ArtsEtc.: guide_reviews

The other “KK”

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Valentine’s Day inherently splits the world into opposing perspectives. On one side you have couples with something planned. It might be something simple like dinner or cocktails, but it is an event that took the slightest bit of foresight and involves another person.

At the other end of the spectrum are single people. Their reasons for not being with another person are irrelevant. All they are hoping for is to make it out of this day alive and with their dignity intact.

While it is simplistic to think that all couples have found bliss, they tend to be happier about their circumstances. Meanwhile singles typically grumble about Valentine’s Day for what it represents and settle for their usual routine. An undeniable tension exists, and music captures this conflict well — for every song about love, there is probably one about heartache.

Although this animosity typically lasts only one day of the year, there is a place on campus where both sides can gather and sing their hearts out, regardless of relationship status. The Karaoke Kid, located at 614 University Avenue, fits such an objective perfectly.

The Karaoke Kid, or as some like to refer to it, the “other” KK, offers more than 10,000 songs for your vocal pleasure. You can serenade your sweetheart to Frank Sinatra’s “The Way Look Tonight”, or you can share in your misery with Patsy Cline’s “Your Cheatin’ Heart”. The point is that the Karaoke Kid’s music library will fit your every mood.

Inevitably, some of the same songs are heard over and over again. According to bartender Erica Telstad, a few are heard almost every weekend. “Songs like “Ring of Fire”, “Living on a Prayer”, “Build Me Up Buttercup”, and duets from the movie “Grease” are very popular,” she explains.

The process leading up to your moment in the spotlight is easy. Find a song, write down its number, pay a dollar, and wait for your turn. The bar’s capacity is only 50, and it gets crowded on weekends. If you have not picked out a tune by midnight, you might be singing without a backup band on your way home after bartime.

“People need to plan ahead when they come here,” Telstad reiterates. Such foresight is even more important with larger groups.

Getting people to sing can sometimes be a challenge. With a few of the Karaoke Kid’s drinks, it is easier to find your groove.

Sake, or rice wine, is the house liquor of choice. Multiple variations and combinations are possible. The favorite tends to be the Sake Bomb, available for $2.50. A shot of sake is balanced by two chopsticks on top of a half-tumbler full glass of beer. The technique to drink it is somewhat more complicated.

The goal is to create vibrations by banging your hands on the bar to force the sake shot to drop. Once it falls, remove the chopsticks and drink away. When a group does this together, it can be especially entertaining.

The problem, at least for me, is that too much sake is a quick way for a nasty morning after. Balance is key, and the Karaoke Kid offers a number of interesting drinks.

The Green Dragon is a variation of a Long Island. Made with melon flavored Midori, it is available for $6.00. Hawaiian Polish is a tasty tropical rum drink priced at $3.50. Domestic beers start at $2.75, bottle or tap.

Even with liquid courage, you still might not have the stuff to make it on American Idol. In fact, you’ll probably be more comforted to realize that a lot of people at the bar don’t have it either. The experience is fun, and there is something to be said about a little self-embarrassment, regardless if you are pouring out your love, or singing the blues.

Bartime will hit the Comedy Club at 119 State Street, tonight, Friday, February 13. Showtime starts at 10:30pm. Cheers!

Meet Your Bartender

Bartime’s weekly Q & A at the featured bar

Name: Erica Telstad

How long bartending: Three years.

Why the Karaoke Kid: “My mom owns the bar — she might even do a shot with you if you ask.”

Favorite drink: Rolling Rock

Favorite karaoke tune: “Longview” by Green Day

Most unusual cocktail: The Dirty S — basically a screwdriver with root beer, for $5.

Most unusual karaoke request: Any of the three songs by Adam Sandler.

Worst pick-up line: A tie between, “Hey senorita you wanna come home with me,” and, “You’re so beautiful, can I get your number?”