Are they carrying the right tune?

Since the Kings have three more games at home during this stretch, it might be a good time for this subject. From time to time, there’s quite a bit of discussion about the national anthem at Staples Center, both in terms of how well it is presented and received. Often, it seems, the answer is, “Not well.” In a couple cities — Chicago and Philadelphia, to be sure — the anthem and its surrounding pomp and circumstance, have been known as an event in itself. Many other cities/teams have regular singers who perform at almost every home game. The Kings, meanwhile, have a handful of semi-regular performers but also toss in singers randomly.

The theme here is: what would you like to see the Kings do with the national anthem (if you care)? As a fan, does it get you fired up (if done properly)? Should there be a regular singer/performer? if so, what kind? The Lakers and Dodgers also use a variety of singers — although the Lakers bring in Jeffrey Osbourne for big games — but hockey seems to have more than its share of regular singers.

(Since it — unfortunately — will need to be said at some point, I will say it now. This topic is NOT about whether countries’ anthems should be sung before games. I understand, and appreciate, that people disagree with the concept, but this is not the forum in which to debate the concept. Thanks in advance…)

Feel free to share your thoughts. It’s not just idle chatter. Any ideas generated here will be shared with the appropriate parties in the organization.

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