2008 Woodie Awards
Karaoke stars rise on stage
Amanda Shapiro
Issue date: 6/26/08 Section: Variety
Universal's CityWalk has given a new reason to perfect those morning shower choral warm-ups. If Randy, Simon and Paula vetoed your vocals, head on down to the American Idol reject-friendly environment at CityWalk's Rising Star for an unforgettable karaoke experience.
While the venue is only is a few months old, it's already generating quite the crowd in the spacious lounge area that surrounds the stage.
Intimate booths combine with tables and barstools, which are strategically placed around the venue, catering to those looking to keep to themselves or become engulfed in the show.
The stage houses the resident backup band and singers, helping to maximize the impact of performing with a live group. Rising Star's stage also comes equipped with television monitors for those who stumble over the lyrics, and a light show that could make anyone feel famous.
Rising Star is the new tenant of City Jazz's old location. At the front of the venue, aspiring singers can pick up a list of songs and artists to choose from before they sign up for a spot in the show. Carlos Cleveland, also known as No. 31 last Friday at Rising Star, has frequented the venue for about four years, starting back when it was the location of City Jazz.
Cleveland admitted to being a fan of karaoke and enjoys singing on a regular basis. When asked what he thought made Rising Star stand out among other karaoke venues, Cleveland stated that "there is nothing like singing with a live band."
While his most recent performance included a Stevie Wonder classic, Cleveland noted that one of his favorite songs to perform is Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'." Though Cleveland's performance was a hit, his soft croons and jazz hands were not the first big gig of the night.
Upon entering Rising Star, one singer in his late 30s was overheard recreating a tone-deaf version of Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline." Another man in a red muscle shirt and Mardi Gras beads may have thought the show was too tame and opted to spice up the night by proudly flashing his beer gut. The night went on to showcase a typical Rising Star evening filled with highs, lows and loads of entertainment.
While the venue is only is a few months old, it's already generating quite the crowd in the spacious lounge area that surrounds the stage.
Intimate booths combine with tables and barstools, which are strategically placed around the venue, catering to those looking to keep to themselves or become engulfed in the show.
The stage houses the resident backup band and singers, helping to maximize the impact of performing with a live group. Rising Star's stage also comes equipped with television monitors for those who stumble over the lyrics, and a light show that could make anyone feel famous.
Rising Star is the new tenant of City Jazz's old location. At the front of the venue, aspiring singers can pick up a list of songs and artists to choose from before they sign up for a spot in the show. Carlos Cleveland, also known as No. 31 last Friday at Rising Star, has frequented the venue for about four years, starting back when it was the location of City Jazz.
Cleveland admitted to being a fan of karaoke and enjoys singing on a regular basis. When asked what he thought made Rising Star stand out among other karaoke venues, Cleveland stated that "there is nothing like singing with a live band."
While his most recent performance included a Stevie Wonder classic, Cleveland noted that one of his favorite songs to perform is Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'." Though Cleveland's performance was a hit, his soft croons and jazz hands were not the first big gig of the night.
Upon entering Rising Star, one singer in his late 30s was overheard recreating a tone-deaf version of Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline." Another man in a red muscle shirt and Mardi Gras beads may have thought the show was too tame and opted to spice up the night by proudly flashing his beer gut. The night went on to showcase a typical Rising Star evening filled with highs, lows and loads of entertainment.