A Night on the Town
Trying to come up with a title for this post — just one word or location — was impossible. Your DOD boys were all over the place this weekend. We began Friday night at a lovely catered graduation party in the Highlands, where we chatted with friends and congratulated the graduate (an advanced degree; we’re too old to be socializing with undergrads!). Then we headed out to meet some of our gal pals for a few drinks on the town. I had planned on turning in relatively early; I had to be up the next morning. It was not to be.
We had a cocktail at Sputnik first but we weren’t really feeling it. So we headed on over to a new DOD favorite, Sketch Wine Bar, at Broadway and 1st Avenue. We split a bottle of Prosecco and then each had a glass of wine. There were 8 of us by this point, but J.D., the friendly barkeep, knew all our names by about halfway through our stay. Now that’s the kind of service we can get excited about! Add to that the great selection of wines by the bottle and glass, and we were happy campers.
But even that was not enough for one of our gal pals, whom I shall call Whitney (you’ll see why in a minute). Whitney was hell bent on singing karaoke and she swears by Armida’s (on Lincoln between 8th and 9th). She twisted our arms and so we pried ourselves away from our lovely window nook at Sketch and piled into cabs bound for Armida’s. (Our surly driver told us we should have walked but he dropped us off nevertheless.)
The Karaoke Viewer at Armida's
Turns out that by the time we arrived, Whitney (who got there first) had already signed up both the DOD boys. We had earlier made the mistake of telling her what we would sing if we had been so inclined. The key word there is “if.” I do not sing. I had a karaoke stint in high school when, apparently, I had fewer inhibitions, but I haven’t done it in years. I have a horrible voice and I wasn’t keen to subject anyone else to my out-of-key keening. But Whitney was having none of it.
This is the thing: she can sing. And she’s fearless (the cocktails didn’t hurt). After a rousing rendition of “Your Love” by Outfield (which we have on video, but which WordPress would charge me too much to upload), it came my turn. I was dreading it, so I brought Whitney up on stage with me and we recaptured some of my high school glory with Bananarama’s version of the classic “Venus” (It didn’t hurt that my mic was set to backup and Whitney’s was the lead). Alastair rounded out the evening with “Midnight Cowboy.”
A great time was had by all. A few suggestions for our fellow singers: No ballads unless you can actually sing. And even then, think twice; they’re just not as much fun for the audience. If you’re a white boy, avoid songs where you’ll be required to to say n***er. Really. And no matter who you are, sing with enthusiasm. A little dancing never hurt anyone either. If Blake can do it, pretty much anyone can!
WHY, oh why, dearest Blake, did you leave me on the East Coast and move to Denver? I am particularly sad when I am regaled with stories of boozy hilariousness of the sort we might have once shared. And share we shall again, no doubt! But I’m NOT singing. No matter how much champagne you buy me. But I’m glad you did!
“Whitney” here.
First of all, Blake: your rendition of “Venus” was genius (yes, I do realize that rhymes). There are certain rules that need to be followed for a successful night of karaoke and they are, as follows:
1. Do not take yourself, or your singing voice, too seriously. Being a “good” singer is not a requirment.
2. When you are on stage: dance. Just trust me on that.
3. Choose a song that the audience knows and can sing to. That makes it harder for them to judge your mediocre/poor voice and shaky knowledge of the lyrics.
4. Drink…lots.
5. Don’t be afraid to point to members of the audience who are really into the song or just to your friends who are pretending that they don’t know you. It just looks more authentic when you point.
6. Choose a song that isn’t too long (“Venus” is the perfect length). Please, don’t choose “Bohemian Rhapsody” or “American Pie” unless you want to gaze down at the suffering faces of drunk, surly karaoke audience members who are wishing you would spontaneously combust.
7. To that point: no ballads – under no circumstances is it acceptable to be “earnest” about karaoke.
8. DANCE….then drink some more.
And although I am flattered you refer to me as “fearless,” I think the more appropriate adjective is “shameless.”
Whitney, my dear,
Thanks for that cogent list of karaoke “dos” and “don’ts.” DOD readers take note: one could do much worse than to follow that advice.
And who knows if you’re shameless or fearless? The line seems like a fine one and also inconsequential in the realm of karaoke.
I may have broken one of the rules by singing Midnight Cowboy… But I’ve always wanted to give it a shot. Am I also too old to be dating undergrads?
Alastair is dating an undergrad?
Whitney’s rules make good, practical sense. Now if only she could draft a few for the banking industry…
Alastair may or may not be seeing a younger gentleman, but he is not THAT young. At least I don’t think so…
wait a tick. why has there been little mention of him all this time? on second thought maybe it’s none of our business hehe
love this blog. great karaoke advice especially the part about drinking!
I will let Alastair handle that question. Suffice it to say that the younger gentleman was not an undergrad.
Just curious if you’ve ever read my little review of Sketch Wine Bar…?? It is a fave of mine as well. And I’ve also had many a hilarious evening at Armidas. But I must admit very few things terrify me as much as karaoke. Anyway…
http://thedenveromelette.wordpress.com/2009/08/11/i-was-sketched-out-and-id-do-it-again/
Boys – you’re having lots of fun and we want in. The Omelette is undergoing a few changes – where we were once 4 we are now 3. It’s all good… I won’t get into details here…
We’d love to get together soon. Possibly at Sketch?
Let us know… sorry we’ve been unable to nail down plans sooner…
Hey Mama,
I had NOT read that post — I think it was from before we here at DOD had even begun blogging. I’m glad you like it, too. But I’m sorry to hear that you are downsizing. Who is leaving the Omelette?
I am bound for an overseas adventure tomorrow for a little while but we should get together sometime once I get back. Of course Alastair is free to make his own plans in the meantime…
[...] night of karaoke awaited us at Armida’s, site of a wild night in early May that I documented here. This was actually our gal pal’s Whitney’s birthday party and she once again delivered [...]
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