We couldn’t help but notice that the Google scribble on Tuesday, September 27th was a “Happy 13th Birthday”. We weren’t exactly sure if every September 27th Google posts a different birthday scribble (although it was less a scribble and more a photo), or if there was some specific significance to this birthday (we’ll have to check back next year to be sure). Then is dawned on us… “What if Google is Jewish?” Now that would make sense, as a Bar Mitzvah is observed on the thirteenth birthday.

But then we thought, “Well, maybe Google isn’t Jewish”, in which case it would be awfully silly to be wishing you a happy Bar Mitzvah, so we called a meeting of all of our top management in order to discuss the matter. After several hours of deliberation, it was decided that it was better to wish you a happy Bar Mitzvah and have you tell us you were not Jewish, than say nothing, in which case if it did turn out that you are Jewish, you might have been upset that we didn’t say anything.

Of course, the question was also raised “What if Google is a girl?”, in which case we should be we should be wishing you a happy Bat Mitzvah. Again we assembled our brightest executives, debating if Google were male, female, or perhaps no gender whatsoever (being that you’re essentially a search engine, and we don’t know too many search engines personally). Once again, after long hours of heated discussion, it was decided that you were likely genderless, and the more generic ‘Bar Mitzvah’ might be more appropriate.

At any rate, if you are Jewish, then Mazel Tov to you!  And if you’re not, well,
Happy Birthday Google!

With Love,

The Staff of Cutting Edge Entertainment

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

Hannibal Smith from The A-Team used to say, “I love it when a plan comes together”. I couldn’t agree more. In the past few weeks I’ve hear more mention of this wedding than I think I’ve ever heard in my many years in this business, and the story truly is incredible. It is also miraculous, remarkable, stupendous and fantastic all at the same time. What the event professionals were able to pull off on this day is almost unbelievable, yet, it’s absolutely true.

As the owner of Cutting Edge Entertainment, I’ve gotten a lot of credit for the role the DJ Company played in this incredible story, but the real credit on the part of Cutting Edge needs to go to the DJ himself, Brian, who did exactly as I would have expected him to – succeed by any means and serve the Bride and Groom 110%. This of course involved working in concert with countless wedding professionals to pull off a feat that, without such a team, could never have been accomplished. Again, I’m humbled and grateful for the props, but the real credit – in regard to the part we played – is not mine, but Brian’s. That said, below you will find Brian’s account of the day, followed by an email we received shortly following from Phyllis Jablinowski from Eventricity, whose sincere gratitude and sentiment reflect that of a passionate professional who truly cares. We are lucky to be counted amongst all involved. Good Job all, and best wishes to the Bride and Groom, Pippa and John.

Craig
Director
Cutting Edge Entertainment

There is a theory that bad weather can ruin any good thing. This is usually the thinking of a negative mind and a pessimistic attitude. Sometimes – more often than not, actually- it does not matter how planning is done or how detailed the preparations are…Mother Nature will intercede if she feels the need. However, those who possess the opposite thinking – those who roll with the punches – are the ones who will always smile and always find the silver lining. It’s not the thought that “grass is greener on the other side”, it’s the thought that the “grass was green to begin with”.

This may be the best way to describe the event that took place on September 10, 2011. The Wedding of John to Pippa was designed as an elegant, outdoor affair that overlooked a beautiful field and an even more appealing fountain. However, as I mentioned above, Mother Nature decided to make the grounds a sloppy, slip-n-slide affair. It is a day like this when you realize that crafting and delivering a memorable wedding requires the ultimate “team effort”.

We began our day at the original location; a double-tented, outdoor dreamscape. Once we arrived it was turned into a two-act show; the reception was moved to the New Hope Winery. None of these changes hindered the ability of our bride and groom, nor their guests, from having a boisterous time. The ceremony was highlighted by a blanket of candles, as well as a surprise performance by a close friend. Every year Pippa and her family watch the classic romantic-comedy, Love Actually; Pippa is particularly fond of the wedding sequences where “All You Need Is Love” is performed. We simply, and secretly, recreated the scene to the joy of each guest.

After moving the event to the second venue, which was very quick to prepare a “back-up” wedding, things began to look familiar. Despite the dreary weather and the change of locale, this party only knew one direction to travel…up! From the high-energy introductions to the upbeat feel of the parent dances, I knew everything was going to be all right. It did not take long for the guests to shake off the rain and begin “shakin’ it” on the dance floor.

Thank you, John and Pippa, for keeping the positive vibe and “slip-sliding” along with the flow of the day. It was a pleasure working with you and your families.

I must thank the staff and crew who made the day possible. Everyone knew their role and played it perfectly, regardless of venue changes and schedule alterations.

It truly was a “team effort”, and we make a great team.

Brian
DJ/MC
Cutting Edge Entertainment

The letter we received from Phyllis following the wedding:

Good morning all,

Sorry, I am just resurfacing after two more events on Sunday and a full day yesterday.  What’s the saying-“When it rains it pours”?  We learned the spirit of that literally this weekend.  I need you all to understand how amazing you are.  I am so very proud to be part of such an incredible event team.  Be clear that it is your dedication, professionalism and commitment that in the words of Fiona, mother of the bride while crying, took us and the guests “From dirt to dancing!”.   I must take this moment to again say “THANK YOU!” from the bottom of my heart. It is only because of the confidence that I had in the team at hand that I could make the call that I did this Saturday with complete knowledge that we could pull this off successfully.  It was the right call to make.  This email will be a bit lengthy but, hey that’s the price of having so many professionals involved.

The Scott family had worked tirelessly for a year leading to the momentous occasion of their daughter, Pippa, marrying her true love, John.  The focus was always on family and what they could do to make this happen.   And by the doing I mean doing—THEY planted a vineyard, landscaped a property, painted a house, built a traditional English wedding structure from the trees on the property and even cut the grass up until the day before the wedding.  Work boots and goulashes line the porch as a testament to a hard day’s work .  The entire family was involved in this true labor of love.  Pippa’s aunt, a florist in England, even came and created all of the floral and décor for the day, so that everything was made with love.

Every bride dreams of her unique wedding.  For this couple they just wanted to get married at home and celebrate with family and friends.  The overriding line was always that  “we are simple people really”.  All week they said that they were not scared of a little weather and that people would just kick off their shoes and have a good time.  While I am all for that great spirit of fun and adventure, sometimes Mother Nature has a different view.  The Event Quip team led by Michael Sardanopoli, put up tents in rain and difficult conditions when even basic staking was an issue.  This group of English gentleman farmers was never convinced of the need for a floor and at a point we had to accept that decision, but prepared we were.  Bobby’s Potty was unable to make the trek on the original delivery date because of weather related road closures, but persistently arrived with plywood to build a road so they could drive in and safely prepare the site.  Eventions made sure all power was run with safety and performance as the objective. Party Rental Ltd was flexible with delivery dates so that we could get the product to the site in the best possible condition.   Having taken every possible precaution, tenting the ceremony by the pond as well as the reception site, providing generators to ensure power,  a separate cooks tent, 40 bags of pine bark, tiles for under every table leg, re-timing of deliveries to give the property as much time to dry out as possible, adding a plywood road to allow access for a lovely restroom trailer to provide gracious accommodations while not stressing the septic, having both tent and electrical professionals on hand to take care of any issues that might arise, etc.  All this still was no match for the weather.  At 2:30 the mud began to come up over our shoes and that is when I knew that there was no toughing it out.  The guest experience would have been horrible.  We had already set up everything but who were we kidding.  We had flown through Plans A-D and needed a Plan J (last effort).  I called the New Hope Winery and presented our situation.  After several minutes of discussion Sandra was gracious enough to understand the critical need and offer us refuge in the way of her facility.  Presenting that option began to calm the hysteria that was taking hold of the family.  When the decision was made to move the reception you all shined and to that end you are our heroes!

No one balked, or complained or put up an obstacle.   All of our colleagues and business partners for this event demonstrated professionalism and compassion.  Everyone’s query was the same, “How can I help?”.  The Event Quip, Eventions and Bobby’s Potty on site representatives pitched in and helped to make this move a success even though they were not moving with us.  Thank you!  At 3:00pm we had a plan and action.  This is when I am most proud to be part of the Special Events Industry.

We are blessed to have worked with the incredible Drexelbrook Catering team that was positive and responsive with a “CAN DO” attitude.   Off premise catering is a totally different beast than on premise events, something that is not quite understood unless you’ve been there and this was even more of a bear.  I let Gene Blum know what I was thinking and he, who was dealing with another off premise event that had its own set of weather challenges, said do it and I will meet you there.  Sheila, who was the confident and strong leader of the Drexelbrook team on site was action and efficiency in motion.  Lou is a solution based master who always thinks about the best outcome no matter what effort is required.  Chef Will is the calm, no problem guy who leads his kitchen with the same confidence.  Michael led the staff and exuded the “Drexelbrook Way”.  Hakim was there to say, “What’s next?”.   Gene arrived covered in mud, since he was the unsung hero at another event, not because he had to, rather because he wanted to make sure his team and I were ok.  A true caring professional!  To the entire Drexelbrook Team,  YOU ARE AMAZING!  You represented Drexelbrook with honor and demonstrated your personal integrity as well, BRAVO!

The decision to move had its own set of consequences.  The wedding cake delivery needed to be diverted, the ice delivery had to be re- routed.  All of the linen and floral had to be moved.  China, glass, silver and other rentals that Party Rental Ltd.  delivered with care that morning had to be moved as well.  We now could not accept as many cars at the site due to the fact that they were to be parked in a field, not optimum at this point.  So a call to the 2 hotels to tell guests that transportation would be coming.  Oh, then we had to find that transportation.  The James Hager bus company came to the rescue and provided yellow school buses for all the transportation needs.  This turned out to be an “experience” for all of the British guests that had never seen a school bus.  Our photographer, Scott Lewis just kept shooting and our DJ from Cutting Edge was a real trooper, having to set up for the ceremony, which by the way was still at the house under a tent in the mud and then move on a dime to another location and he was ready to go before the guests arrived. And Dino got a call at 10pm at night from me letting him know that the rental order was now at two locations and had to be picked up early.   Again more evidence of true professionals.  Let me let you know the best part.  Many of the guests thought this is what was planned. The guest experience was fantastic so the family experience was tremendous.  I am in awe of all of you!  This wedding went on time and without as much as a hiccup in the guest experience.

I would be remiss if I did not thank my own team.  Grace under pressure—how incredible!  No drama just a solution based client centered group that puts together an awesome team.  The ability to assess the situation, figure out a plan, have the guts to pull the trigger and execute, all while they don’t see you sweat!  With several events on tap that day, I am thankful to have a team in place that allows me to do what I need to do and be where I need to be.

I thank each and every one of you again from the bottom of my heart and that of the Scott Family.  The guests had a marvelous time and many had no idea that this wasn’t the plan all along.  Feel terrific about your part.  This family didn’t have a wedding, they created a memory and you were a big part of why it will be great.  Who will forget this wedding!!  I can’t wait to do business with you again under more relaxed circumstances.  You Rock!!

Hope you can relax and enjoy the day.

Warmly,

Phyllis

Images courtesy of Scott Lewis Images

Eventricity
Floral Art and Event Design

Drexelbrook Catering

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

On Saturday, August 13 of 2011, a young and excited bride-to-be went with her mother, father, and several other family members and friends to a bridal salon to select a dress for her wedding. Sadly, this bridal shop – in Somers Point, New Jersey – decided that they would not sell a dress to this particular bride… because she is gay. Here is a link to the article about this story which was published on Philly.com.

I’ve wanted to write a blog post about this particular topic for a long time now… all I needed was a spark… and now I have it.

First, I’d like to say that we here at Cutting Edge Entertainment had the pleasure of meeting with this particular couple only a few short weeks ago in regard to providing a DJ for their wedding. As a company – and I speak not just for myself as the owner but for all of my employees – we DJ weddings. We do not care what race, religion, origin or sexual orientation you are. We are happy to DJ your wedding reception and give you a great party. All you need is love.

Also, please note also that I did not call it a ‘commitment ceremony’ or a ‘civil union’, but a wedding. I/we don’t really care what the law says in regard to acceptable terminology, nor do we understand it. A wedding is a wedding, and we do not require a gay couple to forewarn us of their being a gay couple prior to meeting with us. If you want to get married, we want to be your DJ.

As for me personally – as the owner of the company – I understand completely that some folks may not agree with us. Some folks may not want to do business with us because I took this position on this issue, but I am not afraid. And should there be people who do not want to do business with our DJ Company because we feel this way, I feel sorry for them, because just as there is nothing wrong with being gay, there is nothing wrong with our DJ services. We actually happen to be quite good, both as DJs and as people.

Perhaps forty years ago this same thing might have happened to a white bride marrying a black groom, or a Protestant marrying a Catholic ten years before that, but this is the 21st Century, and let it be known to all, Cutting Edge Entertainment does not and will not discriminate against anyone who is in love.

Love is the only requirement there should ever be to get married and have a wedding. No persons should be ostracized for wanting to celebrate their love.

Again, in the immortal words of the late John Lennon, “All you need is love”.

Craig
Director
Cutting Edge Entertainment

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

One week ago today (Monday, July 25, 2011) our blog, and website re-vamped in March of 2010, reached 500,000 visits.  This is an achievement that gives me great pride which I felt worthy of mention, but admittedly, I cannot take credit for it’s tremendous success.  There are many contributors – photographers, guest writers, illustrators and industry colleagues (as well as close friends and colleagues)  – who have been friends to our DJ blog and website. Some of you have contributed, some have edited and corrected, some have participated, and some have been helping to spread our articles and blog posts thorough every social media hub available. To all of you – a list that would be far too long to compile – I give my sincerest thanks.

In the week following July 25 of 2011, we have gained yet another 5,000+ views, a remarkable feat in itself for a DJ company limited in every possible way a company could be in gaining traffic.  For the most part, we are a regional DJ company, confined to Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, we are stifled by copyright laws regarding music on our site (a huge obstacle for a DJ company… music, DJ, get it?) as well as copyright laws regarding photos and images.  Yet, we still prevail.

In the two and a half years since the initial launch of the blog (when we really had no idea how to use it), and the year since it’s infusion with our website, our DJ business increased exponentially, meaning, we have more booked dates than at any time in our twenty year history.  I credit this with ‘sharing the wealth’.  Our blog is not just about us and what we do (which would get boring very quickly), but about other event industry professionals and their work, their companies, and their ideas.  It is about music, and about parties, and, or course, about the Disc Jockey.

So, back to my staff, I commend them on their dedication to our blog.  Like everything else the staff of Cutting Edge Entertainment does, we put our all into it 110%, and the same can be said for this blog.  At the end of 2007, our Philadelphia DJ company was smacked down by the same omnipresent recession that many other companies and industries were crippled or destroyed by, yet we weathered the storm.  While print advertising became almost obsolete, the internet – and hence our blog – gave us a new platform to reach customers, show our work, share our principles while providing better customer service – via available information – then we ever dreamed possible.  Our blog became a living, breathing and evolving resource to help customers not only to find us, but to learn what we are all about.

The bonus, or unforeseen advantage that our blog gave us, which we could never have anticipated, was not limited to the information we were  able to share, but included information and knowledge we were able to gain.  By being ‘online’, our DJ staff were able to learn and grow as individuals.  We took in as much or more as we put out, learning new trends, new (and old) music, new ways of doing things and, most significantly, how to be a better DJ – while improving our service to our customer.

Read our DJ blog and decide for yourself.  It’s fairly simple to navigate, as you can simply click on ‘Blog’ on the navigation bar above, or reference the ‘CATEGORIES’ section along the right column to help find information more specific to exactly what it is you are looking for.

As for those companies still struggling simply to be found…  Start a blog.  Remember the voice in Kevin Costner’s head in the film ‘Field of Dreams’; “If you build it, they will come.” And for our little Philadelphia DJ company blog, with over three hundred individual blog posts and half a million hits to date, I think of the credo of a little space toy named Buzz Lightyear… “To infinity and Beyond!!”

Craig Sumsky
Director and DJ
Cutting Edge Entertainment

Illustration by Sean Gallo

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

Many articles have been loaded to this blog that pertain to one particular cast member who has risen above the rest. It is no secret that the cast member who has made the most permanent impact on Cutting Edge Entertainment is our American Idol himself, Justin Guarini. Everyone knows the rough-outline of Justin’s story; he joins the cast of CEE as a just another face wanting to entertain at events, later auditioning for some “unknown” reality TV program and finishes second to another budding superstar, then fades –as most assume- into obscurity. However, it’s never that simple and it’s always more uplifting than assumptions allow.

After the conclusion of his run on American Idol and the subsequent public-thrashing of his movie with fellow alum Kelly Clarkson, Justin stayed true to his goals and continued to work at perfecting his craft. As a host for the TV Guide Network’s coverage of The Oscars, The Grammys and The Emmys, Justin was still in the public eye while keeping his eyes on projects that truly spoke to him. In keeping with that theme Justin returned to one of his first loves, the stage, for a run in several Broadway shows – with a few stops at some local venues, as well, for a role in my favorite show.

Widely known as the show that revived Broadway, at least for a new generation, “Rent” became a staple for the reinvention of the “rock musical”. The Tony-winning musical (1996; Best Musical, Best Book, Best Original Score and Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical) spent over twelve years –and 5,124 performances- at one of Broadway’s most underrated houses, the Nederlander Theater. Known as the only working theater south of 42nd street in New York, the Nederlander was the launching pad –excluding its run at the New York Theater Workshop- for a landmark show that “speaks to Generation X the way that the musical Hair spoke to baby boomers”.

After successfully appearing on Broadway in “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” and in Green Day’s “American Idiot”, Justin tackled a role that not only required the pipes to rule a stage, but also the emotion to portray a powerful, yet tragic character. The role of Roger is one of conflict and pain, but one that reaches for the positive ending even if that conclusion is tough to see. The play follows Roger and his friends (Mark, the filmmaker; Mimi, the exotic dancer and Roger’s new love interest ; Tom, a philosopher anarchist; Angel, the drag queen percussionist with a heart of gold; Maureen, the performance artist and Mark’s ex-girlfriend; Joanne, the lawyer and Maureen’s current girlfriend; and Benny, Mark and Roger’s landlord, ex-roommate and hypocrite) as they struggle to survive in New York’s East Village while dealing with love, drugs, the onset of the AIDS epidemic and the relationships that develop between them.

Being a self-professed “Rent-head” –no, I have not slept outside for tickets in NY or have followed the actors around, but I do know the lyrics to every song and get choked up, every time, during Tom’s reprisal of “I’ll Cover You” during the funeral scene- I struggled to wrap my head around the thought of someone I knew playing the role of one of my favorite stage characters. It was not difficult to imagine Justin playing the role, but this would be the fourth different Roger in my fourth different viewing of the show. His true “star-power” was showcased throughout the performance as he transitioned from a soul lost within his own world and to the wide-eyed dreamer who rediscovers his art and his heart within a new love.

Attending a show within a smaller setting -the Surflight Theater in Beach Haven, NJ – is unlike seeing a performance in New York or downtown Philadelphia, bringing a fresh perspective on the stage itself. This permits an intimacy that is not provided during a large theater setting. The ability to get closer to the actors makes the emotion easier to grasp and allows you to enter the experience and not just watch it. It was a great experience, especially for a first timer –Alicja, who attended the show with me had not seen it previously. Despite the afternoon performance –on a dreary day, no less- and the minimal crowd, which was alluded to during “Maureen’s Performance”, the cast did not falter and presented the show as it was meant to be.

Thank you to the cast and crew for a marvelous performance.

Congratulations, Justin, on making Roger your own. Jonathan Larson would be proud. I know your family at Cutting Edge is.

No Day but Today…

~Brian

More on Justin Guarini and Cutting Edge Entertainment

www.JustinGuarini.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

Last Sunday night, I was transported back to the time when the Y2K bug plagued the minds of many and the iPad was something you would expect to find in a science fiction movie; I attended the NKOTBSB (for all of you who never fully embraced your teeny-bopper selves: New Kids on the Block combined with the Backstreet Boys) concert at the IZOD Center.

After I got over my initial shock that Nick Carter was no longer eighteen and that some of the New Kids even seemed to have grey hair, I found myself enjoying, and singing along to, each and every verse of this snippet from my childhood. Before I continue, I should add that I really only offered backup vocals for the Backstreet Boys. The New Kids released their last major single right around my sixth birthday, so I am not too familiar with their music.

I especially enjoyed “Larger Than Life,” and “I Want It That Way.” The Backstreet Boys released both of these songs on their seminal 1999 album, Millennium. I remember listening to them on repeat, on my Walkman of course, while at Camp Timber Tops. Hearing these songs again brought back many great memories from an incredibly fun summer. It’s amazing how we can associate so many seemingly forgotten moments with a song! I would love to know what songs you connect to events in your life.

While the concert was definitely one of the best that I have been to in a long time, my favorite moment of the night took place before the opening act took the stage. My dad, who has gone out of his way to connect me with my favorite singers in the past (Cutting Edge alum, Justin Guarini surprised me at my brother’s Bar Mitzvah party), got me into the soundcheck party. The guests of honor? The Backstreet Boys. I not only got a hug from each member but also got a picture with the group.

Thanks to my dad for taking me to the concert and for the opportunity to fulfill my childhood dream of meeting the Backstreet Boys. Also, thanks to Craig for welcoming me back to the CEE blog.

-Sydney



Cutting Edge is happy to welcome back Sydney as a contributor to our blog. Syd hasn’t contributed a post since 2009, as she’s been busy a The University of Pennsylvania… doing schoolwork. Syd’s been part of the Cutting Edge family since she was about fourteen, so it’s great to have her sharing her musical adventures and perspectives with us once again.

-Craig

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

This blog, along with several others by our event brethren, has recently been inundated with articles relating to the “relationship” between an event entertainer and their client. In the grand scheme this is the most important part of planning an event or private reception – an event will not reach its’ potential if the client and entertainer are not on the same page. The priority of the entertainer is to satisfy the needs of the client, as well as push the event to the next level. Once the planning part is complete, the weight lays solely on the entertainer and his/her staff. The one fact that cannot be ignored is that any multi-faceted event requires two skills that are often ignored in a landscape flowing with “individuals”; the skills are simple, they’re called “communication” and “teamwork”.

A few recent entries to this blog have served as inspiration for what follows, beginning with an article by Tony Donato detailing what a client should expect from their DJ:

http://www.cuttingedgedjs.com/blog/2011/05/02/the-philadelphia-dj-what-you-should-expect

That was soon was followed by Craig’s article about the unwavering communication between the client and the DJ:

http://www.cuttingedgedjs.com/blog/2011/05/18/the-dj-and-the-client-in-perfect-harmony

This is the final chapter in a “trilogy of thought” that deals with the process of planning and executing a memorable evening.

The private event entertainment industry is a victim of the “too many cooks in the kitchen syndrome”; simply put, between the MC, DJ, Photographer, Videographer, Caterer, Decorator, Planner, or any other event vendor involved in the project, it can a handful keeping everyone on the same page. Each person working an event has a responsibility to perform at the highest level, but the results are in direct relation to the other variables. A photographer needs to capture specific moments that will be cherished for years after the event, but they cannot freeze that moment properly if the subject of that image is not prepared for it. In order to be sure that each moment has the chance to be perfect, it is the duty of the staff to coordinate in advance. As an entertainer I am aware that we are – typically – one of the final stops during the planning process; however, we may be the most vital part of the event.

Much of the staff at Cutting Edge Entertainment have been involved in event entertainment for over a decade; many of whom have been tasked with every aspect of event entertainment (MC, DJ, Dancer, Salesperson, Manager, Technical and/or Sound Engineer or lighting designer) at some point of their tenure in the industry, myself included. Having been blessed with the opportunity to work on each facet has given me a respect and rounded knowledge of the responsibilities for each team member. It is said that a “team” is only as strong as its weakest link; however, it’s the responsibility of the team itself to know, and therefore capitalize on each others individual strengths. The determining factor of a successful event may hinge on the ability of the team to streamline the requests of the client. Luckily, the staff at Cutting Edge prides itself on not just our customer service, but our team communication. This begins with the camaraderie that develops between each member of the team; this was never more apparent than on March 28, 2011 during our most recent photo shoot.

Team Cutting Edge gathered for an evening that would allow us to expand on our recent marketing explosion – namely, the outbreak of recent posts to the blog; as well as photos and videos on Facebook and YouTube. It was also an opportunity to bring the entire cast and crew together for a night of pizza, laughs and some great photo moments. Each type of event takes a different approach in regards to staffing – e.g.; a wedding will provide both an MC and a DJ (the first to coordinate and lead, the second to provide a constant ear on the audio quality), while a Bar/Bar Mitzvah may provide a MC, DJ, as well as several motivational dancers, a lighting technician and possibly a video simulcast operator – and many of the team members will perform at numerous events, over the course of a season, and never bump into one another. This is my favorite part of working with Cutting Edge; the people and the relationships that begin as strictly business, but turn into lifelong friendships.

The photo shoot itself was an “on-the-fly” production. We had a concept in mind, but the evening was quite organic. Everyone arrived ahead of schedule to begin their allotted tasks; the DJ’s and crew began to construct our biggest setup – including plasma displays and a full overhead light show – while the Dancer staff (cast) began costume changes and photo-appropriate make-up application. I volunteered to take the lead with the construction of the equipment to keep the evening flowing smoothly; it was made easier since our entire staff was in attendance. This was a chance to me to take charge, thereby flexing my directorial ‘muscles’, working a highly efficient and self-motivated team. It is also an opportunity for both staff and director alike to learn and become more accustomed to one another, our abilities and skill sets, thereby strengthening the team even more.

This is also the ideal opportunity for people to see both sides to someone’s personality. Speaking for myself, I tend to straddle the line between business and playful, (I am an entertainer after all). Basically, I will be “all business” one minute and “bouncing off the walls” the next. I believe the balance is necessary to being successful in this industry; we are required to be organized and “business-like” in our approach with clients, yet “fun and animated” during meetings and at the event.

Some would say that you have to be a little crazy to be in this business. I tend to agree with them.

It’s nice to have people around you that fit the same mold.

~Brian

Photo Images Courtesy of Nicole Leigh Photography

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

Guest Post by Saundra Hadley

Disclaimer: This blog post comes from a “place of love” and hope for change.

I’d like to talk about a subject that is talked about quite a bit, but usually behind one another’s back.  It’s time to pull the Band Aid off ….

Wedding planners often refer to DJ’s as being the one vendor that is their “wild card” at weddings. I’ve also heard a DJ or two refer to wedding planners in that their primary responsibility at a reception is to cut the cake.

Both comments are demeaning to our respective professions.

Don’t you think it’s time that we get along?

Of course, there are many planners and DJ’s that love to work with each other. I’ve spent a lot of time talking to planners and DJ’s alike who have shared openly their likes and dislikes when it comes to the other profession.  Here’s my viewpoint:

DJ’s have big personalities. Um, hello?  You’re on the mic and putting yourself out there in front of  (an often inebriated) crowd of people!! Demanding guests that come up to you and ask, “What’s the song that goes like this …..?” Only to follow by attempting to sing something that bares no resemblance to any song on this planet. You have heavy equipment to break in and break out, crazy floor plans that give you a 2’ x 2’ space to setup and you’re lucky if you get a meal.

Wedding planners have big personalities as well. We direct vendors, deal with drunken guests, are on our feet typically 12-16 hours, we’re overly organized and usually are Type A personalities. And this is just the wedding day, not all the pre-planning. Our mutual clients ask us for assistance to help develop the flow of their wedding day (including the reception).

To me, wedding planners and the DJ are somewhat similar in both personality and duties. Without a wedding planner, the DJ often will be the director of the reception. Perhaps THAT is where we bump heads?

What if …. we were to co-exist in a world that would be collaborative, professional, fun and easy so our mutual clients would have the best wedding day possible?

What if … we shared information, watched out for each other, left our egos at the door while shamelessly and with great humility work together to create a mind-boggling event that would make the heavens open up? Okay… I’ve gone too far.  How about an event that is so awesome, we both get referrals from our clients and happy guests?

Wouldn’t our workday go smoother and easier? Now we all have horror stories (on both sides). There are plenty of non-professionals in EVERY vendor category that is completely frustrating for everyone.

What if … from this day forward, Disc Jockeys and wedding planners around the world will take a pledge, to put all those negative experiences behind us and move forward to do better and be better?

The next time you think (both DJ and wedding planner) that you have the toughest job at a wedding. You’re wrong. Caterers and servers have the toughest job. Don’t believe me? Go hang out in the kitchen.

Saundra Hadley
Event Engineer
planning…forever events


Saundra Hadley is a professional event engineer (planner) and owner of planning…forever events in Evansville, Indiana (and the surrounding world) since 2003.  Since first meeting Saundra (through social media, of which she is quite the wizard) and following her on twitter, it’s clear that she not only  loves what she does (creating wonderful weddings and events), but she knows her stuff and she’s darned good at it too. Sometimes she talks about subjects that most people won’t openly discuss, and I’m honored to have her guest post here on our blog with just such a controversial topic. A few years back I also guest posted on Saundra’s blog, which you should check out as well. Saundra is also the official wedding expert for the Fox affiliate (Fox 7) in Evansville.  Quite an impressive lady.  Thanks for sharing this topic with us Saundra!

-Craig

Visit Saundra at  www.planningforever.com
or on twitter at www.twitter.com/planningforever

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

The Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia was the perfect setting for the Radnor High School Senior Prom. The DJ booth was raised up about eight feet above the dance floor upon the platform of a gigantic replica of the Statue of Liberty, it was VERY cool. Five crew members accompanied me to set up a killer scene for Radnor High’s Class of 2011 Prom, and we pulled out all the stops. Sub woofers filled the room with booming bass, with a an overhead light show of intelligent and L.E.D. lighting lit the venue and two plasma TVs broadcast a live feed of everyone dancing… it was definitely a party full of energy! The senior class was really into the whole scene, and their enthusiasm was contagious.

The senior guys performed a choreographed dance for all of the girls and lit the place up. Brian was on multi-media, and not only provided a live video feed, but also snapped pictures throughout the night and put together slide shows that were shown throughout the night. Thanks to Zack, my lighting tech, we were able to accent the lighting with black lights and strobes. It was great to have a true club feel being that I was in an elevated DJ booth and could see the entire crowd of students rocking out the whole night. It reminded me of how fun it is to be a DJ, and brought out my creative side when choosing which songs to mix together. I’d like to thank the entire staff at the Please Touch Museum for accommodating myself and my crew, and the chaperons that planned a seamless evening that every student in attendance will surely remember.

To the Radnor High Class of 2011, I hope you had The Time of Your Life!

DJ Jason

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

I spend a great deal of time on the internet and throughout an average day I’d say I read up to seven or eight blog posts/online articles relating to the event industry in general. Over the course of several years, I’ve come across dozens of blogs authored by folks in the DJ industry from all across the United States, Canada, and even one in New Zealand. From reading their published posts, I’ve been able to evolve our own DJ blog into what I feel is an informative resource, representative of our DJ Company and the diverse types of events at which we perform, for clients who – by nature – are equally diverse. Thus far, it’s been quite successful, as our blog (and website) are not only the most trafficked of any Philadelphia DJ Company, but one of the most highly trafficked in the Philadelphia event industry – period.

Yet the question remained, how could our website be driving so many more visits than other Philadelphia DJ websites and blogs? Just knowing the analytics still left the unanswered question of why, so I figured the best way was to investigate. After some surfing around and looking at the other Philadelphia DJ websites, I found only two that seemed to actually blog on a semi-regular basis, one of which was very focused (certainly more than ours), and was very event-centric, meaning that they stuck to a formula of posting events where they had performed as the DJ. Although it didn’t particularly stimulate my mind, it was positive and upbeat, showing event after event (weddings, proms, bar mitzvahs and the like) and did an excellent job of showcasing their work.

The second blog… not so much. I see them huffing and puffing away, trying to generate traffic, but after reading through at least two dozen of their blog posts, I understood why they were merely spinning their wheels. It was instantly clear that this company was not only very one dimensional, but were sending out an overtly negative message, certainly not conducive to a customer service based business philosophy. They seemed more focused on what they wouldn’t do than what they would do, and – as a consumer myself – that was a huge turnoff.

Whether it be a DJ, or a florist, or a photographer, or a caterer, the service industry revolves around the wants of the client. Nothing else matters. “We will not do that” is not in our vocabulary, nor should it be in that of any business that wants to please their customers. If I were having a wedding, and while interviewing a potential florist I expressed I wanted white roses, I wouldn’t want to be told that they only do red roses, or a caterer who would only do chicken even if I wanted steak.

If the client wants the DJ to make announcements at their wedding, the answer is “yes we will”. If the client asks for the DJ to let their guests sing on the microphone, again, we answer with a resounding “Yes, we would be glad to”. If the client wants us to play a song, no matter what it is, we play it. Some clients want the DJ to play the Hokey Pokey, and some clients don’t. It’s your event, we are merely the facilitators, and this is what makes each event uniquely different.

The word ‘no’, or the phrase ‘we don’t do that’ should be a big red flag. Okay, so there are always exceptions to the rule… we won’t curse on the microphone or DJ in only our underpants, but otherwise, we’re pretty accommodating.

I believe I can easily draw a direct correlation between the words ‘yes we can’, and the traffic to our website. ‘Yes’ is a welcome word, and ‘no we cannot’ or worse yet ‘will not’ are the kinds of phases that a client or customer – myself included – just doesn’t have time for. If I say I want chocolate, and you hand me vanilla… you’re in the wrong business.

-Craig

www.cuttingedgedjs.com