We’ve been in the wedding business since 1992. We love helping to create wonderful and lasting memories at wedding receptions for hundreds of newlywed couples every year. Beyond that, we really don’t have any insight, so we turn to others for their words of wisdom and advice when it comes to the institution we call marriage.  Here are a few fun quotes and sayings about marriage that might be of help long after the wedding cake has been eaten.

“I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.”
~Rita Rudner

“Marriage is an alliance entered into by a man who can’t sleep with the window shut, and a woman who can’t sleep with the window open.”
~George Bernard Shaw

“A long marriage is two people trying to dance a duet and two solos at the same time.”
~Anne Taylor Fleming

“Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight.”
~Phyllis Diller

“Matrimony is a process by which a grocer acquired an account the florist had.”
~Francis Rodman

“A man’s wife has more power over him than the state has.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Home cooking: where many a man thinks his wife is.”
~Author Unknown

“The husband who doesn’t tell his wife everything probably reasons that what she doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”
~Leo J. Burke

“A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.”
~Ruth Bell Graham

“For two people in a marriage to live together day after day is unquestionably the one miracle the Vatican has overlooked.”
~Bill Cosby

“Husbands are like fires. They go out when unattended.”
~Zsa Zsa Gabor

“My wife tells me she doesn’t care what I do when I’m away, as long as I’m not enjoying it.”
~Lee Trevino

“Any married man should forget his mistakes – no use two people remembering the same thing.”
~Duane Dewel

“The surest way to be alone is to get married.”
~Gloria Steinem

“The trouble with some women is that they get all excited about nothing – and then marry him.”
~Cher

“When a man opens the car door for his wife, it’s either a new car or a new wife.”
~Prince Philip

“Marriage is not just spiritual communion; it is also remembering to take out the trash.”
~Joyce Brothers

“The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret.”
~Henny Youngman

“My wife says I never listen to her. At least I think that’s what she said.”
~Author Unknown

Photo courtesy of Ryan Estes Photography – www.ryanestes.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

Before I begin, allow me to apologize for the previous article posted on this blog titled “The Greatest MC of All Time”, or some such nonsense like that (authored by my boss Craig), which many of you had to painfully endure. As someone who actually knows the Hip-Hop industry in its current incarnation, I felt it necessary to respond.

If you were to truly look at the biggest and most revered Rap/Hip-Hop artists of the CURRENT generation, the names you would constantly hear are Jay-Z, Eminem, Kanye West, and the widely misunderstood Lil Wayne. As you can see, the elderly gentleman (by “elderly gentleman” of course, I refer to “MC” Craig) – who made the feeble, yet valiant argument for Rakim – is a little out of touch and unable to connect with the “new school”, or new generation of the hip-hop industry of today. In a world where the biggest names of the genre are beginning to push the age of 40, (like Craig), there has been a void, an evident disconnect between these artists and a younger audience.

Before we can actually get into an educated discussion of things, some framework and foundation should clearly be established, so sit back, as “Hip-Hop 101” is now in session.

First and foremost, the definition of “Hip-Hop” is too inclusive of a term, and should not be used to consider all of the artists who are currently compiled into the genre; however, for lack of a better term I will use it henceforth. For the most part, fans of the real genre would consider most of what is on the radio to be some fusion between pop, house, and rap. Real “Hip-Hop” occurs in waves. These waves reflect whatever sound is “hot” at the moment and are often circuitous. Therefore artists, regardless of their geographic location, must try to reproduce that sound in order to evolve with the changing times. For a while the New York gritty sound monopolized the genre until the industry became overly saturated with it, and the time came to move on to something new (#ontothenextone as real hip-hop heads would say). Texas had its short run as did E-40 and the “bay area” sound. However the next big wave that took over – and the one most prevalent today – is referred to as the “Southern Movement”.

The Southern Movement was something fresh and new, something that everyone – from kids to grandparents – could take part in. No longer was hip-hop about the harsh realities of street life, about being a thug, and about being angry (often referred to as “Gangsta Rap”). The focus shifted more towards dancing, partying, and having a good time.

Coupled with the plummet of record sales, and the leaking of songs prior to their intended release en masse, Hip-Hop began to see a lot more “one hit wonder” type artists. These artists would achieve one, two, sometimes even three popular songs, but lacked longevity and would quickly fade away into obscurity. Some became more household names such as DJ Unk while others such as The Pop It Off Boyz and the G5 Boys were known only by there one contobution to the dance floor. Nevertheless it seemed as though everyone was hitting the drawing boards in an effort to come up with the new gimmick and dance to cash in on this craze.

It was in 2006 that Souljaboy first appeared on the scene, a 16 year old that had written and produced the smash hit “Crank Dat”, with its subsequent dance that swept the nation. Everyone from Regis to Oprah to YOU (yes YOU) felt the craze and the desire to scream out “YUUU”. The song exploded and was even called the electric slide of the new generation. It held no boundary. Regardless of race, age, or economic standpoint, anyone and everyone could be seen on YouTube participating in the dance, often in very unconventional settings. Lawyers were “crankin dat” in the office, the mailmen was “yuuu-ing” while delivering mail, and even an entire second grade class(teacher included) were doing “the souljaboy” in what should have been their instructional time. Yet Souljaboy had no intention of merely becoming the average southern one hit wonder, and seizing the popularity of YouTube, Myspace and other social networking sites, he was the first in the Hip-Hop world to utilize them to connect with his audience. Fans and haters alike could watch him doing his everyday tasks while – through the internet – his following began to grow at alarming rates. Suddenly kids had an artist of their own, someone from their generation that was taking over the industry and was putting it in the crippler crossface. Although he was never a lyrical emcee, each single released had the same success. Presently, there is no song that girls in the Hip-Hop club scene get more excited to hear at a party than ‘Donk’.

As is often the case in the “Hip-Hop world”, once you become too large of a star, others try to diminish your shine. Soulja’s success put the older artists in a state of frustration, confusion, and anger. They asked “Who was this kid that didn’t have to say anything lyrically to gain such a large following?” Everyone from Ice T to Nas has felt his impact. Chants that “Hip-Hop is dead” were repeated in song after song, while Nas even used it as an album title. Ice-T began to post videos on YouTube telling the child prodigy to “eat a d*ck” and that he was the reason for the demise of a once reputable genre. While there were many others who played their role in changing the direction of the hip-hop, artists began pointing fingers at Soulja. They were clearly and visibly upset that they no longer had the same influence and that the sound they brought them their fame, notoriety, and success was the process of transformation. Simply put, older artists were now the ones forced to get back to the drawing boards.

After about two years of struggle trying to find his place in an industry dominated by an older generation who, largely, did not want him to survive, Souljaboy’s track record is what made other’s within the hip-hop community take notice. Whether they liked him or hated him, his music reached and moved the masses. Soon some of the biggest stars within the industry began knocking down his door to be on remixes to his smash hits. Everyone from Lil Wayne to Young Jeezy and everyone in between felt the need to hop on the “Turn My Swag On Movement” and bless the record with a verse of their own. It could be heard on every college campus, at every stepshow, at every party, and was quickly becoming the hip-hop anthem for 2008. “Kiss Me Through The Phone” was in heavy rotation on both the hard hip-hop radio stations and the pop/mainstream radio. The Birdwalk had the children and the adults up and dancing again to another Soulja jam. Hate it or love it he was here to stay.

You see, Hip-Hop is not just a genre of music, it is a culture that transcends barriers of color, creed, and socio-economic status. While there will be many people who disagree with this my views in this blog posting, those who are truly immersed and fluent in the culture and language of Hip-Hop know my statements to be true. Readying for his third studio release, Souljaboy has remained consistently on top of the charts, relevant in both club and radio, and remains one of the biggest artists on the web with millions of visits with each video he posts. Whether you hate to love him or love to hate him Souljaboytellem’ is here to stay and has truly earned the title: Leader of the New School.

Nate “H.B.K.” Jones
Cutting Edge Entertainment’s resident Hip-Hop expert

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

P.S. PRETTY BOY SWAG IS THE HOTTEST UNDERGROUND SONG OUT RIGHT NOW! & ALL THE WAY TURNT UP IS THE HARDEST SONG IN HIP-HOP STREETS

On Sunday, March 7, 2010 Congregation Shir Ami in Bucks County held its annual Bar and Bat Mitzvah Party Fair. The showcase naturally featured vendors that offer services for an array of other types of events (e.g. weddings, sweet sixteens, birthday parties, etc), but I’d have to say that ninety percent of the attendees were shopping for their upcoming Bar and Bat Mitzvahs.  The turnout was very, very good.  Judy Gasses, the showcase chair (and her team), did a phenomenal job (as always) of pulling together the the Party Fair from both the vendor side and the attendee side.  Among the vendors were some old friends of Cutting Edge like Steve Hellinger from Barclay Caterers, Brad from Gourmet Vendor and Ken from Mr. D’s Tees, as well as some new friends we met like Ilene the Calligrapher (and Sid) and Lauren Cohen from Invitations and More.  There were photographers, videographers, and party favors as well as a few formal wear stores and even a caricaturist (did I spell that right?).  So many great professionals and so many old friends, and – at risk of being counter productive – there were even a few other DJ companies as well.  Next year we’re contemplating bribing Judy not to let another DJ in, but somehow I don’t think she’d go for it.

Shoshana, Marc & Tony at the Cutting Edge booth

Shir Ami is like a second home to Cutting Edge Entertainment, as we’ve provided the DJ entertainment for not only both of Judy and Murray Gasses son’s Bar Mitzvahs, but also for Shir Ami’s Director Hillary Leboff and the President of the Congregation, Janis Jacobs as well.  It was a beautiful day, spent with some really great folks, at a well done event.   Thanks to the team at Shir Ami for having us, and we look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Ken from Mr. D’s Tees hard at work at his booth

Craig and old friend, photographer Joel Berkowitz

A surprise guest appearance by Arnie Coopersmith

We’d just like to thank Richie and Cutting Edge Entertainment for a wonderful wedding experience. Our big day wasn’t an easy set-up for a DJ, as our parents had also hired a live Greek band! Nevertheless, Richie did a great job managing the event and the music. When our family wasn’t crowding the floor for Greek line dances, he played all the songs we wanted to hear, blended smoothly with his own stuff. The dance floor never stopped moving! We will definitely recommend him, and we hope to use Cutting Edge again.

Thanks and good luck,

Byron and Christina

Photo courtesy of Little Wing Studio – www.littlewingstudio.com

Cairnwood – www.cairnwood.org

DJ – www.cuttingedgedjs.com

On February 20th, I had the pleasure of being the DJ at Kelsey’s Sweet 16,  at the Washington Crossing Inn in Bucks County.  Although I believe each party I do is special, working for the Klitus family was particularly special because I had done Kelsey’s 13th birthday party three years before! Kids grow up so fast don’t they?

This time around, Foltz was on the scene to help out. When they walked into the room, it was like seeing old friends, and I barely recognized Kelsey because she was all grown up! Needless to say, the party absolutely rocked. After Kelsey shared a dance with her dad, the dance floor was packed all night long. As Foltz and I took turns as DJ, I danced and joked back and forth with Kelsey and her friends, as well as her family. The party flew by way too quickly and no one wanted the party to end. As we said our good-byes, I felt as if I was leaving a family dinner; it was as if I was her goofy older brother for another night. Jokingly (perhaps seriously) they verbally agreed to book the two of us for her graduation party in two years.

This is the atmosphere and comfort that naturally comes when I work for a repeat client. There is a great deal of pride that arises in a DJ, knowing that he has succeeded in providing the ultimate satisfaction for a client. At Cutting Edge, we strive for excellence on every job, and treat every job as being the most important we’ve ever done. The reward is knowing that we left our “edge” in the client’s mind, as they consider future events that they could book us.
When someone calls and requests you again, it means you are a quintessential part of their party; this says something to me that no thank you or smile could ever say. When I am working for a repeat client, I want to go light years beyond expectations. I want to leave them with an even greater feeling of satisfaction than the previous party. I feel that they deserve this since they have given me the opportunity to entertain them more than once.
I have had many repeat clients like the Klitus family in my years at Cutting Edge, and I can never thank them enough for allowing me to be part of their memories. Each one of ya’ll rock! Happy 16th birthday to Kelsey once again, and thank you personally to Dawn and Patrick Klitus for allowing me to party with ya’ll. Let’s do it again sometime!

-Tony A.  (and Steve Foltz)


P.S.  Shortly after Kelsey’s Sweet Sixteen, we got this email from her parents, and nothing makes us happier than hearing feedback like this.  Thank you Dawn, Patrick and of course Kelsey for choosing Cutting Edge Entertainment!

Thank-you! Thank-you! Thank-you ! You guys did an amazing job at our daughter Kelsey’s Sweet Sixteen party . You made her special night pure perfection .It was so wonderful seeing everyone dancing and enjoying themselves all night long. We couldn’t have been happier with our decision to use you again for our DJ . I will definitely consider you for future parties and will recommend you to anyone looking for a fantastic DJ !

Thanks again ,
Dawn & Patrick Klitus

The Washington Crossing Inn – www.washingtoncrossinginn.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

Photos by DJ Tony

Antonio Lucio Vivaldi was born in Venice on March 4, 1678, and was taught by his father to play the violin at an early age. Intending to become a priest, Vivaldi first took holy orders in 1773, but left the priesthood after two years due to a respiratory illness. At twenty seven years of age he was employed as teacher and Maestro di violino (master of violin) at the Conservatory of The Pietà, a Venetian hospice for orphaned girls, where he first began composing music.

Although in a period of economic and military decline, Venice remained a prestigious cultural center, renowned especially for both music and painting. This was a period of enlightenment for Europe, and the time when Venice began to develop its romantic reputation and mystique, in part to the memoirs of Casanova. The city was also experiencing a theatrical renaissance, and is believed to be the prelude for vaudeville, improvisation and even the modern circus. It is believed that Vivaldi frequented the theater often, and it may have been part of his musical influence and inspiration.

It was during these years that Vivaldi wrote much of his music, including many operas and concertos. In 1705, the first collection of his works was published, and his work began to gain appreciation and esteem abroad. At that time in Venice, opera was the most profitable popular musical entertainment, and where Vivaldi first gained his reputation and success as a composer.

He later moved to Mantua, and then Rome, and it was during this period that he composed what is likely his most well known classical work, The Four Seasons, four violin concertos depicting natural scenes in music. During the height of his career, Vivaldi received commissions from European nobles and royalty. The wedding cantata Gloria e Imeneo was written for the marriage of Louis XV, while Opus 9, La Cetra, was dedicated to Emperor Charles VI (Holy Roman Emperor, King of Bohemia, Sovereign of the Habsburg Empire, Archduke of Austria etc, etc) in 1728, who Knighted him for doing so.

Vivaldi’s life, like those of many composers of the time, ended in financial difficulties. His compositions no longer held the high esteem they once did, and Vivaldi, in response, chose to sell off sizable numbers of his manuscripts at paltry prices to finance a migration home to Vienna. Vivaldi died a pauper on July 28, 1741.

Vivaldi’s “Spring” from The Four Seasons is amongst the most popular wedding ceremony compositions played today, not only by instrumentalists, but perhaps – aside from a few others (Pachelbel’s Canon in D, Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Bach’s Minuet in G to name a few) – is likely one of the few classical pieces played by the wedding DJ as well.

On March 4, 2010, Google honored Antonio Vivaldi’s 332nd birthday with a custom graphic, depicting four violins each representing the four seasons, in homage to his most acclaimed concertos of the same name.  It was internet reflecting art that inspired me to write this blog in tribute to this great composer and musician, whose legacy lives on in his beautiful music.

-Craig

A few months ago I took a good hard look at the Cutting Edge blog.  As far as a DJ blog goes, I couldn’t be more pleased, but I must admit my favorite part of it is the music category.  I’ve had great fun reading and sharing the things I know and learn about music, as well as the articles that have been contributed by my staff.  As a DJ, music is a passion, and an obsession – all kinds, all genres and all styles.

But there was something missing… Not a single mention of Hip Hop.

Naturally, as a DJ and dance company, a lot of our staff are well versed in Hip Hop, both the music and the culture. I thought who better to reach out to and offer the opportunity to contribute than our two resident Hip Hop aficionados… or at least I thought they were aficionados, but after months went by with no submissions, I thought that perhaps they didn’t know as much as I had thought they did.  Maybe they could just talk the talk, but didn’t have what it took to actually put it to paper.

As the saying goes, sometimes, if you want something done right, you’ve just got to do it yourself. So Nate, Joey, pull up a chair because school is now in session.

I guess I could start at the beginning with DJ Kool Herc who started the movement in New York by “toasting”, or rhyming over instrumental tracks in the mid 1970s.  Or maybe I could touch on Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five who coined the term “Hip Hop”.  I might even delve into Africa Bambaataa and the evolution of “Electro-Funk’.  But sadly, I think I would merely confuse the young lads with references that were too foreign to them.

Instead, I’ll make a bigger and bolder claim as to the greatest MC of all time.  Not these little wannabe rappers like Kanye, Eminem or Lil Wayne, but a real MC with skill and talent… Mr. William Griffin, a.k.a. “Rakim”, the true pioneer.  This isn’t opinion, it’s fact.  There isn’t another MC (or rapper) that can touch him.  Rakim is the undisputed, and is a master craftsman in the complexities of the lyrical arts.

Rakim’s golden age was in his early formative years with DJ Eric B, and the first three records they cut together set the bar so high that I’m surprised anyone else ever stepped up to the microphone. Just listen to “I Know You Got Soul” or “Follow The Leader” and his uncontested claim to Hip Hop’s throne becomes clearly apparent.  The rhymes are clear, concise, articulate and so devastating that to this day nothing even comes close.

I suppose there were others, but most had gimmicks or niches they had to create in order to carve out a place for themselves, and were only faint shadows of the true greatness that was Rakim.

Maybe that’s why Nate and Joey never tried to write blogs about hip Hop… because that’s all there really was to say.

Class dismissed.

-MC Craig

Illustration courtesy of Rick Cortes – www.RickCortes.com