For 20 years — long before karaoke became trendy — Lumpy's Social Club has been letting amateur singers get up onstage and belt out their best rendition of "I Will Survive" or "Mamma Mia."

Richard Michaelson, a local DJ and karaoke host for Spotlight Entertainment, has been a part of Lumpy's karaoke tradition on and off for about 10 years.

"It's a very intimate and friendly setting for karaoke," he said. "Many times the staff will join in and sing songs as well."

The neighborhood bar hosts karaoke on Sunday and Tuesday nights beginning around 9, sometimes later if patrons are watching a big game.

Lumpy's has an upstairs bar, where locals can enjoy a drink and order a plate of buffalo wings or cheese fries. There's also a fenced-in patio area. But downstairs is where the karaoke happens.

If you want to participate, Michaelson offers karaoke etiquette tips:

"Be nice to your DJ­ — remember that he is a person too, not just a human jukebox," he said. "Find out his name, say please and thank you, generally treat him like you would want to be treated."

Another helpful hint: Resist the temptation to jump onstage and share the microphone with whoever is singing, unless you've been invited.

"Everyone likes to have their five minutes in the spotlight, so be respectful and let them have their turn," said Michaelson, who has more than 30,000 songs in his collection covering just about every genre from rock and pop to country and blues.

With so many years of hosting karaoke under his belt, Michaelson has developed a distaste for some songs, but he doesn't want to reveal what they are.

"Unfortunately, some of my least favorite songs are the ones that are the most popular," he said, "and I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings." —

Lumpy's Social Club

Lumpy's Social Club on Highland Drive has offered karaoke nights for nearly 20 years, long before it became a hot trend.

When • Sundays and Tuesdays beginning around 9 p.m.

Where • 3000 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City; (801) 484-5597

Cover charge • None