I've never had the nerve or enough alcohol all at once to try karaoke. Now I learn there's a week that celebrates it. And this would be that week.
The word, Karaoke (カラオケ, bimoraic clipped compound of Japanese kara 空 "empty" and ōkesutora オーケストラ "orchestra," is pronounced "carry-okee" in the US.
In the US, we usually find karaoke opportunities in restaurants, lounges, or bars. Culturally, we don't have the same confidence about singing--even if it's off-key--as they do in Japan. This probably explains why I'm having trouble thinking of anyplace outisde Japan where karaoke and alcohol are not available side-by-side.
Famous singer, Jewel, pulled an elaborate prank (thanks to Funny or Die.com) on several unsuspecting people when she disguised herself as a shy businesswoman named Karen, who was "persuaded" to sing at the karaoke microphone. People commented on how much this lady sounded like Jewel! I don't know if the video is SFW or NSFW, but here is a likely link my Net Nanny won't let me see. If it has Jewel, it's probably sweet: http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/4a87d48fdd/undercover-karaoke-with-jewel
This just learned: According to the New York Times, the dozens of karaoke bars in Portland, Oregon make it not just "the capital of karaoke" in the United States, but "one of the most exciting music scenes in America." Who knew!
Oh, and happy Earth Day, too!
No comments:
Post a Comment