DANCE CARD

Fubar Karaoke: Don't Forget the Lyrics (or Vodka)

BY STEPHAN HORBELT

In a city where half of the population is a struggling actor or musician, it is no surprise that karaoke is a popular Los Angeles pastime. There are very distinct categories of karaoke participators, and most will be found cruising any karaoke joint. There are always those who know they can sing well (or unfortunately think they can) and are mentally auditioning for American Idol. Then there are those at the bar with friends, drinking profusely, singing for entertainment value (this usually involves a Bon Jovi song). And then there are those who simply enjoy sitting back and taking in the madness.

While there is no shortage of karaoke bars around town, Tuesday nights at Fubar have always been a low-key, entertaining night of tone-deaf hilarity. Fubar is perhaps better known for its dark and debaucherous weekend parties, usually featuring naked dancers and a sometimes-naked patron or two. On Tuesday nights the lights are turned up and nudity is not the norm, although you can't necessarily count it out. You never know what body parts might be exposed onstage for comedic value, or what will come out of the mouth of Bruce Daniels, Fubar Karaoke's hilarious host.

The crowd on Tuesday nights is a very diverse one. Most of the clientele is composed of regulars, those who can be seen sitting at the bar week after week. Many of those who get up and sing are actors and comedians, and some of them love to change the lyrics and belt out parodies of their favorite songs. As Daniels says, “Karaoke can be very masturbatory, and not in a good way. People who like to do Karaoke take it very seriously, and we try to make it as fun as possible. Vodka helps a lot.” With Fubar favorite Cody Bayne behind the bar, you're guaranteed a stiff drink (or three).

Those who head out to Fubar on Tuesday should be aware of the night's one rule: no ballads. To avoid being shunned by Daniels and the crowd, stick to something upbeat and fun, because people don't come out to Fubar to hear “You light up my life.” One can never go wrong with a classic rock song, and for god's sake, know the lyrics of the song you choose. “What I tell people at the beginning of the night,” Daniels says, “is realize that when you're singing, you aren't singing to an audience, you are singing to a really long line of people who want to sing. Make it fun!”

Vital Info

Fubar Karaoke

7994 Santa Monica Blvd.
When: Tuesday nights
Cover: Free!
The Scene: An always hilarious night of singing and drinking

MIXOLOGY

BARTENDER: Keith Angel

This incredibly hot and down to earth, 6’, 175lbs, 26-year-old Texas native is not only one of the most popular bartenders at Here Lounge he’s also a personal trainer, model, and aspiring actor. During his time off, this self-proclaimed “country boy” is either at the gym, hiking in Runyon Canyon, shopping for new DVDs to add to his ever-growing movie collection, or taking weekend trips to Hermosa Beach. Aside from having a degree in Agriculture from Texas State University this sexy boy with the angelic smile will be featured in the upcoming film Band From Hell, which is scheduled to be released this August, hopefully helping him get closer to his ultimate goal of being the next Mark Wahlberg. —TONY MIROS

Specialty Drink — “Appletini”

3 count Citron Vodka
3 count Apple Pucker
Splash of Madori, Triple Sec, Roses Lime Juice, Sweet & Sour mix, and 7UP
Shake and serve in a Martini glass with an apple slice garnish