As we started out, it was done without the intent of competing with other entertainment companies that were providing karaoke services to area nightclubs. Our equipment was simply not strong enough to put out the quality sound and volume levels necessary to be successful in a large venue. So instead, we focused on providing entertainment for the people who are either too shy to sing in public or those who wanted to add karaoke to their already planned parties at home without disturbing thier neighbors.

In 2004, we upgraded our sound system and bagan participating with KWCUSA, a world-wide tournament style karaoke contest, that began at the local levels and featured winners advancing to additional rounds at the state, regional and national levels. We were asked to take on the responsibilities of hosting a regional final and in our first season, our regional finals consisted of 2 people. Since then, we have grown almost to the point where it may take 2 nights to hold the event!

This year, we have grown a little more, adding a computerized hosting program to control our shows. Gone are the days when a singer has to wonder when he or she will be performing next, as the entire rotation is shown on a scrollbar at the bottom of the screen. It's also no longer a hassle when a singer wants to change their song at the last minute - all I have to do is open the singer's song list and type in the new song and tada! it's ready to go...

It's all about having fun...

Why do people enjoy karaoke so much? Because it's fun! We all like to sing along with our favorite songs, whether it's while we are driving to work or in the shower, or even if we just can't get that song out of our head while we're walking down the street! At STK Karaoke, we believe that a person doesn't have to be blessed with the voice of an angel to enjoy singing. Not everyone can carry a tune, and we don't believe that should stop them from trying.

Not all singers are created equal and I couldn't provide this service if they were. We believe that people in general are more entertaining that most realize. To watch someone take the microphone and sing their heart out as the music from one of their favorite songs plays along in the background is an experience I enjoy nearly every time out. Someone once likened karaoke to therapy - when you've had a rough day and you get on the microphone and you hear that applause afterwards, it feels good, almost soothing.

I began singing in public in 1995. Like a lot of people, I was filled with curiousity about karaoke and thought there was no way I'd get up and sing (to quote, "There's not enough beer in this place to get me up there!"). Well, someone broke out another keg and....well, you get the picture. That sudden burst of bravity came out as one of the "lesser talented" individuals was singing. I thought, "shoot, I could do that." The song was Friends In Low Places and I was about 2 lines of lyrics ahead of the music! But the crowd was polite and applauded for me and that was all it took. I felt like the karaoke regulars had accepted me as one of their own.

I suppose if the response had been silent or (gasp!) a chorus of boo's, then I might have given up. But I went back because the people there made it fun for me. And that's how I feel it should be for everyone who tries it.

Tell Us What You Think

Using the communication forms on this site, or even just a regular email, tell us your experiences with karaoke - good or bad! Inclued pictures if you can. We learn a lot about ourselves when we get feedback from the public and adjust our shows accordingly, to help maximize how much fun our performers can have. If you're not having fun, then we're not having fun! We'll post your stories here on our site, as there are likely many others out there who can identify with what you've been through.