The Joshua Tree Saloon is one of the first buildings you see when driving into town from A-Z West. Although it looks like a shanty shack from the outside, inside is a cozy place to get burgers, drinks, and most importantly, sing karaoke. Karaoke is offered every Wednesday and Friday, and is administered by the one and only Ted Quinn.

Friday nights are always a hodge podge of rowdy weekenders from LA and Marines from the nearby base. While that can be a good time, there can be fierce competition to get on the line-up, and less diversity in music (mostly Nickelback and hair metal). Wednesday nights are always locals, less assholes, and performers who seem to know their song inside-out. Either night, you’ll have a great time, so long as you follow these guidelines:

1. Get a drink. I recommend a Dark and Stormy. Halfway through, you’ll be ready for anything.

2. Pick the right song. At the DJ control station, you can browse the binder with all their availabilities. Pick a song you know well, the audience knows well, and you can dance to. The goal is not to showcase your incredible vocal talent, but to let loose and have a good time.

3. Be supportive - Applaud strangers as much as you would applaud your friends. Getting up there in front of strangers isn’t easy, but if you show your consistent support, you’ll have a room full of new friends by the end of the night.

4. Find a partner - If you’d rather not go through the embarrassment alone, find someone equally tipsy/enthusiastic to join you. This person should be of similar or lesser vocal talent, but better at dancing.

5. Sing your heart out - This is your big moment, your name gets called and you rush to the microphone. As soon as you start singing, you realize the speakers are pointed away from you, leaving you unable to hear yourself. Don’t panic; let it go, start moving. The only way to make up for your vocal imperfections is to dance it out.

6. Know when to stop - So you’ve sung a few songs and the crowd seemed to like it, but don’t let it go to your head. No one likes a microphone-hog, and no one wants to feel like you and your crew are turning the saloon into a private party. Give someone else a chance, and enjoy the sweet potato fries.

61835 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252