The night that changed everything
How a last-minute decision turned into Sing With The Stars.
For those who don’t know me yet, my name is Harry.
I’m from Atlanta and have been living in New York City for about a year and a half.
I started Sing With The Stars for a few reasons.
Last December, a buddy of mine from Atlanta was up in New York because his tech company was putting on a customer appreciation event, a karaoke night, to be specific.
I hadn’t seen him in years, so I thought it would be fun to say hey and catch up.
The day of the event, I was feeling awful, sick as a dog, but I said, you know what, I’m going to go say hi to my friend just for a minute, then leave before the night really gets going.
How off that plan was, haha.
When I arrived at the karaoke bar, I learned that six (6!) Broadway singers were there to do karaoke with us. About 30 minutes into the event, they were introduced and the karaoke began.
As I was saying goodbye to my friend, I started to hear voices coming down the hallway, and it was the best karaoke I’d ever heard in my life.
I walked down the hall to the first room and poked my head in to see two Broadway stars casually belting out everything from Disney to Grease to Taylor Swift and more.
The energy was electric.
While I thought I was going to leave after 30 minutes, I ended up staying for more than three hours. I didn’t do musical theater growing up, but I did do choir and a cappella, so I love to sing, especially with incredible voices.
One of my favorite memories from that night was singing The Phantom of the Opera with Chelsea Turbin and hearing her flawlessly (and casually) hit every single high note at the end. It was unreal.
Another favorite was when dozens of people (way past fire code, probably) packed into a tiny karaoke room to hear Laurel Harris, a Broadway Elphaba, sing “Defying Gravity.”
It was one of the most memorable nights I’ve had so far in New York, and I made a ton of new friends in the process.
In the days after, I followed up with a few of the Broadway singers and asked how often they did these kinds of events. One of them told me this was only the second time they’d done something like that in five years.
As someone new to New York, that blew me away. I thought this must be a classic “only in New York” kind of experience that thousands of locals and tourists had discovered by now.
Turns out, I was wrong.
I had so much fun that night that I asked the Broadway stars if they’d be open to doing more events, and, as they say, the rest is history.
Another reason I started Sing With The Stars is that I love to host. Especially post-pandemic, I think a ton of people are starving for genuine community. They want to meet people in real life with shared interests, and form new friendships and relationships.
Creating a series like Sing With The Stars helps make that happen in New York, and that’s a deep source of fulfillment and joy for me.
The final reason I feel Sing With The Stars needs to exist is this:
More and more people are craving interactive or immersive entertainment instead of passive entertainment.
Instead of just going to see a play, you can now go to experiences like Life & Trust or Sleep No More and be part of the world. I think that trend is only just beginning.
So rather than going to a traditional cabaret or Broadway performance, you can come to Sing With The Stars, and choose how much or how little you want to join in.
As I’ve gotten to know the regulars at our events, I’m starting to learn why you all love it so much.
For many, it’s simply a super fun, novel night out in the greatest city in the world. They come to sing along, dance with friends, or maybe even meet someone new.
For others, it’s a way to relax, unwind, and get a little musical therapy. It just feels good to sing, no matter your skill level or your goals.
For another group, it’s a way to network with industry professionals, to showcase their talent and take one step closer to being cast in something, whether it’s community theater or something more.
Whatever my reasons are for starting Sing With The Stars, and whatever your reasons are for coming, I want this to be a place for you.
Last night was another great one in the books. If you haven’t made it out yet, I highly encourage you to do so.
The everyday rate for entry is $37, but for a limited time, we’re offering tickets for just $10.
Take advantage of that while you can, because I'm not sure how long that pricing will last.
See you then,
Harry