One of our favorite event venues in the city of Philadelphia is The Loews Hotel.  Located conveniently on Market Street in Center City Philadelphia, the Loews might be officially categorized as a five star hotel, but in our minds it’s a solid ten.  Over the course of the past few years we have had the pleasure of providing DJ and lighting services for countless weddings, bar and bat mitzvah parties, corporate events, college formals and just about any other type of social celebration you can think of, and we’ve come to fall head over heels in love with the Loews and it’s staff.  Not only is it a great place, but the folks there are great people who excel at customer service and, well, just being great.

The Loews Philadelphia has three amazing and unique event spaces; The Regency Ballroom, The Millennium Ballroom, and – as the Philadelphia Radio DJ used to say – “High atop the P.S.F.S. Building in Philadelphia” – the amazing 33rd floor. The Loews Philadelphia’s 33rd floor consists of three separate spaces; The Terrace, LeScaze and Howe, all blending into what one might call a single facility within itself.  It is the 33rd floor of The Loews – specifically Howe – which we chose to be the focus of our attention in this article.  With the help of Lisa Strickland, Senior Catering Manager at the Loews, as well as Photographer Kevin York and Event Filmmaker Cinemacake, we (Cutting Edge Entertainment) put together a photo and video shoot not only to feature the breathtaking views of this magnificent space, but how our L.E.D. up lighting could transform something great into something even greater.

There is really no need to elaborate on the atmosphere and ambiance lighting can add to a space, as the image from Kevin York and the video clip produced by CinemaCake speak for themselves.  We are proud to be a preferred vendor at The Loews Philadelphia, and are excited that in addition to our DJ services, our L.E.D. lighting can enhance and add to the already spectacular space with views of the Philadelphia skyline from every angle.

If you are looking for a diverse and unique space for your wedding reception, bar or bat mitzvah or any other type of event you can imagine, we suggest you take a close look at The Loews Philadelphia.  You won’t be disappointed.

Image courtesy of Kevin York Photography

Video courtesy of CinemaCake Filmmakers

Centerpieces provided by Carl Alan Floral Design

Lighting by Cutting Edge Entertainment

The Loews Hotel Philadelphia

One of the more dynamic and unique event enhancements we have here in the Cutting Edge arsenal are our LED up lighting. Over the past few years, there has been an exponential rise in clients interest in up lighting at events in the Philadelphia area, and we here at C.E.E .are more than happy to oblige.

What is the purpose of up lighting at an event you ask (besides ‘lights that go up’)?

Up lighting can transform the atmosphere in a room, enhancing both the feel and the architectural detail it may already possesses. Much like key lighting in a motion picture can make a scene dramatic, shocking, comedic, romantic (or even horrific); up lighting a ballroom for a wedding, mitzvah or event can take the venue from being simply the “set” of your party, to filling it with a spectrum of color, adding a personal uniqueness. Instead of seeing only white walls, LED’s can add a splash of color that is inviting and exciting to guests. The up lights can create a mood for an event because they stimulate the visual sense with columns of light that slowly fade from blue to red (or many other colors) adding a warm feeling to the space, or simply remain a static solid color throughout.  LED’s can be set to a pulse activated setting that could make even the biggest wall flowers jump out of their seats, because when the beams of light start changing colors to the beat of the music, you just want to “get up off of that thang”, as the Godfather of Soul so wonderfully put it.

Up lighting is not merely an asset during party time. Due to their versatility, LED lights can be used for multiple functions.  Imagine a couple walking into a grand ballroom with pillars of light running from the floor to the ceiling, the colors of which are set to match the wedding color scheme… Hell of a picture right? Up lights can be used to take an average, or even a superior space, and transform it into a photographer’s dream world.  LED’s can be used to compliment a wedding color arrangement, a bar or bat mitzvah theme, or coordinate with a corporate promotional idea. Arranging up lighting, just like DJing, is a skill that when done right can produce extraordinary results.

So what are some of the differences between LED lights and the older Halogen and Par-Can models?

We are sometimes asked in meetings – by clients who aren’t already familiar with the LED advantage – “What makes the LED lights so special?” Without getting too technical, there are a few things that set the LED’s apart from old-fashioned lighting fixtures.

The old Halogen up lights used gel screens for each color; the LED’s can be set electronically to any color due to the ability of the many LED light bulbs each fixture possesses. Due to the need for gel screens, the halogens are unable to produce the multicolored fading or pulsing effect that the LED lights can at a party or reception.

The older Par-Can models used an incandescent or halogen  bulb, much like you would find in a lamp at your house or flood lighting outside. While perfectly suitable for giving off light, these bulbs also create major amounts of heat, often times enough to cause minor burns.

LED lights are a much “greener” light. LED up lights use less power than the older models, and the LED bulbs give off little to no heat (warm at worst). Due to these perks or privileges, the LED’s can be positioned anywhere in a building and not be a cause for concern. No one will get burned if they bump into them, and the LED’s are not a fire hazard if placed close to drapery or table cloths. While the older up lighting fixtures are suitable for events, the LED lights are both environmentally and people friendly.

With all this talk of up lighting, how can I get an idea of what it will do to a room?

A picture is worth a thousand words they say, so let’s take a look at this photo by Kevin York Photography at the Mendenhall Inn. I think it is obvious enough that the up lights really make this picture pop.  Notice how the blue and pink lights compliment the room, but also take time to note how the blue electrifies the room, while the pink is the accent color, adding a gentle feel to the ballroom’s aura. The lights are used to accent the already grand interior of the room, highlighting the columns that run along the walls and also drawing the viewer’s eye upward towards the uniquely designed ceiling of this ballroom at the Mendenhall Inn.  The image speaks for itself.

As an MC here at Cutting Edge, I love up lighting a venue for a client.  It is incredible what a few simple LED lights can do to change the look and feel of a room.

Lighting is an art form, and the LED’s are a whole new type of brush with which to paint… all we need is a canvas.

~Tony A.

Image Courtesy of Kevin York Photography

The Mendenhall Inn

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

It isn’t often that a DJ company can boast that it had the great honor and privilege to be the Bar Mitzvah DJ for the President of the United States of America, and to my knowledge, none has yet to date – but a future President of the United States? – now that’s a totally different story.

Meet Allen.  Allen’s Bar Mitzvah theme was just that… Presidential.  From the moment I first spoke to Allen’s mother while she was inquiring about Cutting Edge Entertainment performing as Bar Mitzvah DJ at Allen’s Bar Mitzvah, she couldn’t have spoken more highly of her son, and his aspirations to become Commander in Chief.   Upon meeting Allen for the first time I could clearly understand why.   Allen is an upstanding young man of character, mature beyond his years with a sense of humor and wit that simply amplified his charm. As far a Bar Mitzvah kids go, Allen was ‘the man’.

His Bar Mitzvah party was held in April of 2011, and I, Craig, presided as the MC to the President and all of his presidential guests, colleagues (his friends), and most significantly his family.  Now, all kidding aside, Allen’s parents couldn’t have been more perfect clients, and were a pleasure to work with throughout the planning process.  I was accompanied by DJ Steve (Foltzy) and his assistant Cameron, who achieved a fantastic mix of Russian and American popular music keeping the dance floor packed all evening.  I had Carl, our production manager, design the lighting for the reception held at Middletown Country Club in Bucks County, and Nate, Brittany and Jessica were the dancers who kept the kids and adults engaged in dancing and games all evening.

But back to Allen’s parents, I really must say that mom was great. She was organized, and had specific and creative ideas of what she wanted the Bar Mitzvah party to be like. Dad, whom I dealt with more directly regarding some of the requested Russian selections that were to be played, was insightful, and would sit in my office discussing with me not just music, but politics, the economy, and any other topic that came up.  Having such a learned and wise father and an intelligent and creative mother it’s no wonder that Allen is the man he is (not to mention the rest of his delightful family, particularly his grandparents), and may very likely reach for that office of offices someday.

So Allen, if you do run for office someday, know I’ll be watching, and you have my vote. In the meantime, Mazel Tov on your Bar Mitzvah.

-Craig

Image courtesy of Boris from Classic Photo and Video
www.classicphotoandvideo.com

Decor by The Party Decorator

Middletown Country Club

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

The last wedding reception I got to DJ in 2010 was at the Aldie Mansion, and it was the wedding of Megan and Ron. At Cutting Edge, we consider ourselves lucky to have such a great relationship with this popular – and elegant – wedding venue. Kim, Shelly, and the rest of the staff at Aldie do a great job making everything perfect for their clients, and are very easy to work with from my perspective as well. The mansion was decorated beautifully for the holiday season, and really made everything seem that much more enchanted, which was a special treat for Megan and Ron, who were excited to have their weddings so close to the Christmas holiday. Like all of the wedding couples I worked with in 2010, Megan and Ron just wanted to have a fun wedding and keep everybody on the dance floor all night long. The one thing I will always remember about this Megan is that she has a super smile. Now, in case you are reading this and asking, “What is a super smile?” Well I’ll gladly tell you. You see, when most people smile they grin and you see their teeth and they look happy, however, when Megan smiles not only is she grinning but also her eyes light up and her eyebrows raise just a bit, and that sort of smile is infectious, and when Megan smiles Ron responds with a big happy grin as well, likely because he realizes how lucky he is.

We added up lighting to the room at Aldie, which gave the room that extra glow, and helped create some colorful ambiance. At Cutting Edge Entertainment, we use LED up lights (LED stands for ‘light emitting diode’). Other DJ companies in the area use different kind of up lights, but we prefer L.E.D. for several reasons. First because they don’t get hot (that’s right, no heat), which is good especially if you have young children at your event. I’ve heard stories where a young child touched a halogen up light (basically, flood lighting) and scalded their hand. Another reason we use L.E.D. is because of their ability to change colors during the party. For example, at this wedding the bride and groom wanted the up lights to be set on an amber color, then later in the evening we were able to set the lights to a sound active mode, which means the up lights were changing colors to the beat of the music. It is a great effect when you are dancing and all around you the walls and ceilings are changing colors to the music.

Megan and Ron’s wedding reception was lots of fun, and the dance floor was jam packed the entire night. I can’t take all the credit though, as the staff at Aldie Mansion did a great job (as usual). This wedding was my first opportunity to work with photographer Jeff Reeder, who was great to work with and was able to capture some great images. Finally, to Ron and Megan, your wedding was a perfect end to my 2010. I always like to end things on a high note, and your wedding was just that. We at Cutting Edge Entertainment wish you all the best.

-Richie

Images courtesy of Jeff Reeder Photography – www.jeffreeder.com

Aldie Mansion (two sites)

www.aldiemansion.com

www.heritageconservancy.org

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

Back in December of 2010, I was the MC/DJ for a wedding at The Merion in Cinnaminson, New Jersey,  and it was my first time performing there. I was excited to work at this venue, because I’ve heard nothing but the great things about the place, and it was everything I had heard about and more. Victoria and Tom were the perfect couple for my debut as DJ at a wedding at The Merion.  They are a young, fun couple who were great to work with and excited to be getting married. Meeting with them before the wedding was a great time, as they shared the story on how they met. I’m sure you’ve heard it before; Guy meets girl at the tanning salon where she worked, guy starts going tanning more often, guy eventually makes his move, guy and girl go out, fall in love, and the rest is history.   Guy ends up marrying the girl of his dreams and has super great tan to boot.

I was very impressed with the staff at The Merion.  It is always  great to work with a staff that knows exactly how to keep a party running smoothly. There was never any lull or down time throughout the entire wedding reception.  Guests were kept entertained either with watching the wedding formalities like the first dance, parent dances, or cake cutting, and when these were done the crowd was treated to a delicious meal, followed by dancing, dancing, and more dancing. The bride and groom along with their family and friends were a lot of fun to party with.  For this wedding, the couple chose to add overhead effects lighting to add to the atmosphere and excitement on the dance floor. Our intelligent lighting was able to spotlight the bride and groom as they had their first dance as husband and wife. We also used the spotlight during the cake cutting, the toasts, parent dances and bouquet toss.

It was great to work with Denyse and the rest of the crew and The Merion. I hope to be back in the facility soon for more parties. I also worked with Leah from Artwork Photography. She did a great job and I am very happy Artwork Photography shared their pictures with us to use here on our blog. Finally, a big thank you to Victoria and Tom… you guys rock.  I wish you both all the best and I enjoyed getting to know you both very much.

-Richie

Images courtesy of Artwork Photos – www.artworkphotos.net

The Merion

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

At Cutting Edge Entertainment, our goal is to provide great disc jockeys. Since 1992, we have offered DJ services for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, sweet sixteens, school dances, and just about any other type of party you can think of. In that time, we found that often times, clients were also interested in booking other services – extracurricular to the DJ – like lighting, staging, draping, and even live percussionists to enhance their event or reception. So, we began to offer these services, and admittedly, they enabled us to increase our profit margin… they were upgrades.

But if you were to ask any of our clients – some of whom may even be reading this right now – you will find that in every instance, we have been clear, concise, and blatantly honest with them whenever we have been posed the question “Do I need the lighting?”. The answer in a resounding ‘no’.

Yes that’s right, as a matter of policy, we do not tell clients they ‘need‘ lighting, because they don’t.  Particularly for a wedding. Is lighting cool? Absolutely! Does lighting enhance the ambiance in the room where you are having your reception? Yes, it certainly can help to set a mood, and can add to the decor. Yet none of this changes the fact that if you have a really good DJ, who knows what he or she is doing, they do not need lights to keep your guests up and dancing all night long.

A few weeks ago, a client emailed us to inquire about a DJ. Their email read like this…

We are looking for a DJ for our wedding. We would like prices for a DJ for a five hour reception. We are not interested in any lighting. Please send us pricing for just a DJ, we just had a bad experience meeting with another DJ company who seemed more interested in selling us lighting packages than what we were looking for. We just want a good DJ that can keep people on the dance floor.

Needless to say, we booked them. They were a very nice couple, and knew specifically what they wanted, and what they didn’t want. Once presented with the service they were looking for, they were ready to sign on the dotted line.

Simple enough.

Lighting, as well as many other upgrades are a want, not a need.  We don’t presume to know a clients wants or needs beyond that of a DJ, and although we can present them with options, there are all kinds of factors that drive the decision making process of a consumer (myself included).  Maybe lighting isn’t in the budget, or maybe, lighting just isn’t your cup of tea.  If you are interested in lighting, we are more than happy to help you understand the many types and varied applications, show you photographs, or even to demo them in action, so that you might come to an educated decision about whether or not lighting is right for you. What we won’t do is try to pressure you into an up-sell. If you ask us if we think you need them, 99% of the time we will respond with the same answer… “Only if you want them”.

The title of this post is Philadelphia Wedding DJ… and Lighting, because we are a DJ company first and foremost.  We offer a DJ that is experienced, and knowledgeable about both music and how to run an event, working in concert with your other event professionals like your planner, your photographer and your caterer.  In the end, we aren’t trying to sell you things you don’t need, and certainly not trying to sell you things you don’t want.  On the contrary, we are a DJ company first and foremost.

-Craig

‘DJ Brain’ illustration by Sean Gallo – http://seangallodesigns.wordpress.com

Click here for our Philadelphia wedding DJ packages

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

At Cutting Edge Entertainment we don’t mess around because we know that dependability is #1. When it comes to the choice of work vehicle to haul bazillions of tons of sound, lighting and production equipment, this Disc Jockey company puts it’s trust in Ford.

For almost two decades we have depended on the unwavering reliability of Ford to deliver, and our trucks have never let us down. Unlike other companies that might do things the easy way, the rough and rugged DJs of C.E.E. brave the extreme weather conditions of the Philadelphia region in our trusty and reliable E 150 class Econoline vans. Come rain, snow, sleet or hail our fleet is ever at the ready.  These are truly mighty machines.

These fearsome road warriors boast 145 and 195 horse power fuel injected six cylinder engines, returning a stellar 14 mpg average. Combining raw power and sleek design, these sporty work horses – sometimes referred to as ‘The Hammer Of The Trade’  – have yet to fail us.  The simplicity of the vinyl interior, crank-up windows, manual lock doors and standard AM/FM radio lend to the genius of its hardcore design.  Hardcore machines for hardcore DJs.

Special thanks to Kevin York whose background in NASCAR photography made him the perfect choice to immortalize the awesome power of our small yet fierce fleet in photographs.  Like our Ford trucks, Cutting Edge Entertainment is all-American and proud.

-Craig

Photos by Kevin York (thanks Kevin) – www.kevinyorkphotography.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

As somewhat of a tech-geek myself – if not simply a big kid who loves cool toys and gadgets – being at the Eventions warehouse was like being a kid in a candy store.  Aisles and aisles of lighting gear, all meticulously organized and well maintained surrounded me as I just gazed as if I were in a DJ dream.  Over 7,000 square feet of warehouse to be exact filled with cases upon cases of every variety of event lighting one could imagine, stacked so high that he needs a fork lift just to get at them all.  Might I add that my visit with Brian was on a Monday- typically a slow day in the event industry – but there were over a dozen or so guys loading and dispatching truckload after truckload of gear.  Eventions Productions is truly an impressive operation.

I’ve heard it said that you can always tell a tourist in New York City because they are always looking up… well that probably describes me to a tee as I wandered around the warehouse.  Brian had to excuse himself for part of our tour to take a phone call, and I think he found me in almost the exact same spot upon his return, mouth agape in amazement.

Thousands of lights (yes, literally, as I was counting when he left me unattended) including martin intelligent effects lighting, LED’s, leikos, pin spots, par cans, and a bunch of others that I had never seen before.  There were dozens of speakers,  50″ high definition plasmas, and well over 400′ of trussing.  Just beyond the photo was a large pool where he keeps the sharks with the laser beams for Dr. Evil (just kiddin). Eventions also uses ‘line array technology,’ which is the stuff rock bands use to line up speakers for concerts at large venues.

My level of being impressed doesn’t end there.  On Eventions website they offer a service called ‘virtual lighting design’ which allows the client to literally take part in the creative process of their lighting design which has a really cool feature that allows the customer to experiment with all the lighting options available to them to get an idea of what it looks like before the event day.

And to top it all off, Eventions entire facility (office and warehouse) will go completely green by the end of August 2009, implementing LED eco-friendly lighting not only to save electricity, but in a conscious effort to conserve.

I look forward to working with Eventions, and Brian’s knowledgeable staff of event engineers in the future.   Where Cutting Edge Entertainment takes DJs and talent to a new level, Eventions takes technology just as seriously and their passion and love for what they do is second to none.

-Craig

www.eventionsproductions.com

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