Best Karaoke

We don't know what's ironic anymore. Irony has become so pervasive that we lose track of when we're being serious and when we're kidding. Maybe we've just started parodying ourselves. Have you seen the ironic mullets? That's a freaking haircut, and whoever gets it has to wear it day in and day out -- don't even try to tell us it's just for kicks. Our sense of irony has become so thorough in its execution that it's undeniably sincere. The oddball karaoke night at the Brick, hosted by Be-Non singer Brodie Rush, is a perfect example of this phenomenon. How, you may wonder, could a karaoke night be avant-garde? Because the people who regularly participate aren't using the event as an excuse to get up on stage and pretend to be mass-produced jingle-singing pop stars for a night. Rather, lyrics are regularly distorted for the purpose of mockery, singers dress in funny costumes and participants go hilariously over the top in their imitations of generic rock stars. A surprising number of singers have good voices (and perform with some of Kansas City's least mainstream bands), and costumes tend to be breathtakingly elaborate. The host is personable, approachable and entertaining, offering jokes and encouragement and even -- sometimes -- prizes. Don't let the eccentricity fool you. Brodioke is not about being cool. It's all for fun and fun for all -- and we're not kidding.