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KTV is A-okay for friends

By Joseph Christian (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-01-05 08:52

There are Internet bars, movie marathons, club dancing, 24-hour restaurants, or shooting pool until the crack of the dawn. But in the realm of all night entertainment, karaoke is king.

A few months ago, I rolled up to a karaoke bar in my friend's car. From the outside it looked like a basketball arena, but once you entered, its dcor resembled that of a five star hotel. We were greeted by guards in woolen coats and hostesses dressed in flowing red and blue gowns.

Escorted like royalty we walked past countless rooms. One had the door half open revealing an older man with one heck of a comb over belting out a Chinese folk song in a shrill, out of tune voice.

Finally, we made it to our room; posh leather couches, a computer for surfing the net, a wall to wall screen, and even though the room was not bigger than a bedroom, it was packing speakers loud enough for an outdoor concert. Quite impressive considering that karaoke back home in America often consists of a microphone hooked up to a stereo or DVD player sequestered in the back corner of a smoke filled lounge. We were ready for our all night karaoke experience.

Chinese love karaoke and while I am not the biggest fan of singing, I can't help but admit that it can be fun. My Chinese friends find about every excuse possible to make their way to a KTV bar. Celebrating birthdays and holidays, entertaining business associates, and excursions with classmates all qualify for a front row seat on those leather couches. Many times the singing will carry on all night because it is cheaper to rent the private KTV room this way. You can sing, eat, drink, sleep, and talk your way to tomorrow.

Often a night of karaoke is more social than a bar or movie and it's a chance to make stronger friendships and business partners. Just watch out for the KTV addicts, maiba, as the Chinese call them.

If you are a person forever stuck in the English pop classics of yesteryear then karaoke in China is a dream come true for you. Otherwise, you might have to go back in your memory or a history book and familiarize yourself with songs that are past their prime.

As I sat with my friends going through a list of English songs, the newest one I could find was a tune by Britney Spears. There was no way I was about to get up and sing a rousing rendition of Hit Me Baby One More Time. So I was left with a choice of either Hotel California or Danny Boy. As I might break out in tears singing Danny Boy, I quickly punched the button for Hotel California. I didn't exactly ace the song, but I put enough energy into it to get applause from my Chinese friends.

For the most part, karaoke is a fun and exciting experience. If the opportunity presents itself and you decide on a night of karaoke, just make sure you take a Chinese friend with you so they can help select songs from the Chinese language program that runs your KTV room. Most importantly, however, try to remember not to be shy. Join your Chinese colleagues and let loose in style.