Cider House Pub is Rockin’ on a Saturday Night

By Robert Doherty

If you happen to be in Brooksby on a Saturday night and you weren’t planning on singing your favorite song in front of lots of people, then you might want to stay clear of The Cider House Pub.  That’s where Joan Poppalardo and her band of karaoke crooners can be found belting out their favorite songs. “I try to get visitors involved. If someone is walking by or sitting at the bar—they are all fair game.  I’ll go right up to them” says Joan.

This Karaoke craze at Brooksby has been going strong for about a year and half, ever since a few residents asked Joan to take charge. “I was down in the Cider House Pub and they had a karaoke machine, but very few we’re using it. So they asked me if I would direct a karaoke night.” Joan will confess that she is not a singer, just a person with moxie, a person who likes having a good time. “I just get up there in front of people and egg them on.”

Bad Weather, Bigger Crowds 

Karaoke at Brookby usually starts to hit its stride in the winter months. “We have a really good turnout when the weather is bad” adds Joan. And with winter right around the corner, the crowds are sure to grow.

Karaoke night is open to anyone who wants to sing or to those that are just interested in having a great time while watching others. “I enjoy doing it. What I like about is that anyone can do it. It doesn’t matter what your situation is. Even if they don’t want to get up in front of everyone, I will bring the microphone to them.”

Karaoke isn’t the only thing Joan is involved in; she also volunteers at Brooksby’s TV studio and enjoys playing table tennis. “I have a good time, no doubt about it. My kids say that they haven’t seen me this happy in a long time.”