Homeless Karaoke Is a Hit in Los Angeles
- Posted on Jul 10th 2009 12:00PM by Ashley Iasimone
- Comments (16)
When hardships come in the way of life, it doesn't mean that music has to be put on the back burner. In fact, music just might be a beacon of hope. 'Homeless Karaoke,' a mini-documentary directed by Iris Ichishita, tells the story of the Karaoke Coffee Club, a unique venue that gives homeless people in downtown Los Angeles a place to let loose for a while. The short shows how the positivity and joy of a night of karaoke might eventually lead those with economic or mental instabilities off the streets and back on track. Check out the eight-minute documentary to see the story in full, courtesy of our friends at SnagFilms.
Reader Comments(1 of 1)
carolat 7-12-2009
http://www.helium.com/items/1220182-poetry-homeless
Homeless...poetry...Helium...by Carol Natoli
Billat 7-13-2009
If they wanted to really help the homeless, why don't they give them food and/or shelter. what is karaoke gonna do for them? They probably only got the idea just so they can make fun of the homeless looking ridiculous.
Angelbratat 8-08-2009
Tony and Lucy are my good friends and have been for many years. They are doing this as a service to the community and would never laugh at the homeless. During the karaoke night they do supply snacks and beverages. I have known about them doing this for years and it brought tears to my eyes to stumble across this video here. They are good people.
goss1042at 7-13-2009
who really shives a git?
gwillprechtat 7-13-2009
I WAS MARRIED TO AN A--HOLE FOR 23 YEARS, SINGING WAS THE ONE THING THAT HELPED ME REASSURE MYSELF THAT EVERYTHING WAS GONNA BE OKAY. NOW DIVORCED, I GO TO KARAOKE OFTEN, ENTER CONTESTS, AND ON MY WAY TO OWNING MY OWN EQUIPMENT TO BE ABLE TO RUN MY OWN SHOWS! SO I SAY, SING ON - YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT IT MIGHT BRING TO YOU IN THE FUTURE.
mrouxmanat 7-13-2009
I wonder if the mic smells bad; how do they brush their teeth?
ppixie2at 7-13-2009
Ok Lets hope they have pizza and milk or something good for them also!
frankieboy26at 7-13-2009
What a beautiful story and what a great idea! Yes, these people need more help than coming to a place and singing, but at least this karaoke is a respite, a break, from their otherwise bleak lives. And for some of them, it may be the beginnings of a spark, a desire, a hope to be able to get off the streets. Hope does spring eternal, but it has to start somewhere. Homeless Karaoke is as good a place as any.
Tommy Treadwayat 7-13-2009
"Karaoke" is Japanese for "Tone Deaf."
Gloriaat 7-13-2009
these people dont need kareoke, they need help to find homes and food...singing is good for the heart but it doesnt feed the soul...
civillawat 7-13-2009
Karaoke is Japanese for "Empty Orchestra", not Tone Deaf. I am a nightclub owner in San Diego and the first to bring karaoke to California. I know what Karaoke means. If you have an insult to throw, do not throw it at such a good cause Mr. Tommy Treadway.
supplyusaat 7-13-2009
Homeless ?? What about SHAMELESS ??
Check out this ad !!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1PsaE7cYpo
larryat 7-13-2009
karaoke feeds the spirit and the soul food feeds the stumic and shelter prevents unwated problems if you dont like the homeless go sing with them and maybe you can get some insight on how to bring them to a higher level give and dont critasize till you walked that mile in their shoes.
miyokoazuma124at 7-13-2009
u know ppl, food & a bed is not all that homeless ppl need, unless u plan on keeping them homeless. just 2 yrs ago, i chose homelessness over domestic abuse or my 3 kids might not have a mother right now. all tht most ppl really need is to fulfill their spirits with something more positive than being reassured that they're trash. ppl treated us like dirt, but places like this give a person "hope". 2 yrs later, the 11 families from that shelter tht i still keep contact with, are all doing just as well as myself, who's living great with my kids. YOUR IGNORANCE MAKES YOU LOOK BAD
miyokoazuma124at 7-13-2009
GLORIA, GET YOUR UNEXPERIENCED ASS TO A SITE WHERE YOU CAN TALK WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT. APPARENTLY, YOU HAVE NEVER WALKED A MILE IN THOSE SHOES....YOU OUGHTTA TRY THEIR SHOES ON FOR A MONTH...THEN TELL SOMEONE THAT ALL THEY NEED IN LIFE IS FOOD AND A BED!!! YOU MAKE YOURSELF LOOK BAD