Centerstage - Chicago's Original City Guide

I always assumed that karaoke with live bands was made up of all sorts of bands doing their own thing, playing at any bar that would have them and surviving among a scattered subculture with no real core. But in fact, Live Band Karaoke Chicago is a beloved entity with a very devoted following. Run by three bands that rotate their schedules at different locations in the city, adding special events and parties to their calendar from time to time, the collective is an organized weekly mini-tour always in search of lead singers. The Hootenanners, The Karaoke Dokies and Liquid Courage have been going strong since 2002, expanding from their initial single location to now accommodating seven.

Each band has its own song list (though many songs overlap) ranging from ABBA to X-Ray Spex. The list ensures that the crowds will hear sing-along favorites, which is good since the volume significantly limits conversation. You'll find several songs by the same artist (think Journey, Rolling Stones, Elvis) mixed in with a few singular stand-outs like Hall & Oats and Nena (of "99 Red Balloons" fame). While you won't have the video screen showing each lyric in time with the Casio recording, the band prepares you with lyric sheets and supports you with back-up vocals and an energy that steers your audience away from boredom. You can't hide from the intimidation factor, but the hosts and band members at these places are so fun and encouraging, you'll soon remember that after all, it's only karaoke.

Check out the schedule and song lists before you head out at: Livebandkaraokechicago.com.

Piece
Saturday, 11 p.m.
In addition to Thursday's electronic karaoke, Piece highlights the weekend with a live band session, packing in a larger crowd full of post-dinner pizza eaters and Wicker Park bar hoppers, not to mention devoted karaoke followers. Out of all the places I visited, Piece offers the best stage setting, making sure you are seen, not just heard, by all. With no drink or food specials on Saturday, you'll have to rely on the pizza for which Piece is named and the wonderfully extensive bar selection to get you fueled. Once you've had your smooth Belvedere vodka on the rocks (or just plain ol' pizza and beer), get ready to listen to, or possibly sing along with, a wide array of talent. The crowd seems really excited to be at Piece, enjoying a mix of old and new tunes: Both The Turtles' "Happy Together" and U2's "One" brought on compliments by strangers on a song well sung.