While many credit the Japanese for inventing what we all know today is karaoke, Americans have really taken to it over the years. While karaoke first started out with a machine playing the music that we all sang along to, many bars are now bringing in a live bands to play the music. With a band backing up the singers, vocalists can grab the microphone and belt out all their favorite songs. It’s fun, it’s exciting and you really feel like a star. Here are the best places in Metro Atlanta to experience and participate in live band karaoke. After all, there’s nothing quite like tossing inhibition to the wind and embarrassing yourself in front of a bar full of strangers.

Ri Ra
1080 Peachtree St. NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 477-1700
www.rira.com/atlanta

Price: Free
Time: Thursdays at 9 p.m.

Atlanta has many ties to Ireland, and this pub has an actual bar that was restored in Ireland, making this a tradition Midtown pub through and through. Ri Ra hosts live karaoke on Thursday nights, and the crowd here is known to really get into the action. The pub even gets some extremely talented vocalists to go with a band that can play more than just the hits. Grab a Skinny Girl martini or a heartier Guinness, then pick up the mic and hit the stage at Ri Ra.

The Dark Horse Tavern
816 N. Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 873-3607
www.darkhorseatlanta.com

Price: $5
Time: Fridays at 9 p.m.

There is nothing better than a night out in the Virginia Highlands. Add in some live karaoke and watch the crowd gather, and you have the makings of a great time. This isn’t just live band karaoke; it’s Metalsome Live Band Karaoke. Come to The Dark Horse Tavern and rock out with a live metal band that gets you the opportunity to hop on stage and test your skills. If you love heavy metal and miss the era of hair bands, this is your place and now is your chance.

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North River Tavern
8879 Roswell Rd.
Sandy Springs, GA 30350
(770) 552-8784
northrivertavern.com

Price: Free
Time: Occasional Friday/Saturday nights

You may think Sandy Springs is a quiet little suburb in North Fulton County, but to the contrary; the North River Tavern is anything but tame. Holding nightly drink specials and the occasional live band karaoke on the weekends, this bar is sure to be a good time. The bands are great sports and even though the singing might not be all that professional, the bands will rock your socks off. If you’ve been to the North River Tavern, you know the food is great and all the games are on the plasma televisions located throughout the bar. It’s right off Roswell Road and there is plenty of overflow parking.

Wild Wing Cafe – Alpharetta
5530 Windward Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(678) 990-9464
www.wildwingcafe.com

Price: Free
Time: Thursdays at 9 p.m.

Come to Wild Wind Cafe for the hot wings, but stay for the live karaoke on Thursday nights. This is rock karaoke at it’s finest, and you even have a chance to be backed by the popular rock band, Rock Mafia. Get on stage or just enjoy the music. If you can’t make it on Thursday, check out Monday trivia night or continue rocking on wild Wednesday with a live acoustic karaoke contest. Friday and Saturday also hosts live bands, so bring some ear plugs, because you are going to get rocked at Wild Wing Cafe in Alpharetta.

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Coo Coo’s Nest
2100 Freedom Pkwy
Cumming, GA 30040
(678) 456-8932
coocoonest.com

Price: Free
Time: Saturday Nights 9 p.m.

If you live north of the perimeter, the Coo Coo’s Nest is a great option for getting your live band karaoke fix. They bring in real rock and tribute bands to play the hits so you can sing along to your favorite tunes. The bands and organizers make you feel at ease as you take the stage, so instead of singing in front of a bunch of strangers, it’s more like you’re serenading your close friends. Who knows? You might just get discovered.

Rick Limpert is a freelance writer/photographer in Atlanta. His work can be found at Examiner.com.