The 2000s were a vibrant and unforgettable era in music history, with chart-topping hits that continue to resonate with audiences to this day. Whether you’re at The Fennec for karaoke night with friends or looking for the perfect songs to reminisce about the good old days, get ready to transport yourself back in time and sing your heart out to these iconic tunes!

1. “Hey Ya!” – Outcast (2003)
Start your night on a high note with OutKast’s “Hey Ya!” This infectious blend of hip-hop and pop will have everyone in the room moving and grooving to its catchy beats. Don’t be surprised if the entire crowd joins in for the famous “Shake it like a Polaroid picture” part!

2. “I Gotta Feeling” – The Black Eyed Peas (2009)
When it’s time to take the energy up a notch, “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas is the perfect choice. This feel-good anthem became an instant classic and remains a go-to track for celebrations and karaoke parties alike.

3. “Since U Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson (2004)
Kelly Clarkson’s empowering breakup anthem, “Since U Been Gone,” is a must-have in any 2000s karaoke playlist. Unleash your inner rockstar and let the powerful chorus bring out the best in your group performance!

4. “Mr. Brightside” – The Killers (2004)
Indie-rock enthusiasts will love belting out “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. This song’s emotive lyrics and high-energy instrumentals will always be a top party song to get the crowd excited!

5. “Crazy in Love” – Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z (2003)
No 2000s karaoke list would be complete without the Queen B herself. “Crazy in Love” is a fiery collaboration between Beyoncé and Jay-Z that will have your group showcasing some sizzling dance moves while delivering a memorable performance.

6. “Hollaback Girl” – Gwen Stefani (2005)
Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl” is a cheeky and fun track that’s guaranteed to get everyone singing along. Embrace the playful spirit of this song and let your group shine with its catchy chorus and iconic cheerleading chant!

7. “No Scrubs” – TLC (1999)
While technically released in the late ’90s, “No Scrubs” by TLC dominated the early 2000s and continues to be a go-to song for group karaoke. Embrace the sassy attitude of this R&B classic and have a blast singing with your friends.

8. “Umbrella” – Rihanna feat. Jay-Z (2007)
Close off your 2000s karaoke night with the mega-hit “Umbrella” by Rihanna and Jay-Z. This infectious pop track will have everyone swaying and singing along, creating a fantastic end to an unforgettable evening.

Join us at The Fennec for karaoke nights every Wednesday at 8! For live bands and shows, take a look at who’s playing The Fennec in the next few weeks.

In a world where artistic expression knows no bounds, there exists a rare gem who effortlessly weaves melodies and words into a tapestry of emotions. Meet Jessica Willis Fisher, a captivating artist who possesses the uncanny ability to transport listeners to a realm where music and literature coalesce in perfect harmony. With a voice that resonates with raw passion and lyrics that delve into the depths of the human experience, Jessica Willis Fisher stands as a testament to the transformative power of art.

Tell me a little bit about yourself

“I’m a singer-songwriter who grew up playing fiddle and singing in my family band, The Willis Clan, until my early twenties. This past year I released my first solo record, Brand New Day, and also released my first memoir, Unspeakable: Surviving My Childhood and Finding My Voice. I am really passionate about advocating for survivors of sexual abuse as that is unfortunately part of my background and the main topic of my book.”

How did you first get into music?

“I was homeschooled and my parents got me into traditional Irish dance and music at a young age. I traveled to Ireland to compete as a teenager and eventually got into other forms of dance and music as well. I was drawn to reading and then writing from as early as I can remember and ultimately that drive for storytelling is the core of my love for making art of all kinds.”

What inspired you to start writing?

Both my parents knew how to play instruments and my Dad in particular wrote his own pieces, so composition was normal to me. I was told Mozart had written his first symphony as a kid, so I was trying my hand at making up piano ditties by the age of 7. I started writing poetry and even little fantasy novels and such as a pre-teen. My first songs came around age 16. Looking back, I can see there was a lot of curiosity and drive to find the words to express myself and probably the abusive, hidden experiences I didn’t understand and was always trying to articulate in particular.”

Are your music and writings intertwined or do you use them as different forms of expression?

“I very much see them as coming from the same source, just finding different, complimentary outlets. Making my memoir’s audiobook was surreal and deeply healing as I had the opportunity to narrate my own lived experiences through the book, and then pair pieces of my songs next to the events that actually inspired them. Lately, I’ve been dipping my toe into speaking engagements where I can share my story and incorporate my art in a live setting, usually raising funds and/or awareness to end abuse in its many forms. I recently started The Brand New Day Fund to give back to the many organizations who were there for me in my darkest hour.”

What does your music mean to you?

“I realize now that music was an essential therapy to me through many years of abuse. It also was tangled up in the toxic and confusing dynamics of my family since my father pushed me into performing and he was my abuser. When I finally left my childhood home and got into professional therapy, I stepped away from music, knowing I needed better tools for connection, truth-telling, and emotional processing. It wasn’t until I felt the pull and inspiration of writing come back in a more authentic way that I could reintegrate music back into my new, healthier life. I’m really so grateful to have that beautiful gift back.”

What does your book mean to you?

“My book was born from my ongoing personal process of making sense of my trauma and healing recovery. It’s a way of becoming the adult that I needed as a child, being a witness to the truth and ending the power of silence that allowed my younger self to be hurt for so long. Because my family was on tv and in the public eye sharing a story that was heavily controlled by my father, Unspeakable, is also a reclaiming of my story and my voice for myself going forward.”

Any fun facts about yourself?

“I love doing 1,000 piece puzzles, I’m a relatively new dog-momma (it’s the best!), I love traveling, exploring the outdoors, and libraries full of rare books – the older the better!”

Jessica Willis Fisher will be performing at The Fennec on June 16th! Don’t miss your chance to see her live, and visit her website to order her book today!

While serving as a restaurant and an event space, The Fennec also has an incredible late night experience! Starting at 10pm, the Fennec transforms before your eyes. The dining room becomes a dance floor, and the band makes way for a DJ stand. The funky lights make the room exciting! Our wonderful bartenders make delightful cocktails and the music is exciting. Note: There is a $10 cover charge for most shows after 9 PM.

The best part, perhaps, is the Late Night Menu from our kitchen!

If you think the food from our restaurant is amazing during the day, imagine how delicious it is with those late night cravings. The menu is full of great snacks, designed to be tasty, quick eats so you can get back on the dance floor!

The Mac and Cheese bites stand out as spectacular, as they’re filled with Smoked Gouda and come with house ranch for dipping! You and your friends will eat up these bites and wish for more!

Another tasty basket of bites are our Conecuh Corndogs. Eat our doggos covered in honey mustard and you’ll satisfy your hunger. These corn dogs taste just a bit better as a DJ plays an upbeat remix in the background.

The biggest meal on our late night menu is our Lateburger! It is a juicy burger on our classic Brioche bun. It comes with fries too, so you will definitely get enough bang for your buck for only $9 plus tax!

Lastly, if you’re craving something on the sweet side, girl, you know you want a cookie! You can get warm and gooey chocolate chip and sugar cookies. These are the best ending to a perfect night!

We hope you come to visit The Fennec late at night! It is definitely a hotspot and one of the best places to be on a Friday or Saturday night in Birmingham. We will see you this weekend!