Confessions of a GiGi’s “Disc Jockey” (Executive Director John Claes)

When karaoke came to the US in the 80s, I was in college. It was a great thing to do with friends, but I took it a bit more seriously than most. I was in choir and musical theatre, so each song was a performance to me. I bought my own karaoke machine and built a nice library of karaoke CDs that I’d break out at parties or loan out to friends.

Then I got older and lost interest. In fact, I can’t think of the last time I sang karaoke. But I discovered a new love for karaoke when I started at GiGi’s Playhouse and learned how much our participants enjoy it. We host Music Makers for all ages once a week and Fantastic Friends twice a month, and karaoke is at the center of both programs. And I often serve as DJ for our participants

Some may ask why GiGi’s has these programs. Karaoke is fun, for sure, but is it purposeful and progressive? After all, these are components of every program found on the GiGi’s Playhouse calendar.

Actually, no one has ever asked that question, but here are a few answers that I have ready…

When I play DJ, there are rules everyone follows:
• If you want to sing, your name is written on a whiteboard.
• Everyone takes turns.
• Have a song ready when your name is called.
• Everyone is given a microphone cover that they use when singing.
• Respect and support each other.
• Have fun!

I also believe that every participant deserves to be on stage and feel celebrated. Like Jeremy.

Jeremy enjoyed coming to Music Makers every week but would never get up to perform. I asked him about that, and he said that karaoke wasn’t his thing.  So, I said, “What’s your thing? You don’t have to sing. Adin dances when it’s his turn. You can tell a story or cut a lady in half if you want. What would you like to do?”

After a minute, he asked, “Do you have any potholders?” 

We went to the GiGi’s Kitchen and found one potholder and two oven mitts. He carried them to the stage and, after a dramatic introduction, he juggled!  (Well, sort of.) When he finished, the crowd erupted in applause and Jeremy loved it.  Now, Jeremy comes up with something different each week.  Most of the time, Jeremy stands and recites song lyrics — with no music. The group treats it as a game – who can come up with the song title first?  We all look forward to that.

And I have matured from a kid who likes to sing karaoke to a DJ that accepts every invitation that a participant extends to me.  I’ll sing backup, join them as they dance, or play guitar. And I love it.

And these participants have introduced me to some great music.  Eric Myers introduced me to Chris Tomlin. Brian Dunphy introduced me to “Freak the Freak Out”. Adin Olson introduced me to Michael Franti.  Nik Cook made me realize that the music of High School Musical isn’t just for teens.  Brian Vance helped me appreciate Jelly Roll. Carolina Escoto introduced me to some great Latin music. Patrick Gulbranson shares my love of show tunes.  And Joel Marcel made me pay attention to the message of “Standing Outside the Fire” by Garth Brooks.

Karaoke, purposeful?  It certainly is to me.