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Music

Just three chords and a mike

By SHARON KENNEDY WYNNE
Published December 28, 2006

Punk Rock Karaoke aren't words you usually see together, but this is marriage with staying power.

Members of the audience take the stage to sing classic punk rock anthems while a live band provides the music.

In the case of Saturday's party at the Emerald Bar in downtown St. Petersburg, the Tampa hard core punkers Pseudo Heroes provide the backup.

Guitarist and singer Sam Williams said the idea originated out of the Los Angeles club scene and was even part of the Warped tours with veteran punk musicians. Punk karaoke has been done in the bay area before, but it has been a few years.

"We'll play a couple of songs from our set and then we'll open it up to the audience," Williams said. "Maybe one out of five will have some real talent, but that's the fun."

Since you don't really think of a Sex Pistols tune as a sing-along with Sid, it makes for a bizarre evening.

The band has a play list at profile.myspace.com/tampapunk rockkaraoke with more than 30 songs they'll play for singers, from the Dead Kennedys' Nazi Punks to the Ramones' Blitzkrig Bop.

There's still time to request the band learn your favorite Black Flag ditty. But know that you will likely get a studded bracelet chucked at your head if you ask for country, hip-hip or anything close to emo.

The cover is $3 at the Emerald Bar, 550 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. (727) 898-6054. The show starts at 9:30 p.m.

[Last modified December 27, 2006, 11:19:49]