CONNECT - Kovid Karaoke at Clark Cottage
It was an unusual sight – even in these times when “unusual” has become the norm. Twelve to 15 neighbors socially distancing between themselves on one side of City Park Avenue while watching and listening to karaoke singers across the street. But, as event co-sponsor John Clark explained, “Why not?”
Clark and his wife Jan had set up a small karaoke outfit with laptop computer, small public address system and wireless microphones. Anyone who walked by was encouraged to step behind the wrought iron fence and belt one out from a catalog of 36,000 tunes. As an extra incentive, anyone brave enough to sing was given a novelty coronavirus-themed t-shirt.
Invitations were sent to only a few people from the area. Jessica Kapustra, Bryan Smith and Pam Gillum, for instance, were quick to step up to the microphone and sing their favorites. And that helped draw in the curious bystanders. One young woman who stopped happened to be a professionally trained vocalist. She and her friend mesmerized the gathering with songs from Broadway musicals.
And as each stepped up to take his or her turn, more and more neighbors gathered on the opposite side of the street to listen. Some brought out lawn chairs to share with others. Drinks were passed around. And all were respectful of social distancing guidelines.
Each singer was assured of a loud round of applause, despite his or her true talents. That’s because this wasn’t really about entertaining people with song. This was simply a celebration of our neighborhood – of the great times we have when we come together for a little quirky fun. You could also call it a collective “thumbing of the nose” to the virus that has wrecked so many lives since the start of the year.
Years ago, Village boosters Fred Holdridge and Howard Burns, who owned Hausfrau Haven, conjured up bed races on Beck Street, promoted neighborhood participation in the annual Doo Dah Parade and sponsored an annual, mail-in, international postcard art show. They knew how to have fun with fellow Villagers. According to co-sponsor Jan Clark, “We hope they would have approved.”
Interested in hosting your own, “pop up” karaoke event? Please see this months Editor’s Letter for details.
Interested in hosting your own, “pop up” karaoke event? Please see this months Editor’s Letter for details.
