Roger Niner Karaoke

I have had the extreme pleasure of working at one of the bars Roger Niner has been a KJ for. As a bartender I have seen a lot of Karaōke Jockeys work and this man really sets himself apart. First of all, he has such a fun stage presence. He doesn’t just hide behind a sound board all night. He sings, he dances (he has some great moves!), he sometimes sings and dances on tables (if they are big enough), and he plays inflatable guitar. He is a ton of fun to watch! Many of his faithful followers are phenomenal performers as well.
I love his work so much I hired him to be my wedding DJ. All we had to do was tell him what type of music we like and he took care of the rest. On the day of the wedding he was there to set up before the caterer. He even threw in some lighting which really added to the night. My guests loved all the music he played. Unlike most weddings I have been to the dance floor never once emptied. On a few occasions guests requested a song he didn’t have access to in his files (and he couldn’t download it off the internet despite his efforts because of our location) so he SANG the song for them! The absolute best part of the night was when he surprised us by belting out «At Last» by Eta James, for my husband and I. It was incredible. He killed it! My brother and sister and law rushed him after like a couple of groupies.
He is fun, energetic, and he loves and knows music. He is hands down, the best at what he does. If you are throwing a special event, HIRE HIM! I promise your event will be memorable and the most fun you can possibly have!

This guy is awesome, who in karaōke doesn’t know Roger niner?
If you don’t then your not really into karaōke, sorry.
If you come to one of his shows once your likely to be a regular just like many people do. Sometimes its hard to get a song in there because he’s so popular but if you talk to him he’ll make sure to get you in. Roger niner is more then your average kj he puts on a show an brings you in it. He has such an amazing list of songs too.
He has soo many random ones that I am sure glad I found. He always packs the house but has always made me feel welcome. Hes even given me some suggestions.
You can catch him rolling around on the floor, jump up and down, rockin out on his prop guitars, who knows what he’s gonna do when he rocks out.
Its great to see a kj so much into music because y’know well music is what its all about .
He’s a definite pro at music and being a kj.
His books are easy to find what your looking for and his Facebook page gives you alot of great info

All Karaōke DJs are not created equal!
I’d been to a Roger Niner show once before and had a great time with a big group of friends, but the lasting impression came when about a year later I ended up at another one of his shows and he sang an animated (and musically impressive) rendition of Pony, during which he leaped onto a table, where he continued singing and gyrating even as the enormous bouncer picked him up like a little kid and planted him back on the floor. Subsequent experiences, whether at the (sometimes) insanity that is Butter (San Francisco, Sundays) or at The Standby (South San Francisco, Tuesdays), which can range from mellow to quite spirited, have always been fun! He also has a Wednesday night show at Rumors in San Francisco, though I have not been.
I’ve experienced a couple of other karaōke nights, and I was disappointed to find that the Karaōke DJ’s, while mostly just fine, were just that. They couldn’t hold a candle to Roger Niner. The passion has to be there. Not only does he put on a great, enthusiastic performance, but he pays attention to what’s going on and seems to make sound adjustments as necessary, he keeps a fair list, and he keeps things moving along (this is so important — with a full bar that wants to sing, lag time between each song makes a big difference). He never openly belittles anyone for terrible song choices (inwardly I’m sure he is screaming sometimes) and the number one priority is that everyone is having an awesome time! Even if you’re not singing, it’s great fun to watch — you never know what will happen!
I should mention there’s no charge to sing, but there’s a tip jar by the sign up sheet if you wish to show your appreciation!
Word of warning: it can get pretty loud! If you have sensitive ears, bringing earplugs wouldn’t be a bad idea. This might not be so much Roger Niner’s issue as it is the venue, and it is far outweighed by everything that is good, so I won’t count it against him. Also, when hired for private shows, I’m pretty sure he can adjust volume levels as needed — so that wouldn’t be a problem.

Before moving to the SF/​Peninsula area in 2012, I lived in LA and enjoyed karaōke in venues all over SoCal. In fact, it was my business involvement in helping some karaōke wholesalers in 1999 – 2000 fight off Kurt Slep of Sound Choice and what could be characterized as predatory wholesale financing contracts and practices that were used in an attempt to take over wholesalers in SoCal that got me interested in Karaōke.
There are KJ’s with more sophisticated equipment, KJ’s who think they’re God’s gift to Karaōke, but I have yet to meet a more talented and passionate KJ than Roger Niner. You can’t help but enjoy yourself because he wants you to enjoy. He shows no favoritism in going through the rotation of singers. He is there to sing back up or get you back on key. Also, he is there just to be silly, along with his followers, whom I have seen at almost every venue he plays, which says a lot about the kind of show he puts forth. Some of his followers are what makes his show as well.
His songbook has such depth that I don’t even have to look at it. I just pick a song. I have learned that he also has the parodies to many popular songs as well.
A downside to Roger Niner are some of the venues. Oh, they are all fun, but some are so packed (Butter comes to mind) that you only get to sing once, maybe, assuming you get there at open and realize the anthill of nerds piled around a small table off to the side are signing up to sing before Roger even has all his equipment in the door. The other thing is that there are busy, or well attended, locations where someone decides they need to sing a 10 minute rock opera, which of course screws three people out of singing down the road. Depending on that nights’ demand, lengthy songs like that should be set aside.
Hopefully we will see Roger Niner in more venues soon. Bars have to make money, though, and even if he brings in a crowd, it doesn’t mean they spend much on alcohol.
Personally, I will be hiring Roger Niner for my next party, and you should consider it too.

I LOVE Roger Niner Karaōke — not like, not love, but L-​O-​V-​E in all caps. I’ve never had a negative experience with Roger Niner. I see him at one of his usually scheduled shows at a dive in South San Francisco called the Standby. Love to make Roger Niner karaōke part of my weekly/​monthly leisure time.
Roger Niner’s song selection is out of this world. He also updates it pretty regularly. I love the different songs that are sung throughout the night — every decade of music represented, different genres represented. The selection is unparalleled!
Roger Niner is also a peerless KJ, simply the best. He creates a fun atmosphere and uses a fair singer rotation, where people who sign up/​new singers are interspersed so everyone gets a turn to be a star.
Highly recommended.

No one else in the world provides a karaōke experience like Roger Niner does. His never-​ending knowledge of music is demonstrated in his songbook, which spans every music genre you can think of, from mainstream artists to obscure indie bands. It is updated very frequently as he searches for new songs that he thinks people will enjoy or have suggested to him. His Facebook page provides the useful list of new acquisitions.
Roger Niner uses a fair rotation – his first rotation is first come, first served. The subsequent rotations alternate new singers with the ones from the first rotation, so eventually everyone gets involved. He has the common courtesy to announce where you are in the queue, so you can down your last beer and prepare for your turn. If you have no idea what to sing, you can always ask him for suggestions.
Also, Roger Niner’s microphones are wireless, so you can dance to your heart’s delight without having to worry about tripping on loose cords. He also disinfects them regularly so you don’t have to worry about other people’s cooties.
If your song has a long instrumental solo in the middle, don’t be surprised if he accompanies you with one of the following: a Rock Band guitar, cowbell, alligator xylophone, tambourine, or vibraslap.
Roger Niner has regular shows every Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night, with the occasional monthly gig on Monday and Saturday. He is also available for private events. Check his website for further details.
(Bonus: The man can sing, too. Amazing range.)

Great songbook. Check.
Great personality. Check.
Great setup. Check.
Great show. Check.
I’m a fan of the Roger Niner experience. He welcomes all singers, first timers through raving fanatics. His shows are not about the quality of singing, but how much fun you have (not to say there aren’t excellent performances). Unexpected, amazing things can happen at his shows. Don’t miss out!

Roger Niner is by far the best KJ I’ve ever come across. He has a full library complete with TV/​movie/​meme songs, is an amazing backup singer if you need one, comes fully stocked with fake instruments and props, and doesn’t take bribes to change his list. Last night we got lucky enough (pun intended) to see a performance by Daft Punk impersonators who played along behind karaōke singers who’d chosen Daft Punk songs, light show and all. It was an AMAZING time. My friends and I are basically his groupies, and for good reason. :P

My friends and I have been going to his regular Sunday night karaōke events at Butter in San Francisco for over a year now, and I can say with no hesitation that nobody throws a party like Roger Niner. If you have the means, I highly recommend Roger Niner’s Karaōke Extravaganza.

I love karaōke. And it’s all Roger’s fault. No, seriously, first time was at a Roger Niner show. And the second and third times too. Now I go at least once a week, usually at least twice.
His shows are a really great time whether you are a newbie or not. Let me tell you, a Niner show ain’t your grandparents karaōke — lots of variety and energy. And us regulars are really cool to the new folks. Divas not welcome. Karaōke is not a competition here, unless having fun is a sport.

Roger single handedly saved my life…
Before him i was just another wandering lost soul, looking for that place where i could belt my heart to all the songs that are in my soul. When I walked thru those doors at Butter and saw Roger rocking out on his Rockband guitar, i though could it be? Is this it? And when he helped me sing Lonely Island songs I knew… I am Saved!

Remember that scene in the «Raiders of the Lost Ark» where all the bad guys faces melt because the Ark was opened? Well Roger Niner’s Karaōke Extravaganza” is the ark, and you lucky bastards are the bad guys. Roger Niner is not just the best KJ out there, he’s the only one you’ll ever want to see. His songbook boasts an impressive selection of songs, so you will no longer be restricted to «what shitty 70’s rock/​funk/​fusion should I sing tonight.» The man also does an impressive live show, climbing on tables, pool tables, side tables and even end tables. The list of tables is nearly endless!
There’s also a full thing of props, occasional singing themes, and some cool people to boot! Come to his show at The Parlor (in Fisherman’s Wharf) and get ready to become indoctrinated into the Church of Niner. Or go to Butter (in Soma) and become jumped into the «gang of Niner.»
Be forewarned though. If you have a slight karaōke addiction, then this is going to make it much worse. In fact, I can’t remember what karaōke was like post-​Roger Niner, as regular «run of the mill» karaōke can’t even compare to the complete awesomeness that is Roger Niner.
In conclusion, come to Roger Niner’s Karaōke Extravaganza, drink the Kool-​Aid, and become one of us.
One of us. One of us. One of us.

before i started going to Roger’s shows i had never been to karaōke, and boy did i never know what i was missing, this dude is a BEAST! shortly after i walked in the door my nerves were ready to explode and i wanted to throw up in my mouth at the prospect of singing in front of a bunch of strangers; next thing i know Roger is SLAYING «do you think i’m sexy» by Rod Stewart from on top of the bar, and i was absolutely mesmerized.
after croaking out «the promise» by when in rome Roger graciously told me i did a great job and his earnest appreciation combined with his incredible showmanship had me officially hooked. he can make anybody feel good about getting up there and singing their heart out, and he seriously brings it every time he performs.
whether you’re a karaōke voyeur, virgin, amateur, or professional, it’s pretty much impossible not to have a good time at one of his shows. i might try out other KJ’s one day for the heck of it, but as long is Roger’s out there every week, do i really even need to?

A+ Would do again.
Roger Niner is one of those rare Karaōke DJs that can draw the fun out of every song and every singer just by being his energetic self.
From use of props to helping with back up vocals he seems to truly enjoy making everyone’s night.
With a large list of songs and a sweet cozy bar it’s always a blast with Roger Niner.
As well, the regular customers are always there to blow your mind with great renditions of well loved songs.
And, bonus, he didn’t even blink when I totally destroyed No Rain.

Roger Niner is so good he almost makes me believe in God. Because if there is indeed a just and loving creator overseeing all this like some benevolent, omnipresent Bill Lumbergh, he would fashion Heaven to look like The Swinging Door on a Friday night: cowbells, Lady Gaga, and prop ukuleles. This would present a complicated metaphysical scenario, however. Because while high energy karaōke might be someone’s idea of hell, the idea of singing high energy, prop-​laden karaōke in front of a crowd of people who think karaōke is hell is my idea of heaven, so that would suggest a place where heaven and hell can coexist simultaneously, and that sort of goes against everything they told me in Sunday School. With a big wooden stick. If I contemplate on this any longer I will try to eat my own cerebral cortex…
I actually refrain from referring to going to Swinging Door on Fridays as «going to Karaōke Night». Roger Niner is not as much a «karaōke DJ» as he is THE ENTERTAINMENT that occasionally takes breaks in between his charged-​like-​a-​ray-​gun performances to let some of the amateurs amuse themselves. You know nothing about the bar scene in the Bay until you’ve seen him do his own lightning effects for «Knights of Cydonia» or taking «No Easy Way Out» to the street, literally. If I wasn’t such a goddam attention whore I would come here just to see him sing all the songs himself. No matter your opinions on karaōke, he is worth the try.
And while this has little bearing on the five star rating I would happily give him, he is in all seriousness the nicest guy and doesn’t exert any of the arrogance or pretentiousness that someone of his talent is allowed to get away with.
His songbook is a fucking adventure in itself. Liam Lynch. Jonathan Coulton. Rocky Horror Picture Show. Covers of covers. If you pour through it and can’t find anything you could sing, either you have a shitty taste in music or your range sucks, the latter of which could be improved with private vocal lessons, or Rock Band for those of you who didn’t go to a fruity fine arts college like I did (Suck it, Trebek).
In short, if you haven’t, give it a try. And if you don’t like it, well, you’re gonna fucking hate it if you go to Hell. Just like I will when I’m forced to watch Transformers 2 over and over and over…

He has Lady Gaga Poker Face! ’nuff said! Roger is a consummate entertainer. He has performance skills. This is what makes a good Karaōke MC and Disc Jockey. He brings his eclectic selection to many spots in San Francisco.

A+ for the most eclectic song selection of any karaōke place. They have lots of new hits, obscure bands, along with classics of all genres. I stopped by The Swingin’ Door on a Friday where he was hosting and I was quite impressed with how much he loved his job. People were changing songs at the last minute and he never complained once… mainly because it’s all computerized and you click a button but I also got complimented on our song choices. Oh yeah and anyone who can sing Muse’s «Knights of Cydonia» note for note (including those ridiculously hard falsetto ones) with a blow up guitar for added effect gets respect from me. Good stuff.

Are you kidding??? I had a 40^th Birthday for my husband, with Roger Niner on the mic… CHA we were having the best time all night (till the cops showed up TWICE!), need a DJ for your next event? LOOK NO FURTHER Roger Niner takes his job to a whole new level!!!

Roger Niner could «Save your soul» on the karaōke stage anytime, anyday. He sings Jewels version in a way that makes you not only laugh so hard that you might pee, but he also actually allows you to enjoy Jewels music as if Mick Jagger is covering it. Roger Niner is the most versatile karaōke host I’ve met… not only from an entertaining perspective, but also from a technical and musical knowledgeable perspective. One day I needed to find out a song that Barry White produced back in the 70’s before he went solo. All I knew was the hummm and tune of the song. I had no idea what the title of the song was nor did I know the name of the band. I went up to Roger and asked, «what’s that song that goes da, da, da, humm, tee, da, da?» Roger answers: «That’s Love’s Unlimited Orchestra» and he even knew the title of the song. Anyway… if you’re thinking of throwing a party of any type. I give Roger a big 10 – 4 Roger Niner. over and out. Copy?