response to PeterM report on Watergardens Hotel Karaoke night…………

First of all W2s Roving reporter (PeterM) I want to thank you on a fantastic and honest review. This is one of the better I have read and one of the first on any of my venues. (Out of all the Karaoke venues, in all the towns, in all the world, you had to go to this one!! Humphrey Bogart Casablanca)

I would like to take 5 and respond to a few points. As some of you may be aware, the Watergardens Hotel has been run by BPM Entertainment for around 12 months as a “Nightclub” for younger patrons, R’n’B and House music. No Karaoke. We did have a few problems in the early days with “to much testosterone” and needless to say management wanted to clean up the room to make it a better venue. The opportunity was offered for the $12,000 Karaoke Competition and the Hotel thought this might be a good idea to attract a slightly different cliental.

The support from the Hotel has not been exactly what I was anticipating and we have had quite a few discussions on how a night like this, with a competition should be run. The Hotel is trying to keep all parties happy with as many dance breaks as possible and Karaoke in smaller blocks. A tough way to run a competition!! We are also restricted to the type of music we have to play i.e. No Retro. This is also tough when you have a few more “older patrons” who would probably enjoy this.

The Karaoke area we set up in generally is full of tables and chairs and when these are not removed it is hard to set up equipment. More frustrations.

To make something like the $12,000 Karaoke Idol a success, you must have good support from your venue. The other venues have been great and the amateur talent we are seeing at these venues is second to none. (Inc Watergardens). The Watergardens Hotel is a great venue and for any of the young patrons who want a great night of latest dance and house music, we will be going back to D.J. ‘JESTER’ after this competition.I don't believe Watergardens is suited to the Karaoke Idol challenge.

Another point I will take from your review Peter is the next competition, yes there will be a Karaoke Idol MK III, and there will be more details on where2sing.com and my website about crowd size, age group, music breaks, and good venue for “Karaoke Junkies” etc. I hope this will help singers to decide which venue they will frequent or visit. (If this information was there for Watergardens you may well have chosen to go to another Venue and enjoy the night more Peter)

In a nutshell. Karaoke competitions can work in “Club” type venues. For example The Eltham Hotel. We have around 250-300 young patrons every Wednesday night who have embraced the $12,000 competition with passion. We still combine dance breaks but the response to the Karaoke has been huge and the talent is awesome. We have quite a few “Senior Singers” who come along regularly and the crowd loves it!! (Even Elvis and the Big O have made a few guest appearances. Thanks Kevin)

Thank you again Peter, points were taken and I welcome ANY feedback that singers or Hosts wish to send. I am a firm believer that you never know everything in this industry and there is always room for improvement. Reports and reviews help all Hosts and singers especially when you know who is posting them rather than the “anonymous” bagging that is more destructive than constructive

“Comp Chasers” Please note (Not directed at Karaoke Junkies): I attempt to run competitions for amateur singers who wish to have a good night, frequent a venue, meet new friends, have a sing, maybe have a chance at singing in a Grand Final with around 500-700 people (There were 500 at the last one with only 6 venues participating) and enjoy the experience and atmosphere that the Karaoke Idol can provide. The winners from each venue (9 in total) will “REPRESENT” there venue at the Major Grand Final. The cash and prizes for the winners in 'KARAOKE IDOL' are there for incentive, not the soul reason as a lot of comp chasers like to think.

Submitted by B.P.M. Entertainment on 09-10-2005

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