There’s a common thread among the scores of amateur vocalists who grab the microphone to belt out songs when Tyler Butts is in town.
Some may have a better singing voices, and others may interact more with their audience, Butts said, “but they all have fun. That’s the key.”
Butts will bring his karaoke machine to Sidelines Bar and Grill here Friday for an evening of musical entertainment.
Those who participate need no special singing skills, Butts said. Nor do they have to know the lyrics to any of the 9,000 songs Butts has in his catalog. A video monitor in sync with the music shows the singers what words are coming.
All they need, Butts said, is a smile and a
willingness to enjoy themselves.
Butts, a Humboldt native, works full time with the Overland Park Fire Department, returning to southeast Kansas one weekend or so a month, when his schedule allows.
Prior to that, he served as the lead weatherman for KOAM-TV in Pittsburg. He still appears on newscasts occasionally when needed, if his fire-fighting duties don’t interfere.
Butts started his karaoke business a few years back, taking some sound equipment to his parents’ anniversary party in Humboldt.
“It was a great night,” he recalled.
Butts acquired a more sophisticated karaoke system, taking it to parties and other social gatherings before getting a call from Mark and Jenise Wade, Sidelines owners, about appearing there.
A raucous crowd greeted Butts that first night; even larger ones have followed at repeat showings. The happened at Tip On In Tavern in Humboldt, where Butts also appears regularly.
Butts offers music of all genres, from contemporary top-40 hits to classic songs of yesteryear. The catalog continues to grow as he purchases new songs each month.
Butts will continue his monthly appearances at Sidelines and Tip On In, provided his schedule allows, and as long as the crowds enjoy it.
“Whenever it stops being fun is when I’ll stop doing it,” he said.
Butts is the son of Chris and Terry Butts of Humboldt.
