KBEACH karaoke kicks

In an effort to re-launch their web-based, student-run radio station, KBEACH is hosting a karaoke competition, the second round of which is Wednesday in the University Student Union's Center Court.

The first round started off slowly Thursday as many students in the courtyard appeared reluctant to participate. Members of the KBEACH team took turns singing, including the event's MC Tito Bonaducci, who hosts "The Late Show with Tito Bonaducci" on KBEACH Wednesday nights from 11 to 12.

"We're just trying to have some fun," Bonaducci said. "We want people to have some fun and make fools of themselves and have fun doing something else besides studying."

The event was the first of a three-part competition, which will culminate in an evening event where the best and most entertaining will be invited to compete for a yet-to-be-determined grand prize, said KBEACH student media advisor John Trapper.

The second part of the competition will take place Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. in the South Plaza. Some of the prizes being handed out to those who participate are compact discs, video games and gift certificates.

KBEACH recently began broadcasting in the dorms on Cal State Long Beach's Channel 2, a move that Trapper hopes will broaden the station's listener base.

"We're trying to re-launch KBEACH as a station that serves the entire campus," Trapper said. "We have a state-of-the-art Internet radio station that only a small group of students are using."

Almost an hour into the event, the first non-KBEACH employee to take the microphone performed Bonnie Raitt's "Something to Talk About."

Following her performance, the crowd began to get more involved, including undeclared sophomore Esther Taylor, who performed Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York," complete with improvised choreography.

"It was the first time that I sang in front of people," Taylor said. "I was kind of nervous, because I usually just sing in the shower."

Promoters said they are hoping for more student participation Wednesday, as well as more listeners in the future.

"We're just getting the word out there and hopefully there will be more people," Bonaducci said. "We just want people to have fun. That's what karaoke is: fun."

Caroline Limuti/Daily-Forty-Niner
KBEACH DJ Brad Armpitt, junior communications major, sings out Tom Jones' "What's up Pussycat?" during  KBEACH's karaoke contest.

Caroline Limuti/Daily Forty-Niner
Sophomore Esther Taylor sings Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York."