Karaoke at Courtside
We've all had that conversation. "What do you want to do?"
"I don't know, what do you want to do?" and so forth. Eventually, the group
agrees that all of the usual haunts have grown tiresome and someone boldly
suggests karaoke. Whether you're that guy who thinks they can
sing because they got a lead in a middle school production of The Music Man, or you're just looking to
get drunk enough to belt out some old school jams at a karaoke spot that doesn't
completely suck ass, we promise you'll actually have fun at any of these nominees for Best Karaoke Spot.
THE ASGARD | CAMBRIDGE
Thursday night's set aside for karaoke at this Central
Square Irish bar, and it's set apart by one simple component: a live band.
These guys are good musicians who are fun to listen to regardless of who's singing
along and, unlike a karaoke machine, they can follow you if (when) you screw
up. The list of songs in their repertoire is impressive, which makes this a fun
karaoke night for both ‘oke aficionados and novices.
COURTSIDE | CAMBRIDGE
Located all the way at the end of the green line (down the street from the Lechemere stop), this Inman joint isn't the most convenient spot to get to on this list. So the fact that so many
people trek out there on a regular basis means it's really good karaoke. The divey, VFW Hall-like bar has fostered some
honest-to-goodness talent, but the host always makes room for newcomers as
well. With good songs, cheap bar food and pitchers, and the game always on,
Courtside is a haven for the karaoke purist and casual drunk singer alike.
DO RE MI | ALLSTON
If insurmountable stage fright has thus far kept you out of
the limelight, look no further than Do Re Mi. Their private studios eliminate most
people's biggest deterrent to karaoke - the audience. Rates are based on how
many people you're rolling with and how long you plan to stay, so you can stack
the audience with your own friends instead of a bar full of strangers and get
singing. Of course, you trade that luxury off for a BYO-food and no booze
policy.
HIGHLAND KITCHEN | SOMERVILLE
Highland Kitchen's hip-but-casual atmosphere and awesome
food provide good enough incentive to go there any night of the week, but if
you're looking for some un-intimidating karaoke, hit them up on a Wednesday.
The drinks are reasonably priced and served up by amicable bar tenders, and
after a few of them, you'll be ready to jump up and participate in the bar's
fun and friendly karaoke night.
THE JEANIE JOHNSTON PUB | JAMAICA PLAIN
The Jeanie Johnston has boldly gone where none of the area
bars have gone before - they host their karaoke on a weekend night, so people
can get hammered enough to lose those pesky inhibitions without worrying about waking
up for work the next morning. Even more generously, they do this for a mere $2
cover (it's free before 10 pm!). If
you're looking for a Saturday night of energetic amateur performances in a homey Irish pub, this
is the joint for you.
QUEERAOKE AT THE MIDWAY CAFÉ | JAMAICA PLAIN
Pretty much exactly what it sounds like! Queeraoke takes
over the ultra-divey JP joint every Thursday, rolling a ladies' night, a gay
dance club, and a hipster paradise all into one fantastic night. The songs
range from ‘80s classics to current alternative. Those working Queeraoke are
always serving up good beer and a healthy side of good-natured sass, ever the
makings of a successful night out on the town and on the mic.
Get singing, and then get voting. And don't forget that if you don't see your fave karaoke spot (or night) repped here, you can write it in!
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