Monday night karaoke at the Hen has always been a lot mellower than Wednesdays (which can get shoulder-to-shoulder crowded): It’s all about the crowd, and I love performing southern rock in front of these old cowboys. There’s nothing better than having people get up and dance as you perform—that’s how you know you’re really delivering. Unfortunately, my standby, Alabama’s “Take Me Down,” is too upbeat to waltz to, with the wrong beat for line dancing (also a part of the Monday-night program). In truth, the karaoke menu isn’t all country. The Hen’s KJ team—generally listed as Lo Key & Sun-E-Friday—can rock Blackstreet’s “No Diggity” with R&B polish, which definitely gets the cougars up and line dancing. Another surprising but successful staff choice? “Inside Out” by Eve 6. Among the Hen’s regular patrons, favorites include “La Bamba” and “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” (the latter being a welcome departure from “Don’t Stop Believing”). So if you’re going to sing off the Nashville menu, go all the way. On The Strokes’ “Last Nite,” for instance, I go crazy with the screaming and air guitar. People may not dance to it, but they get the message. (21 and over.) JEFF ROMAN
