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any invisible ribbons connect one culture or person to the next, but one ribbon that runs through us all is the influence of music. Every person has a list of songs that amount to the playlist of a lifetime. These melodic works of art have accompanied celebratory and somber occasions for thousands of years. What better way to immortalize this playlist than by singing along and sharing these memories through the art of karaoke? Karaoke is Japanese for “empty orchestra,” or as we interpret it, the act of singing popular songs in a nightlife entertainment setting over an instrumental-only track. While Japan is known for its sprawling karaoke scene, Boston, Massachusetts is the last place many would think about jumping on a stage at a bar and singing anything other than “Sweet Caroline.” Owner Henry Wong and Head Manager Alex Vichienrat saw the need to bring the excitement of the Far East, to the East Coast. Vicherant grew up in the Boston area and has had a variety of experiences in the hospitality industry, ranging from managing a Mexican-style cocina to a Polynesian-themed bar, but his knowledge and perspective completely shifted when he began his karaoke bar journey ten years ago. Together, with their parent company, Viva Hospitality group, they opened the doors to STAGE Karaoke, in Allston, MA in December of 2021. When talking to Vichienrat, he discussed that STAGE is “bringing what was already present in Asia, into the future here in the United States.” “We wanted to break the stigma of karaoke and the dive bar setting and wanted to introduce more of the Asian nightlife scene to the American market. We wanted to showcase the future of Karaoke, and what Karaoke can become,” said Vichienrat. STAGE Karaoke is a beautiful melting pot of futuristic nightlife mixed with a high-class Bostonian atmosphere. Over 100,000 feet of high-tech LED lights adorn the space. According to Vichienrat, many patrons have attributed the colorful neon setting as a real-life incarnation of Disney’s “Tron” universe. While our first impression is always based on sight, the STAGE team goes above and beyond to offer an inclusive and heartwarming environment, where everyone can feel welcome. Along with their stunning display of visual stimulation, STAGE also employs the use of state-of-the-art karaoke and sound technology. The sound system carries songs in a multitude of languages from Hindu, Portuguese, and Spanish to Chinese Mandarin, Japanese, and Taiwanese. The company prides itself on supporting Boston’s diverse melting pot of culture on the main stage.
While some are brave enough to stand up in front of a crowd, others may be more comfortable just jamming along to the soundtrack in a room with their friends, and STAGE is more than able to provide that setting as well. Along with the main stage area, the Private studio rooms are perfect for 6-10 of your closest friends to enjoy the movement of melody. Along with your private studio, you will receive the assistance and service of the friendly STAGE staff. The private studio experience is the next step in Karaoke, allowing people to safely gather together with their friends. Although geared towards a luxurious pricepoint, Vicherant ensures fair pricing for their consumer. The target market for STAGE is the young
