARAOKE : HELPING THE SERVERS/BARTENDERS

Keeping the servers and bartenders happy goes a long way to keeping your favorite karaoke show in business. If the servers do not make money, they will not want to work the shifts...and when management sees no one wants the shifts, they will more closely audit the karaoke night to see if it is worthwhile. Similarly, if the servers do not make money, they will not have a positive outlook on their job, or karaoke. Happy servers are better at their job, and if they see karaoke as a money making night, will do more to promote it, both to the public and to their bosses. TIPPING THE BARTENDER OR SERVER IS NOT OPTIONAL! This must be in the budget for the night. I have heard story after story about patrons who pay their tabs, then explain that they are broke and cant afford to tip...and then smile at the server and expect them to understand. Serving food and drink is what they do to survive, and why they are there...and they are paid by the consumers in the form of tips. To allow and expect someone to serve you, even water, for the duration of an evening with no pay is not acceptable, and will not win a karaoke night any favor from management. Imagine if your waiter came to where you work and expected you to do what you do for a living for them, then when it came time to pay, refused to pay your labor charge or commission because they did not have enough money. That is how waiters feel when they are "stiffed". After speaking to several servers, the consensus is that if someone tips a buck a drink for alcohol, or drops a five at the beginning of a night to show intent, then follows up later with 18-20% of the total bill tipped, that would be a good return. ANY gesture is better than none.

One must understand the "real estate" of restaurants and bars as well. Each table represents a station for a server, and each seat in that station has the potential of generating revenue for the server, and the venue. If someone takes a seat at a station, they are responsible for making sure the server at that station is being taken care of. The value of the "real estate" of the chair you are sitting in depends on several factors....1) How busy is the night and is that seat needed, 2) Are you intending to eat and drink, or sip water. 3) How many people at the table are eating and drinking vs not.

At venues where there are PLENTY of seats, this is not as crucial as at smaller venues where seating is at a premium. I know that one venue I work at with limited seating is working on instituting a minimum purchase policy for its premium seating soon to ensure that paying diners do not leave for lack of a seat.

I have heard singers that do not spend use the argument that "they sing well and people come to hear them" or that "they bring their friends who spend". To some extent, those statements are true, and personally, I am happy to see a crowd...the bigger the better. I work better with a crowd. There is no shame to coming and NOT spending, unless, you are taking up real estate at a crowded show, or you are not tipping the server. Even if you are not spending, if you take a seat, you should tip the server for checking in on you and cleaning up after you when you leave. Tipping a server for free water may not endear you to the venue, but your server will appreciate it, and you, very much.

THE ECONOMY OF KARAOKE - HELPING THE VENUE

Ordering anything helps...bringing friends who may eat or drink... If drinking water, buying the bottle instead of drinking the free water helps.

IN CONCLUSION

Together we can all ride out the economic downturn to more prosperous time, but the issues discussed in this essay are timeless regardless of any economic condition. We all enjoy a great karaoke show, but need to understand the real reason they exist for us. When the show or its patrons become a liability to the venue, karaoke and similar "free" entertainment will go away. If you are not a part of the "problem", then you ARE the solution. For that I thank you, both on my behalf, and on the behalf of the places that keep me working, and the servers who take care of my patrons. If we keep the shows viable for the venues, the servers and the patrons, our shows will be going on forever! I thank you for your patronage, and for your ear on this matter.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or comment or suggestions in regard to this subject!! THANKS!!

Harry

Atrocious day of eating, LOL...

Atrocious day of eating, LOL...

Current mood:fermented

My food intake today has been notable, and very atypical...noted as thus:
Morning:  Lime Michelob Ultra, Liverwurst Sub with onions, mustard, pickles and swiss cheese...
Afternoon...more lime beer...
Evening...Country Fried Steak and 3 eggs and pancakes at I-hop, with 5 cups of coffee...topped with Cholula hot sauce of course...
Then, home for more lime beer...then off to ConeHeads for a Banana Split, featuring 2 scoops of cow tracks and one scoop of mint chocochip, and strawberries, pineapple, whipped cream, nuts and bananas...then home for more lime beer.
Be very afraid...LOL!

Interesting Coinkydink

Our dogs Tiny and Foster have different personalities, but are each uniquely wonderful. One thing about Tiny, is that she is not particularly affectionate all the time...that is, she has her moments, but she has never been one to be cuddly or snuggly, like Foster is.
One night not long ago, I plunked on the couch and Tiny joined me, and snuggled up to my lap. Foster joined us, so I suggested that Lori take a picture.

Then, since I was impressed that Tiny was hangin out, I got Lori to shoot another pic of Tiny and I...

My kneejerk reaction to seeing the photos was that they were cool, but my pose was not the most flattering to me, LOL! But, it was a rare, candid shot.
Later, I found this pic of me from when I was maybe 12, with my dog Scosh



...
I guess I always have been a dog on the couch guy, and always will be, LOL. Just loved the coincidence and the equally unflattering pose, LOL!

This is an initial run at blogging on this site, so here is a test blog, about my Leg Lamp.

I got this lamp for my girlfriend, as she has a sense of humor, and an appreciation for the Christmas Spirit that this lamp embodies, provided you HAVE seen the movie "A Christmas Story"

She is very pleased with her major award, as it has been displayed for all the world to see, LOL!

"Before" Pics of the House

My House...before pics from 1998

Current mood:amused

I had an insurance rep come to the house this week to take pics of my house for my insurance coverage. This made me appreciate how far along my house has come in the last 10 years, so I searched for some pics of when I first bought it. Those of you who have seen current pics, or have been to my home will appreciate the laughs here...

The hurricanes and storms made a great impact on the property by knocking down trees, and fences, LOL! The whole yard was overgrown, but when I bought the house, no sun hit the roof, so the AC costs were so minimal. When the oak trees started falling down, the AC bill went thru the roof, and the look of the property has changed dramatically!

This was the shot when I put the contract on it...it had been sitting vacant for awhile after the owner, who lived in Vermont, had her renters leave and put it up for sale. They did not clean it out, pretty much just got their things and left. I bought it as is, warts and all...

The paint was a worn white finish, with a blue trim. All the accent colors looked as though they had been from left over gas station paint...deep blue and industrial grey.

This is a shot from the back porch toward the greenhouse and workshop. You cannot see them thru the brush. The entire backyard was a jungle with paths cut thru it. When I bought the house, I removed 7 trees from the back yard in order to accomodate the septic tank and drainfield I installed. The house had been here since 1949 with no septic...only cesspools. We excavated the entire back yard pretty much and opened it up...as those who have been to my bonfires know, LOL!

Shot from the orange tree to the back door...we have the bonfires where this tree is. The stone patio at the back door did not reveal itself for several months. Digging in the back yard, I found it under all the overgrowth.

The living room, in tasteful pink and teal.

Here is the kitchen, with the original victorian wall paper, pink shag carpet, and sliding glass doors installed backwards...

Here is the room that became my office...it was a nursery before. It has since been redecorated, and new sash windows installed, LOL!

The bathroom was atrocious! Black, grey and blue, with oil base sponge paint around the vanity. Shag carpet, sagging floors and no toilet. The plaster on the wall was so sharp that grabbing toilet paper too quickly could cause you to cut your knuckle. It has since been gutted, replastered, replumbed and redone completely.

This was the "great room" in the rear of the house. The renters used it for a living room, but it was better suited for me as a master bedroom, as it also has a master bath attached...so I build a new wall just a few feet on the other side of the columns you see here, creating another room/hallway that leads to the other bedrooms on the other side of the house. The color does not look horrible in the pics, but it was an overwhelming terra cotta blend, and the ceiling was painted the same color. Aargh.

Big difference from before and after! Just thought I would post these and share! More changes coming, but what a LONG WAY it has already come!!

To see current pics, try this link:

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=29282324&albumId=1787358

The TV that wont die...

The TV that wouldnt die...

Current mood:impressed

So, it was back circa 1987 or so, that I was asked to help a friend move. She was breaking up with her boyfriend, and moving out. I loaded my truck with all her stuff, and after checking to make sure we had it all I noticed the TV. She said she had no room for it, but I could have it if I wanted it. It was an old Gold Star color TV, with the two knobs on the front...for you kiddies that have never seen one, LOL!

I used it as my bedroom TV for years...moved it to the living room for awhile when I got a nicer bedroom TV. Kept it in use even until I moved to DeLand in 97...having had it myself now for 10 years in constant use.

I retired it just in time for my buddy Tom to tell me his TV had taken a crap. I gave him the GoldStar which he put into service. He got a really nice large screen TV for Christmas a bit later, so he moved the GoldStar to his bedroom.

I went over to his house on Saturday night, to see the GoldStar in place in the living room...picture crisp as ever. The big screen lost a tube, so I manhandled it to the garbage for Tom...but it was way too heavy to get into the dumpster myself. LOL!

Twenty one years after I rescued this GoldStar from an uncertain fate, it is still showing it's gratitude. Simply amazing!!

I'VE BEEN FLOCKED!

I’ve Been Flocked...(thats a good thing)...and my ’mingo history

Current mood:amused

Well, I left for work last night, and Lori called to ask if I knew about what was in the yard. I of course did not, and she would not elaborate. I asked, "what is it, a pink flamingo or something?", given my history with pink flamingoes, and the sense of humor of my friends. She would not elaborate, and told me to wait until I got home. I pulled up at 3 am to this sight...in the dark of course (this aint Alaska!):

This was the work of my friends, Delores, Chris, Sandy, Dennis and Nilsson. The "flocking" is sponsored by Florida Hospital, and is a fund raiser for Breast Cancer Research/American Cancer Society. For 30-40 dollars, they will flock someones yard, and you can have them removed by calling and paying $20...or just live with them for 3 days, and promote the awareness. I am opting to keep them for 3 days, but I have a feeling others may get flocked, LOL.

For more info, contact Katie at 386.898.0299 to flock someone in the greater Halifax area.

A bit about my 'mingo history. Many of my friends already know this story, but I will tell it for the uninitiated. Before I moved where I live now, I lived in a neighborhood that was family oriented, but aspired to be better than it was...and in this effort, sent people around to inspect houses and write up those who were in violation of any homeowners rules. Each tenant had a prospectus and rule book as to what was allowed and what was a violation.

I got wrote up a few times, justifiably, for issues such as grass, peeling paint or similar. I got wrote up once for having an ugly vehicle in the driveway, LOL. I disagreed...it was a classic 64 Ford Fleetside...sure it had a few different colors on it...but ugly is in the eye of the beholder.

The final straw was when I got wrote up for having a sign in my yard for having a burglar alarm. They told me I had to take it out of the yard and put it on the house. Nowhere in writing did that appear, so I appealed the complaint. They said a sign fell in the same category as a for sale sign. This did not appear in writing and I disagreed, so I asked them about campaign signs. They said those were temporary, so it did not matter. I then asked about lawn ornaments. They said there was no provision for lawn ornaments. Seeing my loophole, I left and aquiesced to their demand to move my sign. I then also added 50 pink lawn flamingos to my front yard.

The mingos adorned the border of my property, my trees, my driveway...and generally just made themselves at home. I became known as the flamingo guy. They would get "stolen" then reappear at my work place, and at friends houses, usually to return unharmed, LOL. Several nights were spent with friends and family on...uh....hunts....for mates for my mingos.

Eventually, after several years the interest waned, and since I moved I have not really had any mingos...that is until I did a party that had a tacky Hawaiian theme, and there were a pair in attendance. I took one, and my friend Elizabeth took the other. Hers has since passed away, but years later, mine is still grazing in my front yard as a harkening back to my past. Just this week, I removed the leis from the mingos neck, LOL.

It will be fun living with these birds over the weekend and remembering the past. Hopefully I will also create some awareness for the Breast Cancer cause.

A BIG THANKS TO MY FRIENDS FOR THE LAUGH!!!