As the 4SchoolsOnly Prom HCx11 Tour heads to the west coast, GHS braced themselves to rock with the best. Hosted at the beautiful Marshall Center at the USF campus, this homecoming was transformed into a Winter Wonderland. Our dance floor lighting helped create the lively, club feel that the committee wanted, while the video screen showed music videos and various thematic photos.

Plus, 2000 glowsticks were tossed out!

This is my third Video Explosion package in a row– it seems to be quite popular this year!

Check out the photos and video to see more!

That’s right. I said “Ballin’” because there were no other words to describe it– it was an NBA theme! You see, most Bar/Bat Mitzvahs that I’ve seen have a “traditional” atmosphere with lots of games and prizes— not Andrew. Andrew wanted a club theme surrounding his love for the NBA. This meant only one game!

With each table representing a different NBA team, various arcade hoop games, black lights, 4 laser fixtures (safe to use in such a low ceiling), and plenty of bass… all with the Orlando Magic Dancers present– Andrew brought his vision to life!

Check out the awesome photos from the party hosted at the Hilton Garden Inn located at Riverview, FL! You’ll also see some GREAT video footage of an awesome crowd!

Watch in HD!

I love doing military weddings.. and this one was no exception! Held at the Surf’s Edge Club at Mac Dill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL, the weather couldn’t have been sweeter, the people couldn’t have been nicer, the Aramark-hosted food couldn’t have been better tasting, and the people couldn’t have been more fun!

The grand intro and first dance were a challenge as my sound system was behind  THICK curtain since a slideshow was to be played during dinner. However, it was no match for the BOSE sound system as the sound came through crystal clear!

Bonus: Once again, I got to work with Karen Lupica who helped make things flow extra smoothly. This wedding reception was nothing but pure party… I had such a blast!

=

Check out the photos and awesome video below!

Watch IN HD!

Julie was not only the client, but she was the coordinator. She owns a styling company called Chick & Fabulous Designs & Events;  she put together an amazing display at the A La Carte Pavillion. While A La Carte handled uplighting, she chose to go to us for the snowflake projections. The low ceilings presented a challenge, as the bright lights could blind someone, but we managed to get the look she wanted without compromising safety.

Not a lot of video footage since I worked solo… but you’ll see that the kids loved dancing NON-STOP!

Watch in HD

Jodi and Jose had one vision in mind: a stunning wedding reception that exuded elegance but thumped like a nightclub when we cranked it up. Yup, there’s a DJ for that.

Now there’s something about the name Rodriguez that is synonymous with night club receptions, so keep ‘em coming!

That being said, we had one challenge: Jose is deaf and couldn’t hear the music. Using our powerful 4SchoolsOnly subwoofers and the awesome 4Bar setup, along with the 7′ video screen showing music videos, Jose was ableto feel and see the music.

While the Bayanihan offers LED uplights like we do, LEDs cannot do browns or certain teals accurately. Jodi and Jose’s colors were Aqua Teal and Brown… LEDs cannot produce these colors (brown– fugghedaboutit) so halogen uplights had to be brought in with carefully matched gels.

They were a great crowd– Kyle and I had such a blast! Check out photos and videos below!

And the video… I took an idea from a DJ friend, Jason Jani, about introducing what we’re offering in each video!

Watch in HD!

The Bayanihan Arts and Event Center was stunningly decorated. Marquita and Kevis really went all out with uplights, pipe and drape, swags, and just everything imaginable.

I left my camera at home by accident. DRAT! So today you get blessed with iPhone4 photos!

They were a fun group of guests… especially the groomsmen who sang every old school R&B song played during dinner. I wish I gotten the caterer’s name, though… the Chicken Cordon Bleu and roast beef were delicious… so savory! This wedding took a lot of planning, but they really pulled it off! Check out some photos and videos below!

Watch it in HD

…. Florida is very hot. Enough said. It must’ve been about 100º in the middle of the night with all the dancing.

Did it stop anyone? Nope. They only danced faster, harder, and sang a LOT louder! This is by far the most high-energy wedding I’ve ever done. Scratch that, make it the most high-energy event you could imagine!! I have a few schools that I’m going to have to tell to step their game up in terms of energy!

Then again, Derek and I knew this was wedding was going to end in epic proportions (the last song was Peanut Butter Jelly Time). Irene is Greek and George is Mexican…. you heard right, two amazing families who are KNOWN for being in a culture that throws parties often shut down by authorities.

I’ve done Greek weddings. I’ve done Mexican weddings. They’re always loud, proud and lots of fun! I even did another Mexican/Greek wedding that required me to get 18 hours of sleep the next day in order to recoup. However NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING, could have prepared me for this night… there was just SO MUCH ENERGY!

Located at the beautiful Bilmar Beach Resort, where Justin and Megan had a very similar-paced reception, music was flying in and out of cue. How fast-paced where we? 18 songs in 15 minutes… the second video shows you this megamix. This wasn’t a rarity, this was ALL NIGHT with the exception of Greek music which should never be mixed. Leave culturally-revelant traditions alone, I always say!

Check out the amazing photos, then videos below!! MUST WATCH! Treasure Island (or is it St. Pete Beach?) will never be the same again!

This is the main gig log… watch it full screen, it’s an HD video.. thanks to my new iPhone 4!

Remember that 18 song mix in less than 15 mins…? It’s below.. and it’s a must-watch!

Right now Hector and Liset are reading this and smiling ear to ear. You know how I know that? They’ve been reading every single one of A Premier Entertainment’s blogs (Mine and Kelly’s and so forth) and took notes on what they wanted for their own wedding. We’ve become good friends through Facebook and I knew that this would be a wild party by the time they walked in through the door for our final planning meeting!

Located at the Lion’s Eye Center in Ybor, the ceremony was elegant, but totally their style and paved the way for an amazing night to come!

Highlights:

• MARACAS!! (Watch the video)
• I had a heckler… but we got him right back! He was the life of the party.. I think he and Hector are troublemakers, lol.
• Awesome recessional to the wedding. The Lil Jon remix of Suavemente.
• A Puerto Rican and Cuban family mesh— how much crazier can it get?
• Delicious dinner thanks to Michael and his team with Affordable Catering
• A delightful candy bar station compliments of Chanda Janine Ford with Classique Soiree Weddings and Events. (Liset and Hector also won this at a bridal show– LUCKY!!!)

Package Chosen:

• Entertainment Coordinator (Liset won a free DJ package through the PWG bridal show!)
• D’Elegance Lighting: Floods and animated centerpiece
• Ceremony System

As the evening progressed, the party only got wilder…. and then the maracas came out! Matt and I had a blast.. and Matt even got out there and danced with the crowd. Check out the amazing photos and video clip below!

The ever-elegant BOSE system with a custom lighting rig on top. My skirt had gone missing… luckily Kelly was at an event half a mile away and had a spare. Do you know how hard it is to make a table skirt for an 8′ table fit a 3′ and still look elegant?

The centerpiece light was run wirelessly from a corner of the room where it’s out of everyone’s sight.

Centerpieces…

Another angle of my system.

Classique Soiree set up an awesome candy bar!

The party begins!

Liset and her son, DJ. He went to JHS’s homecoming dance we performed at!

ARGH!!! I FORGOT TO GET A PHOTO OF ALL 4 OF US.

Check out the video below!!!

James & Joie Campbell had a ROCKIN’ wedding reception– need I say more?

When Joie’s mom, Marti Peavey (not related to the speaker family, hahaha), told me about James and Joie, I was really excited. This was not going to be an average wedding. They wanted to keep things simple, fun, and active. Joie gave me an eclectic, but unique, playlist with awesome artists such as Bob Marley, Sublime, Johnny Cash, Drake, Biz Markie, Easy-E, and A Perfect Circle— NICE!

Then she added Hendrix, Joplin, Zeppelin, and AC/DC– double nice!

Plus, they gave me cheese cake– ROCKIN’ NICE!

Kyle and I had a blast– check out some info below and then click below to see photos and a cool YouTube video!!

Highlights:

• Her maiden name is Peavey– how cool is that? lol
• Centerpieces were soup cans that had custom Campbell’s labels… check out the photos to see more! (Their last name is Campbell)
• First Dance: Bob Marley’s Is This Love
• Father Daughter Dance: Jimmy Hendrix – Angel (Acoustic, home recorded version) — YOU READ THAT RIGHT!
• We switched the girl who caught the bouquet with her brother while the James blindfolded the garter catcher.
• No lunch or dinner, instead there was a huge dessert buffet –mmm, mmm good! (No pun intended)
• Chalk on each table allowed guests to write messages to the newlyweds on the black paper drapes on each table. I really liked this idea!

Package Chosen: Entertainment Coordinator

Photos and video below!

Room layout at the Women’s Clubhouse in Zephyrhills

The chalk allowed guests to draw and sign the table drapes. This was a cool idea!

How cool is this???

First Dance!

Dancing begins!

Kyle, Joie, James, and myself!

YouTube video below!

Thanks again, Mr. and Mrs. Campbell– enjoy your honeymoon!

This was a tag-team event: Kelly MCed (though I did the first “Jeopardy” game), I DJed, and Amanda helped with the games as well as ran lighting equipment.

This event went much better than I thought it would… after all, anyone who knows me knows I dread setting up big screens outside… with wind… by the pool…but…IT WAS A BLAST! When we played the Zach Trivia game, we had a real confusing category that was a lot of fun: Things That Rhyme With Zach!

The questions were easy… such as “A device that cleans dirt/grime using suction.” But the answer HAS to rhyme with Zach… answer? Zachuum Cleaner. Great answers overall included: Zach in a Hat, Zachintosh, Quaterzach, Zachberry, etc…

This was at the Quorum Hotel in Tampa, FL… ironically enough where I performed my last Mitzvah!

Check out some great pics hijacked ALSO from Kelly’s blog as well as some video I shot and edited below!

Without a shadow of a doubt I can say that Kyle and I delivered one of the hottest, if not the hottest, Sweet 16 in Tampa Bay. Let’s talk location: Ritz Theatre in YBor. The largest room where rigging is allowed… however this was a smaller party (100 kids) so such a big room wasn’t needed.

Let’s discuss lighting… 6 Scanners, a Blisslight, and 6 LED Floods in a 2000 Sq2 REALLY lit that place up like a christmas tree. A 7′ screen is normally small, but it filled the place up quite nicely.

One Yorkville sub was the only thing needed for bass there. In a brick room, the bass resonated so much the stage was shaking. The jog wheels on my DAC3 were moving around– kinda ticked me off during mixing, but I wasn’t turning that bass down.

The energy WAS INSANE. These kids loved rap, techno, house, and 90s music! Oh yes, I’ve never seen *N Sync’s Bye Bye Bye blow up like THIS!

Ybor patrons were walking by and looking in the window, many were coming in asking how much the cover was. No sir, the hottest club in Ybor is by exclusive invitation.

We set up our infamous Shoutout-Box, where Caroline’s friends and family could send dedications, photos, and shoutouts. She was thrilled to read so many of her friends and family wishing her a happy birthday…. suddenly everyone freaked out when they say shoutouts from Tampa Bay rap superstar Acafool, 69 Boyz’ top dog Thrill Da Playa, and special birthday serenade from my boy Cupid.

Awesome video below.. you gotta check it out!

4 Schools Only – if anyone else tells you they do it better- they’re lying.

I’ll have some photos coming soon…. Click below!

The thoughts below were posted on a popular DJ forum, and I wanted to share this with you. Sadly, some DJs disagree with what I wrote below, believing that they have little impact on your wedding day. These are the DJs you don’t want to risk for your wedding. 

Whether you choose us or another entertainer, ask him/her if they know the impact they have on your wedding reception.

Ask them for examples! When I was asked for mine, I wrote the following… click the link.

This has been said MANY many times before by notable speakers/entertainer such as Mark Ferrel, Bryan Dodge, Randy Bartlett and Bill Herman. However, I want to bring this up because after some reflection into this, it always forces me to keep my shows fresh, never get tired of this, and always remember why I do what I do.

You’re NOT a DJ, MC, coordinator, lighting tech, A/V tech, etc. You’re an entertainer. This definition encompasses the aforementioned duties into one. Yes, we know it is our job to make sure all the guests are entertained and to give the bride and groom a night to remember. Heck, this sales pitch has been beaten against the wall so many times I have clients reciting it back to us!

Put some thought into it— do you REALLY know how many lives you are touching? Are you aware that NOTHING in that night will create the emotion that your talent can? Do you realize that no other vendor has the RESPONSIBILITY of turning that wedding into the most beautiful night imaginable or the biggest nightmare that a human mind can skew?

The counter-argument has always been that the love the bride and groom share and the emotions their loved ones share is more than plenty, all the DJ has to do is work with them. NO NO NO! Sure, there’s quite a bit of emotion between the bride and groom… but there’s also stress, maybe even arguments. Perhaps the family got into a fight about the color of the dresses? Perhaps some guests came in a crappy mood because someone got laid off the night before the wedding.

No, this isn’t a worst-case scenario– this is REAL LIFE. It is OUR job as entertainers to juice out all the positive emotion and use our GOD-GIVEN talents to void any negative energy. It doesn’t have to require a dynamic personality. It takes charm. It doesn’t take a 160 IQ. It takes attention to details big and SMALL. It takes skill. It takes timing.

Moreover, emotion is truly enhanced with music. Well, duh, everyone says this… but do you REALLY grasp this concept? What would your favorite movie be without music?

Still not convinced? Make yourself a sandwich and watch the next two videos. You must watch the WHOLE THING to get my point.

VIDEO 1:

VIDEO 2:

The same footage was used for both videos. But why are they SO different? Why was the first video completely void of any REAL emotion while the second video generated anticipation, excitement, and that “warm fuzzy” feeling?

Let’s look at the first video:

The music choice was completely wrong. This may seem obvious, but you need to keep this in mind for EVERY SONG you pick. Ask yourself: WHY did you pick this song? WILL this song enhance the emotion of the night? CAN this song create a dramatic timing? The song choices in the first video didn’t fit the event at all. You could see everyone getting ready, you can see anticipation in their faces… YET the music made it seem like “Benny Hill Attends a Rave.” Sure, some things fit well, but not enough to get over that ICK feeling.

You might not be able to explain it… but you can SENSE the music is wrong. Remember, if your gut says DON’T PICK THIS SONG, don’t even argue it.

*Dance floor is completely different since I doubt LOW or AYER would create ANY emotion except BOOTY MUSIC TIME!

Timing is KEY! The first video has NO timing at all, whereas the second video has the song choices timed in carefully! Each clip is timed to the beat of the music. While this isn’t possible in real life… you should get the point.

Attention to details. The first video has NO fades.. just a sudden stop for the music. I hope every DJ here at least fades (if not beatmix)… but some DJs (uncles with an iPod, lol) don’t. The reason I bring this up is not to talk about fading, but how such a small detail as moving a fader two inches will impact the emotion of the night.

Now with this in mind… how do YOU create emotion? How do YOU envoke the mood? No one ever cries because the DJ just made a nasty comment during a garter removal but then smiles because the cake matched the wedding colors. The cake, food, decorations, and everything else are important…. but they are TOOLS for the entertainer to use to create that emotion.

Now think about your introductions and announcements. Are they the same every time? If so, it’s not always bad… as long as you can put a twist on the outcome to create that emotion. Many of my clients watch my videos and want something done just like it was performed in the video. This can put me in a routine… which is why I try to pay attention to the SMALL DETAILS to really enhance the night.

When the first dance begins, or the father and daughter dance is in place, do people cry with emotion? Are cameras out and flashing? Is everyone’s focus on the B&G or the bride and her father? Whether or not you utilize the love story, custom introductions, improvisational techniques, lighting, video, custom soundtracks, etc…. you CREATE this emotion. You fabricated this call and response with the audience!

You are the entertainer. You are changing peoples lives on this day. You are creating memories that will last BEYOND a lifetime (since photos and video are forever). You are the reason people will know when to laugh, cry, clap their hands, and dance.

When these emotions don’t flourish how you want envisioned it in your mind, do you think: “I could’ve done this better?”

So. Do YOU get what you do?

(Think about this before your next gig and tell me how nervous you get, lol… with this post, I’m not saying I’m perfect…. these are just reflections I have based on what I learn)

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Adrianna and David Scott wanted something really unique. I loved how they went to two extremes without clashing. They chose the Kapok Pavillion located in Clearwater, Florida. It is the most beautiful venue I’ve stepped foot on. They also chose a GREAT selection of music.

For the ceremony, we did a “soft Metallica-esque version” of Canon in D for the bridesmaids. The candlelight ceremony was adorned with a string quartet version of Enter Sandman.

The video is a MUST watch, especially for the introduction. We used the balcony and stairs to create a one-of-a-kind intro.

It was a fun crowd and my wife and I really enjoyed it! Photos were taken by KC Enterprises (PolkPhoto.com)

I’ll post some photos as soon as they get them ready. We’re all under the same company, so it was a relief for Mr. and Mrs. Scott to have 2 vendors that always work with each other.

Intros and announcements were kept short and sweet, but with lots of enthusiasm!

Check out lots of photos and a GREAT video after the break!

I took photos from my iPhone after our photographer left. I will post her photos up later this evening.

And the video!!!

Need a DJ? Want to contact me? Click here

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There’s no other way to describe this wedding besides unique, fun, and PACKED!!!

Haley and Jonah Brock wanted something classy, yet out of the ordinary… something that would appeal to everyone, yet blow people right out of their seats.

They did this with three simple things:

1) A beautiful ballroom.. courtesy of the Red Rose Inn. www.redroseinnandsuites.com

Noelle and her staff did an amazing job attending to 300+ people there.

2) The world’s coolest cake… created by Sweet Cakes LLC. http://www.sweetcakesllc.com

Andrea really outdid herself with the groom’s cake… it’s a deer head. Check out the video… it looks JUST LIKE A REAL DEER HEAD! The fun came to figuring out how to cut it. They cut the head off and left it on Jonah’s place in the table. He had a great time “skinning” it.

3) An interactive DJ.. did you expect anyone else? www.MyDreamReception.com

What can I say? We’re good like that, haha.

They opted for custom intros and had some very funny anecdotes. They also asked for karaoke. This is one of the few crowds were karaoke blended in very well; Haley and Jonah sang as well, so it kept the spotlight on them. Her father sang My Girl to her, and created a warm touch as guests sang along.

Uplighting was a very wise choice for Haley (seen on the stage) as well as the starfield on the ceiling. Coupled with the custom monogram they really created a fun, yet classy look.

As far as my table… we had no room but to set up BEHIND the head table. They had so many guests I couldn’t set up anywhere else. Luckily, the BOSE sound system blended in very nicely on either corner of the stage while my table disappeared into the background. I bet you’ll barely see it!

Check out the photos and video in the link right after. Better yet, leave some comments!

Haley’s dancing with her father. You can see part of their beautiful monogram.

It’s hard to see the monogram as Jonah and his mother are dancing above it, but you can see part of the starfield covering the entire ceiling.

Half of the room, most of the guests are seated and eagerly awaiting the evening to unfold.. the rest are mingling out by the bar.

The head table, 4 uplights in alternating pink and white colors bring it to life. My setup is discreetly hidden in the back.

Haley and Jonah make their rounds to each table. You can see how beautiful the Red Rose Inn in Plant City is.

Haley’s father sings My Girl to her.

“Follow De Leader” –  a popular song that is less cheesy than the Conga.

The dance floor is filling up!

“Ayer ay-ayer!”

More dancing!

Yours truly, Haley, Jonah, and my assistant, Kyle.

2nd shot… one of the groomsmen decided to join in the photo!

And of course, a video!

I like to keep tabs on who reads my blog. I’ve noticed that several people needing a Jamaican DJ have landed on my blog. While I am not Jamaican, I do have a Jamaican DJ in our company. We also have DJs, myself included, who know reggae very well.

The great thing about island music, just like Hispanic music, is that it’s very regional. When you interview your DJ, ask him about some reggae songs that fill the floor. While it’s not guaranteed to work at your wedding, at least you’ll know what he/she is talking about.

If the disc jockey/Emcee answers the above question with something like “Sean Paul” and that’s the only artist mentioned, they may not know the genre well enough.

If you asked a DJ experienced in various reggae riddims, like us (shameless plug), then we’d not only tell you, but SHOW you how songs such as Tiny Winey, Ting a Ling, or even Hot Hot Hot (either Arrow or the Dragoneers) will create a great upbeat vibe that everyone can enjoy.

When looking for a DJ experienced in Jamaican music, make sure he has a little bit of everything to please ALL of your friends and loved ones.

And if you’re wondering, my favorite reggae song is Wayne Wonder’s No Letting Go

Check us out, and call us today at 1-877-994-4200

www.apremierentertainment.com

Need a DJ? Want to contact me? Click here

What can I say about this wedding? I was BORN to do these… Stephen is from Puerto Rico and Monique is from Jamaica.

How many guests? 250+!

The wedding started amazingly, with guests dancing during the intro! Everythin was perfect– we went overtime, of course. I got to play some amazing reggae, soca, and calypso hits that I haven’t played in a while, as well as classic goodies and the best merengue and salsa you can imagine!

Some great hits of the night:

Tiney Winey, Dollar Wine, Follow Da Leader, Signal Di Plane, Baile del Beeper, Mississippi Slide, Double Dutch Bus, Fresh (Kool and the Gang), Parliament’s Flashlight.

Some cool things they had: Rum Cake, a Coffee “bar”, and Marble Slab ice cream “buffet”

Unfortunately their cake never showed up, however Publix Supermarket created a beautiful cake last minute!

This was at the Polo Grill in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. I bought a basic lighting backage, uplights, and monogram. The pictures and video do no justice on how big (and bright) the monogram was.

Click the break below to see photos and video!!!

Room with uplighting around.. again, the pics do no justice.

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Setup

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Marble Slab ice cream buffet.

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THE PARTY!!

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Monica (my wife and coordinator), Monique (Bride), Stephen (Groom), and myself.

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Vlog!

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This was a fun wedding… Started at 4:00 and went full speed until 8:00. She was Italian and he was American, so we had some fun mixing different cultures. This was another wedding where everyone had the focus on the bride & groom.

Justin and Maria are wonderful people and their energy is infectious. There’s about 30 pics here, so it might taken a minute to load.

The wedding was at the Crowne Hotel in Tampa, Florida. The staff was great to work with and the hotel itself is gorgeous.

This gig report will be somewhat unique because I am including some odd behind the scenes shots.

Keep in mind, all photos are taken with my trusty iPhone. So yeah.

Click the break below to see photos!!!

The setup.

Part of the room.

BOSE DJ: another angle.

Cocktail Room

Seating arrangement card pickup area. I thought this was unique.

Tables with centerpieces… the wedding had a tropical theme.

Bride and groom glasses. Pretty cool, huh?

Cakes.

Keyboard rack. You’ll see the necessities: cards, bluetooth headset (in case my headphones die), mouthwash, cologne (not seen), deodorant (not seen).

The keyboard’s letters were painted with a luminescent nail polish, so when the LED light hits it, the keys glow.

The Furman Power Conditioner’s lights are used as a headphone hanger.

The headphone bag carries my stuff that I want out of the way. Car keys, backup battery, cell phone, wallet.

Other setup angle.

First Dance.

Dancing…

The train…the good pic was deleted by accident… the entire floor was doing the train!

One of those weddings where everyone is dancing!!

See how many people didn’t dance??

last dance…

Group hug!

Justin and Maria with yours truly.