Welcome to KSS2011!

Interested? Click here or the link in the top menu! Sign-up ends December 12th!

Two years ago, in late November, I realized Christmas was just around the corner and wanted to do something special, but something different. Since I love going out and performing Karaoke, one idea was to invite a whole bunch of people that I knew to a local Karaoke joint and do a drawing throughout, creating random duets and having people perform together. The list of friends who actually enjoyed doing karaoke as much as I do is minimal, but I thought it'd still be fun.

I also had this strange desire to do something different with the Secret Santa tradition: broaden the Secret Santa reach to the entire world. Why only share the random gift of giving to just a group of friends or a group of office colleagues? Why limit the possibilities to physical merchandise that you have to ship across continents? I mean, attempting to pull off a worldwide Secret Santa, without boundaries and open to anyone, is an arduous, maybe impossible task, especially considering the varying degrees of shipping costs and delivery times.

However, inspired by the soaring popularity and accessibility of YouTube, the surprising success of online singing sensations (think Susan Boyle or Julia Nunes), and my personal love (and some say, obsession) of Karaoke, I've found a way to kick the Secret Santa up another notch, while being realistic about the ability of people around the world to follow through with it.

Thus, I present to you:

KARAOKE SECRET SANTA 

The idea of the Karaoke Secret Santa are for the participants to give each other personal YouTube videos, in lieu of physical gifts. These videos are determined by the participant's Wishlist, which is comprised of answers to certain questions, such as:

• Favorite Artist?
• Favorite Broadway Show?
• Favorite Christmas Song?

Once the Secret Santas are drawn, participants will view their partner's wishlist, choose a song that applies to their musical tastes or wishes, and create a homemade Karaoke video. Once done, the video is uploaded to YouTube and the link is delivered to the gift recipient before Christmas. Then, on Christmas morning participants will open their mailbox and see their wonderful gift: your heart and soul poured into a personalized Karaoke video!

So, please, if you haven't already, join us in spreading Holiday cheer and love in a very unique way this year! If you know anyone who would be interested in doing this, please send them the RSVP link. You would need an Elfster account, or you can sign in via Facebook.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Peace,

Joe R.

Creator/Administrator


P.S. Check out the "Karaoke How-To" link on the top menu for more signup info.

Welcome to KSS2011: A Brief History

Interested? Click here or the link in the top menu! Sign-up ends December 12th!

Confession: The year was 2009 and I had recently met the love of my life (only I hadn't confirmed that title, yet). The catch is I met her online as she lives in Australia and I live in the United States. Christmas was coming up and I wanted to involve her in some way. I also wanted to get to know her better, do something sweet for her without explicitly telling her and... hear her sing.

So, I devised this plan to be involved in this uber-special secret santa where the gifts are karaoke videos made and sent online. This way, anyone with an email (or now, an Elfster account) can be involved. I called it, "Karaoke Secret Santa" (or KSS, for short):

Karaoke Secret Santa - 2009 Playlist

(Ironically, she has yet to receive a proper Karaoke Secret video despite participating enthusiastically the past two years!)

It started off modestly. There were six videos made. A seventh video should have been made, but that participant flaked big time.

But, the next year, it grew twice its size. Twelve videos were made. At least two participants didn't follow through, but one other participant did twice: she made a make-up video which ended up being the most creative Karaoke Secret Santa video in its young history:

That year, we also lost someone very close to Karaoke Secret Santa who was a big influence to its creation:

His name was Armand Barbone and we shared the same passion for doing karaoke at McGillin's for the past few years. That passion also led to the original KSS idea when I wanted to do something special for Pam (the previously unmentioned love of my life) back in '09.

Now, inspired by the spirit of creativity, love and passion that its members has put into it, Karaoke Secret Santa enters its third year and you are invited to participate!

RSVP on Elfster

For more info on how to complete a Karaoke Secret Santa or what it's about, please click one of the links on the top menu or send an email to karaokesecret@gmail.com.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Peace,

Joe R.

Creator/Administrator