Wal-Mart gets jiggy wit monthly karoake night

By DAVID ARCHER
Collegian Staff Writer

There's a place in State College where everyone can become a singing sensation -- all they need is the desire, the nerve and about three dollars for snacks.

This place is none other than -- Wal-Mart?

On the third Thursday of every month, RAM Enterprises Karaoke and DJ Services hosts a Karaoke Happy Hour at the Radio Grill in Wal-Mart, 1665 N. Atherton Place. The show is open to all ages, and there is no admission fee.

Ruth O'Brien, founder of RAM Enterprises and a disc jockey on WBHV-FM (103.1), emcees the show. She also emcees a karaoke night every Wednesday at the Last Cowboy Restaurant, 1521 Martin St.

"The crowd is mostly local people who enjoy coming out to have a good time," O'Brien said at last Thursday's show.

She also said many families bring their children because it's free and family-oriented.

"(Singing karaoke) is something anyone can do," she said. "It's not limited to a certain age group."

Karaoke is a Japanese word meaning "empty orchestra." The music is instrumental, and the lyrics appear on a television screen so people can sing along. RAM Enterprises has an extensive catalog of songs, ranging from country music to pop to rock 'n' roll. O'Brien says while country music seems to be the most popular, people sing all types of music.

The songs performed Thursday ranged from Ritchie Valens and The Beatles to Shania Twain and Madonna. The ages of the performers were as diverse as the songs, ranging from 4-year-olds to those well into their 60s and 70s.

Tina Lamason, department manager of the Radio Grill, said the program began last March and has grown increasingly popular.

"Sales were down, and we were trying to think of new ways to bring people into the Radio Grill," Lamason said. "A couple of (employees) went to karaoke at the Last Cowboy and thought it would be a good idea."

Lamason also said the only advertising has been signs around the store, and word-of-mouth has made the program more popular.

"It's gotten quite big from people coming in and bringing their friends," Lamason said.

The program has expanded over the past 11 months. Last October, RAM Enterprises began holding a Karaoke Happy Hour on the second Thursday of every month at the Wal-Mart on 373 Benner Pike. According to O'Brien, the Benner Pike show has become as popular as the one on North Atherton Street.

Dwayne Krisko, a technician for RAM Enterprises, said the people who sing most often are those who come every week.

"Every once in a while, a shopper will come in and sing," Krisko said. "But usually it's the people that are already here."

Krisko also said shoppers will stop and watch from the aisles or the checkout counter. Only a handful of the people who show up actually sing, and the rest are there to watch, he said.

O'Brien started RAM Enterprises because she wanted to sing in a band but she could never remember the words to the songs. She felt by starting a karaoke business, she could help other people fulfill their dreams.

"I have the vehicle for people to come up and sing," she said. "People love to sing, and I help them to discover new talents about themselves."

RAM Enterprises' karaoke schedule can be found on the World Wide Web (members.aol.com/ramenter7).