Best Karaoke Host
|
31.17% Shawn Browning (Shotgun Productions)*
Others with Votes (more than one):
* On the ballot |
When you hear someone say they’re “...in the
music business,” the first thing that comes to
mind is, ah, musician. There are quite a few
other ways to be “in the music business,” and
Shawn Browning, Whammy Award winner for Best
Karaoke Host, proves you can have a lot of
visibility off stage as well.
Browning is the owner of Shotgun Productions and has been doing Karaoke since 1993. He hosts at The 412 Club in Fort Wayne, as well as Crickets and 4 Crowns in Auburn. Other hosts from Shotgun Productions work at O’Sullivan’s in Fort Wayne and Martins in Garrett. Browning isn’t unfamiliar with the musician aspect of the business, though. As founder of The Migraines he’s been part of the local scene for a long time. The Migraines have released eight full length CDs and have music on over 20 compilations. Their most recent project, Odzenenz, was released in late 2004. They have also toured as a national act, playing such venues as CBGBs in New York City. After Browning became a Christian, The Migraines went on hiatus for awhile, but re-emerged as a band that now has a ministry. The new CD project was preceded by two other Christian CDs, Return To The Rock and the Whammy-nominated Endangered Species. The Migraines have also won Whammies as Best Punk Band in 2002 and again in 2003. Browning also won for Karaoke host in 2003. Just being nominated, again, means a lot to him. “I’m sorta embarrassed but humbled to be nominated,” he said. “I mean that in the sense that it’s my job. The guys at Steak And Shake don’t get awards, so it’s a bit uncomfortable. I got involved in karaoke because I didn’t want a real job, and I was in college. After graduating, my response to potential bosses was usually, ‘You’re gonna pay me how much?’ So I just kept with the karaoke. I usually run about five or six shows per week myself. It’s nice because it allows me the opportunity to go on the road with my band and not lose my job.” For someone who is a well known, working musician in a popular band, Browning has definitely found a way to occupy his down time and still make a living. And it’s obvious he’s found a way to entertain a crowd other than from the stage. His second Whammy win for Best Karaoke Host more than proves he loves his “job.” (John DeGroff) |
Copyright 2004 Ad Media Inc.