West Palm Beach has had karaoke options for a while, with WannaB's in City Place being the main one that comes to mind. So, when it was announced that a new karaoke joint was coming to Clematis, the initial reaction was, "Does the downtown really need another venue where the entertainment focus is amateur 'talent'?"
But Shout Karaoke is an entirely different breed of karaoke joints. Its uniqueness is centered around its "boxes," or private karaoke studios where you and your group can let loose without the pressure and anxiety of performing in front of strangers.
Boxes can accommodate upwards of 50 people, with each having its own high-def monitor, state-of-the-art sound system, banquette-style seating and iPad song selector, with the amount of song selections available in the thousands. Each room comes with two mics, so "Ebony & Ivory" fans everywhere rejoice.
Get crazy with friends in a karaoke box at Shout — Photo courtesy of Shout Karaoke
Groups can take advantage of Shout's numerous packages to save some loot. Packages allow you to pair beers, shots, apps and champagne with your microphones and lighting effects. Nothing gets people up on stage faster then some fireball and mozzarella sticks.
The boxes really are the perfect party rooms, great for birthdays, corporate outings or a friends' night out.
Shout Karaoke allows you to make reservations through its website, though walk-ins are allowed, too. If you arrive before 7 p.m., $6 per person is what you're looking at for entry into a box, and $8 per pop after that. Of course, you can get in pro bono and watch/partake in the action on the main stage, where the real troopers get up and work the crowds.
The bar at Shout serves up beers on draft and bottled, as well as numerous cocktails with karaoke-themed names. Having a drink our two can really amplify your on-stage experience, especially if you'e planning to perform on the main stage.
While sipping that first cocktail, you can peruse the song list on your phone using Shout's app. There will undoubtedly be something you like, and hopefully better still something you like and can pull off with your limited vocal range.
Shout has grand plans of franchises all over the country. West Palm is its first and flagship location. The first guests will help Shout mold and shape the foundation of what will soon be a nationally hyped nightlife option. Come down soon so you can be the first to experience this new blend of nighttime entertainment.
No longer is karaoke something you do at the end of the night; it's something you do for the night.