Kimi Ishida, who owns Suzuran with her husband Tom, said that since they began offering karaoke five years ago, their clientele has broadened to include all kinds of karaoke fans, from business professionals to blue-collar workers. Karaoke contests on Wednesdays and open-microphone audience participation on weekend nights draw big crowds, he said. J’s in Santa Ana are reserving one or two nights a week for people who like to sing in front of strangers.Īt Club Hara-Juku in Torrance, karaoke appeals to a multi-ethnic clientele because “most people like to sing,” said manager Tony Tani. An increasing number of night spots, such as Merlin McFly’s in Santa Monica, Barwinkles in Long Beach and Mr. Karaoke is beginning to make a big splash with Los Angeles-area yuppies, according to its promoters.
Today, some karaoke bars remain traditionally Japanese, but the clientele is becoming increasingly diverse as other South Bay residents discover karaoke, bar owners said. There are more than a dozen such clubs throughout the area, mostly in Torrance and Gardena.Ī few years ago, karaoke could be found in Southern California, but only in bars and restaurants that catered primarily to the Japanese. In the South Bay, which has large numbers of businessmen who work in California for companies based in Japan, karaoke began appearing about five years ago. The equipment has created a new niche in the home audio/video market. Would-be stars get the chance to sing their favorite songs as a growing number of area nightclubs buy or lease the electronic sound and video systems that are used to accompany the novice singers.
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