Austinist: And I Just Can't Get Enough, I Just Can't Get Enough

oh steph

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:07:09 -0600

I appreciate the facetiousness, Seth, but the problem with your boy-who-cried-price-gouging stance is that it is simply a matter of perception. Just because you personnally don't think a sing-along is worth $12 doesn't mean that it is not actually worth $12. I don't know how much you would pay for one of your decks, but whatever that amount may be, I would not personally be interested in shelling out the cash for one because skating is not my thing. Sing-alongs are my thing. Again, this is a sociological debate, as there are so many things that factor into how individuals ascribe value to possessions, experiences and what have you. Would I pay $20 for a sing-along? Not today, but who knows about the future. And I pay $4 for Live Oak Hefeweizen at DeVille, which is the same amount I pay at the Alamo. Seems fairly level to me. I would love to know where I can get it on the cheap though, if you have any suggestions.

seth

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:39:15 -0600

I'm glad that this event is popular and successful. The gut reaction I was describing in my earlier post is a reflex to what I consider price gouging by the Alamo. If people are excited about this offering, then hooray. It makes sense that they charge $12 admission and $4.00 for beers. People are willing to pay it, so that's what they should charge. Or more if it's selling out every time. Capitalism would dictate they keep raising the ticket prices until it matches demand by leaving just one empty seat. Seth

oh steph

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:02:31 -0600

I didn't know what to expect when I went to my first sing-along so many moons ago, but I certainly didn't expect to walk out of the theater completely sweat ravaged and soaked with glee. I don't know what they pipe into the air during these things but they get totally manic and people lose their shit....myself included. I can't wait for the 17th!!!!!!! The synthesizers in my head won't stop!!!!

polyphasic

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:10:59 -0600

Agreed. Sing-a-longs are superior in every way.

poshdeluxe

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:56:11 -0600

if you've ever been to a a sing-along, you know it's not just "a karaoke party." there's competitions, props, costumes... but really, it's the spirit of the audience that makes these shows. you won't find that kind of dynamic excitement in a karaoke room, no matter how cheap it is.

DrafthouseHenri

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:55:21 -0600

Sing-Alongs aren't exactly karaoke, Seth. It's a whole different vibe, for sure. People sing in a crowd, all as one, not in an awkward procession of American Idol auditions on a stage. Which isn't to say I don't love me some awkward on-stage karaoke, just that the two shows are totally different beasts. As for restaurants showing movies, lots of them do it already! Rounders Pizza on West Sixth shows movies almost every night, and Mr. Gatti's has been running special shows on big TVs for years and years. And Steph, I love that write up. I can't believe I didn't think to use the "just like heaven" ending for my blurb on our site. I think I started listening to the lyrics from Depeche Mode's "Somebody" again and got too busy crying and sighing...

seth

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:24:52 -0600

$12 bucks for a karaoke party?!? Thank you, but no. That place up on Burnett is cheaper and it's BYOB. Please! Some restaranteur needs to start showing movies so that competition will bring the Alamo's prices down. Seth