On the face of it, you might not think jam band songs would make for good karaoke choices. Jam bands are known for their long, extended tracks that are buoyed by improvisation, solos, and much more.

As a Filipino, I’ve grown up with at least one karaoke machine in every home, the first in my native city of Cagayan de Oro, then later in Manila, and most recently at my family’s place in NYC. It’s ...