The story of the 4 hosts

Is one host different to another? Surely. Would 4 hosts all be significantly different? Surely not.

Let's dance.

We're talking about an inner city venue, and its 4 hosts. The karaoke setting is the basement bistro, serving mid-range fare to predonimantly teenage and early twenties hens' parties seated in school-lunch manner along trestle tables, albeit covered in crisp white linen and tasteful decorations. By 8:30 when the karaoke starts, these ladies are well oiled. Those arriving for the karaoke can struggle for a place to sit, but rarely is there a long wait to sing.

But sometimes the venue is almost deserted. It all depends on how many parties have booked, and there have been weeks when the place has 5 people, and other weeks when every seat is taken and even standing room is at a premium.

Enter the karaoke company. When I first went there, it was All About Entertainment, one of Sydney's oldest karaoke providers with a simple but adequate songlist, well-worn but serviceable equipment, and at this venue a rather delightful girl who ran an adequate show. I know the price charged by All About Entertainment is at the 'better value' end of the 'reasonable' spectrum, but nevertheless after a few months they were gone.

I arrived one week intent on writing a review, and found Carry On Karaoke in occupation. Really good sound, bigger songlist with a well-chosen selection (songlist alternated every week), smiling and vivacious lady hosts, a bit of a light show and generally a great party feel. I imagine the hens' parties enjoyed themselves, because rarely was there a quiet week, and because nothing else in the venue changed much I'm guessing that those who attended came back and booked more parties there.

Then things changed. Singers reported being turned away at the door due to a new dress code. Seems that the venue was sold. No more karaoke - at least no more Carry On Karaoke, for the new owners had selected Planet Entertanment who also go under the name of FiveStar. FiveStar's operational method used to be to price their gigs around $750 a night, but offer a free 10 week or so period with advertising in their occasional (and only occasionally accurate) email gigguide supposedly with a total value of about $10,000 for free. Yes, free. They rarely lasted long.

And I guess free was actually slightly more than their services were worth, because they fielded a host who panics when there . . .(full story on where2sing.com)

Read the rest of this exclusive Karaoke Gig Review, and find whether this karaoke gig is still running on Where2sing.com . . .

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