ADVENTURES IN KARAOKE: McGillin's Olde Ale House

I think it's safe to say most people have been to a karaoke where the only people with the stones to actually get up and sing sounded like a train wreck. But that doesn't mean it wasn't a good time. That being said, I promise not to drop any singers' names in this week's post.

0 comments

ADVENTURES IN KARAOKE: McGillin's Olde Ale House

POSTED: Friday, July 15, 2011, 10:00 AM

CP's Brian Wilensky is on a mission to hit up every karaoke haunt in town — and then share all the mellifluous details.

I think it’s safe to say most people have been to a karaoke where the only people with the stones to actually get up and sing sounded like a train wreck. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good time. That being said, I promise not to drop any singers’ names in this week’s post.

The first song I caught was an attempt at some unidentifiable soulful R&B number. Next was a Top-40 rock hit from Chevelle, “Send the Pain Below,” and Ozzy Osbourne’s “Bark at the Moon.” Both of which just had an uncomfortable vibe for karaoke. After that it stayed Top 40 with Sugar Ray, Lady Gaga and even the Backstreet Boys.

But credit must be given where credit is due. And it all goes to the brave soul that nailed every line of “Rapper’s Delight,” right on cue and with almost as much flow as The Sugarhill Gang back in '79. Oh, and it was his birthday. A little bit before him a group of people were feeling brave and tried to sing Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” But, unlike the birthday boy, the drunken fog that it looked like they were in kept them about one measure behind the karaoke system the entire time.

McGillin’s is the longest operating bar in Philadelphia (since 1860). Its dark olde-timey bar vibe is great for a night out with olde friends. And for a Wednesday night, the place was jammed; there weren't enough seats to accommodate everyone downstairs. Luckily, there’s an upstairs bar. But if you're coming for karaoke, sign up and sing like no one’s listening. Nobody here cares if suck.

Nitty Gritty for performers: Wednesdays and Sundays, 9 p.m., free, McGillin’s Olde Ale House, 1310 Drury St., 215-735-5562.

(brian.wilensky@citypaper.net)

See Also:

Posted by Brian Wilensky @ 10:00 AM Permalink | Post a comment

0 comments

Comments (0)

Q&A with SHARI SOLANIS: "The goal isn't pornography"
What we're trying to do this weekend
Coming soon to Philly: Two cockamamie movie promotion schemes
SEXY TIME Q&A: I've never had an orgasm during sex with a man — and I'm 30!
ICE CUBE: In Memoriam: Joe Tartaglia
Q&A with Tony Goldwyn: "Life is gray, and relationships are, too"
CONCERT REVIEW: Primus (3D & quadraphonic sound) @ The Tower 10/17
ICEPACK ILLUSTRATED: The Archbishop meets the Geator, the Mayor goes suit shopping, Le Bec Fin fin.
NOW SEE THIS: Transit cop arrests marijuana activist for alleged disorderly conduct.
PHILLY LOVE NOTES: An ode to Spruce Street

About this blog

Featuring everything from event roundups to concert reviews and sex talk, City Paper's Critical Mass is a space for off-the-wall coverage of Philly's A&E scene.

Follow Critical Mass editors Patrick Rapa and Emily Guendelsberger on Twitter:

@mission2denmark | @emilygee

Search this blog:

Topics:

Blog archives:

May
April
March

February
January

Past Archives: