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Homeless Karaoke Is a Hit in Los Angeles

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.

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miyokoazuma124

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

July 13 2009 at 12:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
miyokoazuma124

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

July 13 2009 at 12:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
larry

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.

July 13 2009 at 12:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jeff Haber

Homeless ?? What about SHAMELESS ??
Check out this ad !!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1PsaE7cYpo

July 13 2009 at 11:42 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
civillaw

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.

July 13 2009 at 9:33 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Gloria

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...

July 13 2009 at 9:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tommy Treadway

"Karaoke" is Japanese for "Tone Deaf."

July 13 2009 at 9:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Frankie

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.

July 13 2009 at 8:33 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ppixie2

Ok Lets hope they have pizza and milk or something good for them also!

July 13 2009 at 8:23 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mrouxman

I wonder if the mic smells bad; how do they brush their teeth?

July 13 2009 at 4:23 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply