"There's mixed reactions to karaoke," says "Little Richard" Fantauzzo, who DJs karaoke Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Stooges (519 E. Ridge Rd, 266-9559). The club also offers karaoke/request night on Thursdays with live music on weekends. "There's people that love it, and there's people that hate it."

Something about getting on stage - that unavoidable first step to stardom - notoriously makes people nervous. That's part of the reason Fantauzzo uses a wireless mic, to give participants a way out of the spotlight and into the crowd.

"I think for the average person it's an enjoyable time out because people just enjoy music. You're working and you're stressed out during the day, it's a good way to go wind down," says Fantauzzo.

A little friendly prodding might be in order before working up the courage to unleash your inner Billy Idol, so it's good to go with friends. Fantauzzo's own experience is a testament to the glorious powers of peer pressure.

"The first time I ever sang myself was out in Las Vegas. I have a daughter-in-law who's a very talented singer talk me into doing it," says Fantauzzo.

All skill levels are welcome. The Stooges crowd, like most local places, is definitely more supportive than judgmental. "For the most part, there's really good singers, and there's some that are poor," says Fantauzzo. "The ones that are poor, some realize, some don't. Some actually think they're good, and that's OK. We're here so that they can have a good time. People love to sing. That's good enough."

Of course, the karaoke regulars usually have no problem belting out the hits on key. Especially when Stooges' annual "Kash Karaoke Kontest" comes around. Door man and contest judge Ray Becker says that the competition brings in some of the area's best singers for the $4,000 in prizes. This year's contest is on the horizon, with talks of a "Gong Show"-like twist to change things up.

"The karaoke here's been growing for the past year and a half," says Becker. "People know where to come for karaoke. We get a lot of great singers."

Eli Nunez, who placed in the Top 10 of last winter's contest, remembers the first place winner dressing in drag for a performance of "I Will Survive."

"It's better than just going to a bar and listening to the jukebox," says Nunez.

"And being bored," adds Maria Lanza, who stopped with her friends for the Wednesday night karaoke. "When they have a contest, it's packed."

As proven by DJ Little Richard, the jitters eventually subside. A friendly atmosphere has a lot to do with it. "I've yet to see where we scare people away," says Fantauzzo.

Becker echoes what seems to be a popular sentiment about the whole karaoke scene: "I've seen some bad singers, but you know everybody still claps. You've got to have enough balls to get up there and do it. That's what I think."

KARAOKE NIGHTS

DubLand Underground (315 Alexander St, 232-7550) Sunday nights: Big Mouth Karaoke

Flipside Bar & Grill (2001 E Main St, flipsidebarandgrill.com) Tuesdays w/Markieoke 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Gator's Bar and Grill (42 Nichols St, Spencerport, 352-9650) Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m.

Jeremiah's Tavern (1104 Monroe Ave, 461-1313, jeremiahstavern.com) Tuesdays w/Nik Entertainment, 9 p.m.; Fridays w/Karaoke King, 11 p.m.

McGhan's (11 W. Main St, Victor, 924-3660) Saturdays at 9 p.m.

Merchant Street Smokehouse (48 Merchant St, Brockport,637-6020)Thursdays at 9 p.m.

Monty's Korner (363 East Ave, montyskorner.com) Wednesdays nights w/Krazy Karaoke

Mulligan's Pub (4618 W. Ridge Rd, Spencerport, 349-3383) Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 9:30 p.m. w/Willardmania.

Norton's Pub (1730 N. Goodman St, 266-3570) Fridays at 10 p.m.

Pineapple Jack's (485 Spencerport Rd, 247-5225) Wednesday nights

The Roost (4853 W Henrietta Rd, roostcountry.org) Mondays w/Buck-n-Chuck, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Shamrock Inn (4940 E Lake Rd, Honeoye, 229-ROCK, shamrockinnrocks.com) Thursdays and Fridays at 9 p.m.

Shorts (35 N. Main Street, Fairport, 388-0136) Thursday nights

Slammers Bar & Grill (4650 Dewey Ave, 663-4455) Thursdays at 9 p.m.

Stooges (519 E Ridge Rd, stoogesrocks.com) Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. w/Little Richard; Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. w/DJ Bobby Rocker.

Temple Bar and Grille (109 East Ave, 232-6000) Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. w/Nik Entertainment

Village Rock Café (213 Main St, East Rochester, 586-1640) Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m.

Woody's II (2758 W Henrietta Rd, 424-6440) Thursdays at 10 p.m. w/Brad London