Do you love music?
Are you looking for a fun way to meet some new people in this New Year? Then you may want to check out the “Music Lovers” of Arlington.
Music Lovers is a karaoke group that has been in existence for more than a decade. The organizer, Bradd Beckham, said the group meets at many places across the Metroplex, including John B’s Food and Spirit located on West Arkansas Lane in Pantego.
If you are not familiar with it, karaoke is a form of interactive entertainment in which amateur singers sing along with recorded music using a microphone and public address system. The lyrics are displayed on a screen for the performer to follow along.
The karaoke machine was invented in 1971 by a Japanese musician. However, it was a Japanese entertaining group that created the name “karaoke” after an orchestra went on strike and a machine was used instead to play the music. “Karaoke” translates to “empty orchestra.”
Karaoke didn’t become popular in the U.S. until the 1990s. It has now grown into a global market estimated to be worth $1 billion. And it’s definitely popular in North Texas. There are more than 10,000 DFW Meetup Karaoke members. This includes the 600-plus in the Music Lovers group.
While many participants in Music Lovers are good singers,
there is no required skill level. “Everyone gets applause, and everyone has their moment,” Beckham said. “The karaoke deejays we work with are all exceptional.”
It sounds as if the deejays are put to work on karaoke nights. Beckham said the group members enjoy a broad spectrum of music, including oldies, country, classic rock and even holiday tunes – anything that is a good dance song or that works well for a duet or small group to sing.
So, what if you’re not the type to get behind the microphone? Don’t worry; you do not have to sing to join this group. Dancers, fans and those who just want to mingle enjoy several different weekly events. And those events have even broadened a bit to include contests, poker and trivia nights.
Beckham said people from 21 to 71 years of age belong to the Music Lovers group and that the best part is “the camaraderie experienced as a group of fun-loving singers.” Members also enjoy perks such as discounted food and drinks. And, Beckham said, line dancers and slow dancers are also an expected treat.
“We always have a great time, inexpensively and consistently,” he said.
If you are interested in joining a local karaoke group, check out “Music Lovers,” “DFW Friends & Fun” and “New Friends Network” on the meetup.com site. Fill out a short profile and then go have fun!
