Beating Boredom: Sing away those boredom blues

What's better than inebriated, tone-deaf people under the impression that they're the next Celine Dion? Can't beat it!

I must apologize for my delay in posting my newest activity suggestion but I was away at a journalism conference with the rest of The Reflector gang. Last week we perused the streets of Austin, Texas, ate way too much tex-mex, took a trip to NASA, and of course sat in on three days of seminars put on by the Associated Collegiate Press.

But now I’m home and reflecting back on my trip. I couldn’t help but remember one particular night, after a meal at an Irish pub, where a certain magical word was thrown out: karaoke.

Who doesn’t, even for a split second, after an evening out and maybe a few drinks consumed, consider suggesting to the group that everyone gets their vocal cords warmed up at a friendly karaoke bar?

Well why not? Karaoke can be one of the most entertaining activities with a different venue for every day of the week. Calgary is full of pubs and bars that play host to at least one karaoke night during the week, and there are even a couple that devote themselves to this specific entertainment art form, every day.

If you feel you don’t have the guts to get up on that stage, don’t let that deter you from making it a stop on your night out. You’d be surprised how seriously some people take karaoke, and there are decent amounts of people on that stage that are really good. There are also those who aren’t as talented. So if you aren’t blown away, at least you can laugh a little. It’s like watching American Idol live.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m probably a horrible singer, but I can’t help but be extraordinarily attracted to any opportunity to karaoke. In fact it has turned into a tradition for me to karaoke on my last day in a country. That way, if I am as bad as I assume I am, I’ll never see my audience again. It’s quite liberating really.

So if you are bored this coming weekend, or any evening really, then head on over to your local watering hole because they most likely put on a karaoke night for your listening pleasure. Go by yourself and let your inner performer out, or go with your group of friends and perhaps butcher some of your favourite chart songs. Either way, you’ll have a great time and make some hilarious memories.

Check out these some of these city favourites:

http://www.bootleggers.ca/

http://duckyspub.com/index.htm

Or if you’re having a party then heck why not rent a karaoke system and have your own singing competition in the comfort and exclusivity of your own home: