Next Up! Karaoke

Specialties

Next Up Karaōke is a Karaōke (KJ), DJ & Live Entertainment service. We specialize in providing top notch entertainment and sound for your wedding, ceremony, private party, corporate party or lounge

History

Established in 1996.

Bill and Lisa Ellis moved to Auburn from the Bay Area in 1993 and shortly after began looking for entertainment work. Finding live music gigs was challenging, so they decided to become Karaōke Jockeys (KJs) in order to continue to entertain. Their first Karaōke gig was at Giovanni’s in Colfax and turned into a 15-​year adventure. While Lisa began a business career Bill worked with several different co-​hosts, until Barbara Conner and William Dudley (aka Colfax Willy) became the steady weekend co-​hosts for several years.

Giovanni’s was the favored Karaōke establishment from Galt to Grass Valley, and became known as the «Cheers» of Colfax. Everyone knew everyone else, and the regulars poured in each and every weekend to sing, dance and frolic. Lisa would occasionally make an appearance and would bring the house down with a song from Phantom of the Opera, while Bill would perform some of his original songs for the appreciative crowd.

Sadly, Giovanni’s burned down in 2010.

Meet the Business Owner

Bill and Lisa E.

Business Owner

Bill and Lisa Ellis are both professional entertainers in their own right.

Bill Ellis is a published songwriter, musician and singer. He began his career as a 60’s rock musician. His band, Bristol Boxkite, was about to have its first release by Liberty Records when he was drafted. Upon returning from Vietnam Bill performed in venues up and down the West Coast. He wrote a rock musical about his wartime experience called «Beyond the Wall.» He is currently producing a show called «Skytrooper,» which features 10 of the 24 songs from Beyond the Wall.

Lisa Marie Ellis has been singing since she was 13 years old. She began her professional career at John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Reno, Nevada. Lisa studied with Judy Davis, «Vocal Coach to the Stars,» whose famous students include Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand. She is an actress as well, having performed lead roles in Evita, Follies and Carousel, in addition to her husband’s original rock opera, «Beyond the Wall.