Young brothers start karaoke business in Topeka

? Two of Topeka’s newest businessmen sing, laugh, eat pizza, hang out with friends — and go to Whitson Elementary School.

Brothers Tyler, 11, and Kody Wade, 8, Topeka, started Music, Lights and Fun, their own karaoke business, a few months ago.

The idea was born after the boys wanted to be able to hear their mother, Roxanne Wade, a speech pathologist at Whitson, sing. She took them along for an evening of karaoke, and the brothers became interested in the way the equipment was set up.

They bought a small karaoke setup for their home and enjoyed it so much, they thought it would be a great way to get other kids interested in music.

“There isn’t any place for kids to sing,” Roxanne Wade said.

She agreed to buy the equipment Tyler and Kody needed to start their business. Together, they brainstormed on how to make the purchases affordable, including acquiring a television from a pawnshop and three middle school desks from a school auction. They created a sign out of Christmas lights. The stage is outlined with rope Christmas lights.

They began buying more equipment as they began making money. Tyler and Kody earn an about $30 a show.

“The most expensive part is the music,” Wade said. “It costs as much as a regular CD.”

Tyler and Kody started by providing karaoke at school carnivals and birthday parties. They also provide karaoke at community centers.

Tyler and Kody said they enjoy their new business.

“Kids our age love to pretend to be their favorite music stars,” Tyler said.

Tyler’s favorite part about the business is the equipment. He is responsible for hooking up the cords, lights and sound, and also makes sure that the correct music is played.

“I am sort of the technical support. I am better at hooking up the equipment than my mom is,” said Tyler, laughing. “The only thing is that I don’t get to take many breaks.”

Kody is responsible for helping kids pick out music and introducing them to the audience.

“I like to help the other kids,” he said. “And I get to take lots of breaks!”

Tyler and Kody have a variety of music.

“We have pretty much every kind — old country, new country, old rock and hip-hop,” Tyler said. “Pretty much everything.”

“Except songs from the ’30s and ’20s,” Kody added.

Tyler is working on a Web site for Music, Lights and Fun. He wants to get a digital camera to put pictures into his site.

“Tyler put together his own Web site without any software,” Roxanne Wade said.

She said that having a business has been good for her sons. It has taught them responsibility and social skills with their peers.

On average, about 12 to 18 children sing at each show. The boys hope the business grows.

“Someday, we may be big business in Topeka,” Tyler said.