Karaoke Alive and Well

John Bertrand has been in the karaoke biz since 1984, when the singing machines ran on eight-track tapes and video screens were years away. With two local retail shops and an online store, his company, eXpressKaraoke, offers around 75,000 vocal-free songs. Asked about his favorite local sing-along spots, he lists:

1. Tio Leo's, Mira Mesa

2. House of Blues, downtown

3. DJ Karaoke, Kearny Mesa

4. Shooter's Lounge (in the Radisson Hotel), La Jolla

5. The Filling Station, Miramar

Most often sung karaoke songs:

1. "Love Shack," the B-52's

2. "Dream On," Aerosmith

3. "It's Not Unusual," Tom Jones

4. "Livin' on a Prayer," Bon Jovi

5. "My Sharona," the Knack