Swing by U Otter Stop Inn on any given night and you're bound to find a diverse crowd - regulars, college students, 30-something hipsters, bachelorettes - knocking down a heavy dose of classic tunes.

Karaoke is on tap seven nights a week from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Otter, as it has been for the past 12 years at the Northeast Minneapolis fixture.

"We're fortunate to have the amount of great singers we do," Otter owner Denise Freeman says. "Some nights it's like a concert in here. I could pick 12 people out of this bar and put them up against ("American Idol" singers) any time."

Butcher a Neil Diamond classic and you'll still get a good reception, Freeman says.

If you can't carry a tune, don't worry. The MCs - who are all singers, and take song requests to perform - will join in and pick you up.

"I just remind them that it's all for fun," MC Robin Williams says. "I'll stand by, dance with them and sing along with them without the mic. They don't have to be nervous because everyone at the Otter is encouraged to applaud."

Granted, a little liquid courage may be needed from time to time to overcome those nerves, but just don't be obnoxious, Freeman says. The Otter has plenty of nonalcoholic beverages, and many regulars sing straight.

Williams: If there is a song that somebody wants to sing that does have the F-bomb in it, I ask them to say a different word. They'll say "fluff" or "fartin'." We don't want anyone to be offended.

Williams: You're guaranteed to hear Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'." You always hear "Sweet Caroline" and "Total Eclipse of the Heart." That's the singles. The duets, they always do "I Got You Babe" or "Summer Nights."