Karaoke ... Miami fuckin' loves that shit. And right now, it's time to celebrate. This is National Karaoke Week, people.
Yes, the art of performance over pre-recorded instrumentals has its own holiday. People get on a mic, belt out their favorite tunes, and live the rock star fantasy in front of a bunch of drunk strangers. Over the next week, those strangers will become friends and the karaoke scene shall live on.
Here are the top five Miami karaoke nights.
Full disclosure: These are all nights run by the same Kara-O-King company. No offense to all the other karaoke's out there. Leave a comment with directions to your favorite party.
5. Studio, Miami Beach
Ripped from our Clubs Database: This spot was our 2003 Best Karaoke Bar. Studio allows its often-belligerent guests let loose and have fun. There's no cover, but you've gotta buy a drink if you wanna belt it out. Not much has changed since the days of '03, so here is word for word the reason they became our top pick: "This is a weirdly cool place. The dim lighting, black paint peeling off
the walls, and wobbly stage decorated by guitars, horns, and drum sets
sit in stark contrast to the bright and busy milieu just outside on
Collins Avenue. The best time to visit is in the
wee hours of the morning. You'll hear the strained crooning even before
you enter; that's when hopped-up club hoppers usually drop in to see if
they can be an American Idol, even if it's just in front of friends and
barflies."
4. Waxy O'Connors, South Beach
Wednesday 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
According to Kara-O-King's founder Robert Bedrossian: "A nice mix of tourists and locals. Really popular."
3. Fat Monkey Bar, Homestead
Wednesday through Saturday 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Bedrossian says: "Friday night is ladies night, and that gets very lively. The crowd is Latin, urban, country, and city all mixed in. It's a real fun show for people-watching."
2. The S Bar, Tamiami
Friday 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Bedrossian says: "The FIU kids go crazy here, bouncing off the walls."
1. Little Hoolie's, Kendall
Sunday 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Bedrossian says: "The new popular style, the new trend that is taking the karaoke world by storm is Live Band Karaoke. Amateurs are put into the experience of fronting a real live band. You sing with a full band playing behind you. You gotta try that."
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