Customers can eat, drink and sing karaoke

Looking to give customers an extra incentive to eat out during tough economic times, some local restaurants are trying to tap into the popularity of karaoke.

"They're enjoying the food, but at the same time they can entertain," said Mihyon Blackburn, a manager at Emashiya Korean Bar-B-Que in Martinez, one of a number of restaurants employing this approach. "So it's a plus."

At Emashiya, the karaoke option is offered in three private rooms, allowing groups of family and friends to entertain one another without having strangers around to hear their best, or worst, renditions.

"Sometimes people don't feel comfortable singing in front of some strangers," Ms. Blackburn acknowledged.

The karaoke option seems to be in demand at Emashiya, which had two of its private rooms reserved for groups this past weekend.

At Las Lomas Mexican Restaurant, karaoke nights, Thursdays and Sundays, draw a crowd. From 7 to 10 p.m. patrons can put in a request with a DJ and sing tunes normally reserved for the car or even the shower.

Las Lomas manager Jesus Garcia said the restaurant started karaoke about six months ago as a way to drum up business, and so far, it's been a big help in attracting customers.

Although it doesn't use a karaoke machine, the Furys Ferry Road location of Earth Fare -- an upscale grocery store -- recently set aside an open-mike area.

Melanie Smith, the store's marketing coordinator, said the open mike provides a springboard for those who want to showcase their musical talent but might not perform at area clubs.

"We always want people in our cafe," she said, adding that "if somebody came in with their guitar they could play all day long if they wanted to."

She said she hopes to continue the open mike day mostly on Saturdays because "that's when it's the busiest. That's how they would gain people seeing them."

And in a poor economy, music just might be a good tool to get shoppers or diners in a good mood. According to the American Music Therapy Association, music often alters a person's mood and helps counteract depression, apprehension and even fear.

Ms. Smith said the live music at her store "kind of makes it more of a party atmosphere."

Reach Preston Sparks at (706) 823-3338 or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.