Sing Your Stress Away

 Go to Singers Karaoke Bar long enough and you might end up working there. That was the case for three Singers employees, all of whom were drawn in by the bar’s fun, welcoming atmosphere.

DJ Carmen Angiolillo (DJ Fixx), maintenance staffer Ryan Naylor, and bartender Sarah “Cookie” Cook started as regular customers but hung around the place so much they were eventually hired. One night Cook threw out a customer acting out of line. Owner Holly Berlin liked what she saw and soon hired Cook as a full-time bartender. 

“The people that have been here and supported us kind of get what we’re trying to do, which is make people feel good about singing, and explore the idea of their confidence in getting up on stage,” said Berlin.

That kind of familial environment is exactly what Berlin wanted when she started Singers five years ago. Tired of lugging karaoke equipment from bar to bar across Syracuse, she and business partner Kevin Surrette created a space in Solvay dedicated to crooning tunes. From the classic rock posters of Janis Joplin and Buddy Holly to disco balls, zebra-print chairs, and flashing neon lights, Singers exemplifies what a true karaoke bar should be.

Part of what makes the experience at Singers unique is the encouragement from the audience and staff. Performers are only encouraged, never heckled. They often weave through the crowd, grabbing people to dance. And don’t worry if you’re not a good singer because the crowd’s vocals usually overpower the soloist. Even the DJs will grab a mic and swing their hips.

 Customers range from suited businessmen to college students in sweatshirts. Cook says the night starts to pick up around 10 p.m. and only gets crazier.

 “It seems like people know each other, it’s really friendly in here,” said Dave Hernandez, 22, a first-timer at the bar. “It’s really awesome. Everyone is down, just hanging out and having a good time.”

 Singers Karaoke Bar is located at 1345 Milton Ave and opens daily from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information call 315-484-SING or visit singersenterainment.com.