A few months ago, I went to meet some friends at a Residuals in Studio City. As a big karaoke fan, I thought this would be a great place to do what I do, which is create a song, on the spot, about what the audience is doing. I went to sign up, and was asked what I wanted to sing. I said it doesn't matter as long as it is a rap song. He asked why. I explained that I do songs on the spot, about the audience and what they are doing AS they do it. He told me that that's not allowed there. He said that if I wanted to do that to go to an open mic. I explained that I am a professional and I get paid to do this, as well as having done it on a few national TV shows. He said he didn't give F**K. I gave him my business card and he threw it over his shoulder and said, tough s**t. And that I should get the "f" out of there. I left in complete disbelief at the extreme rudeness and foul language which is completely unnecessary. If it is club policy to forbid freestyling, I understand. But, he was way out of line as a "professional". Later that night I wrote up a very scathing yelp review and posted it under the name of the club.
I waited a few months and went back hoping that the same jerk, Dan or Dave, or whatever name he's using now, would not be there anymore because of his lousy attitude. Wrong! I put my name on the list and he asked me to step outside. He told me that I was not allowed in there because I wrote a bad yelp review and not to come back. He said again to go to an open mic and practice. I told him that I'm a professional and not playing games. He again told me to get the F out and not to show my face there again as he waved his hands in my face. At no point did I raise my voice, curse, or say anything abusive to him. I left along with 8 other friends that had followed me there.
There are hundreds of karaoke clubs in the San Fernando Valley with people that are not abusive and are supportive. Don't waste your time with this jerk at Q It Up. His company should be called read "F It Up".
On the UPSIDE, Residuals is a great establishment and I'm sure they have no idea about the idiot running the Karaoke. But, feel free to go there any other night, as the service is normally great and the food is also. read more
