Pass the mic

We’ve been known to let loose when our favourite song starts playing on the radio, (albeit in a rather off key manner!) so when we found out that Abu Dhabi City Golf Club was hosting a karaoke night every Friday at Ryders Lounge, we were the first ones to volunteer to go.

We arrive early and head straight to where the action is. Music already blaring, the lounge is smaller than we’d expect but cozy, with warm coffee-coloured walls and dim lighting. We chose a table near the back (call it stage fright) and are immediately handed two enormous binders with songs on offer. Organised alphabetically, you’ve got your classic power ballads, pop hits, reggae and old school classics to chose from.

After selecting our songs (our partner gravitates to one of Tupac’s classics, California Love), we fill in the small slips provided and hand them on to the two emcees of the night. The front of the lounge has been fitted with a large projector screen where the lyrics will be displayed for the brave souls singing.

First up is a group effort with four lovely ladies signing Dancing Queen. We must admit, their voices are great and suddenly make us completely camera shy. Next up on the menu is Adele, Billy Joel and of course, the inevitable Celine Dion rendition of My Heart Will Go On.

As the hour passes, the crowd of wannabe pop stars and wallflowers swells until a substantial audience has appeared. Some sing where they’re seated, others get up and dance around the floor and once or twice a song’s catchy beat generates some spontaneous salsa dancing from other couples in attendance.

We can’t remember the last time we had so much fun even though we chicken out of our Lady Gaga solo, much to our partner’s dismay. Bad Romance aside, we know we’ll be back!

Sawaiba Khan

What? Abu Dhabi City Golf Club
When? Every Friday from 8.30pm to 1am
Cost: AED 40, inclusive of one beverage (aka liquid courage)
Contact: 02 445 9600
We say: Check out the finals on 17th May for some truly amazing vocal talent!