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How to Host Karaoke

"Don't Stop Believin'," "Summer Lovin'" and all those other songs that drop the final "g" are fan favorites at karaoke bars. However, many people would like to sing and hear other songs, so a karaoke jockey--a "KJ," in some circles--must provide hundreds if not thousands of songs from which to choose. Hosting karaoke can be fun, but it can also be challenging as oftentimes you're working with people who have been drinking all night. Keep the atmosphere light and the music going, and you'll have no problem acting as the night's KJ.

Things You'll Need

  • Karaoke song library
  • Song books by title and artist
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the bar or venue to be ready for a night of karaoke. You should get the computer system running so when you input a song it will readily appear on the TV screen for the singer to follow along with. Make sure the microphones and speakers are working.

    • 2

      Pass out song books. You should have song books that are labeled according to songs by artists or songs by title, to help people more easily find the song they're looking for. Make sure you also pass out slips and pens so patrons can fill out the corresponding number the song they wish to sing is labeled with.

    • 3

      Start the night with a song of your own. To get people into the spirit of karaoke night, sing a song yourself so people understand how the process works. After your song, ask people to bring up their song slips and start the night with whoever signs up first.

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