On June 12, 2010 I had the opportunity to be the disc jockey at Danielle and Chris’s wedding. The wedding reception was held at The Cock and Bull in Lahaska, Bucks County (Peddler’s Village).  Danielle and Chris expressed to me at my wrap-up meeting with them, that making certain that everybody was up dancing was extremely important to them, and I couldn’t have agreed more.   Why else would someone hire a DJ?  The reception of a wedding is a celebration of the marriage.   Once the ceremony is over, it is time to party.

Danielle and Chris were a laid back couple who were mostly interested in showing their friends and family a good time.  I was very happy to learn that they loved all sorts of different music styles and genres.  We played “Shout” (the good version by Otis Day and The Knights), which is one of Danielle’s  father’s favorite songs.  We were playing dance classics from the sixties all the way up to today.   The bride and groom, along with their guests were dancing non-stop.  At the end of the wedding, you could literally see people out of breath from all the partying, which means we did our job.

This wasn’t our first time at The Cock and Bull, and in fact we have another wedding there in just a couple of weeks. Lisa was our event coordinator for that day and did a phenomenal job.  Guests complimented the food, which I was lucky enough to eat and I would have to agree… Delicious!  I look forward to my next party at The Cock and Bull and working again with their truly amazing staff.  The photographer was Andrea Funkhouser, who was kind enough to provide us with these photos to go along with this blog post.  It was great working with her, and she did a great job capturing the special moments of the event.

Thank you to Danielle and Chris, I’m glad you had a good time, hope to see you again at future parties.

-Richie

Photos courtesy of Andrea Funkhouser – www.funkhouserphotography.com

The Cock and Bull

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

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

My name is Craig Sumsky, and I am the Director of Cutting Edge Entertainment.

I like the term ‘Director,’ because I think it best describes the role I play in the company. I am many other things, like an owner and a founder of the company (there were two, and now there is one), but wearing the ‘boss’ hat has never been something I’ve relished. I can probably count on both hands how many times I have had to evoke the “because I’m the boss” phrase, and more than to my credit, I think it’s simply because I’ve been fortunate enough to hire well. I have never been comfortable with referring to myself as someone’s boss, but instead prefer to introduce employees of the company as people I work with.

So, for starters, our blog is going on two years now and I realized that although I’ve authored quite a few posts that make up this blog, I had yet to actually blog about myself.  I guess I wasn’t sure where to start, so probably best I start at the beginning, how I became a DJ, and how Cutting Edge Entertainment came to be… so here goes.

I started my journey into world of entertainment as a DJ at Jamison Roller Skating rink in Bucks County back in 1983. The rink transformed into a teen dance party (called J.R.’s) on Friday nights, and the house was packed every weekend with kids from local high schools, and although I was originally hired for the skate nights, I inherited the teen dance when the veteran DJ didn’t bother to show up. Let’s just say I learned to be a quick study, and being a DJ seemed a natural fit. I already had a love for all things music, so in that regard I was right at home, but even more thrilling was the rush of the crowd reaction. I remember when Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ was first released, and how the whole place screamed when we first played that track. From there on in I was hooked.

In my freshman year of college (1987) I had left J.R.’s, and got a job doing mobile DJ work with a company on Bustleton Avenue in Philadelphia called ‘Fascinating Rhythm.’ It was there I began to hone my skills. I brought on a friend – Joe Quinn – who would become my partner in crime (and later in business) for the next decade. Our stint at Fascinating Rhythm was short lived, as we went on to work at bars and nightclubs in both Bucks County and Philadelphia.

I had a college internship at WPST in Princeton, New Jersey, but would later have the privilege of sitting in with Philadelphia radio greats like Pierre Robert (WMMR) and Harvey Holiday (WOGL) for some ‘extra credit.’ My mind was like a sponge, and I just couldn’t get enough. I often worked seven nights a week, and watched trends like ’sports bars’ and ‘post modern’ come and go. I was there when Delaware Avenue (now Columbus) first evolved into a nightclub mecca, spinning at one nightclub while now famous Philadelphia DJ Robbie Tronco would be spinning at another right across the street.

So many bars and clubs from those days have since died off or closed. Places like Binney & Flynns, The Aztec, The Fizz, Bleachers, Club Zadar and The Bank are mere memories, but were once part of a Philly club scene that thrived and flourished, spawning DJ’s like Robbie Tronco, Moe Green, DJ Johnny S, Chaz Paris and DJ Beercans. They made the Philadelphia club scene in the early to mid 1990’s, and many of them continue to DJ today.

It was at the height of that era that Cutting Edge Entertainment was born. I’ve tried to inject much of my own wisdom, knowledge and experience over the years into the company but alas, it had a mind of it’s own. I could never have predicted the industry changes, but as it changed Cutting Edge evolved, and I just followed it’s lead. With a constant influx of young talent and fresh new ideas, C.E.E. has easily made the transitions necessary to stay on the ‘cutting edge.’ I may have been the spark, but the cast and crew of the company have been the fuel to the fire.  It is to the C.E.E. staff over the years (past & present company included) to whom I owe a never ending debt of gratitude for their hard work, loyalty and dedication.

What started out as a DJ company has grown to include dancers, vocalists, musicians, lights, multi-media and much more.  DJ, Entertainment or Production Company, we have almost outgrown such restrictive definitions to become a hub of talent and energy that has and will continue to leave a footprint, one that I could have never envisioned back in 1994.  Cutting Edge Entertainment has been the launch pad for so many talented professionals who have gone on to make careers in the entertainment industry that I am in awe of their collective accomplishments.

In many ways, I am grateful that they would choose me as their ‘Director.’

K.C. KoKoruz – a colleague of mine from Chicago – recently told me “The staff of Cutting Edge Entertainment definitely drink the Cutting Edge Kool-Aid”, to which I smiled, laughed to myself at the reference and said, “Oh Yeah.”

Craig Sumsky
Director
Cutting Edge Entertainment

Photo by Kevin York – www.kevinyorkphotography.com

On Sunday, October 4 of 2009 the DJ staff of Cutting Edge Entertainment had the privilege of performing at The Northeast Bridal Fair, held at Kings Caterers in Bristol, Pennsylvania. The showcase, or ‘Bridal Fair,’ has been organized for over twenty-five years by Gabriel, photographer and owner of Deja Vu studios. The event was a huge success, and although this was our first time participating in this particular show, we really had a blast and are looking forward to participating next year as well.  The brides were so much fun to talk to, we almost wish we could do it every weekend!  Pictured in the photo above are (from left to right) Tony, Richie, Michael and Adam.

After the attendees had the chance to walk around and meet the many wedding vendors, everyone was seated for the ’show’ part, with bridal gowns by The Cove, and Tuxedos by Bell Tuxedo.  The Cutting Edge DJ/MCs Michael & Tony kicked off the show, and as you can see from the photos they had no problem getting the audience up on their feet.

Many thanks to all the vendors who came out to make the day so awesome, as there are too many to mention.  Special thanks to Deja Vu Studios for inviting us to participate, and to Kings Caterers (Bruce & Cindy) for hosting the event.  The food was great while the desserts were even better, and we would highly recommend Kings Caterers, as their staff was top-notch and their excellent service makes them a must-see option for your upcoming reception.  Kings is conveniently located in Lower Bucks County and easily accessible from I95 or Route 1.

Photos by Deja Vu Studio – www.dejavustudio.com

Kings Caterers – www.kingscaterers.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

For an Entertainer, Hell hath no fury like a posse of sugar-crazed thirteen year-olds at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

In a career that mirrors the best of roller coaster rides, I consider my time at Cutting Edge Entertainment as one of the definitive high points. It was here that I truly honed my skills as an entertainer, as opposed to just being a Vocalist/Musician (now, now… for all of you Vocalists and Musicians out there, no offense meant, much love to ya).

I believe it was my mother who first brought the ad in The Bucks County Courier Times to my attention which said something like “looking for young, energetic personalities,” and something about “having to be a good dancer.” I thought that it seemed right up my alley…and indeed it was.

After what can only be called an interesting social audition (we basically did a speed-dating-round-robin-get-to-know-you-social-chat-without-the-dating-part-conference), we moved on to the dance audition. It was kind of different, but certainly interesting as far as auditions go(Let’s just say Craig has a very unique style of auditioning, but in the context of the industry very effective).

I remember being a bit tentative about jumping in the middle of the dance circle we formed, but it really wasn’t anything more than what I’d done numerous times before through out my years in Junior & Senior High School. The fact that I’d gotten to know everyone made me forget about the usual fears, so in I went.

I came out an employee.

The Bar & Bat Mitzvah business can be the butt of jokes for the outsider (which I take liberties ribbing Craig about frequently) but inside the business there’s a serious amount of preparation and presentation that goes into each event. For just short of two years, I learned what it took to entertain people of all ages. From getting the whole crowd warmed-up and excited for the night’s events, charming the lovable Grandparents into getting up and on the dance floor, facing and conquering dreaded thirteen year-old gangs that could sense weakness as easily as they could surf the web, assisting and preparing the post-synagogue ceremony, and of course making the Bar/Bat Mitzvah feel like a million bucks.

All the while I danced, sang, played, told a few jokes (poor ones) and soaked up each moment. I learned where I could improve as well as role-modeled myself off of my amazing co-workers night after night.

As my tenure with Cutting Edge came to a close, I realized that my entire experience with the company was a proving ground, and was an integral part of the lifelong preparation I’ve been given for a life in the entertainment business. Now, I entertain across the nation, I have my own sketch comedy show at www.SketchedOutTV.com, and am working on my third studio album. Among all the feathers in my cap, though, my time with Cutting Edge stands out, as a pivotal point in my career helping pave the way for all I have done since, and – as always – a second family.

-Justin Guarini

Justin’s sketch comedy show – www.SketchedOutTV.com

Justin Guarini photo by Matt Beard

In March of 2002 Justin Guarini came to me asking for a few months off to go to California to be on a new reality television show.  Little did I know it would be his last request as an employee.  That June I went to Australia for a month, only to return to a media frenzy that not only will I never forget, but that turned Cutting Edge Entertainment upside down (in a good way) for quite some time after.  Who could have predicted that this unknown reality show (yes, American Idol) would have become what it is today.  Although Cutting Edge has had near misses on Idol since Justin, he will always be our number one.

-Craig

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

Kevin and Ashley went all out with options adding an extended lighting package,  custom gobos and even a live percussionist to play along with the music.  The event – held at Spring Mill Manor in Bucks County, PA – was a complete success.  Special thanks to Carl our production manager for designing the lighting structure for the event and to the Burstin and Mednick families for inviting us to share this special day with them.

As you can tell by the photos, a great time was had by all.  Gabriel from Deja Vu Studios was kind enough to provide us with these amazing pictures.  Deja Vu did a fantastic job on both photography and Video, and we look forward to posting some of the video footage very soon.  Not only did Deja Vu do a great job, but they were complete professionals and an absolute pleasure to work with.  I would highly recommend them.

Deja Vu Photography & Video – www.DejaVuStudio.com

Kevin and Ashley, we wish you all the luck and love in the world, and congratulations on your marriage!

-Craig

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

It all started with a small ad in the Bucks County Courier Times. The year was 1998. I was a freshman in high school. This was before craigslist was anything more than maybe an inventory of grocery items for some guy named Craig. When you were looking for a part time job, you had only word of mouth and the newspaper to rely on. A little box in the local classifieds beckoned, “Dancer Auditions”.  After assuring my horrified father, “No, daddy not that kind of dancing,…” I asked my mom if she could drive me to the Street Road Holiday Inn try outs for a company called Cutting Edge Entertainment.

They were looking for dancers with BIG personality, energy and enthusiasm.

I made it through the Cutting Edge Entertainment auditions and officially became a CE dancer. I’d come to find out that dancing was only a fraction of the job description. It was my job to make sure others’ special day was truly an EXPERIENCE. Not only was it gratifying to see the genuine smile of a kid who had a blast…but it was fun!

While at CE, I got the itch to try out for a second dance job. I started cheering for the Philadelphia Eagles my freshman year at Temple. I made Dean’s list and proved to my parents I could hack college so I figured it was time to take on an extracurricular activity. I missed dancing and again, it was a little ad in the Courier Times that tempted me. “There are 3.8 million women in the Greater Philadelphia Area…we’re looking for the Top 36.” I guess I’m a sucker for a challenge (or who says  newspapers are dead?!) I didn’t tell anyone I was auditioning, including my parents or Craig, until I made the final cuts and thought I actually had a chance. Subsequently, I made the most of my four years and had the time of my life; I became captain, did numerous national media appearances, performed at the SuperBowl, was fortunate enough to be chosen as the 2005 Pro Bowl cheerleader and experienced a domestic military tour.

Being a Cutting Edge dancer got me started on the right foot to working a room, starting a conversation with anyone and everyone, and exhibiting my enthusiasm unabashedly and with vigor! That helps when you’re entertaining 65,000 fans in a stadium or securing a client signing a check for a big sale. As a marketing and PR professional full time now, the skills I learned as a CE dancer come into play. Make people feel comfortable, genuinely enjoy the interaction (and they will too!), satisfactory communication, and…most all -have fun!

I’ve tapped CE for my consulting gigs too. We recently used CE studios for the background for a photoshoot for Me Phi magazine. It’s an internal cata-zine based out of the Scottsdale, AZ store Me Phi. NFLer Javon Walker and his best friend, owner Derek Bourque, run the unique east coast streetwear boutique in old town Scottsdale. Check out their blog: www.me-phi.com. We brought some very hot east coast flavor with models Maxim cover girl Ali Ciotto, LA Clippers dancer and Beyonce tour dancer Ashley Seldon , and up and comers Derilyn Devlin and Dana Schliep…check out the photos! Skratch Makaniks DJ Adam Bomb was gracious enough to show up and spare some time for photos (and fun). The 6 degrees of CE connection never ends…

From shimmying around the dance floor with the proud grandpop, to chatting up the tween girls on who likes who, to jumping around on the dance floor with the shy little boy (who an hour prior wouldn’t even leave his mother’s side or  crack a smile) marked my Cutting Edge Entertainment experience.

Yes, well that…and mini clown bikes paired with Rastafarri hats. It’s a CE signature. Don’t ask-just sign up!

Our team is truly a family and our job was really just to be make sure others enjoy the ride…and maybe make you do the Cotton Eyed Joe too.

-Monica Devlin

Follow Monica on Twitter – http://twitter.com/KestrelChick

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

On Thursday, January 15 our own DJ Pedro was the guest DJ at Viva Lounge in Feasterville, PA (just north of County Line Road on Bustleton Pike).  Thursday night – also known as ‘Russian Night’ – is Viva’s biggest night, packing them in from wall to wall.  Denis Sinelnikov (yep, my web guy) is the host every Thursday and although it’s known as Russian night it actually draws in a very diverse crowd.  Denis has been promoting Viva for almost a year now and has been extremely successful packing the house.

Stop by and tell Denis we sent you… he’ll be happy to buy you a drink!

Viva Lounge

 Pedro can also be found at Liberty Bar on Wednesday nights, at 2204 Market Street.

So I just met with Denis (my web guy) tonight, and I tried to fight the good fight – or so I thought – but I lost.  Denis has been preaching to me about ‘Twitter,’ and if you don’t know what it is it probably will mean absolutely nothing to you.  For those of you who want to know, go to twitter.com (yes, click on that it’s a link) to find out more.  As for those of you who are ‘in the know’ (certainly not me) then you can add us… cuttingedgedjs (yep, that’s a link too).

Now I’m not quite certain yet as to the business application, but Denis seems to think it’s a great way to let people know when we’ve updated our blog, when we’re doing something interesting, or when something of significance is happening.  I certainly hope it isn’t a bunch of folks letting me know that they’re mowing the lawn or brushing their teeth (which is what I had always thought twitter was about).

So if you twitter – or ‘tweet’ as I am told it is called – either add us, follow us, subscribe to us, comment us or do whatever it is you do.  Keep in mind it’s all part of a learning curve for me… and the curve just keeps getting curvier.

www.cuttingedgedjs.com