Ethan Anderson
Staff Writer
A performer timidly headed to the stage Friday night at Ironbark Ciderworks. His friends cheered him on and clapped as he found his footing on stage. The crowd quieted down as anticipation grew among the audience. That is when the classic bass-and-snatch beat of J. Cole’s “Neighbors” began playing, and there was no turning back for first-time performer Cameron Slim.
“I was nervous as hell for sure,” Slim said. “It doesn’t help when you bring the wrong energy to it.”
Every Friday night folks can step outside of their comfort zones, spend time with friends, and listen to some surprisingly good performances, all while enjoying tasty cider made on-site at Ironbark Ciderworks in the Claremont warehouse-based venue at 1420 North Claremont Blvd.
Karaoke starts at 7:30 p.m. and goes to 11 p.m. Would-be rock stars of all ages come and share their love for music, performance, and of course, cider. Bill Lumbergh, an artist and songwriter, never wanted to do karaoke, but is sure glad he did.
“Karaoke found my best friends, and my wife,” said Lumbergh.
Like many shared hobbies, it is always bigger than what it is on the surface. Karaoke is another way for people to get themselves out there and find not only themselves, but friends and even family along the way. Chad Hendrix, a karaoke veteran, loves seeing reactions to his voice.
“People dance to this stuff when you get it right,” Hendrix said.
It is also important to understand that the point of karaoke is to simply have fun and ultimately feel fulfilled through expression.
“I don’t try to please people,” Hendrix said. “Sometimes if I can just pull off the song, then it’s satisfying,”
That was evident in the way everyone was so supportive and inclusive of each other on Friday night. Performers that many would say were objectively bad, were applauded, in some cases, more than the experienced performers.
That goes to show the kind of inclusion and safe space that DJ and event manager KJ Justine and her husband Patrick are creating.
“They’ve really made the whole environment really welcoming and friendly,” Michelle Pham, karaoke regular, said. “I didn’t know anyone coming here and now I can say I confidently have my friends through here.”
The place is very colorful and flamboyant, with the walls displaying artwork with feminist themes and a pink-violet bar. Floodlights changing color added to the ambiance of performances and disco balls made it a party.
The bartender seemed helpful and went about her job professionally. KJ Justine was very inviting to anyone brave enough to perform. Justine also made sure to introduce everyone as they came up, as well as encouraging applause afterward.
The crowd was also very friendly, not hesitating to offer a smile and potential friendship. Everyone seemed very supportive of each other, even people of different groups. Everyone was respectful enough to stop what they were doing and clap for complete strangers.
“You can find more than just a friend at Ironside on Friday nights,” Justine said. “You may even get lucky and meet someone you want to spend the rest of your life with.”
Justine eventually memorized the menu and was offered a job as a bartender. She took it and soon after began hosting karaoke nights. She then became the events manager that she is today.
“I never saw myself being a bartender,” Justine said. “I never saw myself being a DJ.”
Stepping outside of your comfort zone can teach many lessons, and can sometimes even end up changing your life for the better. Karaoke night at Ironbark is the perfect environment to be accepted for who you are and to express yourself.
Ethan Anderson can be reached at ethan.anderson@laverne.edu
Ethan Anderson is a senior communications major with a concentration in public relations. He is the LV Life editor and a staff photographer for the Campus Times, and a staff writer and photographer for La Verne Magazine. He has previously been a staff writer for the Campus Times. As a lifelong student-athlete, he has picked up valuable skills that he seeks to apply in his career in public relations, and ultimately make an impact.
