M Y   K A R A O K E   R O T A T I O N

Written by Gerrie Woo

Let's see. How do I begin? It's hard to describe how I do my "Rotation of Singers" There are so many "Ifs". These are some of the things I consider when I decide in what order I will call up the singers:

1. Song. If it is fast or slow
2. Out of which machine it will be played. I have 3 different machines. If I play two songs in a row from the same machine there will be a wait. I like to keep the music going continuously. If I can go from one machine to another, there is no stage wait. Sometimes I just can't and there is a wait.

   "I had the privilege of singing at the Charcoal House several years ago. Gerrie Woo runs the fastest rotation I have ever seen! It was GREAT fun! Thanks for a great time!" KJ Dave Thompson, Bismarck, ND

3. I like to try and alternate male singer, then female singer. Again, this can't always be done, and again, it all depends on the song.
4. I try to play 2 or 3 rhythmic or uptempo songs, then a ballad. Sometimes I get nothing but ballads coming in. And that can get real boring no matter how good the singers are. That's when I have to call up one of my regulars (I keep a list of all my regulars' songs on file) to sing an uptempo tune. I may have to call them out of line to break up the boredom. I do the same thing if I have too many uptempo songs then I go in reverse and call up a ballad. It's really nice when people put up 2 or even 3 different tempo songs and let me make the decision to put on a well paced show.
5. If an outstanding singer comes up, I try not to call up somebody that I think would feel intimidated to follow. Then, again, I have to make changes and call up someone that I know can handle it. Or call up someone who, I know, doesn't care...or that has such a completely different song that it doesn't even matter, or a KARAOKE JERK who deserves it, or a fun group song.
6. 6) If I get several really bad singers, I try to put in a good singer to make up to the audience the awful stuff they were forced to listen to. This usually happens when there are new singers that I don't know. They come up and they are really soooo horrible. I have to think quick of someone to put up next that is really good. Again, I have make more changes and re-arrange the line-up.

It gets really crazy, but what makes it really difficult is when I'm trying to do all this, remember what is what, who is going to sing where, and then someone comes up and asks an asinine question. That's when I lose it, I forget everything I'm doing because someone wants to know: "How many singers do you have?" "I have a friend that's better than anyone here, call him up now?" "Who's next?" "How

"Woo runs a tight ship and the singers get on and off quickly (even though there were plenty of people I got to sing 6 songs in 4 hours, much faster than other crowded places I've been to). It was great and there is a nice group of regulars there. We have been there many times." Suzanne Lanoue, Tuscaloosa, AL

long is the wait?" Etc. Etc. Etc. Well, anyway, I just go blank. Then there really is a wait till I can sort it all out in my head.

And then, sometimes, one of my regulars is drinking too much and sounds terrible. I don't know why they think that they sound better? Their mind is in another key. Again I make unexpected changes.

Some times people that come in late expect to be put up immediately. Apparently some KJs do this. I don't. If I know you and I know that the audience would enjoy you, well, then you have a good chance. But, if I don't know you, I'll fit you in if I can, but my first priority is to my singers that have been there for hours already. When I give "Last Call" I only have time for about 4 more singers. I try to call up the 4 best songs. I go completely out of order then. I, for one, don't want to have to end on a sour note.....but sometimes I am forced to.

I know that I have forgotten some of the other things I do each night trying to put together a good show, but I hope this gives you a good idea of what goes on and why.

This site designed and maintained by WunderWebs 1999-2005 All Rights Reserved © You know, blah blah blah. This, that, and the other thing. Which about says it all, don't it? Contact the WebGoddess with any ideas, comments or complaints.