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

We don’t need to.

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

Could it be because they need to?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Craig Sumsky
Director
Cutting Edge Entertainment

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

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

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

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

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

~Ashley

Photo by Kevin York – www.kevinyorkphotography.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

In all the years of being a professional disc jockey, I’ve had the opportunity to work in many different venues.  I took it upon myself to start writing blog posts on some of my favorite places to work.  There are a lot of great places to hold an event, and hopefully, in time, I’ll  get a chance write about them all.

This past Thursday afternoon, photographer Kevin York and I drove out to Horsham, Pennsylvania to visit the Manor House at Commonwealth.  Now I’ve had many opportunities to work at this venue which, in my opinion, is one of my personal favorites.  We at Cutting Edge Entertainment have entertained at Weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet Sixteens, and all sorts of other events at The Manor House, and they’ve all been a great success.  Naturally,  I like to say it’s because we’re amazing entertainers and DJs, and that probably has a lot to do with it, but looking back at the past parties I’ve done there, I have to say Commonwealth’s staff deserve much of the credit.  The people there friendly and accommodating, and they do a great job keeping their clients and guests happy.  It’s probably also important to point out that they do an outstanding job of coordinating with all of the other event professionals at the function.  At a party, it’s very important for the DJ to be in constant contact with all of the other professionals, particularly the kitchen.  The key to a great party is eliminating any lull or downtime,  while always keeping the guests occupied with either dancing, eating, or traditional party formalities.  In my opinion, even the slightest pause in the party time line can really throw things off, so it’s always best that to work together with all the professionals at the event to keep all attending entertained.

When Kevin and I went over to the Manor House at Commonwealth we learned some history of how the venue came to be.  This was originally a farmhouse built in 1709, however it was only a farmhouse.  It wasn’t until 1840 that the first expansion was made.  Then, in 1990 it became the Commonwealth’s Clubhouse for the golf course the surrounds it.  Finally in 1996, it changed to the Manor House.  At this time it began a host for affairs, and today it does approximately ninety-five weddings per year, along with Barand Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet Sixteens, Graduations, and Anniversary parties.

I’d to thank both Jennifer O’Neil and Cristy Peltzer, for giving myself and Kevin the tour around the house.  Jennifer and Cristy are a big part of the all star Catering Sales team at the Manor House at Commonwealth, and they’re really great people to work with. They honestly care about the service they deliver, and it really shows.

And last but not least, thanks to my partner in crime Kevin York, who took time out of his schedule to take some photographs of the venue.  We were very lucky to have such a beautiful day and the shots turned out great.

If you are looking for a unique and scenic venue, be sure to check out The Manor House… You won’t be disappointed.

-Richie Abrams

The Manor House at Commonwealth – www.commonwealthmanor.com

Kevin York Photography - www.kevinyorkphotography.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

On Saturday, the first of May, I had my first experience “beaming” my guest of honor into the room. Yes, you read correctly, beaming as in transported. May 1st was a Star Trek themed celebration for Ian’s Bar Mitzvah.

Ian is a huge Star Trek fan which he will no doubt tell you if ever you should meet him, and when we walked into the ballroom, there was no doubt in our minds of his love for all things Star Trek. From the centerpieces that included framed pictures of Star Trek characters and rock candy “dilithium crystals”, to the huge diagram of the Enterprise displayed at the entrance of the room, Ian’s mother, Karen, made sure that every detail was covered.

The night went off with out a hitch. The crowd was incredible and really knew how to party. Another first was that we had a sign language interpreter because about a quarter of the guests were deaf. It was a unique experience to work with an interpreter because not only did I have to let my own staff and the photographer know what was going on, I also had to make sure I was communicating clearly with the interpreter because she was signing the toasts, announcements, and games to all of the guests.

I think I can speak for my entire staff when I say that this party was not only fun but one of the coolest (and most educational) events we’ve ever done. It was wonderful to see how happy Dean, Karen, Jenna, and Ian were with the evening. It’s working with clients like the Staller family that reinforces my love of this job.

-Shoshana

To the Cutting Edge Staff,

Absolutely out of this world!!! We have not come down out of the clouds!!! Shoshana and her dancers MADE our party!!!

Craig wanted to know every detail during the planning phase and I started to feel confident he would do “a good job” with our son’s bar mitzvah. Then we met our MC, Shoshana, and fell in love with her. She had FABULOUS ideas, hit it off with our eight year old daughter and was so full of fun and effervescence and that we just knew, “this is gonna go well”. When we found out our party was going to be smaller than we thought, Shoshanna reassured us it would still rock. Craig came up with a way to “beam” our son into his Star Trek themed reception and we were beside ourselves. We were READY!

When we walked into the reception and the whole Cutting Edge crew was wearing Star Trek uniforms, we lost it! They rocked the room for FOUR HOURS straight . . . their energy was UNBELIEVABLE, the kids AND adults loved them and we were just . . . beyond words. Cutting Edge will do ALL of our affairs and we will recommend them to everyone we meet!

Thank You,
Karen Staller

Photos courtesy of Michael Duretz – www.michaelduretz.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

From a very early age I’ve been interested in music. Sure, sports were all well and good, but being neither the fastest nor most skilled athlete kind of kept me from truly embracing them. But then, as if my calling simply appeared out of the blue, I discovered music. My first real experience with music was joining the Keystone State Boys Choir. Some people might ask “Hey, what does this have to do with being a DJ?”, but be patient… I’m getting there. Through the choir, I was able to discover nuances and other subtle things most people would never even think were there. With age, I began developing myself as a musician, both technically and musically.

As I stumbled into my twelfth awkward year, it came time for me to have my bar mitzvah. With the wise advice of the Johnson family (whose son Ben is now aspiring to be as good as I am, and doing a darn good job of it), we decided to go with Cutting Edge Entertainment for the DJ. I had had no previous experience with Cutting Edge and knew nothing of its “colorful” staff, but after my first meeting with Pedro and Craig I was convinced, this place was awesome. Being that I was not the only Jewish thirteen year old in town at the time, and also being amongst the younger ones in my grade, I went to a lot of bar and bat mitzvahs before my own. Although everyone had a good time and the music got played, I was never really wowed by anything the other companies did, be that with their music or with their MCs.

As I left the synagogue and headed over to Moonstruck for my party, I had an idea of what would happen at the party, and that it would be just another event. Wow, was I wrong. Upon arriving, I was promptly walked into the room by my two wonderful dancers to my favorite “it’s all about me” song, TNT. Then, something happened that would change my future forever: as everyone began to dance to the first song, I heard another song begin to creep in and eventually flow seamlessly onto the dance floor. I experienced beat mixing! At the time, I thought this was reserved for the radio and clubs, so it was quite a surprise. Song after song wound seamlessly together and I loved every minute of it.

Following my party, when Craig approached me to ask if I would want to work for him, the only logical response I could think of was yes. Since then, I would like to think that I’ve grown up a good deal and learned a whole lot, and can honestly say that this was the perfect job choice for me, and that still holds true to this day, almost four years later. To me, being a DJ has always been about the music. Sure, I’ve learned a great deal of other technical, social, and miscellaneous skills on the job, but when I put the headphones on and look up to see a packed dance floor, it’s the hook for me.

As of now, I am fascinated with music, singing and Djing alike. I would probably say that I’m the heaviest into singing, but being a DJ is a perfect complement to that. As a junior in high school, I have plenty of friends who work boring after school jobs and despise going in to work. To me, work is a new opportunity to try something new and – not to have too much “youthful cockiness” (that’s what the older guys call it) – to show off what I would like to call some pretty good DJ skills.

In all, working as a DJ for Cutting Edge Entertainment has played a huge part in expanding my passion for music while at the same time keeping me up to date with the latest trends, music, and technology, be that through the job itself or the people I work with.

A lifelong lover of music,

Justin Leis
a.k.a. DJ Back of the Bus

Photo courtesy of David Difuntorum Photography – www.daviddifuntorum.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

My Name is Wayne Gustafson and I’ve been performing as a bandleader for Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs in the Philadelphia area for almost three decades.  In all those years I’ve seen both trends as well as entertainers come and go, yet some things I’ve found I can always depend on.

One day in the fall of 1995, after ending my tenure with The Entertainment Group, I was scheduling my musicians and dancers for upcoming events.  Speaking with my lead dancer, she informed me that she was retiring from the mitzvah dancing business.  I was disappointed, but more than that, unsure of where to start looking for a replacement.

Not ten minutes later, I answered a phone call from Craig Sumsky, who introduced himself as the owner of Cutting Edge Entertainment, and was calling to offer the services of the dancers from his company for my Bat and Bar Mitzvah clients.  He told me how well they work with bands at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and . . .

“Stop”, I said.  “I’m sold”.

He went on to say how well they are trained, and . . .

“Stop”, I said.  “I’m sold”.

He also added that they were very experienced with working with kids, and . . .

“Stop”, I said.  “I’m sold”.

You get the point, I was a motivated buyer.  But after all these years, I am still very fortunate to have a great relationship with Cutting Edge.  I have had the privilege of working with many different artists – Alison, Justin, Monica, Pedro, Regina, Kelly, Shoshana and Tony just to name a few.  Throughout the years there has always been one constant;  every single dancer has been the consummate professional.  They are overly prepared, energetic, enthusiastic, and extremely easy to work with.  It’s no wonder that every party that I do with them is a huge success.

So I look ahead to a bright future of many great parties with Cutting Edge Entertainment, and yes Craig, I’m still sold!

Wayne Gustafson
The Untouchables
www.wayneron.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

When DJ Foltzy asked me why the younger DJ staff weren’t represented on the Cutting Edge blog or website I didn’t have an answer, so I just decided to correct the oversight. Meet the next generation of Cutting Edge Entertainment.

When the decision was made to do a new photo shoot, I thought it might be a great time to bring in a new photographer… enter David Difuntorum. I was introduced to David’s work by a mutual colleague, and became acquainted with his photography through facebook and twitter. I thought his style was edgy and youthful, and perfect for our younger generation of Disc Jockeys.

The secret to our recipe for molding a DJ isn’t really that secret… We start em young. Most of the senior DJ and MC staff here at Cutting Edge started here when they were young, and in many cases this is their first job. In doing this, by the time they graduate college, they’ve got nearly ten years of experience. Still in touch with the pulse of youth, but with the experience of hundreds of parties and events under their belt. They are our little brothers, and they are the future of our family.  They start out as assistants -or “grunts” as we call them – and learn quickly, moving on to small parties and Sweet Sixteens after two or three years of training with our senior staff.

Steve has been with us the longest, and we are happy he’s chosen to attend Temple University… so he’ll be sticking around.  Steve (a.k.a. DJ Foltzy) is one of our most requested Sweet 16 DJs, and has a broad knowledge of music – from oldies to current stuff.  He’s typically out on his own Sweet 16 party, or assisting as the DJ on a wedding or bar mitzvah party with one of our MCs.  I’ve known Steven since he’s been about five years old, first meeting him as the MC at his sister’s bat mitzvah.

Justin came to us when he was fourteen years old.  He learned fast, and his self assuredness and competitive nature are what make him such a skilled DJ.  Watching Justin grow up and come into his own has been very gratifying to me.  What started out as youthful cockiness has evolved into the deserved confidence of a young man.  Justin makes me very proud, and of all the next-gen guys I’ve got, he’s probably the one I butt heads with most… likely because he reminds me so much of myself at that age.

Jack… the cool, calm and collected one.  Jack might seem quiet at first, but that’s because he’s taking it all in, while maintaining control.  Jack came to us by way of, well, his mom, Maura who does sales and PR for Cutting Edge.  When Maura told me she was taking some time off, she must have seen the worry in my eyes, and quickly added “I’m not going too far, you’ve still got Jack”.  Jack, like the others, is a hard worker and a team player, and his passion and interest for music are part of what give him the D.N.A. of what a Cutting Edge DJ is made of.

Why is Zach wearing a crown?  Because he’s DJ BK (Burger King).  He’s always hungry for a whopper and fries, probably because he’s working all the time.  The crown isn’t the only hat Zach wears at Cutting Edge, as he is a DJ, lighting tech and sound man.  When not at a party with the Cutting Edge staff, Zach can be found saving lives as a junior fire fighter, running his own small landscaping business (quite the entrepreneur), or at the local Burger King grabbing a bite to eat.  No matter what Zach does, he has it his way.



I’m grateful for David’s time and David’s beautiful photographs.  A photographer’s art is an amazing and glorious gift and I am in awe of their craft.  Yet, what touched me even more were the kind words that David posted to facebook shortly after our photo shoot, which I took the liberty to post an excerpt of below.

I watched Craig and his crew interact and here’s where my interest really piqued.  I see Craig sitting on a chair.  He’s was holding court on four teenagers and it was instantly apparent that five things were going on: They were all intelligent. Craig was the boss. They were giving each other LOTS of (HYSTERICAL) crap. Craig was not spared. Everybody liked and respected each other.

The longer I was there the more I recognized that these young guys were well-lead by Craig and they worked as a seamless team.

It was excellent and a joy to behold. It reminded me of the best times I had in the military where we were all young people giving each other crap, respected each other and got a difficult and challenging job done as a selfless team. My God, the laughter was infectious.

I was so happy to be around these guys. They were so good at their work and at giving each other crap I could tell that working for Craig would be one of the highlights of their lives.

Thank you David, for everything.

-Craig

David Difuntorum Photography – www.daviddifuntorum.com

David on twitter – http://twitter.com/TheDif

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Our first experience with Cutting Edge was at our Nephew’s Bar Mitzvah, who is now twenty three! When it came to picking a DJ for our own son’s affair… there was no question who we would use. We called Craig three years in advance and signed up Cutting Edge for our son’s Bar Mitzvah party! It was a great night and all the attention ahead of time put me at ease. Everyone from the kids on up to the Grandparents enjoyed themselves out on the dance floor.

The day of our Sons party, we got the date for our Daughter’s Bat Mitzvah and signed him right up for hers. The second time around (December 5, 2009) it was like dealing with family in the planning process, again it was pleasant to meet with and deal with everyone on the staff there. We had just dealt with the death of my Mother, and Craig was so understanding and helpful when it came to song choices and music when it came to candle lighting and dances.  Her night was just as fun and exciting as our son’s. I sing Craig’s praises to anyone who asks about who we used as our DJ.

We have run out of children to have Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s but if anything ever came up and we needed a DJ…..Cutting Edge Entertainment would be our only call!

Samantha & Andrew Sklar

Photo by Jordan Cassway – www.casswayphoto.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

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

I am the only female MC here at Cutting Edge Entertainment, and let me tell you that, in of itself, is a lot of work.  I’m treated like the little sister; teased and picked on but very over-protected at the same time.  I was fifteen years old when I came from another entertainment company, after being what one might call a “bench warmer” for about six months. I came to Cutting Edge with the hope for growth and, quite frankly, a chance. Well, I certainly have gotten more than that, and along the way have gained a family.

Cutting Edge Entertainment has opened up a world of possibilities that I never thought imaginable. I have my own jobs now, with my own clients, my own meetings, and all of the lovely paper work to go with it. I LOVE IT. I am filled with excitement every time Craig tells me that we have booked another client with me as the MC. I immediately ask for the client’s information and call them right away to let them know that I am their MC and ask them about the type of vision they have for their party.  I make sure to get my client everything they want by listening to all of their desires and requests and attending to every detail.

I am also in charge of auditioning and training all of our dancers. I am still trying to grasp that responsibility because it’s hard to imagine that after a short five years I’m in charge. It feels like only yesterday when Pedro and Allison were up in the front of the studio teaching me how to become a better dancer and performer. Now it is me up front teaching people that are not that much younger than me, how to do this job, and how to do it right. Knowing that the staff looks up to me is humbling in a sense; it makes you grow up really fast. I love each and every one of the dancers here at Cutting Edge. We have a great group who works hard to improve with every event. They are all eager to learn and also know how to have a really good time at a party!

While this all might sound like a full plate of responsibility to some, I still wanted more. I always wanted to get in on the planning side of events. When you MC and meet with clients, you pretty much are planning out their party with them, but I wanted to get involved from the very beginning stages. With that in mind, I spent last  summer hunting for an internship opportunity. My mom and I Googled, “Wedding Planners in the Philadelphia Area” and the very first link that popped up was for The Queen of Hearts Wedding Consultants. After browsing the site, I looked at my mom and said, “ There is no way that this guy is going to take me, there is just no way.” She suggested I talk to Craig to see if he knew anyone that I could get in touch with. We figured he would know SOMEONE, even if it was a little company, just so I could get some experience and THEN try for The Queen of Hearts.

So, I called Craig, and when I got the answer, I nearly fainted… HE KNEW MARK FROM THE QUEEN OF HEARTS!! I died right then and there because after he told me that, he also let me know that Mark was looking for someone with Mitzvah experience. I died yet again. Screaming into the phone with, Craig on the other end of the line, all I could say was “Okay what do I need to do? Will you talk to him? Oh my god what do I need to do? Craig, please help me, oh god PLEASE Craig!” Well, being the little sister has its benefits, because he did talk to Mark, and after I wrote Mark a letter introducing myself and explaining that I was interested in an internship, I was interviewed and began working with The Queen of Hearts this past May.

Working with Mark has been such an incredible experience. In less than a year, I have learned so much from him and all of the amazing staff at Q.O.H. Weddings (a little shout out to Karen, Christina, Rebecca, and Kristin! xoxo). I have found, once again, another family, and quite frankly, that is how a work environment should be. Q.O.H. is growing and I am so excited to be part of this company during such a wonderful time. We will be celebrating our 10th Anniversary this year and 2010 is going to be a promising one full of new adventures, new clients, and new friendships. I am looking forward to all that is to come.

Shoshana Katz

Photo by Kevin York – www.kevinyorkphotography.com