KJ Spotlight

I have been working with K.J.s, D.J.'s and musicians for many years. I have found them to be very interesting people. K.J.'s often have interesting lives beyond karaoke. They seem generally to be of creative natures and self starters. Many K.J.'s were musicians and moving from music to karaoke was only natural and sometimes necessary considering karaoke put a lot of musicians out of work. I think musicians make the best k.J.'s. Of coarse I was a musician. What did you expect me to say? However karaoke seems to attract other creative people who do karaoke as a part time or full time business.
     A month or so while negotiating an ad with one of my K.J. advertisers, I asked how he found time for anything else after doing five, six or even seven shows a week. He said he was also a professional pastry chef. I though this would make an interesting story. I'll tell you about the pastry chef a later issue.Another one of my clients and friend invited me over to see his garden. I think this is the first invitation of this kind I have ever received. I happened to have my camera with me and I thought you would enjoy seeing some pictures and reading about one of your favorite K.J.s If you find this interesting I will continue to interview K.J.'s for other interesting stories. -- J. Stewart.

From Musical Roots To Earthly Roots -

(or, Musical Toots To Earthy Roots)
Meet Mike Christopher D.J., K.J.
By Johnny Stewart

     At first glance you might not expect this 6 '5' burly gregarious hulk of a man to be anything else but what you see. Mike Christopher is a man of many surprises.Mike was born in Pennsylvania.. Both his parents were local choral singers. Mike's sister played guitar and Mike was in the men's and boy's choir from 6 to 14 years of age. He played the trombone in the band and orchestra.
     Mike moved to Florida at age 17 and became a bartender. He tended bar all through the rock and disco era of the late 70ís. This provided a great opportunity to sit in and sing and play harmonica with live bands. Upon moving to California at age 22 in 1980 he was playing guitar, but shelved all musical goals for business and the family life. Mr. Christopher was a partner in three restaurants in San Diego until 1990. He then went to work at UPS for the next 10 years. Mike went to school on and off during this period, studying business and marketing.
     1994 to 1998 saw him playing in a few garage bands, playing bass and guitar and singing lead and harmony. He also began studying computers and music during this time; this resulted in Mike getting into digital recording at home. Mike Decided to quit UPS to give music and school his undivided attention. He switched to a music major, hoping to go into production and sound engineering. Mike got into karaoke in the early 90's, and became good friends with local K.J. Patrick Hill. Mike realized he could support himself by doing KJ and DJ gigs while working for his degree.
     Hobbies include all forms of music -- he plays guitar, bass, keyboards, harmonica and trombone. Gardening seems to be an extension of mike's creative talents. Mike enjoys working the earth. He has quite an extensive Vegetable garden, growing 4 kinds of lettuce, red cabbage, bak choi, red and green onions, 3 kinds of squash. 3 kinds of tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, peas, carrots, kale, collards, chard, eggplant, garlic. Basically anything he can. Mike likes to share his cornucopia of vegetables with his neighbors who stop by the house periodically.
     Mike also enjoys sports, including basketball and weightlifting and is currently studying piano and music at Mesa, will transfer to State.