By Setarreh Massihzadegan
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Every other Thursday evening, the Cider House Pub at Brooksby Village transforms into a boisterous gathering where community members are seen, but mostly heard.

After its annual summer hiatus, karaoke is back.

Wrapped in a black flapper dress and purple boa, Joan Pappalardo knows just what she’s doing as she weaves through the crowd singing, dancing, and handing off the microphone to willing singers. Meanwhile, master of ceremonies John Murphy, unmistakably her partner in a top hat and all-black ensemble, lends his bass voice.

From the front row, Tina Scimemi provides her vocal skills while Joseph Sullivan occasionally chimes in playing the spoons.

Crowd pleasers
Karaoke had its debut here four years ago and now, with the help of a brand-new sound system, the sing-along is sure to be louder than ever. Pappalardo, Murphy, and Scimemi energize a crowd of anywhere from 20 to 60 people eager to spend their 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. slot singing their favorite tunes.

“I try to get everybody involved while Joan walks through with her microphone,” Murphy, the master of ceremonies, says. “People may be a little reluctant at first, but they end up loving it.”

Though the karaoke night has grown, its hosts have opted not to move it to a larger location, as the intimate space allows people to feel less afraid of singing, Murphy says.

Believe it or not, singing isn’t the only activity on karaoke night. People have read poems; and Pappalardo and Murphy once announced a marriage after a couple living on campus married and the husband wanted to sing his new wife a song.

“Anything people want to do, they’re welcome to do,” Murphy says. Pappalardo and Murphy bring along a collection of about 40 alphabetized music albums and their karaoke machine. The new machine and speakers were a donation from the Treasure Chest, the campus store where Brooksby residents can donate items to be sold for money that will go to good causes.