One of Ford’s favorite events at the Hoot is Karaoke for Kowards. Like other karaoke experiences, success requires vulnerability from patrons willing to get up and sing. What feels more unique to this event is the come-as-you-are mentality that’s embraced. The space is void of any daunting stage. Participants are encouraged to sing anything from anywhere, however they’re comfortable. No matter who gets up there or what they sing, they’ll be celebrated.
“It’s really great to see everybody just absolutely rooting for strangers and getting together and having such a good time,” said Ford.
Jojo Celestine tends bar during Karaoke for Kowards at The Hoot in Columbia, South Carolina on December 9, 2024.
Karaoke for Kowards is the brainchild of Marko Geslani, Preach Jacobs and Alyssa Thorn, who run the event together. Thorn (she/they) is a former Hoot employee, described by Ford as “the world’s best hype girl.”
Seeing how much regulars loved dancing, even just to others singing karaoke, Thorn pitched a new idea to Ford.
“What if I had an end-of-summer gay dance party?” she asked. “What happens then?”
That idea became Club Venus, which launched Aug. 9. Leading up to it, Thorn posted on social media: “CLUB VENUS is a place where you can come as you are and dance like nobody’s watching…”
Now, even talking about the night brings tears to her eyes.
Guests enjoy themselves during Karaoke for Kowards at The Hoot in Columbia, South Carolina on December 9, 2024.
“I maybe expected just my friends to show up,” she said. Before long, the cozy bar had transformed into an overflowing night club. “There were people on the porch and it was packed. There were people in the parking lot, just like strewn about … I was like, I think this is what people want.”
In this space, it’s Thorn who sets the tone of vulnerability and connection.
“When I’m at Club Venus, I just dance the second it starts and hope that people join me,” said Thorn.