By Phil Lacombe
Some artists make their mark on stage with instruments and vocals. Others make it possible for everyone else to shine. Red Ness is in that second group. As the driving force behind Red’s Rockstar Karaoke, he’s been helping the Coachella Valley sing, laugh, and feel like rockstars for over a decade.
Red isn’t just a karaoke host, he’s a community builder. Whether he’s running shows at Plan B, Fireside Lounge, or pop-up events around the valley, Red creates a space where anyone, from first-timers to seasoned performers, can take the spotlight. His work has made karaoke not just entertainment, but a cornerstone of local nightlife.
CVW: How did you get into hosting karaoke, and what drew you to it instead of performing in a traditional band?
Red: “It kinda just came together. I had moved here from Dallas in 98 and got back into bartending and would like to go out and sing karaoke on my nights off. That’s when I met warren McGervey “The Spin Doctor” and T-Bone and would go sing with them, next thing ya know Warren started working at a spot I bartended at and they wanted him on a night he was already working at another spot. Well, Warren said you like to sing and know how to run a board, would you like to learn everything and fill in for me? The rest is history. I started running karaoke on the nights I wasn’t bartending and eventually after Warren and Dj Kermie taught me all the ins and outs I got my own equipment and started Red’s Rockstar Karaoke. Karaoke instead of a band? That’s kinda tricky. Although, I love being in a band, the music industry has changed so much. It’s gotten kinda rough out there unless you find the right niche or platform. With karaoke I get to hang with so many awesome people nightly and I love hearing people sing and tune them in as much as I love singing myself so it’s a pretty fulfilling gig. I’m honored and proud to have run as long as I have.”
CVW: Red’s Rockstar Karaoke has been running for over a decade, what keeps the nights fresh and exciting?
Red: “Well I love to interact with everyone as much as i can, so every show is different. I also like to keep up with all the hot new tracks as well as the random off the wall ones and keep my equipment as updated and upgraded as I can.”
CVW: What’s your favorite part about helping people get on stage and perform?
Red: “Definitely one of my favorite parts is helping people feel confident in themselves and helping them feel at ease. Then they finish singing and say that was my first time….my friends have been trying to get me to sing for years and they have a big smile on their face. Then next time you see them you can just watch their confidence build and they’re song selection grow, That makes it all worth it.”
CVW: You’ve built a loyal community of regulars, what do you think keeps people coming back week after week?
Red: “I had an actual advantage already knowing almost everyone out here from bartending, but am first off blessed and honored to have the amazing friends that I have and most of em can SANG. Not to mention I’ve had some really cool bosses and still do. I’ve always believed if I don’t make people sound as good as i possibly can, why would they come back? They deserve to sound the best.”
CVW: How do you choose songs or create a vibe that works for such a wide range of singers?
Red: “I pretty much read the room like a DJ in between songs and try to play what the rooms feeling at the moment so it’s steady changing. I also usually try to prelude the next singer with what they’re singing so the room can sway that way instead of killing a vibe.”
CVW: What’s one of the funniest or most memorable karaoke moments you’ve experienced?
For someone nervous about performing, what advice would you give to get them to take the mic?
Red: “Gotto Mitey this one’s a combo of both, I won’t say his name because he’s famous but he came up to put a song in while licking my neck and duecing in his trousers simultaneuosly. Sorry Phil brother, you asked.
Advice to someone nervous: I always let them know to not take it too serious, the crowd that’s paying attention is supportive and relaxed and 9 out of 10 get nervous just like you. Remember it’s not a contest, just go have some fun and let yourself go.”
CVW: How has running karaoke shows changed your perspective on music, performance, or community?
Red: “I would say as far as music, nothing brings people together more than music. What I’ve personally come to realize is to have fun, be creative, know no limits and don’t let theory hold you in a box. Performance wise: I would say express yourself, have no limits, trust what you feel and let it out. And community. This part I love because I feel nothing brings people together more than music and karaoke is a part of it all. When I see people go table to table talking to each other about singing duets together or asking what they’re singing next, I feel the connection and can’t help but feel a part of it, and that makes it all worth it.”
CVW: Looking ahead, any new ideas or projects for Red’s Rockstar Karaoke we should be excited about?
Red: “As far as Red’s Rockstar Karaoke goes I am plenty happy with my shows at Fireside Lounge in Palm Springs Tuesday nights 9-1:30 and at Plan B in Thousand Palms Wed,Fri and Saturday Nights at the moment so I don’t see that changing anytime soon but as far as Red goes, lol…I’m collaborating with a few musicians out here and will be headed to the studio soon to release some cool singles I sincerely hope y’all enjoy, and again I would like to thank everyone for always being as awesome as y’all are, without y’all, I’m just a man with a system. Until then my friends, hope to see or hear ya at the show.
CVW: Where can fans catch your Karaoke?
Red: “Fireside Lounge in Palm Springs Tuesday nights 9-1:30 and at Plan B in Thousand Palms Wed,Fri and Saturday Nights.”
Red Ness proves that music isn’t just about who’s performing, it’s about the moments you help create for others. Through Red’s Rockstar Karaoke, he’s transformed the Coachella Valley’s nightlife into a place where anyone can step into the spotlight and shine.
From unforgettable performances to building a welcoming, inclusive community, Red’s work has become a vital part of the local music scene. And if there’s one thing certain about karaoke in the valley, it’s this: when Red’s running the show, the mic is always open, the crowd is always cheering, and the night is always memorable.
That’s a wrap on this week’s Local Music Spotlight, but the party doesn’t stop here. Hit the shows, feel the beats, and keep the valley’s music scene thriving. Because around here, the next song that changes your life might be playing tonight.
