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ADVENTURES IN KARAOKE: Ray's Happy Birthday Bar
Ray's Happy Birthday Bar in South Philly has been a diverse neighborhood staple for over 70 years. This is clearly evident in their weekly karaoke night ...
ADVENTURES IN KARAOKE: Ray's Happy Birthday Bar
CP's Brian Wilensky's on a mission to hit up every karaoke haunt in town — and then share all the mellifluous details.
Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar (1200 E. Passyunk) in South Philly has been a diverse neighborhood staple for over 70 years. This is clearly evident in their weekly karaoke night, which caters to a crowd from all spectrums of the social chain — from dark-framed-glasses nerd types and the tattoo-clad to loud party girls and those awkward old men that remind you of the uncle you only see on holidays.
Host DJ Lars starts at 9:30. I knew it was going to be a classic karaoke night when the first song I heard was Pat Benetar’s “Love is a Battlefield,” complete with cheesy dance moves (holding her nose and shimmying down like she was ... sinking?) and a raised fist to the line, “We are stroooooong!” Later, a female trio sang “No Scrubs,” by TLC. They started off strong, you know, when singing karaoke seemed like a good idea, but they basically gave up by the end. Better luck next time ...
Someone named Regina took the stage — which is a cramped corner underneath a sign reading, “NO RIFF RAFF” — and sang Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee,” as if it was the karaoke national anthem. At this point of the night, she was the best and it was her birthday. So you go, Regina! Next, a guy named Sean tried singing “Maneater” and, despite bringing people to their feet to dance, he was a far cry from Hall & Oates. It wasn’t until the end of the night when Leah stole the show with "Paul Revere" by the Beastie Boys. “I was so nervous, they sped it up!” she said afterward. But once she started rapping, nothing was stopping her. She didn’t even need to look at the teleprompter for the lyrics.
Turns out Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar is perfect for a Friday night when you and your friends just feel like getting in a few drinks and even more laughs. Take note, though, this isn't a smokefree bar, so come ready to take in a fair share of second-hand fumes.
The Nitty Gritty for Performers: Every Friday, 9:30 p.m., free, Ray's Happy Birthday Bar, 1200 E. Passyunk St., thehappybirthdaybar.com.
For a comprehensive list of Philly karaoke listings, check our online events database.
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