For those who can’t sing but want to perform, Mulcahy’s Pub & Concert in Wantagh has an offer for you. Dress up as your favorite music star, get on stage and start lip-syncing. Pretend singers will go head-to-head in the inaugural Long Island Lip Sync Battle on Jan. 30.
HOW IT GOT STARTED
The seed of this event came from an incident that occurred at last year’s Halloween party, when Tom Merkle, a police officer who lives in Nassau County, arrived in an Eminem costume. Not only was Merkle dressed like the rapper, but he physically evoked him as well. This sparked an idea for DJ Mike Savage, of Merrick.
Concertgoers enjoying music at Mulcahy’s. Credit: Howard Simmons
“I literally brought him on stage, played ‘Lose Yourself’ from ‘8 Mile’ and said, ‘You are doing it bro!’ then gave him a muted mic,” Savage says. “He crushed it!”
Merkle not only lip-synced the entire song but even moved like the hip-hop legend from Detroit.
“I’ve been an Eminem fan since the early 2000s,” Merkle, 45, says. “I watched all his videos and when I got on stage I just tapped into that. I did the best I could.”
The performance was a success, and Merkle grabbed the spotlight for a moment.
“I was a little worried people weren’t going to like it. But everyone was laughing, clapping and singing along,” Merkle says. “To spend four minutes up there and get that experience was very cool. When I came off stage, I was shaking hands and taking selfies with people. It was fun.”
This moment developed into a concept for a new Mulcahy’s event.
“The crowd loved it and we started thinking that maybe we could build a whole night around this,” director of operations Tim Murray says. “We are into these types of parties and like trying new things. I figured let’s give it a shot.”
HOW IT WORKS
Participants, who must be 21 and over, can sign up in advance as a solo act or as a band. DJ Savage will prep the song and have the matching video playing on the wall behind the stage. Those who want to enter must message Mulcahy’s on Facebook (facebook.com/MulcahysLongIsland) or Instagram (@mulcahyslongisland) or email: info@mulcahys.com. No walk-ins are accepted.
“You don’t have to sing. It’s more about working the crowd and being excited,” talent buyer-production manager Rick Cappiello says. “If people step outside their comfort zone, they can get a chance to step on stage at Mulcahy’s.”
A yet-to-be-unveiled panel of local celebrity judges will be rating each performance based on physical presentation, movement and overall delivery. The audience will also play a part in the judging process via crowd applause.
“We are hoping to get a person doing Lady Gaga as well as a group of people emulating The Beatles or ‘N Sync. The more they live the part and lean into the theme, the better they will do,” Cappiello notes. “No auditions are necessary. But we ask that all performances keep it positive. We are sticking within Mulcahy’s motto, ‘Good Clean Fun.’ “
Prize packages will be awarded for first, second and third place winners. Grand Champion — “Mic Drop Winner” receives $500 cash, a guaranteed headline spot in the next Lip Sync Battle or theme night, a five-time VIP table for four plus in 2026, free admission to Mulcahy’s for five years, as well as a Mulcahy’s merch bundle including a hoodie, T-shirt and hat. Runner-up (second place) gets a $250 Amazon gift card and VIP entry plus table for four to a future Mulcahy’s event three times a year in 2026. Third place scores a $100 bar tab credit and free drinks for the night (four to six drink tickets). The Best Group winner walks away with free admission and VIP tables for up to 10 people for two Mulcahy’s events in 2026. All the winners are set to leave with a plaque and bragging rights.
“On Instagram and TikTok, lip-sync videos are blowing up,” Murray says. “We are trying to draw some teachers and principals to see if they want to battle out another school. If this event is popular, we might do it four times a year.”
THE LONG ISLAND LIP SYNC BATTLE
WHEN | WHERE 7 p.m. Jan. 30, Mulcahy’s Pub & Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh
COST $15 (21 and over)
MORE INFO 516-783-7500, mulcahyslongisland.com
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday’s exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.