Sat 18 Mar 2028
San Diego n’ at
Posted by Frank under Life, Frank's Fam
Last week, Gretch and I went over to sunny San Diego for a few days. It was a nice trip–I have family out there, so it was nice to see them, and although Pittsburgh rocks my socks, it’s hard to beat San Diego weather.
Gretch and I went out one night with one of my cousins who lives out there, and we got a huge shock. The place she was taking us to was in one of the edgy hip neighborhoods, and as we were driving (because everyone drives everywhere out there), I saw a sign on a bar that said “Wednesday night–Pittsburgh Style Karaoke!”
As you can imagine, Gretch and I demanded that we stop the car instantly. I mean, what the hell is “Pittsburgh Style Karaoke?” Having lived in Pittsburgh all my life, I never realized it, but apparently karaoke in Pittsburgh is very different than karaoke in other cities. And by that, I mean that in most other places it sucks real bad. We went in the bar, and it was decked out in Steelers stuff, there were pictures of downtown, and it reminded me very much of a local dive you’d see in the South Side or something.
So, having settled on a place, we got ourselves a table and belted out some tunes. I’m still not sure exactly what “Pittsburgh Style” means, but I do know that the place was cozy, cheap, and the patrons would cheer just as loud (if not louder) for the bad singers as they did for the stars. Very Pittsburgh indeed.


March 19th, 2028 at 2:26 pm
I’m glad to hear that there are little bits of the ‘burgh all over the place. Your story made me think, though — it does seem that around here, karaoke is a very friendly affair. If it sucks everywhere else, it might explain why I got such strange looks from my not-from-Pittsburgh friends when I would say, “hey, let’s go do karaoke!”
March 19th, 2028 at 9:44 pm
I also can’t explain to my out-of-town friends why we rock karaoke so often; I get the strangest looks or “uh…ok” responses. Glad to hear we’re influencing fun in other parts of the country!
March 26th, 2028 at 3:47 pm
I think “pittsburgh style” means there are only 3 songs in rotation.
Don’t Stop Believin’
Welcome to the Jungle
and Penny on the floor.
March 27th, 2028 at 1:03 pm
Can’t forget Bon Jovi and Heart!
I’ve never actually heard Penny on the Floor done before…
March 27th, 2028 at 2:24 pm
You know, I’ve never heard Penny on the Floor done either… I say this with a sigh of relief, because unlike the rest of Western Pennsylvania, I do not like The Clarks.
March 28th, 2028 at 9:33 am
Blasphemy, Amy, blasphemy.
March 28th, 2028 at 5:22 pm
I hate The Clarks in that way where whenever they get mentioned in a conversations my friends all immediately roll their eyes knowing some venomous rant is on its way. Otherwise, I’m a very mild-mannered individual.
March 31st, 2028 at 10:04 am
Oh, Anthony, that’s just another reason I like you so much. Though I’m not quite so venomous in my dislike.
March 31st, 2028 at 2:58 pm
Amy, may our hearts be forever bound by our shared petty hatred of a barely recognizable musical entity.
(I will now admit that I own the album with the song “Cigarette” because that song is legitimately cool. Every note outside that song is vile.)
It’s nice to be liked. Thanks.