There seems to be a new trend in Philadelphia… band booking agencies selling DJ services.  I think it’s worth mentioning that – for the most part – I’m on pretty good terms with my competition, and by competition I mean both the area’s larger and more prominent Disc Jockey companies, as well as the independent DJ who operates single operation outfits.  Of all of these companies, only one offers an option for a live band or orchestra, and that’s because the owner is in the band.  Otherwise, DJ companies do offer percussionists, an occasional bassist and a keyboard player for cocktail… but DJ companies in Philadelphia don’t sell bands.

We don’t need to.

So why is it then that the larger band booking agencies in Philadelphia are all offering DJ and Disc Jockey services on their websites?

Could it be because they need to?

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love… LOVE live bands, and I’m a DJ.  I have a great appreciation for live music and can clearly see why they have a place at weddings and bar and bat mitzvahs.  The energy created by live musicians is unique and exciting, and has a perception of sophistication and elegance.

So why is it then that these band agencies are scrambling to hire DJ entertainers of their own?

Personally, I don’t think they “need” to.  I think that they might think they need to … which could have to do with a lot of things.  The demand for quality and talented DJs hasn’t diminished in this economy, in fact it  has increased.  In speaking to my competitors, it seems that business is good, and the more reputable DJ companies seem to have weathered the storm of the recession.  Additionally, the DJ has become more and more popular in the past two decades . At a fraction of the cost of a band or orchestra, the DJ would understandably seem like an attractive alternative.

In trying to grasp this, I’ve looked at my own DJ company, as well as a handful of my competitors/colleagues in the Philadelphia area, and I have to give credit where credit is due. The DJ companies in my market, whom I compete with on a regular basis, have better DJs than the band companies.  They work more, doing their own events, they have more experience, a higher skill level and a better understanding of what it is to be a DJ than those that work for band booking agencies. The caliber of a DJ or MC working on his own or for a DJ company is reflected even more clearly in the fact that he or she doesn’t depend on the table scraps of a large band booking agency. Their skill, talent, and ability ensure that their calendar is full.

If you are looking to hire a DJ, we would be more than happy to speak with you  (and as counter-productive as it  might seem for me to say this )  so would a dozen other DJ companies in Philadelphia.  Disc Jockey services specialize in DJ entertainment, it isn’t something secondary that we also sell, it is what we do.

If a client asks me about booking a band or orchestra (which they ask fairly often), I give them a recommendation.   I don’t want to be in the band business, and I don’t need to be.

Craig Sumsky
Director
Cutting Edge Entertainment

DJ Brain Illustration by Sean Gallo – seangallodesigns.wordpress.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

I was just a little girl (around ten years old) when I first “met” Cutting Edge Entertainment at my brother’s Bar Mitzvah, where I was carried into the room by one of the dancers (Pedro). Dancing since the age of three, I would have never thought I would be performing in front of people as a profession. At every party that my family would attend Cutting Edge Entertainment seemed to be the DJ company that everyone we knew was using. As I got older, Craig said to me one day at a party I was invited to, “When you’re older, I’d like you to come work for Cutting Edge”. As a child I never thought I would live up to his expectations, and would certainly never be like the dancers who were at my brother’s Bar Mitzvah.

As I now begin my third year as a Cutting Edge employee, I look back on when I started working here and being taught the ropes by one of the MCs, Shoshana, and  I realized that I could achieve anything I set my mind to, because Cutting Edge is a great place, with an environment that really allowed me to grow as a person.  Working at Cutting Edge I’ve learned so much about myself, and I’ve grown up from the quiet, shy girl I once was.  Before I got this job, I was afraid to stand up in front of a room full of people and talk.  Now, after working here all this time, I no longer have that fear. I even get on the microphone and talk to crowds of people, and I love it!

I learned that having a job that you love is not always about the money, it’s about enjoying what you do. Working for Cutting Edge parties I sometimes forget that it’s a job. I get so into the music and the kids that I feel like I am just hanging out with new friends and the time flies by. Everyone is extremely close and it’s like working with family. We’ve built a relationship as a team and everyone has taken me under their wing as one of their younger (sapling) dancers.

~Ashley

Photo by Kevin York – www.kevinyorkphotography.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

As of June 12, 2010, The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has designated that anyone using a wireless microphone (or similar device) that operates in the 700 MHz Band will have to stop using that device, or face up to $10,000.00 or more in fines and penalties.

For more details check out -  http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/

As of today, June 14, 2010, Cutting Edge Entertainment is 100% compliant with this law. Over the past six months, we have taken twelve wireless microphones out of service, replacing them with brand new microphones which are compliant with the new FCC rules.

One might ask “Why should this concern a client?”, and the answer is fairly simple. The frequencies between 698 and 806 (the 700 MHz Band) are now designated to be used for public safety entities (such as police, fire and emergency services). Naturally, we don’t want to interfere with law enforcement (typically a bad idea), but even more so, we don’t want them interfering with us doing our job at your event.

Imagine the police car cruising by a local venue, and suddenly hearing “And now let’s welcome in our guest of honor” broadcast over his police radio. Not only will the DJ be fined, but the DJ (or band) certainly wouldn’t be allowed to use that microphone for the remainder of the party or event. That’s why a client hiring a DJ or band should be concerned.

At Cutting Edge Entertainment, we own all of our own fully insured and maintained sound systems and DJ rigs. Since we do not subcontract our entertainers, it ensures that we control what equipment is being dispatched to an event, while staying current on the laws governing what we do which allows us to be aware of what changes need to be made, and we make them swiftly and universally.

That’s called staying on the cutting edge.

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

On Saturday, May 22 of 2010 Cutting Edge Entertainment had the opportunity to perform for Nicole’s Bat Mitzvah at The American Helicopter Museum in West Chester, Pennsylvania. With most Bar & Bat Mitzvah clients, we deal with Mom and Dad from the booking stage all the way through planning, but once in a while I get to deal with Grandmothers and Grandfathers, which, for me, is a rare treat. When Lori Paradis (pronounced “paradise”) first contacted me she introduced herself as the grandmother of the Bat Mitzvah girl, and explained that she had been charged with interviewing and choosing the entertainment. Admittedly, I’ve got a soft spot for grandmothers, and have a photo from my own Bar Mitzvah framed at home in my study… It’s a photo with my Grandmother.

Lori’s concerns weren’t unique, they are ones we encounter quite often with clients inquiring about our DJ services. “Can we keep the kids engaged and entertained?” Throughout the process the Paradis family was pretty awesome to work with. Nicole herself was quite the young lady, with her own concerns, much like her Grandmother. Even Dad made a point to make clear that the kids should be the focus, and I assured him that that’s just what we do. At one point Lori even said to me “I entrust you with the success of this event”, and again, I reassured her that everything would be just fine.

The party was a huge success, and not only were the kids engaged and entertained, but the adults were too. It’s just what we do.

Being the MC for the event, and the Director of the company, I assembled an all-star cast of dancers, DJ, and crew. The event was a huge success, but I couldn’t even begin to take full credit for it’s outcome. Not only did my staff rock the house (or in this case, the museum), but we worked alongside Sherron Trio, the Director of the Museum as well as John Serock from John Serock Catering. True professionals, who were invaluable allies in the phenomenal outcome of the Mitzvah.

The party had a club theme, and our guy dancers seconded as bouncers (see photos), checking IDs and a guest list before anyone was admitted into cocktail. Introductions, candle lighting and a hora soon followed, and then it was fun, fun, fun. Games and dancing and fun. It’s what we do every weekend, and while Nicole and her friends were having the time of their life, I glanced over to see an expression on Lori’s face (yes Lori, I caught it) of pure joy. It’s moments like that that are the most rewarding part of my job.

The week following the party I received this email from Lori…

In September of 2009, I was asked to help plan the event celebrating my Granddaughter Nicole Paradis’s Bat Mitzvah. It was an honor to be asked. (If you knew Nicole, you would know why).

As any Bubbie knows, when all is said and done, at the end of the party, the place may not be remembered (although in this case it will be), or the food (although in this case it will also be), but the one part that will be remembered the most and which determines the success of the evening, is the success of the party itself depends on the entertainment.

So, one Saturday evening, I phoned Cutting Edge Entertainment to get information fully expecting to get a message machine. Instead to my huge surprise, Craig Sumsky, the owner of the DJ Company answered the phone, and proceeded to chat for a long time about not only his DJ Company, but life, religion, the world in general and his Bubbie!!

I knew right away that this would not just be a business relationship, and that a person with such compassion, caring, and kindness, along with great salesmanship would handle our party better than anyone else could ever do. I was more than right!!

On May 22, 2010, the BEST Party anyone could ever hope for was led by Cutting Edge Entertainment, with the BEST STAFF you could imagine. They brought joy to a gaggle of kids and adults as well, and they made Nicole feel like a princess for an evening (which she so deserved). Guests sang, danced, laughed, cried (candles!) and at the end of the party left wishing it weren’t over.

My deepest thanks to you Craig and your outstanding staff, Tony, Brittany, Nate, Louis, and the DJs.

With Love and Gratitude,

Lori Paradis

No Lori… Thank YOU. Mazel Tov to Nicole, and the entire Paradis family.

-Craig

Photos courtesy of Alexandra Horvath Photography – http://ahorvathphotog.wordpress.com/

Catering by John Serock – www.serockcatering.com

The American Helicopter Museum

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

When Cutting Edge Entertainment provides a DJ or lighting for an event, we are careful to secure cables or tape down wires, and we only use gaffer’s tape, or “gaf” tape.  Gaffers tape is more expensive than duct tape (about four times the price), but it doesn’t leave the sticky residue that duct tape leaves when it is removed .  Unlike duct tape, which is a non bio-degradable polyethylene, gaffers tape is a cotton cloth pressure sensitive tape, which makes it not only a strong adhesive, but far more Eco-friendly than common duct tape. Gaffers tape adheres strongly, but can be removed cleanly, which ensures not only that it won’t leave a gooey residue on carpet, floors or molding, but it also won’t remove paint from from surfaces.

It’s used on theater, film and television productions as well as live performances and any other kind of stage work. The most common use for gaffer tape is securing cables to the stage floor or other surface, either for safety or to keep them out of view of the audience or camera. Camera assistants use short strips of different colors to lay blocking markers for actors. Gaffers tape is preferred in entertainment circles, as it does not leave a sticky residue when removed, comes in matte black, and is easily torn into thin strips for precise application.

Naturally, a DJ should tape down and secure wires and cables to create a clean looking appearance, as well as to ensure safety (wouldn’t want Aunt Louise tripping over a stray wire now would we?). Using gaf tape is just one of the small and typically unknown details that a client or venue doesn’t see that makes a big difference. Sure it costs more, but doing things the right way often does.

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

On May 15, 2010, I had the privilege of being the DJ for Lauren’s Bat Mitzvah at Keneseth Israel Synagogue in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. This was particularly special for me as I have known the family for many years now, and I’ve seen Lauren grow up through the years. It all started about eight years ago when I was Lauren’s driver to a small summer camp called Indian Valley. Melanie (Lauren’s mom) was pretty nervous at the time about having her little girl starting a camp and being driven by someone she didn’t even know. As the summer went on, Melanie got more comfortable with me, and we began to talk fairly often. Lauren was comfortable with me from the beginning, and she wasn’t shy… she would chat away for the entire van ride. The next summer, Melanie began working at Indian Valley as our nature specialist and that is where our friendship really blossomed. I became friends with the entire family as Lauren and AJ (Lauren’s brother) both attended camp and Anthony (Lauren’s father) started playing softball with our counselor team. I would like to add that Anthony is one of the funniest guys I have ever spoken to. We all became friends and our friendship continued as we worked together for several more years.

When I received a call from Craig to see if I was available for the date, it was a no-brainer that I would be the MC for Lauren’s Bat Mitzvah. It would be my pleasure. The entire family was very laid back with all of their planning as I told them “Cutting Edge” would take care of everything the day of the event. Most parents are very nervous for their first Bar or Bat Mitzvah, but as I tell all of my clients “Let me take care of all the worrying for you.” Lauren’s Bat Mitzvah felt like a camp reunion of sorts, as a few counselors that I worked with, as well as a few campers were there. My disc jockeys Steven “Foltz” and Matt “Dirk” were former campers and friends with the D’Orazios as well. I even got to work with Chad Kramaroff, (the Director of Indian Valley Camp), who did digital photos.

My staff had an amazing time!I It was a pleasure to work with my DJs, and my dancers (Nate, Q, Ashley, Brittany and Elana), as well as an amazing family. We had a great time with the guests who were up dancing and partying with Lauren and her family. The kids followed along with whatever the dancers did and played all of the games with us. Mom and her girlfriends were out on the dance floor for the adult and kids sets. Anthony even danced for one song (if I called him out any more, he might have hurt me). I couldn’t have asked for the party to go any better!

As always, it was great to work with Barnett and Alfie from Hy Paul Studios, whose photos you see here.

I’m looking forward to AJ’s Bar Mitzvah in a few years, which I’m betting it’ll be a hockey theme. More importantly, although Indian Valley is now closed, it will be great to spend with the summers with them again at Camp America Day Camp where we will be working together again.

Mazel Tov Lauren!!

Marc Mednick

Photos courtesy of Hy Paul Studios – www.hypaul.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com