Ahoy, karaoke enthusiasts and live music lovers! September 2024 was a month to remember for Rock Out Karaoke, as we brought our signature blend of rock ‘n’ roll and audience participation to the legendary stage at the Music Box in San Diego: the same stage graced by Snoop Dogg, Macy Gray, Ambrosia, and countless others. Talk about keeping good company!

We were thrilled to be part of the block party celebrating the Music Box’s 9th anniversary. The Music Box, already a hub for incredible musical talent, gave us the perfect setting to remind everyone why we’ve been San Diego’s original and longest-running live karaoke band since 2006.

Nostalgia on Deck

The night was packed with highlights, but our favorite part of this gig was welcoming two Rock Out Karaoke veterans back to the stage: Dave Swendsen on bass and Matt Souza on drums. Slipping back into the groove like a well-worn pair of Sperry’s, these two drove the show with precision and energy.

Speaking of nostalgia, we were joined by our old friend MJ on stage. If you’ve ever been to one of our 300 shows at the 710 Beach Club back in the day, you’ve likely seen MJ rock the mic — she was one of our weekly regulars. Dave, Matt, and MJ sharing the stage again was like finding buried treasure: familiar, dazzling, and worth the wait.

Hits, High Notes, and Hilarity

Our setlist that night was a buffet of bangers, from rock classics to pop anthems and everything in between. The crowd came ready to sing their hearts out, and we were more than happy to oblige.

Mr. Brightside? Check. Don’t Stop Believin’? Double check. A raucous rendition of “What’s My Age Again” that turned the entire venue into a sing-along sea shanty? Triple check with a cherry on top.

We were happy to be the warm up for the headline act: Yachley Crew. These guys always put on a killer show, and it was fun to sit back and watch them work the crowd.

Anchoring Our Legacy

If there’s one thing we’ve learned in nearly 20 years of making karaoke dreams come true, it’s this: the best moments happen when the audience becomes part of the show. From seasoned karaoke veterans to first-time singers testing their sea legs, the anniversary party was a reminder of why we love doing what we do. We’re not just a band; we’re a community. And this time, our community got to shine on a stage with a history as rich as San Diego’s music scene itself.

So here’s to the Music Box, Bass Dave, Drummer Matt, and all the incredible singers who joined us on this unforgettable night. Whether you hit every note or just hit the stage with enthusiasm, you helped make this event one for the books. As we like to say, you don’t have to be pitch-perfect to be part of the Rock Out Karaoke crew—you just need a little courage, a lot of heart, and maybe a couple of cocktails.

Until next time, San Diego, keep the yacht rock spirit alive, and don’t forget: when you’re with Rock Out Karaoke, every night is a greatest hit!