In the last two months more than a dozen people have asked me about Brianna Taylor, a former Cutting Edge employee who appeared on the most recent installment of Mtv’s ‘Real World.’  The answer is yes, she did work here for about two years before and after her stint on American Idol.  Unfortunately she didn’t get as far as our first Cutting Edge American Idol contestant Justin Guarini (another former employee), but she certainly has the voice and the talent. 

Another former employee (and the greatest choreographer I have ever known), Mike Gamble, is currently in the heat of competition on NBC’s ‘American Gladiator.’  So far, Mike seems to have things very much under control… as he typically does.  Since I know Mike personally I am confident that he has more than a good chance of winning, but my gut also tells me that the show - and the outcome - are already taped and simply waiting to be aired.

Naturally, having semi-famous former employees is nothing new at Cutting Edge Entertainment.  Our first foray into pop stardom was with Angela Trimbur, who was one of the original competitors in the Mtv show ‘Popstars (2),’ as well as on the Mtv show ‘Road Rules.’  Also, Monica Devlin - who still does work for us from time to time - was a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader for four years, serving as captain of the squad when they went to the Superbowl and also cheering in Hawaii at the Pro Bowl.

One of my most recent discoveries has been that former dancer Lyndsay Chauveau is working at the Lincoln Center in New York City for none other than Wynton Marsalis, one of my all-time favorite Jazz artists.  Lyndsay has promised that I can meet Mr. Marsalis in the fall if I make the trek to N.Y.C., so I look forward to taking in some cool jazz in the near future.

Lastly, and I think one of the most interesting and unique ’semi-celebs’ from Cutting Edge, is Katie Sah, known on YouTube as ‘katiesopinion.’  Katie is what some might call an e-celebrity, with over 15,000 subscribers to her videos on YouTube and over a million video views. 

Is Cutting Edge Entertainment a star-maker? Hardly.  It’s a simple formula… hire talented people and they inevitably do remarkable things. 

-Craig

After the event, I drove down the street to the gas station and filled my tank for $4.20 a gallon.  Let’s just say that didn’t leave me feeling very green.

Several weeks have past since attending that event - needless to say I have been doing lots of thinking - and after taking a closer look at my own company, I see lots of ways in which we are already going green…

Music- Slowly but surely (inevitably) we are moving from CD to all MP3.  Certainly CDs may continue to provide backup in case a hard-drive goes down, but less CDs still means less fuel, less space as well as less plastic & paper. 

Lighting - L.E.D. Technology (although more expensive) uses less energy, as a matter of fact in most cases a small fraction of the energy and more light.  The days of elaborate lighting rigs needing a generator for additional power will soon be a thing of the past, which avoids additional costs for generator rental and gasoline. 

Paper - I’m proud to say that 85% of our packages, proposals,  literature, contracts and just about every other correspondance that was once done on paper is now done through email. 

So what’s next?

Well, how about those party giveaways like leis, marracas, sunglasses, hats and inflatables (all plastic and rubber petroleum based products) which now have increased shipping fees due to current fuel prices.  Do we really need them?  I sure don’t, and I’m not even sure if they are essential to a party!  All of our Bar/Bat Mitzvah packages include them and I’d be happier than a pig in… well, let’s just say I would be more than willing to exclude the giveaways upon request for a fairly significant discount.

If you are interested in finding out how to “get more green” at your next event feel free to contact us at Cutting Edge Entertainment or one of the following people who were amongst the many  wedding professionals in attendance.

Karen Pecora (Wedding planner) -  http://karenpecora.com/

Mark Kingsdorf (Wedding Planner) - http://www.qohweddings.com/index.shtml

Vedika Webb (Pastry Chef) - http://www.lotuscakestudio.com/

Tim Sudall (Videographer) - http://www.videoone.tv/

Always remember the immortal words of Kermit… “It’s not easy bein’ green”

-Craig

All I can say is wow… World Cafe Live… yeah, the same World Cafe Live that houses WXPN and has all kinds of live performances… just wow.  I honestly never expected the facility to be so, (resisting the temptation to use more ellipses here), so cool.  Yep, cool, that’s about the best word to describe it.  I’m sure I could say unique (which it definitely was) or exciting or use a plethora of other words to describe it but cool just sums it all up. 

We met with Gretchen McHale (Director of Event Sales) and I was truly blown away by the uniqueness of the facility.  In sixteen years as the director of an entertainment company I have never (honestly) seen something so darned… cool.  Often times clients ask me to recommend someplace ‘different.’  Well, look no more.  Gretchen was kind enough to send a few photos for me to use here, but you really need to see this place for yourself.  It screams cool.  It is big, but not too big, hip, and if you haven’t seen it before it is definitely worth the trip.  Before you plan your wedding, Bar or Bat Mitzvah or other formal event (holiday parties hint hint) give Gretchen a call. 

Here is a link to World Cafe Live’s private events page on their website.

http://worldcafelive.com/book.html

As a final note I would just like to thank Gretchen for meeting with us.  Gretchen knows her stuff, and is an excellent fit for World Cafe Live.  It was really awesome to find that the person in charge of event sales could go head to head with me talking about bands and music… the DJ in me was quite impressed.  The whole presentation at W.C.L. was very impressive, and I look forward to going there again soon.

- Craig

Q: How long have you been in business?

A: Cutting Edge Entertainment has been in business for sixteen years.

Q: Are we allowed to submit a music list of some type?

A: We encourage it. 

Q: What is the attire suitable for your wedding DJs?

A: Tuxedo, unless otherwise specified.

Q: How vast is your music collection?

A: Interesting question.  Our music library was vast and our music knowledge was quite broad before the Internet.  With the Internet it it limitless.

Q: How many functions have you performed at?

A: Personally, I used to do anywhere from eighty to a hundred events a year (from 1988 to 2001) but now only work select events where I am requested.  My staff works quite a bit more each doing seventy five or more events per year. 

Q: Do you require a deposit?  How much?

A: Yes we require a deposit to hold a date.  How much depends on the entertainment package, but is typically 1/3 of the total price.

Q: Do you accept major credit cards for payment?

A: Yes.  We accept MasterCard, Visa and American Express.

Q: Is there someone to replace you in case of sickness?

A: Absolutely. 

Q: Does the entertainer require a meal?

A: We do not require our clients to feed us… but we are grateful when we are fed.

Q: Do you offer a free consult prior to the function?

A: We encourage it.  We like to meet with our clients at our office prior to the event to go over the agenda and all of the event details.  Some DJs seem to think a phone call the week of the event is sufficient… not us.

Q: Do you have a video?

A: Yes.  We welcome clients to come meet with us prior to booking.  Let us show you video footage and tell you all about our services.

Naturally, there are some crossover music genres that are closely related to Funk - like Soul and Disco, and others that either inspired or were inspired by Funk like Jazz or Hip Hop - but Funk has a recognizable uniqueness all to itself (like the horn hit ten seconds into ‘Shining Star’ by Earth, Wind, and Fire).  Disco and Funk both reached their height of popularity in the 1970’s, but Funk had its beginnings in the 1960’s and kept strong in the 1980’s with artists like Skyy, The Dazz Band and Junior.

Part of what I think has gotten me so ‘funkdified’ as of late is that it takes me back to the parties where I used to actually ‘DJ’  (prior to having greater responsibilities managing entire events).  I miss those parties.

In my ‘Funk’ I was looking over my July 2008 schedule and I saw that I had three out of four weekends open, and had not yet made any vacation plans. 

 So… anyone wanna throw a Funk party in July? 

 -Craig

Cutting Edge Entertainment recently had the honor of being chosen to create the music program and set the mood for a night in Epic France.

On Friday evening, April 18 of 2008, Cairnwood was in all its glory, reminiscent of the delightful parties of Jay Gatsby. Built by John Pitcairn in 1895, Cairnwood sits high on a hill in Bryn Athyn, majestically overlooking Huntingdon Valley. The home itself is a breathtaking French chateau built in the Beaux-Arts style and is truly a shining example of the Gilded Age in which it was built.

Cairnwood invited their honored guests to see the home featured in all its
lavish splendor. The gala was intended to raise money for the facility and I must say, the event was a complete success. The house was aglow in soft pink light with the sounds of music rolling down the lawn as the cocktails flowed and the air was filled with chatter and laughter. There were mimes and caricaturists, French poodles, a living fountain and even Marie Antoinette!

Due to generous donations, Cairnwood will now be able to add/enhance several details true to its original design and make repairs to the front gate on Huntingdon Pike.  One of the most exciting changes will be a historic restoration of elements of the original Olmsted and Eliot landscape design.

The four chair people responsible for the evening’s success were Cairnwood’s Director Evelyn Stephens, marketing manager Shannon Walko, and board members Jennifer Pronesti and Missy Pendelton (who was a great help in designing the music program).

The French-themed cuisine presented by Cairnwood’s preferred partner caterers was out of this world. The Beef Bourguignon from Jimmy Duffy & Sons was mouth watering and the Pate DePoulet prepared by Jeffrey Miller Catering was smooth and tasty. My personal favorite that evening was the Bouride, a northern French fish stew with garlic, onions and cream presented by Culinary Concepts (my mouth still waters just thinking about it). Some of the other preferred caterers were Peachtree & Ward Catering, Robert Fair Caterers, and Max Hansen.  And just when you thought it couldn’t get any more mouth watering, there were delicious pastries provided by Bredenbeck’s bakery to top it all off.

Glorious floral arrangements set the decor and tone throught the home, and the decorative lighting design by Eventions was dramatic, and helped to highlight the very grandeur that is Cairnwood.

The music we chose was a combination of some more traditional French artists (i.e. Maurice Chavalier and Edith Piaf) as well as some Jazz Standards and Ultralounge to set that chill French mood. Sound was run throughout the house with different music playing in two separate designated zones. As the night progressed the music became livelier with an eventual segue into a live band. Again, special thanks to Missy Pendelton for her invaluable help with the music selection.

Thank you to Evelyn and Shannon for including Cutting Edge in your magical night.

Bonsoir!

In surfing online for more information on the subject of event lighting, I came upon a great demo-video created by Dave Williams at DVideography showing the dramatic impact of decorative lighting. 

Here is part of a short Q&A with Dave Williams regarding the subject. 

Q: What is decorative lighting?

Decorative lighting includes up-lighting, pin-spots, gobos, and intelligent lights.

Q: How will decorative lighting enhance my affair?

Decorative lighting highlights or enhances anything you would want to draw attention to at your event. Without decorative lighting, many of the event’s details are lost. Decorative lighting adds depth, enhances colors, and helps the decorations and architecture ‘pop’.

Q: Will it work with any color scheme? (a commonly asked question)

On traditional lights, various gels are used to create moods or to match color schemes. Intelligent lights have the ability to change colors on the fly, either to subtly change moods throughout the evening or to match the music being played.

Q: Why would I want to add decorative lighting to my affair?

The benefits of decorative are obvious the second your guests walk into the event. Lighting brings the room to life and sets the mood for your event. It directs your eyes to the elements that are important; the centerpieces, the cake, the architecture, or any other decorative elements. Lighting gives your guests the ability to see and feel everything you have worked so hard to put together.

Q: Would a photographer or videographer recommend decorative lighting for an event?

Of course. The photographer and videographer have something in common - both need light for their respective crafts. With on-camera lights, both photographers and videographers can only illuminate what is directly in front of them. However, with strategically placed decorative lighting such as uplighting and pinspots, background elements (draping, walls, molding, centerpieces, etc) are visible, adding more depth to the images. Without decorative lighting, photographers and videographers have to use more flash or more video lighting to capture images properly, possibly damaging the look and feel you want.

Q: If I have candles on my centerpieces, is there still a need for pin spots?

This really depends on the type of centerpiece and the look and feel you want. Many centerpieces have elements that cannot be seen with just candle light.

Q: If I have effects lighting, do I still need decorative lighting? What is the difference?

Effects certainly have their place at a party but they cannot replace decorative lighting. Moving gobos and intelligent lighting are used primarily for a special effect while decorative lighting.Please feel free to contact us at Cutting Edge Entertainment for more information about decorative and effects lighting. Please also check out Dave Williams at DVideography. Dave is truly one of the top videographers in the Philadelphia region… Why you ask? Well, mostly because he knows what he’s doing, he does it well, and he’s a nice guy. Check out his website, and particularly his blog (which is outstanding). www.dvideography.com

 Much of the high end production work done in the videos on DVideographys website (lighting & multi-media) was produced by Eventions, one of the foremost lighting and production companies in Philadelphia.  http://www.eventionsproductions.com

Service

 First, you need to determine what you are looking for from a DJ.  If you want someone to sit behind the booth, say nothing, and read a magazine, then maybe the high school kid down the street will be just fine.  But, if you are looking for more, start by building a relationship.  Jump on the internet, find listings for disc jockeys, and start calling.  Let the DJ you talk with know about your event and ask what he or she can do to help you plan your day.  Find out if he or she will get involved with your crowd, make necessary announcements, and work with your caterer and photographer.
 The most important thing to ask about is his or her experience with your type of event.  If you are planning an event like a wedding, school dance, or company party, it is normal to expect a professional DJ to have performed at about twenty similar events and a well established DJ to have performed at perhaps even hundreds. During your phone call, you should be able to quickly tell if the person you are talking with will be willing to work for you. In other words, once you hire him or her, he or she will give you one hundred percent of himself or herself to meet your needs.  He or she will make things happen and assist you to make decisions to ensure that your event is memorable, not just another meal and dance.  
When you find someone who you quickly feel comfortable speaking with and who you believe will meet your needs, you have probably found a good candidate to meet with in person. This face to face meeting will likely be the absolute best way to determine whether or not this particular DJ is worth hiring.

Value

What are you getting for your money?  If you choose to allow Uncle Harold’s best friend to DJ, you will get what you pay for: a giant home stereo, a few records you might actually want played, and a little more than a free jukebox.  With a band, you are likely to hear every song you request, provided the band is familiar with the lyrics. A band also helps to create a great ambiance. However, impressive as they may be, bands will need to take a set break every forty-five minutes. It is also likely that their variety of music will be more limited. 
Before the party, your DJ should make time to help you with song selections, plan your introductions, and decide on the timing of the mini-events of your day. He or she should be able to host your party for you.  Expect a professional DJ to play light dinner music during your cocktail hour and meal, introduce your guests of honor and any formalities, help your caterer and photographer stay on track, and have thousands of songs to choose from for play during the open dancing time.
The best DJs will take requests from the audience and work them into their routine.  However, do not expect the DJ to play every request.  Many requests are simply inappropriate for the mood of the event.  A good DJ is not a jukebox. Instead, he or she will blend requests with songs he or she feels will properly motivate the crowd.  The art of DJing is timing, and this takes experience.  Forcing a DJ to ignore his or her instincts by making him or her play every request will result in an uneven and less fun party. On the other hand, a DJ should try to play as many of your audience requests as possible. Ask about his or her policy on requests during your meeting. Once you have hired a DJ, it is appropriate to give him or her a short list of songs you “must have”, as long as this list does not exceed five or six songs. 
 Often, DJs boast about the number of songs they have.  While variety is great, the fact is that they will only be able to play sixty to seventy songs throughout a four-hour show.  It is far more important that the DJ you hire has the right sixty songs instead of twenty thousand songs your crowd does not want to hear. Feel free to ask a DJ what type of music he or she recommends for your event.  You should feel comfortable with most of his or her selections.

Reliability & Professionalism

 There will be no second chance for your reception to take place. This means that when the high school kid down the street is offered the opportunity to go to the MegaDeath concert, you better hope that he is not a fan or that he is extremely responsible and committed to his job.  But, you cannot only be concerned with the DJ himself or herself.  Make sure that your disc jockey owns his or her equipment and that this equipment is of professional quality. Also, you should never be charged extra for having the DJ bring his or her equipment. 
 Choosing a professional disc jockey company with many DJ teams can provide a sense of security to clients. However, be sure to ask if you will be able to plan your day with the DJ who will be at your event. This will ensure that your show will not be cast off to the highest bidder when something better comes along. Furthermore, ask about the unexpected. Because the unexpected can happen to anyone, it is very important to concern yourself with how a company handles these situations.  If your main disc jockey gets sick or is unable to attend your event, is there a secondary who can take over?  What happens in the case of an equipment failure?  Professional equipment is built to last, but sometimes even the best equipment needs to be repaired.  Does the group have backup equipment or an agreement for loaner equipment?    Ask your disc jockey what he or she will do if found in an unexpected situation. Then ask him or her if this plan is in writing.  A written contract can usually iron out the details.  Experienced professional disc jockeys will be able to provide you with a copy of their standard contract, which should not only discuss back up plans but also should outline their refund policy.  Finally, some clients find that working with mom and pop shops, where the shop owners take on the role of DJ, fosters a more secure client-vendor relationship.
 Spend time checking your potential DJs references. Even check references of other DJs who work for the same company. This is perhaps the only way you will be able to verify that your DJ will follow through on his or her promises and that he or she is a part of a reputable company. Remember, videos can easily be edited to cast a DJ in an extremely positive light. Do not expect to have the opportunity to see a potential DJ at an upcoming reception. Many professional disc jockeys have leaned the hard way that future business is no reason to have strangers crashing someone elses party. After all, would you want your disc jockey to stop concentrating on your affair to advertise himself or herself to a potential client?
 Look carefully at the literature the DJ or company distributes.  Glossy, professional handouts do show a commitment to investing in marketing material. Furthermore, it is likely that these materials were paid for with money earned from jobs.  What image does the DJ or company present in print, on the web, and in person?  Does this image fit with what you are looking for in an entertainer, or does it remind you of a Simpson’s episode run amok?

Fun 

A professional DJ does not mean a boring DJ.  In fact, the most professional entertainers are the most fun and are the best at motivating a crowd.  Just as you would not hire a disc jockey that sits behind the booth and reads magazines, you would not hire a disc jockey who cannot entertain.  Your DJ should be part announcer, music mixer, request taker, comedian, dancer, and actor.  He or she should be someone who will get out on the floor with your guests and teacher them how to do the Electric Slide, rather than just watching them muddle through it.  You need someone who will break the ice with your guests if they cannot do it themselves.
 Make sure your DJ exercises common sense.  Halfway through your elegant banquet, you probably do not want your entertainer to break out the over-sized plastic sunglasses and blow-up guitars, recreating a scene from “Risky Business” on the dance floor.  However, depending on your event, you may very well be looking for just that type of activity.  Let your disc jockey know your expectations, including what you do not want to happen at your affair.
 It is also important to remember that some parties just happen.  The day is great, the music is kickin’ and your guests are ready to have a ball.  Some parties, on the other hand, need more help.  Make sure that your DJ will be willing and able to kick start your party if necessary.

So That’s It…

 In the end, it comes back to this ‘golden rule’: expect to pay for the level of entertainment described. And remember, the only difference between a tightly budgeted wedding that feels like it’s tightly budgeted and a tightly budgeted reception that does not is the professionalism of the DJ and the amount of involvement he or she takes in your day.  Call the shots with your entertainer and make sure that you DJ is willing to turn your dreams into a reality.  Spend some time getting to know your disc jockey. And remember, you’ll pay a little extra for the experienced professionals. Do all of this long before your big day, and you’ll be sure to have a worry-free event.
 Finally, here are some other tips to keep in mind. Team disc jockey services are usually slightly more expensive than a solo DJ since you are getting two people to make sure your party is a success, a Master of Ceremonies, and a disc jockey assistant or junior event coordinator.  You may pay a little more if your entertainment will be traveling over an hour to get to your party. Also “in demand” dates such as over Columbus Day weekend or during the second week in June may cost more. Then again, some services charge a flat rate regardless of date or location.

The Gourmet Vendor Inc. was created in April of 1983. Owner and operator Brad Orenstein began his journey in Hot Dog Cart catering while a student at Drexel University. The business started as a part time operation for extra money. With all his savings from his Bar Mitzvah, after school jobs, and the help of his parents, Brad began his journey into the “World of Wienies” as he describes it. Brad’s mission has always been the same, “We may do many parties and events, but for the client, this is their “one” party or event. We must treat every job as if it were our own”. This is why every client of The Gourmet Vendor, speaks with Brad personally about the affair or event. Brad graduated from Drexel University in 1986 with a dual degree in Accounting and Finance. He worked in accounting for several years; however he finally left the field to pursue The Gourmet Vendor full time. To date he has even earned a Masters Degree. When asked what he does for a living, he says he is a Hot Dog Vendor. Even when his children are asked what daddy does at work, they say, “My dad is a Hot Dog Vendor.” Brad is very happy being a Hot Dog Vendor. 

The Gourmet Vendor Inc.’s first actual catering job came on June 3, 1983. The event was a 70th birthday party and thrown by the man’s children. They told Brad that every year they would take their father to a nice Philadelphia restaurant and at the end of the evening he would say, “I would have been happy with a Hot Dog from a Street Cart.” That is what he had for his 70th birthday, an authentic street pushcart with hot dogs, pretzels and more. 

With each year in business, The Gourmet Vendor Inc. continued to grow with more and more satisfied customers. In early 1997, The Gourmet Vendor Inc. bought out its competitor Street Corner Cuisine. Brad and The Gourmet Vendor are always striving for perfection. This is what makes The Gourmet Vendor Inc. so unique in a crowd. As the years have passed by The Gourmet Vendor has worked with many of the area’s top catering companies. We help add the touch of Philly style foods and fun to their menus. Since we specialize in Cart Catering, many area caterers like to let us handle this part of the party, when a client requests a cart at their affair. We also work with the area’s social and commercial Party Planners and Coordinators. If you have attended an event in Philadelphia which had a cart, there is a good chance it was The Gourmet Vendor. 

Today our goal is simple. We want to provide all of our clients with the best food and service they are accustomed to having at their party or event. Brad Orenstein strives for perfection in his company. “We are a service company.” “Our clients use us because we provide excellent, reliable service, which will never change.” Brad is a workaholic at his trade, and if it was not for the support of his family, he could have never done what he has done, taking The Gourmet Vendor Inc. from an idea to a successful catering company. 

The Gourmet Vendor used to be our neighbor here in Huntingdon Valley, but they moved.  The Chipwiches are greatly missed.  If you are having a kids Record Hop or Sweet 16 style party I highly reccomend Brad’s services.

The Gourmet Vendor - http://www.gourmetvendor.com

Prior to 2001, the parking lot of The Buck had deteriorated into loose gravel and weeds, and the building itself had been left dilapidated by previous owners, its facade was visually untended and its interior was extremely dated (and that’s being nice). My DJ company, Cutting Edge Entertainment, had been performing at events there since the mid nineties, so to our staff was familiar with The Buck before the changes - and after - as it is one of our prime event destinations.

Let’s just say that the Ruhlings brought that property back to life. Not just in the sense of re-doing the entire building (from top to bottom, literally) but also by cleaning up the lot, maximizing parking, and returning grandeur and splendor to a local landmark that was quickly becoming a local eyesore. It was soon apparent that a real commitment was being made to the project and that the new owners (the Ruhlings) were serious about making The Buck a destination to remember.

Do I sound enthusiastic? I should, because I truly feel enthusiastic about it. The look of the property is first class, the professionalism of the staff is second to none, and the clients whom I refer to The Buck tell me that the Banquet sales staff are very helpful, and customer service oriented. You also can’t really find a more convenient and easy to find venue in all of Lower Bucks County.

And to coin a phrase, “Don’t pass The Buck.” In your search for a venue to have your upcoming celebration or event, be sure to check out The Buck Hotel… You’ll be glad you did.

-Craig Sumsky

The Buck Hotel Link http://www.thebuckhotel.com/