Latest news with #karaoke
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What are the best bars in the Northeast? See USA TODAY's 2025 Bars of the Year
Meet "the gay Cheers," a classic neighborhood dive bar welcoming to all with karaoke, trivia nights, drag shows, and brunches. Longtime bartender David Hoffman describes Georgies Bar as: "... all love from the beginning to the end." It's just one of the places to make this list of exceptional cocktail bars in the Northeast. If you're a cocktail lover, you've also come to the right place: This list is a don't-miss read and includes cool bars you must visit. These six cocktail bars — the swankiest, most creative, coolest in the nation — are among the selections in our second USA TODAY Bars of the Year list. The USA TODAY Best Bars in America: The 29 best bars in America in 2025: See USA TODAY's top picks More: Best Bars in America: How USA TODAY picked the 2025 finalists Selected by our network of food writers across the nation — from The Arizona Republic to the Palm Beach Post — these bars represent the best neighborhood taverns, the coziest wine bars and the beachiest beach bars. But for lovers of cocktails, and the bars that serve them, we've created a special sublist here. Here they are, the USA TODAY Bars of the Year in the Northeast. See last year's list The best bars in America in 2024: See USA TODAY's 27 favorite spots The Starboard | Dewey Beach, Delaware Details: 2009 Coastal Highway; 302-227-4600, While Delaware's beaches have plenty of stand-out bars, The Starboard lives in a world of its own. With an old-school hodgepodge layout and must-have pounder Orange Crush drinks paired with beloved longtime bartenders and high-energy bands and DJs, the bar itself is a playground for locals and vacationers alike. The core following helps make the bar the best, a silly crew that likes to dress in costume and let loose like no one's watching. Highlights each year include laugh-out-loud events such as the Running of the Bull, with bargoers chasing two people in a bull costume down the beach (not exactly like they do in Pamplona), and Derby Day, a Kentucky Derby spoof with bar-goers running on broomstick horses around the block. There's a reason why The Starboard has three branded spin-offs in the tiny beach town, serving everything from seafood to pizza. — Ryan Cormier, Delaware News Journal Read a full review of The Starboard on Carrie Nation Cocktail Club | Boston, Massachusetts Details: 11 Beacon St.; 617-227-3100, Imagine a badass woman in 1900 who was so opposed to anyone drinking alcohol that she would barge into saloons with a hatchet, smashing liquor bottles and bar fixtures. This historic female figure is no longer alive, but her spirit shines on with her name in lights at Carrie Nation Cocktail Club. Nation's ironic presence is felt throughout the 1920's vibe venue offering two bars under one roof – a main bar and restaurant in the front and a hidden speakeasy in the back. Its interior decor offers an upscale, Victorian boudoir theme with dim, vintage chandelier lighting with beaded fringe trim and deep red tones on textured wallpaper. Hanging draperies, black leather seating, black-and-white checkered flooring and even an antique shoeshine chair complete the setting. The bourbon maple espresso is one of the most popular cocktails, and pan-seared branzini fillet and lamb shank are two of the many hearty entrees to try. — Joanna Tzouvelis, Wicked Local Read a full review of Carrie Nation Cocktail Club on Georgies | Asbury Park, New Jersey Details: 810 Fifth Ave.; 732-988-1220, Since 1999, Georgies Bar – affectionately known as "the gay Cheers" – has been a safe and welcoming place for members of the LGBTQ+ community. It's an atmosphere that honors the bar's founding as a place where people could just be themselves. This is not a pretty, polished Shore bar but a classic neighborhood dive bar where first-time visitors and regulars feel comfortable. Georgies is well-known for its karaoke and trivia nights and drag shows and brunches, and for its contribution to community groups. When the weather is warm, live music fills the patio, and hungry bar-goers dine on soft pretzels, mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches and fries. "It's a bar for everyone. Everybody takes care of each other," longtime bartender David Hoffman said. "This place is all love from the beginning to the end." — Sarah Griesemer, Asbury Park Press Read a full review of Georgies on Cowan's Public | Nutley, New Jersey Details: 229 Centre St.; 973-542-8151, From the outside, Cowan's Public is just another brick house in a quiet neighborhood on the edge of Nutley. Inside, though, is a celebration of community and libations. This bar and eatery – with a roaring fireplace, Art Deco bar, custom stained glass, Prohibition relics and expert mixologists – opened in 2015, but the building has been a pub since it was erected months after Prohibition ended in 1933. Elevated pub grub, a local craft beer taplist, events (including dinners and trivia) and an adjoining dining room with classic tin roofs and upholstered walls create an experience both lively and cozy. Cocktails are king. Get the velvety Half Lotus with Japanese whiskey and black sesame; the earthy, mezcal-based Pale Blue Dot; or the vibrant green Sea Foam with pisco, coconut and Chartreuse. Pair those with pub grub such as killer tempura-fried chicken lollipops in hot honey, Swedish meatballs with blueberry jam or simply some of the best deviled eggs around. Cowan's is not the 'speakeasy-style' pub so in vogue nowadays; it is a modern bar with boundary-pushing cocktails and an old soul. — Matt Cortina, Read a full review of Cowan's Public on Horsefeathers | Tarrytown, New York Details: 94 N. Broadway; 914-631-6606, In business since 1981 – and now owned by the original owner's niece, Julia McCue – Horsefeathers prides itself on its familiarity. Its history is woven into the community: Menus are filled with details about local attractions and the decor is filled with witty touches, including a large mural depicting famous authors. McCue grew up in town so she knows what the neighborhood wants: A casual, burger-and-beer spot where you can always grab a seat at the bar. Her goal when she bought it seven years ago was to keep it the same, yet enhance it. That means more creative cocktails, often in funky glassware. Try the Cosmo – all cocktails are served tableside and often come with an extra sidecar. Burgers, wings and chicken parm are other popular favorites. You'll love the all-out-decor come the holidays. (This being Sleepy Hollow country, Halloween is the craziest.) Still, the old-time charm remains. — Jeanne Muchnick, Rockland/Westchester Journal News Read a full review of Horsefeathers on Marge's Lakeside Inn | Rochester, New York Details: 4909 Culver Road; 585-323-1020, A city with all-too-brief summers, Rochester has precious few places to head to for a drink in your hand and your toes in the sand. That's why Marge's Lakeside Inn has been a quintessential part of summertime for the past 65 years. Legend has it that Magin's, its predecessor, was a speakeasy until it opened legally after Prohibition. Marge Beth opened her eponymous bar in 1960, and it's been run by family members since then. Now, Francine Beth carries on the legacy in a building with squeaky floors, a vintage jukebox and a swath of beach out back. Marge's isn't about bougie craft cocktails; order a boozy slushy or its own Marge's Tiki Blonde Ale. There are food carts where you can grab a hot dog, burger or a platter of charcuterie, and you'll find live music most summer nights. Bands play early enough that you can catch the sun setting over Lake Ontario. Clouds, after all, make for glorious sunsets. — Tracy Schuhmacher, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Read a full review of Marge's Lakeside Inn on This article originally appeared on Best bars in the Northeast: Six spots you need to visit in 2025 Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Gospel karaoke brings community and praise to Camden, New Jersey streets
It's not your typical karaoke night—there's no pop hits or rock ballads. Instead, the sound is all praise and worship, and the spirit is just as electric as any concert. In Camden, New Jersey, the growing monthly event is reimagining karaoke with a faith-filled twist, and people are taking notice. What started as a social media post is now a movement. The "Voices of Hope Open Mic" has grown to more than 10,000 followers in under a year. At the heart of it all is youth leader Charles Giddins III, who launched the event with one mission in mind: to create a safe space for Christians to gather, worship, and express themselves outside of church walls. "There's obviously a need in this space," Giddins said. Held at Victory Temple Community Church, where his father pastors and his mother serves as first lady, Giddins grew up surrounded by ministry and music. In fact, he was holding a microphone before he could even walk. Now, every fourth Friday, he channels that same early passion into hosting Voices of Hope Open Mic—an event that invites creatives to recite poetry, share testimony, and pass the mic for gospel classics. From seasoned vocalists to first-time singers, everyone is welcome. "It's no judgment," said Giddins. "You can get up there and sing—we're going to clap for you, say 'God bless you,' and we might even help you sing as a group." But it doesn't stop at the church doors. As interest grew, Giddins started taking the event outside—literally. He began shutting down a corner of North 2nd Street to bring gospel karaoke to the streets of Camden. "Going into local neighborhoods and showing what it is to be righteous in Christ—and still relatable," he said. Whether you're a believer or just looking for community, the open mic is a place where spirit meets soul and voices rise in unity. "See what God is doing in our communities… and in our lives," Giddins shared. Voices of Hope Open Mic is held on the last Friday of every month in Camden. It's a ticketed event, and seats go fast—proof that this unique blend of music and ministry is something the community didn't even know it needed.
Fox News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Justin Timberlake leaves fans fuming after barely singing during festival concert
Fans called out Justin Timberlake for not singing during a concert in Romania. Timberlake performed at the Electric Castle festival, but many weren't pleased with his performance. In one video, the pop singer can be heard continuously telling the audience to sing while walking around the stage and occasionally dancing. "When you pay for a concert but get a mute singer," a fan wrote while sharing the video on TikTok. "Dude took a day off on stage…" Users flooded the comments with jokes about the performance. "So y'all went to karaoke?" one wrote, while another added: "This performance could've been an email." "It looks like he doesn't even care," one user said. And another wrote: "So basically u paid ur ticket to listen to urself." "I would 100% request a refund," another chimed in. Fox News Digital has reached out to representatives for Timberlake for comment. Timberlake was in Romania as part of the European Leg of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour. The "Cry Me a River" singer will head to Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey next. Timberlake's tour was almost derailed after the singer was arrested for DWI in June 2024. The former *NSYNC member pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of "driving while ability impaired" and was given community service. Timberlake addressed reporters after his hearing. The musician made a public apology and gave a drunk-driving PSA as required in his plea agreement. "So I don't, I don't know how many of you were in the courtroom and heard what I had to say in the courtroom, but I'll reiterate that and say this to you. Many of you have probably been covering me for a lot of my life. And as you may know, I try to hold myself to a very high standard for myself. And this was not that. I found myself in a position where I could have made a different decision, but I've had some time to reflect on that." "And I also understand by, you know, the fact that all of you are here, that I have a platform, you have a platform, we share that platform. And so what I like to say to everyone watching and listening, even if you've had one drink, don't get behind the wheel of a car. There's so many alternatives. Call a friend. Take an Uber. There's many travel apps … take a taxi."
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The ultimate karaoke songs, according to science - so, is YOUR favourite on the list?
When it comes to karaoke, picking the right song can either make or break your night. Now, an expert has revealed the scientifically-backed singalong tunes to guarantee a good evening. Oxford University mathematician Dr Tom Crawford has devised a formula that combines the number of verses, repetition of chorus, beats per minute (BPM) and the year the song was released. The equation generates a score out of 100 and, from this, Dr Crawford has come up with the top 10 mood-boosting classics of all time. So, whether you're a Mariah-in-the-making or simply can't hold a tune, these will help you find joy, he says. 'There's some serious maths behind a karaoke belter,' he explained. Coming in first place is Bon Jovi's 'Livin' On a Prayer', which generated a score of 91. Released in 1986, it is mathematically proven to increase dopamine levels, Dr Crawford said. Close behind are Whitney Houston's 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody', which scored 90, and 'Don't Look Back in Anger' by Oasis, which reached an impressive 89. In joint fourth place is 'Queen of country pop' Shania Twain with her iconic 'Man! I Feel Like a Woman' and - pivoting to a completely different category - '500 Miles' by Scottish rock duo The Proclaimers. Both of these tracks scored 88, according to the formula. ABBA comes in sixth place with their song 'Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!', which scored 85, while the 2004 hit 'Unwritten' by Natasha Beddingfield came in joint seventh with a score of 84. Adele, known for her power ballads, also placed seventh with her melancholy 'Someone Like You' alongside the catchy pop single 'Wannabe' by the Spice Girls. Finally Mario's signature song 'Let Me Love You' - which was released in 2004 - took tenth spot with 83 points. Dr Crawford's method is based on data collected from 2,000 karaoke lovers across the UK. 'People love a fast-paced song with an average 126 BPM and three repeated chorus' for every two verses, just like most pop songs - hence why common favourites are scoring highly in the research,' he said. 'With ABBA dominating the 70's, through to Adele in the 2010's, the average release year of a karaoke classic is 1995. The top 10 karaoke songs, according to science Livin' On a Prayer - Bon Jovi (91) I Wanna Dance with Somebody - Whitney Houston (90) Don't Look Back in Anger - Oasis (89) Man! I Feel Like a Woman - Shania Twain (88) 500 Miles - The Proclaimers (88) Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) - ABBA (85) Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield (84) Someone Like You - Adele (84) Wannabe - Spice Girls (84) Let Me Love You - Mario (83) Scores in brackets are out of 100 'This captures the boyband craze, as well as Brit pop with Oasis, and girl power like the Spice Girls, showing there's some serious maths behind a karaoke belter!' The research, carried out on behalf of Three UK and Samaritans, also found that nine out of 10 people say singing gives them an 'emotional uplift' while 70 per cent said it was cathartic. While a third of people surveyed said pop music was their favourite karaoke genre, a fifth said they prefer rock songs to let rip. The majority of participants revealed they have a 'go-to' karaoke tune with ABBA, Adele and Taylor Swift being the most popular artists to turn to. The top 10 endorphin-boosting belters will be available for music fans to sing their hearts out to in new 'Kathartic Karaoke' booths, launching at festivals this summer. The booth will launch this week at Latitude Festival in Suffolk, before being moved to The Mound at Edinburgh Fringe. Sonya Trivedy, Executive Director of External Engagement at Samaritans, said: 'Music has a unique power to have a positive impact on our mental health. 'Singing, in particular, can help people process emotions, ease stress and boost mood.' The news comes shortly after a study into the origins of blushing, which required teenagers to sing karaoke and then watch the videos back. As part of research, carried out by researchers from the University of Amsterdam, 40 16-20-year-olds first took part in a karaoke session. Participants sang four songs: 'Hello' by Adele, 'Let it go' from Frozen, 'All I want for Christmas is you' by Mariah Carey and 'All the things she said' by tATu. These songs were chosen because several music experts judged these songs to be very difficult to sing – ensuring that participants would be embarrassed watching themselves singing them. As they were shown the videos of themselves and others singing their cheek temperature – an indicator of blushing – and brain activity were measured. The results revealed that blushing was stronger when participants watched themselves sing. Listening to melancholy music can improve a person's emotional well-being in times of loneliness and distress. Sad songs, in particular, can stir up a mixture of complex and 'partially positive' emotions, including nostalgia, peacefulness, tenderness, transcendence and wonder. Upbeat music that you're not consciously aware that you're listening to typically have no affect on how you feel. But actively seeking out happiness through music can sometimes improve your health and relationship satisfaction.
The Sun
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Only a true karaoke champion can name all 10 of these songs from just a single image
FANCY yourself as a karaoke connoisseur? If your idea of a perfect Saturday night is singing your heart out in front of a crowd of strangers down the pub, then why not challenge yourself to this tricky brainteaser. Betboo has revealed the 10 most popular karaoke songs in the UK, and has created a single image to describe each song. So can you guess which is which? 1. This is Brits' favourite song to sing at karaoke, but can you name it? 2. This classic karaoke song has been a staple for 50 years, can you name it? 3. This 90s hit always gets people dancing. Can you figure out what it is? 4. This karaoke favourite is from a 2018 film. Have you ever sung it? 5. 11 This 70s track has been a karaoke go-to for decades. 6. This 70s track is always a crowd pleaser. 7. This tune dates back to the 60s, but it's still popular with karaoke lovers. 8. This legendary 80s hit is guaranteed to get everyone on their feet. 9. Everyone knows all the words to this 60s classic hit. 10. Have you ever performed this 2010s hit? Answers.
