Sing It, Baby!

I’ve shared before that I love music. I enjoy singing, dancing, and experiencing music. However, I am not musically inclined. Do you know what kind of torture that is for a music lover? I cannot read music, play any instruments, or sing to save my life.

Oh, and I’m also not much of a dancer. Don’t get me wrong, when I’m partaking in adult beverages I dance my heart away. It’s probably not nearly as pretty to watch as it flows out in my mind’s eye. I’ve seen videos. I do not recommend.

Seriously though, there are times when I don’t care who’s watching, because I’m grooving to my music. One such time is while I’m in the zone, riding my motorcycles. I forget that people can hear me as I belt out whatever song is blasting in my headphones. I get some pretty funny looks at stoplights.

One of the guys I ride with a lot made a game of guessing which song or at least genre I’m listening to based on how I’m moving and riding. I do actually dance on my bike, while in motion, when the mood really hits. It’s probably a spectacle that rivals any circus bear’s repertoire.

Despite all of that, I still enjoy the music. I’ve gone to a few karaoke bars for friends’ parties and whatnot, but have never gotten up on stage. That was the stipulation for me to even attend. I was adamant that I do not do karaoke because I would have no friends left. Yes, it’s that bad.

A couple of years ago, I was introduced to a fresh take on karaoke. Instead of a large bar or room filled with a stage, several strangers, liquid courage, and some really good, mediocre, and really bad singers, you get a private room with your group. I went with two college students (the daughters of two of my friends) and one of my friends.

We had a great time. We were able to use the internet to look up every song we could possibly want. We got snacks. We drank water. (The girls were underage and the karaoke bar doesn’t serve hard liquor.)

A year later I made a new friend who invited me there for her birthday. It’s kind of became our spot. We go with a group of friends, after work events, or whenever we get the opportunity.

It’s fun because we’re in our own bubble. So even though none of us would actually get up and sing in front of people at a regular karaoke spot, we’ll all pick songs and take turns and sing along in our private room.

Truth be told, we have snuck a bottle in a time or two. They made us take it back outside. I see a lot of groups who go outside and huddle around the trunk of their car on “breaks.” 

I recently got to introduce a couple of friends from out of town to the little spot. No one seemed interested at first, but by the end of the night everyone took at least one turn. A couple of people actually surprised me and took over the mic.

Have you done anything that you don’t think you’re very good at just because it’s fun?