Singing show tunes helps fight off dementia

A recent research study found that those suffering from moderate to severe dementia did particularly well singing show tunes from movies and musicals such as 'The Wizard of Oz,' 'The Sound of Music' and 'Oklahoma!' in group settings and had a marked improvement in their remembering skills versus those who simply listened during the sing-alongs. 
BY  DAVID HARDING,  NEW YORK DAILY NEWS (Tuesday, November 12, 2013, 8:01 AM)

Julie Andrews from ‘The Sound of Music.’ Researchers found singing along
with show tunes helped with dementia.

The hills are alive with the sound of music, which could help people with Alzheimer's stave off the effects of the debilitating disease. 

A study by U.S. scientists has shown that the brain function of those suffering from dementia can be improved if they belt out their favorite show tunes. 

Researchers working with elderly residents at an East Coast care home found in a four-month long study found that people who sang their favorite songs showed a marked improvement compared to those who just listened. Among the songs sung during 50-minute sessions were hits from "The Wizard of Oz," "Oklahoma!" and "The Sound of Music." 

The most improvement was among those sufferers with moderate to severe dementia.

Jane Flinn, one of the scientists involved in the study who works at George Mason University in Virginia, concluded singing was beneficial.

“Even when people are in the fairly advanced stages of dementia, when it is so advanced they are in a secure ward, singing sessions were still helpful,” she said.

“The message is: don't give up on these people. You need to be doing things that engage them, and singing is cheap, easy and engaging.”

A scene from the musical ‘Oklahoma!’ Seniors who participated in a show tunes
sing-along showed improvement in their memory skills.

,

¡Feliz Año de Karaoke 2015! Happy Karaoke New Year 2015!

Ahora aqui estamos en el año nuevo de 2015 — ¿y qué vamos a hacer con nuestras horas libres? Pues, vamos a cantar! 

No queremos decir adiós a nuestros amigos de Skyhrose!
We hate to say goodbye to our Skyhorse friends!

El 2 de Enero en The Beer Company fue la primera noche de karaoke del año nuevo en San Miguel de Allende, y no pudo ser más genial. Tuvimos el grupo de viajeros mundiales que viajan en un camión fantástico al que  nombraron "Skyhorse" (adventuresinskyhorse.com) y que pasaron su última noche en San Miguel con nosotros.

También asistieron varios clientes regulares y dos familias completas, además de una "virgen de karaoke" que cantó su primera canción enfrente de la gente...¡que padre!

Pero sigue una celebración más grande el próximo Viernes — el 2º aniversario de karaoke con Annie y Aarón en The Beer Company! Te recomiendo llegar temprano porque hay sólo 24 sillas, más o menos, y puedo garantizar que el bar va a estar lleno. Además de la diversión de siempre, con la música, la comida y por supuesto las cervezas de todo el mundo, vamos a ofrecer premios y sorpresas, y tambien vamos a anunciar a los miembros del salon de la fama karaoke de 2014.

No faltes, el Viernes 9 de Enero de 7pm a 12am en The Beer Company!

Here we are in the year 2015 — and what shall we do with our free time? For starters, let's sing!

Liz's first karaoke experience,
with backup singer Kelley "El Pipe"

January 2 at The Beer Company was the first karaoke night of the new year in San Miguel de Allende, and it couldn't have been a better time! We had a group of world travelers who travel around in a tricked-out RV they call Skyhorse (adventuresinskyhorse.com) who spent their last night in San Miguel with us. Also in attendance were several of our "regulars" and two families, plus a "karaoke virgin" who sang her first song in front of an audience...so cool!

Maya and Juanito

But an even bigger celebration follows next Friday — the 2nd anniversary of karaoke with Annie and Aarón at The Beer Company! I'd suggest getting there early because there are only 24 seats, more or less, and I can guarantee the bar will be packed! Along with the usual fun music, food and of course beers from around the world, we'll offer door prizes and other surprises, and we'll announce who made the 2014 Karaoke Hall of Fame.

Don't miss Friday, Jan. 9, 7pm-12am @ The Beer Company!

The Beer Company

Ancha de San Antonio #17

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

415 154 4224

Karaoke ha regresado a Olé Mami los viernes y sábados

¡Buenas noticias a todos los fans de karaoke!

Ahora pueden cantar en Olé Mami cada Viernes y Sábado apartir de las 10:30pm con Sara Chavez, David Cruz y Christian Cruz.

Olé Mami está ubicado en Hernández Macías, esq. Zacateros.

¡Andale, vamos a cantar!

Welcome to the Church of the Open Mic

Given that you are a subscriber to my karaoke blog, I realize I am preaching to the choir, but you’re gonna love this article from the news site mic.com. Turns out we singers (professional and otherwise) make better friends, say the scientists around the world—and I quote:

Singing can help people be calmer. Singing can release endorphins and oxytocin, which create feelings of trust, intimacy and euphoria. It makes people exactly the kind of friend you want around when the going gets tough. Maybe it is time for some karaoke.

Read the full article here: Why Singers Make Better Friends, According To Science

How To Warm the Heart of a KJ

When I host a show, it’s all about making sure the singers have a good time. But as the KJ, I have a good time, too, even though I’m “at work.” What makes Karaoke Annie feel so good? Glad you asked!

1. Your smile. A happy singer tops my feel-good list every time. If you and your friends are enjoying yourselves, it validates all the dollars and hours that I spent to build the show. And who doesn’t love being surrounded by smiling faces?
2. Your thanks. Whether you express your appreciation with a kind word, a tip, a “like” or photo-share on Facebook, or a return visit, I get the message and I’m grateful.
3. Your respect. When you applaud for a singer like you mean it, even when they’re not strong on talent, it makes their day—and mine. I also notice and appreciate when you treat my equipment (i.e. the microphone) and songbooks with respect, and when you return my pens and pencils instead of keeping them.

Of course I’m glad you come to karaoke night even if you don’t want to sing, because we need applauders as much as we need singers—and it’s nice to have a full house. I’m glad you choose to spend your hard-earned cash on food and drinks and tips for the wait staff as well as for your karaoke host, when you could be staying home or going to the movies. 

But trust me, karaoke really IS all about YOU, and YOU are the one who makes it all worthwhile for me just by leaving all your cares at the door and taking part in a night of joyful noise. So thank you, thank you, thank you! And come again soon!

Martes de Karaoke empieza en La Choperia

Bienvenidos a los Martes de Karaoke en La Choperia (Canal #21, Col. Centro)! Welcome to Karaoke Tuesdays at La Choperia! Venganse y disfruten de unas bebidas, botanas y canciones. Come and enjoy drinks, snacks and songs. No cover! Reservaciones: (415) 154 4545.

Karaoke is good therapy (es buena terápia)!

Look at these faces. Every one of these people is completely outside of themselves...
completely absorbed in the fellowship of the moment...completely unselfconscious.
That's called "being in the now," or "in the moment," and it's a healthy thing.
More therapists ought to prescribe karaoke nights for their patients!