Students can now sing their hearts out at Karaoke Club
By Tom Liljegren
Staff Writer
In southern California, it’s the beach. In Paris, the street-side café. In Dublin, the pub. Each place has its distinct setting to relax and socialize.
In Japan, the karaoke bar has formed its own cultural niche as common social activity, according to Kim Flake (favorite karaoke song: “I Swear” by All-4-One), one of the operators of Club Karaoke in Logan.
Flake says that karaoke singing is more popular than going to movies among young people in Japan.
Since the 1980s, karaoke’s popularity in the United States has continued to grow and its appeal has become more mainstream. With the introduction of Club Karaoke to Logan this last July, Cache Valley now also boasts a club devoted exclusively to this entertainment.
Club Karaoke, located at 345 N. 100 East, was developed in the style of Japanese karaoke clubs, as well another karaoke club that the owners visited several years ago in Salt Lake City.
It features three private rooms for between four and 12 people (although they can accommodate larger groups with advance notice) – each featuring the newest karaoke equipment, specialized vocal speakers, two cordless microphones and several couches, said Joy Godwin, one of the club’s owners (favorite karaoke song: “On My Own” from Les Miserables).
They have more than 4,500 English songs from popular music over the last 50 years, in genres ranging from country and gospel to rock and hip-hop. Additionally, they also have more than 2,000 Japanese songs and about 150 songs in Spanish.
Opening the club has been a long process for owners Janet Atkinson (favorite karaoke song: “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler) and Godwin. They remember visiting a karaoke club in Salt Lake City several years ago and having a great time singing and socializing.
Over the years, this positive experience, among other things, led them to believe that a Karaoke club in Logan would be a good business venture and a lot of fun. Godwin, who attended Mountain Crest High School in Logan, remembered that sometimes there was “not much to do in Logan and that hasn’t really changed much.” She believed that karaoke would offer a new and exciting social activity in Logan, “something to do to interact with people and get to know people rather than sit in front of a movie screen for two hours.”
The owners said that the responses from customers have been overwhelmingly positive. Several USU students who have visited Club Karaoke agree. Rachel Walterman, a master’s student in school psychology (favorite karaoke song: “Total Eclipse of the Heart”) said, “I want to tell everyone I know about it.”
Amy Baird, a master’s student in English (favorite karaoke song: “Like a Prayer” by Madonna) said that it is “fun to watch people let themselves break lose and be themselves.” Some people were surprised by how much they enjoyed it. Amy’s husband Nick Baird, a master’s student in school psychology (favorite karaoke song: “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond), said that he was nervous at first, but really enjoyed the experience and that it was “easier [and more fun] to do in a group.”
Godwin said that Club Karaoke aims to try to cater to its customers and make them feel comfortable. They have concessions with popcorn, candy and drinks or they invite customers to bring in their own food.
Walterman said that the staff at Club Karaoke helps to make the experience better as well. “They’re really friendly and helpful, that’s why I keep coming back.”
In the future, Godwin and Flake said Club Karaoke is looking to continue to expand their collection of karaoke songs and add a green screen for videos. Additionally, they would like to expand their business by adding a recording studio and video game networking.
Club Karaoke is open from 6 p.m . to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday, they will open at other hours or stay open later if requested by groups. The cost is $3 per hour for weekdays and $5 per hour for weekends. Admission is half-price for school or church groups. They welcome walk-in groups, but recommend reserving a room in advance. Friday, Sept. 29 is Aggie Night at Club Karaoke, where admission for all night is $2 for USU students.
-tliljegren@cc.usu.edu.