I do love me some karaoke. For many years now I have taken a skillset long honed in the shower and the car, applied it to a pub setting, and had a ball. Like a ronin with a microphone, I will step up, gird my loins, and belt out “Mustang Sally” with fervor.

Couple years back, I entered the Karaoke World Championship, and got through to the state finals. It’s serious biz, and involves costumes, stagecraft, the discreet application of a rent-a-crowd, and being able to carry a tune in more than a paper bag. So much fun!

So this year, I’m doing it again. I have got through to the venue finals at my old stomping ground the Rex Hotel, so the next few weeks will involve polishing up the old voice-box, trying out a few different songs, and getting everything ready for the big night.

This blog is usually about writing and other high-minded pursuits, so I think it only fair to balance things out with the details of my dodgy crooning. More to follow, as once more I tilt at the title!

Your pal,

The Karaoke Fisch.

So, I gathered up the posse on Saturday and descended on the State Finals for the Karaoke World Championship. Representing the Rex Hotel were my good self and Vonnie Barber, and we went up against the venue winners from pubs far and wide for the chance to represent South Australia in the Nationals. There were folks who travelled all the way from Mt Gambier and Whyalla just to sing, and it was an excellent night.

The place was absolutely packed, and there must have been 500 people in the room. The competition consisted of two rounds, and each contestant got two songs to sing. There were all sorts of fancy outfits and gimmicks, including someone who did a burlesque routine, and some joker who got up and sang “I’m Just a Gigolo” in a pimp outfit 🙂

Didn’t make the grade this time, but there’s always next year 🙂 The winner was absolutely outstanding, and everyone sung their hearts out. A top night, made awesome by my cheer-posse who ate, drank and made merry. Special guest was my wife’s 85 year old granny, who said she had to hear me sing to believe it. Closed off my tilt at the title with Joe Cocker’s “You Can Leave Your Hat On”, complete with harmonica stylings.

Been a long time away from the karaoke mic, but I’m back with a vengeance. You don’t need me to tell you that I’m entering this thing next year – and looking at singing lessons in the mean-time 🙂 Gotta kick it up a notch, y’all!