In my humble opinion… Madonna.

But opinions are like, well, you know how the saying goes.  Music is so speculative anyhow, so who really comes up with all of the honorific titles is a mystery in itself, so I turned to the mighty Google to find an answer. I searched “Queen of Pop” and found no help there, just more confusion. Wikipedia has a list titled “Honorific nicknames in popular music”, so I thought I would use that as a starting point.  After sorting through the names and titles – some familiar, some realistic, and some just silly – I was able to sort out that according to that article, there are apparently seven ladies that have been crowned Queen; Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Janet Jackson, Christina Agiulera, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue (huh???) and of course, Madonna.

You can’t believe everything you read on the internet, or so I’ve been told, so I decided to ask a few DJ friends of mine the simple question; “Who is the Queen of Pop?”  Most answered the same… Madonna, with a random Katy Perry thrown in there, but hardly a contender by any means.

As it turns out, Madonna will also be performing at the halftime show at Superbowl XLVI (2012), three decades after the release of her debut single ‘Everybody’.  Still relevant enough to rock the Superbowl after thirty years… Quite impressive.

As for the others Wiki mentioned, here are my irrelevant thoughts.  Love Britney, but not quite Queen material.  Janet, Christina and Mariah, ummm, not.  Gaga is too new, and Kylie – although talented – is really about as relevant as Debbie Gibson.  I was sort of surprised not to see either Diana Ross or Donna Summer on the Wiki list at all.  Summer would have been my choice for Queen of Disco at the very least, with far more hits than the named Gloria Gaynor, and Diana Ross simply reigns supreme – pun totally intended.

Looking at Madonna overall, taking into consideration her longevity, perpetual self-reinvention, and fifty plus Billboard Top 40 hits, her relevance – at least right now – looks fairly significant. One might even argue that Madonna’s cultural impact opened the door for female pop artists to follow.

So this DJ, Musicologist and music aficionado would crown Madonna as the reigning Queen of Pop.

Who would you choose?

-Craig

Pop Crown Illustration by Sean Gallo

Musicology

On a snowy October 29th, the staff of Cutting Edge Entertainment and I took off to KatManDu in Trenton, NJ, with one goal in mind, “Rock Out Morgan’s Bat Mitzvah”. Just like when we do weddings, we meet all of our mitzvah clients a few weeks prior to the party. We go over all the different party details as well as hang out and get to know each other. During this meeting, I sat with Morgan and her family and we went over the timeline, music, games, dances, and all the requests for the party. Being able to know all this information before the party made my job a piece of cake. The Bat Mitzvah was an amazing time; both the kids and adults crowded the dance floor once they finished eating, and danced until the night was over.

When I met with the family about their daughter Morgan’s Bat Mitzvah, I began anticipating DJing once again at KatManDu. Being a full time professional DJ, I have worked many Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, corporate events, proms, sweet sixteens, and even bars and nightclubs in the area. One place I worked at for many years was KatManDu and had an unforgettable experience working there. As I mentioned in previous blog posts, I really pride myself on being able to DJ many different types of parties. No matter the event I feel confident with my hard work and music knowledge I can make the party fun and memorable.

The staff at KatManDu did a great job, as I knew they would from my past experience. It is a great place to have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or sweet sixteen, and I look forward to being back there again soon. I also worked with the crew from Hy Paul Studios. It was about seventeen years ago when Alfie, Barnett, and others from their staff were shooting my Bar Mitzvah. I thank them for letting me feature some pictures from the affair and can’t wait to work another party with them. Lastly I am very grateful that Morgan’s family let me be apart of her Bat Mitzvah day. I had a lot of fun working and getting to know their family, especially Mom-Mom (who is an incredible dancer).

From the entire staff of Cutting Edge Entertainment, Congratulations to Morgan and the entire family!!

-Richie

Images courtesy of Hy Paul Studios

KatManDu

Cutting Edge Entertainment
Bar and Bat Mitzvah
MC, DJ and Dancers
Philadelphia

I just finished this book about about a week ago, and as far as a ‘review’ goes, there isn’t much I can say that hasn’t been said by other reviewers, particularly Adam Bradley, Author and Review Contributor for Barnes and Noble, which you can check out here on www.barnesandnoble.com.

One part in particular of Mr. Bradley’s review was this;

What distinguishes it [Belafonte's autobiography] — and elevates it to excellence — is the quality of experience that the book chronicles. Belafonte’s Brush with Death isn’t an overdose in a suite at the Chateau Marmont, it’s a high-speed escape with Sidney Poitier from the Ku Klux Klan to deliver a suitcase filled with tens of thousands of dollars to support civil rights activists in Mississippi. His Big Break isn’t a record label intern discovering his demo at the bottom of a box of unsolicited tapes, it’s walking onstage for his first gig to find that his backup band consists of jazz immortals Max Roach, Al Haig, Tommy Potter, and Charlie Parker. His Happily Ever After isn’t a series of Billboard and box office hits, famous paramours, and big paychecks (though he enjoys all of these in abundance), it’s a lifelong commitment to the cause of civil rights, both at home and abroad.

Although the rest of Bradley’s review is brilliant, on point and worth reading, I believe the above paragraph summed it all up quite well.  I typically devour biographies and autobiographies on music artists, particularly ones I enjoy, but with Belafonte’s book I was given an unexpected lesson in history, activism, and the civil rights movement.

Mr. Belafonte, if you’re reading this (pardon my delusions of grandeur), I thank you.  I thank you not just for this phenomenal autobiography that opened my eyes while making me think, but I thank you for everything you have done to stomp out oppression.  You are not just an icon, but a leader.  As a youth, I knew who you were, and I have known your music for a long time.  Although I never knew all of the great things you did, I am not surprised that you did them.  Even as a kid, I knew you were important somehow, just didn’t know why.

As a white kid growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, my earliest memory of a ‘black’ experience was asking my mother to go to a mall, and her responding “Are you crazy? It’s Black Friday!”  I may have been eight or nine years old at the time, but for years I believed that meant white people were not allowed to go shopping on Black Friday.  With that skewed perception of the world, I also believed Harry Belafonte was the black leader, King of all black people (I had no idea that he was a singer until years later, only that he seemed regal on television).

And then I grew up.

What I learned from this memoir, and this experience, is that Mr, Belafonte a leader and a king amongst all men. He held counsel with leaders like Bobby and John Kennedy and was their direct line to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with whom he was a close friend. He was there at the March on Washington and did all he could to abolish apartheid in South Africa. His message of non-violence, activism, looking at the world differently (what can be vs. what is) and making a difference is not lost on this reader, and I am grateful for all he has done.

In his memoir, Belafonte says, “I am not an entertainer that became an activist, I am an activist that became an entertainer”. Brilliant.

But let us not forget the talented, charismatic entertainer that he is/was.  Below is a clip from The Muppet Show, with Mr. Belafonte as guest, which gives a great glimpse into Harry Belafonte as both a singer, a performer, and a world class entertainer. It’s a funny and fun clip.

I do highly recommend this book, but like Adam Bradley’s review says, this is not your run-of-the-mill celebrity tell-all. It’s something much more significant, and the story of a life worth reading about.

-Craig

Elegance, excitement and energy… These are the words that pop into my head when thinking of Nick’s Bar Mitzvah – of which I had the honor of MCing this past September. The family’s backyard in Abington was transformed into a castle of tents and staging by EventQuip, decorated in fall colors throughout. The picnic-style tables were set in a ‘Maine’ theme (as in the State), including lobsters, clams, and even some fishing nets. The decor and theme were so detailed; it felt as if we were on a movie set. After Nick finished his ceremony, for which we provided sound and was also held in the tent structure, the area was cleared so that my staff and I could prepare the space for the party.

Nick and his friends were ushered to another tent for the pre-party, with fun activities like Dance, Dance Revolution, Rockband, Wii games and photo favors. As music played in the background, the kids enjoyed soda from the bar, and elaborate spread of snacks (including sushi!), and fun with their friends. As the main tent was being prepared, the adults enjoyed cocktail in another tent, complete with a custom bar.

Then it was time for the party to really blast off. After a few minutes of dancing, the guests found their seats and I introduced the family, who were all greeted with thundering applause. Nick walked in dressed to the nines, complete with a matching fedora, as the crowd erupted. After a unique candle lighting – designed by Nick himself – the party kicked off and we never looked back. The kids danced all night long, not to be out done by the adults, who rocked long into the early morning hours.

Nick and his friends donned their shades and danced on stage with the dancers, Grandpa sang Sinatra on the microphone, one cousin showed off his break dancing skills, and Nick even took a place alongside our percussionist, Eric, and played the drums to the beat of Cutting Edge Entertainment’s DJ Brian. As the kids filtered out at midnight, some of the little ones could even falling asleep in their seats from partying so hard.

As the party went into overtime (always a good sign of serious party people) the adults stayed on the dance floor and jammed out to some 80′s and classic rock until the wee morning hours. Each and every guest left that night with tired feet and a smile the size of Texas. Thank you to my co-MC Marc and my entire staff for an outstanding performance. Also, special thanks to Jen Angelo, who put the whole shebang together, and Photographer Susan Beard who provided these amazing images.

Mazel Tov and thank you to Nick and his family!

~Tony A.

Images courtesy of Susan Beard Design

Event design by Jennifer Angelo

Tenting by EventQuip

Cutting Edge Entertainment
Bar and Bat Mitzvah
MC, DJ and Dancers
Philadelphia

Cutting Edge Entertainment provided Wedding DJ services more weddings in 2011 than ever before. A big part of that is certainly due to the relationships we have with wedding venues, and one place we have a great partnership with is the Loews Hotel Philadelphia. On October 22nd I once again had another opportunity to DJ an awesome wedding at The Loews Philadelphia.

The wedding couple – Gabi and Dean – found Cutting Edge Entertainment through the staff of the Loews Hotel. I met with them months before their wedding, when they decided on having me as their Wedding DJ. In my opinion, getting to know the couple before the wedding is as important as the wedding itself. Not just to go over music and a timeline with the couple, but also to build a rapport and have the bride and groom be comfortable with me as their Wedding DJ. I feel the better they know me, and the more trust I earn, the better they will be able to relax the day of the wedding and just trust in the DJ.

This was an especially fun wedding to DJ. Gabi, Dean, their family and friends were a crazy (‘crazy’ in a good way), party crowd. In fact, I witnessed my first ever ‘Family Pyramid’ (see the photo below). The crowd was up and dancing to everything from Motown, to Funk, to today’s Top 40 dance music. After my last song of the night I was swarmed by guests chanting “One More Song, One More Song”, and with permission from the staff at the Loews Hotel, I happily complied. I also had the chance to work with Shea from Roggio Wedding Photography. He did an awesome job and his images came out looking outstanding. He is a top notch photographer and I look forward to working with him soon in the future.

Like every wedding blog post I write, I can not finish before thanking the bride and groom. Gabi and Dean you’re an awesome couple and it was confirmed to me by meeting all their friends and family that were there to celebrate.

Congratulations!!

-Richie

Images courtesy of Roggio Weddings

The Loews Philadelphia

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

The phrase “The Sound of Philadelphia” encompasses a body of soulful music that, for the most part, originates in the city of Philadelphia.

The criteria to be classified as the Philadelphia sound (or Philly soul) gets a little foggy at points, but seems to encompass one or more of the following prerequisites;

1) It was written or produced by Thom Bell, or the team of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff (Gamble and Huff), John Whitehead and Gene McFadden (McFadden and Whitehead), or a number of other talented songwriters considered to be part of the Philadelphia International label.

2) It was released on the Philadelphia International Records label,owned by Gamble and Huff.  Although Bell was not a business partner in the label, he was their partner in their Mighty Three Music publishing company.  Bell also guided the sound of the Delfonics for the Philly Groove label, the Stylistics for Avco and a string of hits for the Spinners on Atlantic, taking the Philly sound outside the confines of the Philadelphia International label.

3) It was recorded and/or engineered by Joseph Tarsia and Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia.

Although not limited to these prerequisites, some of what is considered “Philly Soul” may meet some but not all of these criteria, while later records were lumped into this category either because of a similar “Philly” sound, or because the artist happened to hail from Philadelphia (Hall & Oates being the perfect example).  In the end, what is Philly soul is of course speculative, as any music classification is.

Gamble and Huff first approached Ahmet Ertegun at Atlantic Records to distribute the Philadelphia International Records label, only to be turned down and then be picked up by Clive Davis, then at CBS Records.  Much of the actual recording was done at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, and later, artists like David Bowie – seeking to create a more ‘soulful’ sound – would come to Philadelphia to record.  Philadelphia soul reached it’s peak in the early to mid 1970s, and is arguably (see T.S.O.P. below) the forerunner of Disco.

Here are a few tunes from the era of Sigma Sound Studios and The Sound of Philadelphia. Feel free to scroll down and hit play on the player to hear some of the great Philly sound.

“T.S.O.P.” by M.F.S.B. featuring The Three Degrees

M.F.S.B. (Mother, Father, Sister, Brother) was basically the house band at Sigma Sound Studios.  A pool of over thirty talented musicians, they began recording as a named act in 1972, and in 1974, with The Three Degrees singing backup, they released the track T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia), written by Gamble and Huff to be the theme song for the television show Soul Train. T.S.O.P. rose to #1 on the Billboard chart, and some consider it to be the first Disco track to reach #1.

“Me and Mrs. Jones” by Billy Paul

Reaching #1 on the Billboard charts in 1972, Me and Mrs. Jones was a steamy ballad about an extramarital affair, and was to be Billy Paul’s only #1 hit.  Written by Gamble and Huff, it was also Philadelphia International’s first #1 hit, and regardless of it’s taboo topicality, remains a classic (although I don’t recommend you have your DJ play it at your wedding).  Billy Paul was a Philadelphia native, born Paul Williams on December 1, 1934.

“Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)” by The Delfonics

The Grammy-winning Didn’t I is arguably one of the first notable Philly soul records.  Produced by Thom Bell on the Bell label and released in 1970, Didn’t I charted at #3 on the R&B charts, and #10 on the pop charts. Used in Quentin Tarentino’s Jackie Brown as an almost main (recurring) theme, and later re-recorded by the pop group New Kids on the Block, Didn’t I remains a soulful classic, and a shining example of the lasting impact of Philadelphia soul.

“You Are Everything” by The Stylistics

A personal favorite of mine, The Stylistics are the quintessential Philadelphia band.  Hailing from Philadelphia, The Stylistics had a string of hits written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed, all produced by Bell.  Although You Are Everything peaked at #9 on the Billboard charts (You Make Me Feel Brand New charted at #2), it is part of a powerful and soulful body of work, similar to that of The Delfonics, yet somewhat more expansive and evolved.

“Back Stabbers” by The O’Jays

The O’Jays… Ahhh. Back Stabbers, written by Huff, McFadden and Whitehead, released on the Philadelphia International Records label and recorded at Sigma Sound Studios on the album of the same name meets every requirement to be considered the Philly sound.  The O’Jays had a slew of hits, and if a band were to be considered a Disco Pioneer, it would most certainly be The O’Jays.  Charting at #3 in 1972, Back Stabbers is quite representative of the sound that Philadelphia is famous for.

“I’ll Be Around” by The Spinners

Also known as The Detroit Spinners, The Spinners were originally signed to Motown Records where their contribution was somewhat unremarkable. Not until they left Motown, and not until they re-signed with Atlantic and recruited the talented Thom Bell to write and produce were they able to achieve the success of what now comprises their greatest hits. I’ll Be Around attained #1 on the R&B charts for five weeks, and #3 on the pop charts for ten.

“When Will I See You Again” by The Three Degrees

The Three Degrees were signed to the Philadelphia International label in 1973, and the rest is history… well, at least a short history.  In addition to the intermittent backup quips they added to T.S.O.P., they did have their own  #2 hit single in 1974, and it was When Will I See You Again.  Not quite a one-hit-wonder,  The Three Degrees did have a very forgettable #29 hit on their previous label in 1970… but I can’t remember it.  Guess I won’t see it again.  As irrelevant as they may seem beside these other big names, they still managed to be the only group/artist to make our list twice.

“Don’t Leave Me This Way” by Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes

Two words:  Teddy. Pendegrass.  If You Don’t Know Me By Now charted at #3 in 1972, The Love I Lost at #7 in 73, and Wake Up Everybody at #12 in 1975.  Don’t Leave Me This Way by Harold Melvin and his Blue Notes never charted with Teddy Pendegrass on lead vocal, but it did by Thelma Houston in 1977. The long version (eleven minutes and eight seconds), may possibly be one of the most soulfully powerful but undisputed disco-esque examples of the Philadelphia sound.  At :33 seconds, Teddy begins with a stirring hum, then, almost three full minutes later breaking into the lyric and kicking the song into a do-me-right-now-baby gear like only Teddy Pendegrass can… And all to a latin Disco beat.  Man, you gotta love the Seventies.  Oh yeah, listen to this one all the way to the end – it’s a jam.

Coming from a Philadelphian, what makes for the Philadelphia sound is really a lot of things.  My own dad was West Philadelphia born and raised just like Will Smith, and his hit, Summertime, is all about summers in Philadelphia.  Before American Bandstand was American Bandstand, it was Philadelphia Bandstand… And Dick Clark. Philadelphia.  Boys II Men are all Philly, Patti LaBelle, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Toni Basil (Oh Mickey!!!), The Bloodhound Gang, Tuff Crew, The Dead Milkmen, Jim Croce, Lou Rawls (also Philadelphia International Records artist), G-Love and Special Sauce. I already mentioned Will, but gotta give a shout out to DJ Jazzy Jeff. Can I keep going?  Sure can! Todd Rundgren, Eddie Fisher, Chubby Checker, Tammi Terell, Grover Washington, Hall and Oates and of course, The Roots (who totally rock).

Many great ‘sounds’ have come out of Philadelphia… Take it from a DJ who knows. But the mid-seventies “Sound of Philadelphia”  had the ears of America… and of the World.

Craig Sumsky
Director
Cutting Edge Entertainment

Guest post by Kenn Dranoff

Typically the last thing done for your affair, and often times – aside from parental budget imposed upon them – one item of all the things that has to be done that the child has the most control of.  In essence, they get to pick a product and make a design that they like.

If handled correctly, this should be one of the less stressful parts of planning the affair.  I always recommend starting the process about six to eight weeks prior to the affair. This allows time to finalize the design and product, leaving you to just wait for the rsvp’s to come in.  For those clients wanting to start earlier (six months to a year) I would highly suggest waiting, as the childs’ tastes, hobbies ,and interests – all of which go in to the making of the design – often change as they mature from the age of twelve to thirteen.

Try to find a party favor supplier with their own art department versus just one that uses clip art, or, where you are limited to using their pre-selected designs. Kids like their design to look original, or to reflect something about themselves. It’s also important to find a supplier with many years of experience as certain things change. Today for example, girls like to wear their tees cut smaller (but their hoodies oversized) with a  thinner softer material like you would see in Old Navy or American Eagle, whereas just a few years ago everyone was wearing heavier oversized cotton tees. Sweatshirts are very popular, but they must be hoodies or zip hoodies. A crewneck sweatshirt would be a waste of your money. Keep in mind, in the case of a Bat Mitzvah, not to make the design too “girly” or to use feminine colors in the product or the ink colors. The boys may never wear it, and again you would be wasting your money.

As far as giving them out, there are lots of ways, one being to put the favor in a gift bag – available at any dollar store – putting each child/guest’s name on the bag and leaving it on a table for when they leave. This will avoid any chaos when giving out the favors during the affair.  Or, if it is something you might want them to wear at the affair, you could give them out at the beginning of the affair in a similar way.

Remember to carefully proof the final design. Nothing is more embarassing  than having the wrong date or a misspelled word! Just deal with a company that has been around for a while, don’t be afraid to ask questions or to see a sample if you are unsure about anything. The party favor is a fun item so enjoy and Mazel Tov with your affair!

Kenn Dranoff
Mr. D’s Tees
888-343-8337

www.mrdstees.com

We have been using Mr. D’s Tees for well over a decade now.  They are a fantastic company, and not only do they deliver a high quality product, but they own their own screen printers, and don’t ‘send out’ their orders to be done off premises.  Additionally, they stand behind their work.  Highly recommended!!

Craig
Cutting Edge Entertainment

Cutting Edge Entertainment
Bar and Bat Mitzvah
MC, DJ and Dancers
Philadelphia

On November 5th, 2011, I had the opportunity to perform as the DJ/MC at the Bat Mitzvah of one of the coolest girls of all time, Nikki. I first met Nikki and her family over a year ago at our office, where we were able to go over all of the different options for her party. At first Nikki was shy, but over time she opened up and let her awesomeness out. I started off my DJ career working mainly on Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and although it seems like I’ve been doing a lot of weddings, it’s always nice to go back to my DJ roots. One of my favorite parts of doing Mitzvahs is the opportunity to be out there interacting with the crowd. The high energy from my staff of DJ and dancers did a great job of everyone into a party mode.

Nikki and her parents expressed to me before the party that they wanted as much dancing time as possible, including abbreviating the candle lighting. Back in the day when I was becoming a Bar Mitzvah, it was common to have lengthy candle lighting, inviting up family and friends – one at a time – to light the candles on the cake. The down side to having this, is that it would take somewhere around forty minutes to complete this ceremony. There has been a trend over the past few years to shorten the candle lighting to only three candles; one candle would represent the past, the next would be the present, and the final candle is the future. This saved us a lot of time, which we utilized later on the dance floor.

The affair was held at Maggios’ in Southampton, Pennsylvania. We have worked at this venue many times in the past and as always, Bette and the entire staff did a fantastic job. I also am happy to be able to feature the pictures from the party courtesy of J.D. Higgins Art & Photography. My staff also did a great job, and I am very grateful to have such a talented team of DJs and dancers with me.

However, a Bat Mitzvah can not be legendary without a totally awesome Bat Mitzvah girl, and Nikki was all that and more! Her smile was infectious and quickly spread to all her friends and family. We not only had the kids dancing, but Nikki’s mom, dad, big sister, and even big brother got out there and busted out some dance moves. I had an amazing time working with the entire Harvey family. Mazel Tov!!

-Richie

Images courtesy of J.D. Higgins Photography

Maggio’s

Cutting Edge Entertainment
Bar and Bat Mitzvah
MC, DJ and Dancers
Philadelphia

The 2012 year has begun, and, if you’re reading this, so far so good – we’re all still here. As Christmas of 2011 concluded, and the barrage of holiday tunes dissipated, R.E.M.’s It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (and I feel fine) was the tune that took their place playing inside my head.  Whether it be Nostradamus, the ancient Mayans, or some nut jobs like Harold Camping or The Westboro Baptist Church, it seems that every couple of years someone else is predicting the “end of days”… Can you hear me yawning?

As someone suggested to me only days ago; “How do we know the Mayans didn’t just run out of stone to make more calendar?”

Besides being completely overrated, I think this whole “End of the World” thing should be a little more organized, not chaotic and haphazard like the lyrics of the R.E.M. song.  I don’t think it’s too unreasonable of me to ask some specifics, so that I might know when it would be acceptable to stop making mortgage payments.  The word mortgage itself – taken from the Latin meaning “engagement until death” – suggests that perhaps Fannie Mae might be behind the vagueness of it all. Essentially, Armageddon would mean no more bank bail-outs, and we all know ‘they’ can’t let that happen.

But I digress.

Apparently what is “great” is that it all starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes and an aeroplane, not to mention that Lenny Bruce is not afraid (giving much relevance to a comedian, and perhaps the irony of it all).  I mean, of course Lenny Bruce isn’t afraid, he’s been dead since 1966 for Pete’s sake. Being that I personally experienced my first earthquake in 2011, I can tell you there’s really nothing great about them.  As far as the birds, they must be the Alfred Hitchcock variety, and the snakes could be anything from the serpent in the Garden of Eden to the ones on that aeroplane, which wasn’t even invented til long after the decline of the Mayan culture, so really, what does it all mean?

“The future’s uncertain and the end is always near”.
-Jim Morrison, deceased.

It’s fairly clear that our society has some obsessive, if not romantic fascination with the end of the world, and regardless how it would come to pass, I’m afraid we would get no warnings like snakes or birds, it would just happen.  That being said, if this whole Mayan thing doesn’t work out, things will be business as usual.  Instead of concerning ourselves with endings, perhaps it’s best we embrace beginnings, and all that is good in the world.  The sun will still rise, children will still laugh and smile, life is good…

And I feel fine.

Happy 2012

-Craig

October of 2011 was a packed month of weddings, with one of my favorites being the wedding of Leigh Ann and Kurt, with the reception held at the Radisson in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. I first met Leigh Ann a couple months prior to the wedding at our office, and after spending some time getting to know one another, and going over the details of her dream wedding, she decided that Cutting Edge Entertainment was a good fit. Leigh Ann is one of those people who is just so sweet and genuine that I wanted to do everything in my DJ power to give her the best reception possible. A few weeks before the wedding, I met with both Kurt and Leigh Ann, and we had a great time going over all of the details for the party. We spent nearly two hours going over a time line and listening to lots of music to select a perfect grand entrance song. I had a great time and was super psyched to be a part of this celebration.

The day of the wedding had finally arrived and myself and DJ Michael got to the reception site about two hours before the start time. I feel it’s important to get there early to set up, sound check, coordinate with the other event professionals (maitre d’, photographer, party planner, etc), and also give myself a chance to get settled in before guests arrive. This also gave us plenty of time to set up up-lighting, which created a soft purple glow in the room. I provided music for cocktail hour, dinner, and of course, dancing. The crowd was so much fun, and all of the guests – both young and old – made their way out to the dance floor to have a good time. The staff at the Radisson did a superb job, accommodating all of the guests and making sure the flow of the party went smoothly. I also got to work with photographer Chrissy K, along with her assistant Lisa, who did a great job.

A few weeks after the wedding Leigh Ann and Kurt posted the following testimonial on Wedding Wire.

We hired Richie  as our DJ for our wedding and we can’t say enough good things about Richie and Cutting Edge! Richie did an amazing job. He was professional, flexible and was also available to meet to discuss the wedding anytime. Since the wedding so many of our guests have told us how much they loved the DJ. Richie really interacted well with our guests, allowing them to have an amazing time. We would highly recommend Cutting Edge and especially Richie!

Thanks so much for the kind words. Congratulations to you both and I look forward to keeping in touch.

-Richie

Images courtesy of Chrissy K Photography

www.cuttingedgedjs.com