A typical American concept of karaoke usually involves a smoky bar with disinterested patrons chugging beer while some poor soul on stage tries his best rendition of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'."
While the latter does have its charm, some people prefer to embarrass themselves among friends.
JOA Karaoke provides a cozy alternative to the common karaoke bar.
Located on Southwest 75th Street, JOA is Gainesville's only Korean-style karaoke bar. Korean bars consist of various karaoke rooms that customers can rent by the hour.
JOA has three rooms, each with a karaoke machine, sofas and coffee tables for drinks.
Customers have control of the lighting and the option to play provided tambourines to set the mood.
Meanwhile, the bar at the front of the building allows customers to order drinks while their friends belt out their favorite tunes.
Staying true to its origins, JOA offers a selection of songs in Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and other Southeast Asian languages in addition to an array of songs in English.
"I believe the type of songs they offer is what appeals to me the most because I can go to any other karaoke bar or location in Gainesville for American songs," said Brian Dang, a Japanese major at UF.
Kevin Hwang, a native of Korea, founded JOA in 2004.
Initially, the bar attracted mostly Koreans and other Asians.
But it has recently attracted more American customers who prefer the intimate atmosphere.
"I would say it's about 50-50 now," said TK Woo, an assistant at JOA, referring to the Asian and American demographics.
"Lots of students tell me that they went to Asia for study abroad and liked the way karaoke was over there."
Woo said he thinks singing on a stage in front of others you don't know can be a scary experience for many people.
Dylan James, a UF sophomore, prefers the bar's style.
"Having a private room keeps all the embarrassment contained in one space," James said.
For those who can sing and aren't afraid to show it, JOA gives them a chance to shine.
"We don't have a stage, but people use the tables, the couch, whatever to sing and dance," Woo said.
