No one else in the world provides a karaoke experience like Roger Niner does. His never-ending knowledge of music is demonstrated in his songbook, which spans every music genre you can think of, from mainstream artists to obscure indie bands. It is updated very frequently as he searches for new songs that he thinks people will enjoy or have suggested to him. His Facebook page provides the useful list of new acquisitions. Roger Niner uses a fair rotation--his first rotation is first come, first served. The subsequent rotations alternate new singers with the ones from the first rotation, so eventually everyone gets involved. He has the common courtesy to announce where you are in the queue, so you can down your last beer and prepare for your turn. If you have no idea what to sing, you can always ask him for suggestions. Also, Roger Niner's microphones are wireless, so you can dance to your heart's delight without having to worry about tripping on loose cords. He also disinfects them regularly so you don't have to worry about other people's cooties. If your song has a long instrumental solo in the middle, don't be surprised if he accompanies you with one of the following: a Rock Band guitar, cowbell, alligator xylophone, tambourine, or vibraslap. Roger Niner has regular shows every Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night, with the occasional monthly gig on Monday and Saturday. He is also available for private events. Check his website for further details. (Bonus: The man can sing, too. Amazing range.) read more

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Roger Niner is so good he almost makes me believe in God. Because if there is indeed a just and loving creator overseeing all this like some benevolent, omnipresent Bill Lumbergh, he would fashion Heaven to look like The Swinging Door on a Friday night: cowbells, Lady Gaga, and prop ukuleles. This would present a complicated metaphysical scenario, however. Because while high energy karaoke might be someone's idea of hell, the idea of singing high energy, prop-laden karaoke in front of a crowd of people who think karaoke is hell is my idea of heaven, so that would suggest a place where heaven and hell can coexist simultaneously, and that sort of goes against everything they told me in Sunday School. With a big wooden stick. If I contemplate on this any longer I will try to eat my own cerebral cortex... I actually refrain from referring to going to Swinging Door on Fridays as "going to Karaoke Night". Roger Niner is not as much a "karaoke DJ" as he is THE ENTERTAINMENT that occasionally takes breaks in between his charged-like-a-ray-gun performances to let some of the amateurs amuse themselves. You know nothing about the bar scene in the Bay until you've seen him do his own lightning effects for "Knights of Cydonia" or taking "No Easy Way Out" to the street, literally. If I wasn't such a goddam attention whore I would come here just to see him sing all the songs himself. No matter your opinions on karaoke, he is worth the try. And while this has little bearing on the five star rating I would happily give him, he is in all seriousness the nicest guy and doesn't exert any of the arrogance or pretentiousness that someone of his talent is allowed to get away with. His songbook is a fucking adventure in itself. Liam Lynch. Jonathan Coulton. Rocky Horror Picture Show. Covers of covers. If you pour through it and can't find anything you could sing, either you have a shitty taste in music or your range sucks, the latter of which could be improved with private vocal lessons, or Rock Band for those of you who didn't go to a fruity fine arts college like I did (Suck it, Trebek). In short, if you haven't, give it a try. And if you don't like it, well, you're gonna fucking hate it if you go to Hell. Just like I will when I'm forced to watch Transformers 2 over and over and over... read more

A+ for the most eclectic song selection of any karaoke place. They have lots of new hits, obscure bands, along with classics of all genres. I stopped by The Swingin' Door on a Friday where he was hosting and I was quite impressed with how much he loved his job. People were changing songs at the last minute and he never complained once...mainly because it's all computerized and you click a button but I also got complimented on our song choices. Oh yeah and anyone who can sing Muse's "Knights of Cydonia" note for note (including those ridiculously hard falsetto ones) with a blow up guitar for added effect gets respect from me. Good stuff. read more

Remember that scene in the "Raiders of the Lost Ark" where all the bad guys faces melt because the Ark was opened? Well Roger Niner's Karaoke Extravaganza" is the ark, and you lucky bastards are the bad guys. Roger Niner is not just the best KJ out there, he's the only one you'll ever want to see. His songbook boasts an impressive selection of songs, so you will no longer be restricted to "what shitty 70's rock/funk/fusion should I sing tonight." The man also does an impressive live show, climbing on tables, pool tables, side tables and even end tables. The list of tables is nearly endless! There's also a full thing of props, occasional singing themes, and some cool people to boot! Come to his show at The Parlor (in Fisherman's Wharf) and get ready to become indoctrinated into the Church of Niner. Or go to Butter (in Soma) and become jumped into the "gang of Niner." Be forewarned though. If you have a slight karaoke addiction, then this is going to make it much worse. In fact, I can't remember what karaoke was like post-Roger Niner, as regular "run of the mill" karaoke can't even compare to the complete awesomeness that is Roger Niner. In conclusion, come to Roger Niner's Karaoke Extravaganza, drink the Kool-Aid, and become one of us. One of us. One of us. One of us. read more

A+ Would do again. Roger Niner is one of those rare Karaoke DJs that can draw the fun out of every song and every singer just by being his energetic self. From use of props to helping with back up vocals he seems to truly enjoy making everyone's night. With a large list of songs and a sweet cozy bar it's always a blast with Roger Niner. As well, the regular customers are always there to blow your mind with great renditions of well loved songs. And, bonus, he didn't even blink when I totally destroyed No Rain. read more

Roger single handedly saved my life.... Before him i was just another wandering lost soul, looking for that place where i could belt my heart to all the songs that are in my soul. When I walked thru those doors at Butter and saw Roger rocking out on his Rockband guitar, i though could it be? Is this it? And when he helped me sing Lonely Island songs I knew.... I am Saved! read more

Great songbook. Check. Great personality. Check. Great setup. Check. Great show. Check. I'm a fan of the Roger Niner experience. He welcomes all singers, first timers through raving fanatics. His shows are not about the quality of singing, but how much fun you have (not to say there aren't excellent performances). Unexpected, amazing things can happen at his shows. Don't miss out! read more

This guy is awesome, who in karaoke doesn't know Roger niner?? If you don't then your not really into karaoke , sorry. If you come to one of his shows once your likely to be a regular just like many people do. Sometimes its hard to get a song in there because he's so popular but if you talk to him he'll make sure to get you in. Roger niner is more then your average kj he puts on a show an brings you in it. He has such an amazing list of songs too. He has soo many random ones that I am sure glad I found. He always packs the house but has always made me feel welcome. Hes even given me some suggestions. You can catch him rolling around on the floor, jump up and down, rockin out on his prop guitars, who knows what he's gonna do when he rocks out. Its great to see a kj so much into music because y'know well music is what its all about . He's a definite pro at music and being a kj. His books are easy to find what your looking for and his Facebook page gives you alot of great info read more

I LOVE Roger Niner Karaoke - not like, not love, but L-O-V-E in all caps. I've never had a negative experience with Roger Niner. I see him at one of his usually scheduled shows at a dive in South San Francisco called the Standby. Love to make Roger Niner karaoke part of my weekly/monthly leisure time. Roger Niner's song selection is out of this world. He also updates it pretty regularly. I love the different songs that are sung throughout the night - every decade of music represented, different genres represented. The selection is unparalleled! Roger Niner is also a peerless KJ, simply the best. He creates a fun atmosphere and uses a fair singer rotation, where people who sign up/new singers are interspersed so everyone gets a turn to be a star. Highly recommended. read more

He has Lady Gaga Poker Face! 'nuff said! Roger is a consummate entertainer. He has performance skills. This is what makes a good Karaoke MC and Disc Jockey. He brings his eclectic selection to many spots in San Francisco. read more

I have had the extreme pleasure of working at one of the bars Roger Niner has been a KJ for. As a bartender I have seen a lot of Karaoke Jockeys work and this man really sets himself apart. First of all, he has such a fun stage presence. He doesn't just hide behind a sound board all night. He sings, he dances (he has some great moves!), he sometimes sings and dances on tables (if they are big enough), and he plays inflatable guitar. He is a ton of fun to watch! Many of his faithful followers are phenomenal performers as well. I love his work so much I hired him to be my wedding DJ. All we had to do was tell him what type of music we like and he took care of the rest. On the day of the wedding he was there to set up before the caterer. He even threw in some lighting which really added to the night. My guests loved all the music he played. Unlike most weddings I have been to the dance floor never once emptied. On a few occasions guests requested a song he didn't have access to in his files (and he couldn't download it off the internet despite his efforts because of our location) so he SANG the song for them! The absolute best part of the night was when he surprised us by belting out "At Last" by Eta James, for my husband and I. It was incredible. He killed it! My brother and sister and law rushed him after like a couple of groupies. He is fun, energetic, and he loves and knows music. He is hands down, the best at what he does. If you are throwing a special event, HIRE HIM! I promise your event will be memorable and the most fun you can possibly have! read more

Roger Niner is by far the best KJ I've ever come across. He has a full library complete with TV/movie/meme songs, is an amazing backup singer if you need one, comes fully stocked with fake instruments and props, and doesn't take bribes to change his list. Last night we got lucky enough (pun intended) to see a performance by Daft Punk impersonators who played along behind karaoke singers who'd chosen Daft Punk songs, light show and all. It was an AMAZING time. My friends and I are basically his groupies, and for good reason. :P read more

Continuing to enjoy the fun of Roger Niner Karaoke! I noticed that my last review contains inaccurate information about the current venues and days, as they've changed since 2014. I recommend checking out the website for the current schedule. The other thing I really like about the website is the entire song book is available and searchable online, so you can find out ahead of time if there's something you want to sing (his collection is extensive, so most likely it will be there). There's also a "roulette" feature that gives a list of random songs from the song book, if you need something to jog your memory or really just want to do something totally random. read more

Before moving to the SF/Peninsula area in 2012, I lived in LA and enjoyed karaoke in venues all over SoCal. In fact, it was my business involvement in helping some karaoke wholesalers in 1999-2000 fight off Kurt Slep of Sound Choice and what could be characterized as predatory wholesale financing contracts and practices that were used in an attempt to take over wholesalers in SoCal that got me interested in Karaoke. There are KJ's with more sophisticated equipment, KJ's who think they're God's gift to Karaoke, but I have yet to meet a more talented and passionate KJ than Roger Niner. You can't help but enjoy yourself because he wants you to enjoy. He shows no favoritism in going through the rotation of singers. He is there to sing back up or get you back on key. Also, he is there just to be silly, along with his followers, whom I have seen at almost every venue he plays, which says a lot about the kind of show he puts forth. Some of his followers are what makes his show as well. His songbook has such depth that I don't even have to look at it. I just pick a song. I have learned that he also has the parodies to many popular songs as well. A downside to Roger Niner are some of the venues. Oh, they are all fun, but some are so packed (Butter comes to mind) that you only get to sing once, maybe, assuming you get there at open and realize the anthill of nerds piled around a small table off to the side are signing up to sing before Roger even has all his equipment in the door. The other thing is that there are busy, or well attended, locations where someone decides they need to sing a 10 minute rock opera, which of course screws three people out of singing down the road. Depending on that nights' demand, lengthy songs like that should be set aside. Hopefully we will see Roger Niner in more venues soon. Bars have to make money, though, and even if he brings in a crowd, it doesn't mean they spend much on alcohol. Personally, I will be hiring Roger Niner for my next party, and you should consider it too. read more

My friends and I have been going to his regular Sunday night karaoke events at Butter in San Francisco for over a year now, and I can say with no hesitation that nobody throws a party like Roger Niner. If you have the means, I highly recommend Roger Niner's Karaoke Extravaganza. read more

Are you kidding??? I had a 40th Birthday for my husband, with Roger Niner on the mic..... CHA we were having the best time all night (till the cops showed up TWICE!), need a DJ for your next event? LOOK NO FURTHER Roger Niner takes his job to a whole new level!!! read more

I love karaoke. And it's all Roger's fault. No, seriously, first time was at a Roger Niner show. And the second and third times too. Now I go at least once a week, usually at least twice. His shows are a really great time whether you are a newbie or not. Let me tell you, a Niner show ain't your grandparents karaoke - lots of variety and energy. And us regulars are really cool to the new folks. Divas not welcome. Karaoke is not a competition here, unless having fun is a sport.. read more

I absolutely LOVE going to any of Niner's nights at a variety of bars in and around SF. He's not only great at what he does (always updates his book/website with new song additions), but he's also just a really fun guy who loves performing as much as his patrons. I've celebrated my last 3 birthdays at whatever bar he was at that evening, and all 3 years were super fun. The best karaoke jokey in the bay!! read more

Niner came equipped with a slide whistle, a cow bell and a karaoke book with thousands of songs and his rendition of Arcade Fire honestly brought the house down at my 27th birthday party in SF. My friends refused to let the magic stop and made Niner continue even after his gig was up. He is my new idol. I highly recommend him for any karaoke situation and am trying to invent another excuse to have Roger entertain my friends. I will absolutely be at Temple Bar in the near future. read more

before i started going to Roger's shows i had never been to karaoke, and boy did i never know what i was missing, this dude is a BEAST!! shortly after i walked in the door my nerves were ready to explode and i wanted to throw up in my mouth at the prospect of singing in front of a bunch of strangers; next thing i know Roger is SLAYING "do you think i'm sexy" by Rod Stewart from on top of the bar, and i was absolutely mesmerized. after croaking out "the promise" by when in rome Roger graciously told me i did a great job and his earnest appreciation combined with his incredible showmanship had me officially hooked. he can make anybody feel good about getting up there and singing their heart out, and he seriously brings it every time he performs. whether you're a karaoke voyeur, virgin, amateur, or professional, it's pretty much impossible not to have a good time at one of his shows. i might try out other KJ's one day for the heck of it, but as long is Roger's out there every week, do i really even need to? read more

We need more of Roger here in the Peninsula. He is no ordinary Karaoke Host/DJ! He brings such entertainment, humor and liveliness to forefront, and I have seen my share of Karaoke in the Peninsula over the years. He really knows how to make you feel comfortable, that you want to break your fear of singing and get on up there! He is at Swinging Door in San Mateo on Fridays, but can we get him on Saturdays as well, or is he booked all over the Bay Area? Duplicate this guy! Great stage presence! read more