LONGMEADOW — Get ready to belt out your favorite tunes and cheer on your neighbors at the first Great Longmeadow Karaoke Throwdown, a high-energy fundraiser hosted by Friends of Longmeadow Music, set for Tuesday, April 30, from 6-9 p.m. at the Meeting House.
The event, organized by the nonprofit FLM, marks a lively pivot from their usual fundraising style.
“Since our group formed in August 2024, most of our fundraising activity has been through the concerts at the schools and sponsorships,” said FLM organizer Ben Craft. “No doubt that’s been successful; yet now, for a spring fundraiser we wanted to shift gears a bit and do something more social, more interactive, more of a chance for supporters of the music program to let their hair down and have fun. Given our music focus, karaoke seemed a great fit.”
The night promises far more than just memorable vocal performances. Attendees will enjoy a buffet-style dinner with classic comfort food — pizza, wings, chicken tenders, veggie options and more — all donated by the Meeting House, which is also providing the venue at no charge. A full bar will be available throughout the evening, and VIP ticket holders will receive a complimentary drink and a guaranteed spot on the karaoke stage. General admission tickets are $40 and VIP tickets are $60.
“Tickets are going fast,” Craft noted. “Fortunately, with the Meeting House, we have a big space with lots of room that’s perfect for a karaoke party. We encourage people to reserve tickets as soon as possible by emailing friendsoflongmeadowmusic@gmail.com or visiting the Friends of Longmeadow Music page on Facebook.”
A professional karaoke DJ, Travis Williams, will emcee the evening with a songbook of over 35,000 tracks, ensuring everyone finds their perfect song. And while karaoke is the star of the show, attendees don’t need to sing to be part of the fun. “It’s also important to emphasize that you don’t have to sing to come out and have a good time,” Craft said. “Just enjoy great food and drink and enjoy seeing friends embarrass themselves and/or become stars!”
Local celebrities Wesley Days of Western Mass News and Longmeadow Public Schools Superintendent M. Martin O’Shea will serve as judges, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night.
FLM, the 2025 recipient of the Massachusetts Music Educators Association’s Advocacy Award, has already made a significant impact. Their first major effort funded scholarships for all Longmeadow High School musicians who needed support to join the program’s recent goodwill tour in Italy. Now, they are expanding assistance to middle and elementary school music programs.
“All the money we raise as Friends of Longmeadow Music goes directly to supporting music education across the Longmeadow school system,” Craft emphasized. “Our main goal is to have a full house and a great time.”
With community sponsors including William Raveis Realtors — Margie Berg, Kathleen Norton and Suzanne White — supporting the effort, the Great Longmeadow Karaoke Throwdown promises to be a success.
