Bed-Stuy's New Karaoke Bar Is For Music-Lovers

BED-STUY, NY — Bed-Stuy's newest karaoke bar won't just be a place for amateurs to sing their hearts out — it's a music-lovers paradise full of odes to America's greatest.

Opening Thursday on Fulton Street near Rockaway Avenue, the AUX Karaoke Box will transport wannabe singers straight to some of the country's most iconic musical rooms.

The bar's five private karaoke rooms — stacked down a hallway with red "RECORDING" signs — are inspired by Brooklyn's hip-hop history in brownstone living rooms, Prince's Paisley Park studio, Elvis' Jungle Room, New York City's old-school theaters and Nashville and Austin's jukebox bars.

It's a unique vibe meant to merge attendees' love for scream-singing with their love of music — and it's the nabe's first private room karaoke spot, said Martin Glenn, who co-owns AUX Karaoke Box with his wife, Hande Glenn.

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The bar's main room is littered with posters from shows across the city and black-and-white photos taken by Martin Glenn during his time as a concert photographer — against a wood bar, wood floors and tin ceiling, AUX Karaoke Box gives an old-school New York vibe.

A small stage in the corner of the main room is the perfect spot for solo karaoke singers. Martin Glenn's collection of music figurines sits on display in the main bar room, and has quickly become a popular spot to snap pics.

And, for the straight-up drinkers, a speakeasy free of microphones sits behind a faux bookshelf at the back of the room. The cozy bar sits only about 25 folks and boasts a 100-year-old, 8-foot tall fireplace mantle.

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Beyond a strong vibe, Martin and Hande Glenn were particularly focused on creating a great technical experience using a top-tier karaoke system and Toast technology for private room ordering, Martin Glenn said.

And the employees too are "people who just love music," Glenn said.

Martin and Hande Glenn are heading into Thursday's grand opening with a successful streak already behind them; early attendees' reactions have been overwhelmingly positive since the soft opening on Nov. 18.

"People were loving it," Martin Glenn said.

AUX Karaoke Box will be open from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays; 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturdays; and from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Sundays.