Live Karaoke
Martin has also done a “Live-Karaoke” show for years for kids and adults and Priscilla has worked as a Karaoke hostess and they can pull this rabbit out of the hat if anyone feels a song coming on! It can be a pre-arranged part of a show, a show unto itself for parties, conferences, kids’ parties, school camps etc or just something that happens spontaneously on the night.
Unlike normal Karaoke, Martin actually plays and controls the backings live on his keyboard which provides amazing versatility in being able to change the key, tempo and even style of a song. He can also follow the singer so if the bridge is getting too difficult he can just demolish it and move on to the chorus! If the crowd is singing along he can repeat the chorus as many times as you wish!
Martin provides many microphones as well so you can get up with your friends or just join in the chorus of Mustang Sally or Dancing Queen for example.
But don’t worry - Martin is highly proficient at shortening songs when the singer has imbibed just a bit too much or has over-estimated his/her musical proficiency! Let’s face it though, lots of people love to sing and can sing well and it can be a great way of breaking the ice at a wedding or function where there may be various groups who don’t know each other.
You can also choose the songs from the Song List and practise them before the show if you’re really dedicated!
“Live Karaoke” for kids
“Live Karaoke” for kids is also available for festivals, parties, school camps or functions etc. Likewise you can book Martin’s “Live Karaoke” show for adults for your next company conference, 50th birthday or just organise a group of friends for a karaoke night for the pure fun of singing and the pleasure of having a real musician playing the music rather than a machine!
Experience
Martin began his karaoke show while playing in a restaurant/night club in Spain where he couldn’t help but notice that everyone started singing when he played a song they knew. This developed into using microphones and having lyrics sheets on a music stand and back in Australia he started incorporating the amazing innovations that were occuring in keyboards - being able to create live realistic backings.
He had a 3 year residency in Spain before returning to Australia where he has had various residencies in Melbourne and Marysville at Keppel’s Hotel, sadly no longer in existence.
He has performed “Live Karaoke” for kids at festivals such as “Fun-4-kids” in Warrnambool, the Queenscliff music festival, the Bendigo Easter festival and at the Melbourne Show.