Amateur 'American Idol' at Nellie's Cafe

So, we’re watching American Idol and a judge who will remain nameless (but happens to say ‘yo, yo, dawg’ a lot) says something like, “that sounded like something we’d hear at a karaoke bar.” We’ve heard that little insult on American Idol before. And we get totally get it. We can’t help but rebelliously think,  “If karaoke is wrong, then we don’t want to be right, dawg!”

 A night of singing (often badly) with friends is one of the best escapes from the everyday grind. Even the most ear-shattering singing is overlooked during an evening of chuckles, cheer, and confidence-boosting. Nothing beats that feeling when we dare to take the microphone and step out our comfort zones.

Moms in town can give karaoke a try at in Peekskill. At the tastefully decorated eatery and gelato bar on Main Street, you can pay $1 to sing your favorite tune in the main dining room.  And if that’s not your style, there are also two private karaoke rooms that can be rented hourly for $5 per person.

 In between your show-stopping performances, you can dig into some delicious desserts as well. Nellie’s serves up fifteen flavors of gelato and sorbetto, plus cakes, cookies, tarts, and sandwiches. And in case you were wondering, Nellie’s will also serve up some drinks (beer and wine is available) during your gatherings with friends.

 Ask owner Ginael Alexander and she’ll tell you that even the most shy patrons end up having a good time at karaoke functions. After all, most of us have an entertainer inside just begging to come out.

Nellie's is also a member of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce and will be showcasing some of its offerings at the on Saturday, March 19. The day offers a cheap way to sample what local businesses have to offer you and your families. Stop by the Colonial Terrace any time between 11 and 5 p.m.

 Babysitting Tips: The cost of an evening of karaoke at Nellie’s is affordable, but what about the cost of a sitter? Care.com has takes a look at pay rates for babysitters.