Tips & Tidbits

Here's how our karaoke rotation works to give everyone a fair chance to sing:

1. First Rotation: We typically start with about 18 singers, which takes roughly about 1-1/2 hours.
2. Second Rotation: We alternate between returning singers and new singers, starting with one returning singer, then a new singer, and so on.
3. Third Rotation and Beyond: We'll continue this pattern, starting each rotation with a returning singer followed by a new singer.

This approach ensures that, no matter when you arrive, you'll get to sing your first song as soon as the rotation allows. If we have a large group, please be patient - we'll move through the rotation as quickly as possible.

Duets in the Rotation: Duets are placed in the rotation based on the first singer listed on the slip. For example, if John D sings a solo, then submits a duet slip for John D and Jane D, the duet will be placed in John D's next rotation slot. To ensure the correct order, please list the singers in the desired sequence for duets.

Our printed songbooks can become outdated quickly since we frequently add new songs. For the most up-to-date collection, we recommend using the Song Search page. There, you can search by any part of an artist's name, song title, genre, release decade, or any combination of these. You can also sort results by Artist Name or Song Title in Ascending or Descending order.

Hold the Mic Correctly: Keep the microphone in line with your voice's path, close to your mouth - especially for softer voices. If you're belting or yelling, pull the mic slightly away to avoid distortion.

Grip the Shaft, Not the Screen: Hold the mic by the shaft rather than cupping the screen. Cupping the screen muffles your voice, making it harder to hear and may cause feedback (see the "What is Feedback" section). Think of it like singing into a cup - your voice won't carry well!

Handle with Care: Please do NOT drop the microphone. Our professional-grade microphones cost over $400 each, and singers are responsible for any damages caused by mistreatment.

If you can't find a song in our collection, we welcome your suggestions! Visit our Song Suggestions page to suggest songs you'd like to see us add. We'll do our best to source a legal karaoke version from reputable providers. Please note that platforms like YouTube and Sing King are not licensed for use in public venues, and we don't subscribe to services like KaraFun, as they can lose licensing for specific songs at any time. We typically obtain new songs a day before or on the day of our shows.

Unlike some karaoke shows that charge for adding new songs, we don't charge for song suggestions. However, if we're able to add your suggested songs, a tip for the KJ at the show would be greatly appreciated as a gesture of your continued support!

Feedback occurs when the same sound travels in a loop from the microphone to the speakers and back into the microphone at a very high frequency. This creates an unpleasant noise. One main cause of feedback is when the microphone volume is set too high at the soundboard. Our KJ will adjust the mic volume as needed to match your voice. If you have a softer or timid voice, the KJ may need to raise the mic volume to ensure you're heard. However, higher mic volume increases the risk of feedback.

If you hear feedback while singing, resist the urge to cup the mic or sing more softly - these common reactions can actually make feedback worse. Instead, project your voice more. This helps the KJ keep the mic volume at a reasonable level, reducing the chances of feedback.

Cupping the mic screen traps sound within the "cup," which can cause feedback as sound waves bounce back into the mic. To ensure clear sound and avoid feedback, hold the microphone by the shaft and keep the screen open.

At BNP, we continue to use paper slips, as this makes managing our rotation system easier (see the "BNP Karaoke Show Rotation" section for details). When filling out a slip, please print legibly and complete all fields. Incomplete or illegible slips, especially those missing your name, may not be processed.

If you have a common first name (like David, John, Michael, etc), please include your last initial or full last name for clarity.

Our sound system has a key (pitch) changer that adjusts in full steps. If you'd like to change the key of your song, indicate your preference on the slip using whole numbers from 1 to 6, either up or down. Using "+" or "-" symbols is optional but preferred.

For added convenience, you can now print song slips from home to bring to our shows. Visit the Print Song Slips page on our website for more details.

If the song you've requested has already been submitted or performed by another singer, the KJ will kindly let you know. From our experience, most patrons prefer not to hear the same song mulitple times in a single show. However, this isn't a strict rule. If you still like to perform that song, simply ask the KJ politely. The KJ has the descretion to allow or deny repeat performances based on factors such as the spacing between the performances and overall flow of the show.