This blog, along with several others by our event brethren, has recently been inundated with articles relating to the “relationship” between an event entertainer and their client. In the grand scheme this is the most important part of planning an event or private reception – an event will not reach its’ potential if the client and entertainer are not on the same page. The priority of the entertainer is to satisfy the needs of the client, as well as push the event to the next level. Once the planning part is complete, the weight lays solely on the entertainer and his/her staff. The one fact that cannot be ignored is that any multi-faceted event requires two skills that are often ignored in a landscape flowing with “individuals”; the skills are simple, they’re called “communication” and “teamwork”.

A few recent entries to this blog have served as inspiration for what follows, beginning with an article by Tony Donato detailing what a client should expect from their DJ:

http://www.cuttingedgedjs.com/blog/2011/05/02/the-philadelphia-dj-what-you-should-expect

That was soon was followed by Craig’s article about the unwavering communication between the client and the DJ:

http://www.cuttingedgedjs.com/blog/2011/05/18/the-dj-and-the-client-in-perfect-harmony

This is the final chapter in a “trilogy of thought” that deals with the process of planning and executing a memorable evening.

The private event entertainment industry is a victim of the “too many cooks in the kitchen syndrome”; simply put, between the MC, DJ, Photographer, Videographer, Caterer, Decorator, Planner, or any other event vendor involved in the project, it can a handful keeping everyone on the same page. Each person working an event has a responsibility to perform at the highest level, but the results are in direct relation to the other variables. A photographer needs to capture specific moments that will be cherished for years after the event, but they cannot freeze that moment properly if the subject of that image is not prepared for it. In order to be sure that each moment has the chance to be perfect, it is the duty of the staff to coordinate in advance. As an entertainer I am aware that we are – typically – one of the final stops during the planning process; however, we may be the most vital part of the event.

Much of the staff at Cutting Edge Entertainment have been involved in event entertainment for over a decade; many of whom have been tasked with every aspect of event entertainment (MC, DJ, Dancer, Salesperson, Manager, Technical and/or Sound Engineer or lighting designer) at some point of their tenure in the industry, myself included. Having been blessed with the opportunity to work on each facet has given me a respect and rounded knowledge of the responsibilities for each team member. It is said that a “team” is only as strong as its weakest link; however, it’s the responsibility of the team itself to know, and therefore capitalize on each others individual strengths. The determining factor of a successful event may hinge on the ability of the team to streamline the requests of the client. Luckily, the staff at Cutting Edge prides itself on not just our customer service, but our team communication. This begins with the camaraderie that develops between each member of the team; this was never more apparent than on March 28, 2011 during our most recent photo shoot.

Team Cutting Edge gathered for an evening that would allow us to expand on our recent marketing explosion – namely, the outbreak of recent posts to the blog; as well as photos and videos on Facebook and YouTube. It was also an opportunity to bring the entire cast and crew together for a night of pizza, laughs and some great photo moments. Each type of event takes a different approach in regards to staffing – e.g.; a wedding will provide both an MC and a DJ (the first to coordinate and lead, the second to provide a constant ear on the audio quality), while a Bar/Bar Mitzvah may provide a MC, DJ, as well as several motivational dancers, a lighting technician and possibly a video simulcast operator – and many of the team members will perform at numerous events, over the course of a season, and never bump into one another. This is my favorite part of working with Cutting Edge; the people and the relationships that begin as strictly business, but turn into lifelong friendships.

The photo shoot itself was an “on-the-fly” production. We had a concept in mind, but the evening was quite organic. Everyone arrived ahead of schedule to begin their allotted tasks; the DJ’s and crew began to construct our biggest setup – including plasma displays and a full overhead light show – while the Dancer staff (cast) began costume changes and photo-appropriate make-up application. I volunteered to take the lead with the construction of the equipment to keep the evening flowing smoothly; it was made easier since our entire staff was in attendance. This was a chance to me to take charge, thereby flexing my directorial ‘muscles’, working a highly efficient and self-motivated team. It is also an opportunity for both staff and director alike to learn and become more accustomed to one another, our abilities and skill sets, thereby strengthening the team even more.

This is also the ideal opportunity for people to see both sides to someone’s personality. Speaking for myself, I tend to straddle the line between business and playful, (I am an entertainer after all). Basically, I will be “all business” one minute and “bouncing off the walls” the next. I believe the balance is necessary to being successful in this industry; we are required to be organized and “business-like” in our approach with clients, yet “fun and animated” during meetings and at the event.

Some would say that you have to be a little crazy to be in this business. I tend to agree with them.

It’s nice to have people around you that fit the same mold.

~Brian

Photo Images Courtesy of Nicole Leigh Photography

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

It was a Sunday in November of 2010, at a synagogue in Philadelphia where we (the staff of Cutting Edge Entertainment) rocked out at Abby’s Bat Mitzvah. The party was awesome, and – as always – we had the dance floor packed with kids and adults the entire night.

I met with Abby (and her father) prior to the party to go over the details, games, and of course Abby’s music selection, and she could hardly hide her excitement… which was contagious. She couldn’t hold back a huge smile the entire meeting.

Things got off to a great start, and once we were set up the family arrived and our staff met mom and Abby’s sister Rachel, and shortly after that the guests began to arrive. During cocktail hour, the dancers and I hung out with the kids. This is a great time for our staff to get to know everyone, and build a rapport with all of Abby’s friends who were equally enthusiastic and ready to dance.

After the cocktail hour concluded, we began the candle lighting ceremony, an old Bat Mitzvah tradition, and then had the guests up dancing to Hava Nagila, where guests lifted Abby and her family up in chairs to celebrate the joyous occasion. Throughout the evening, Abby’s friends were kept entertained with lots of fun dancing and interactive games like Coke & Pepsi, Singled Out, and Levitation (which is really cool to watch). My dancers for the Bat Mitzvah were Nate, Brittany and Ashley, who did an amazing job keeping the kids engaged and involved in the party, as you can tell from the photos. Justin was our DJ, playing hit after hit, and doing an awesome job keeping the energy levels on maximum… these kids just didn’t stop.

I want to express a big thank-you (and Mazel Tov) to Mom, Dad, Rachel, and of course, the guest of honor Abby. It was a pleasure working with you to create such an exciting Simcha.

-Richie

Photos courtesy of Mitchell Birnbaum Photography
215-837-7236

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

When I first met Liz and Dan in our office I knew right away that their party was going to be one for the record books.  During our initial meeting, they were filled with energy and excitement when they shared with me the vision they had for their reception. I must admit I was a little intimidated when first meeting Dan, being that he’s a personal trainer and not to mention a pretty big guy. I knew the pressure to throw an amazing party was definitely on (or else he might twist me into a pretzel if the dance floor wasn’t packed all night).

Fast forward to their wedding day. The reception was held at Brookside Manor, located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania: the lights are low, an illuminated monogram of the newly married couple is shining bright on the wall, and all of Liz and Dan’s family and friend are standing and cheering as they making their grand entrance into the room.  Their reception was so much fun that I didn’t even feel like I was working, and Dan and Liz treated me as one of their guests. There was no hesitation once dinner was over for the dancing to begin.  The DJ was spinning everything from Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi, to fist-pumping Jersey Shore style  Dynamite by Taio Cruz, and the guests rocked out to every one.   Even Liz and Dan’s parents were jamming out to Paradise by the Dashboard Light by Meatloaf.  The dance floor was packed the entire night and I was so happy to have been a part of this memorable occasion.  I wish Liz and Dan the best of luck and want to thank them for reminding me how much fun being an MC really is.

~DJ Jason

To learn more about Jason, click here:
DJ Jason: From Penn State to Philadelphia

Here was a note we received from the bride and groom after their honeymoon;

We would like thank Jason at Cutting Edge Entertainment for making our wedding so special. Jay did a great job at pleasing the entire crowd. People are still talking about how much fun that they had! Cutting Edge is the best and  we would highly recommend them for anyone who wants the best in entertainment.

Liz & Dan

Photos courtesy of Spencer

Brookside Manor

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

I see life like a meandering line, ever changing its course and surprising us with the unexpected. In this case, the line has brought me full circle, back home to Cutting Edge Entertainment.

During my first go-around with Cutting Edge, I was known as “The Dancing DJ”, ever bouncing and fist pumping along with the crowd from behind the DJ booth. I love music, and as they say, if you love what you do for a living, is it really work? I consider myself lucky; not just because returning to Cutting Edge means I’ll get to spend my weekends laughing and working alongside some of my oldest friends, but because we get to share our love of music and fun with one another while making new friends along the way.

Musically, my tastes have changed little through the years. Before becoming a disc jockey I spent several years attending jazz dance classes as a way to exercise and expand my musical horizons, which then led to a love of musical theater and further my love of all things “pop”.

Beginning with the influence of artists like New Kids on The Block, and of course Michael Jackson (Billie Jean being the greatest pop song ever produced IMHO), my music experience evolved beyond mere notes and lyrics, or rhythms and melodies. It was the performance aspect that truly inspired me, it was what hooked me in, and hasn’t let go ever since.

But there was still that pop obsession…

My High School years led to *NSYNC and The Backstreet Boys, and was again not just about the tunes, but the costumes, choreography and concerts. The recent decade hasn’t fared much differently, adding Usher, Ne-Yo and Justin Timberlake’s solo career to the multitude of party-worthy entertainers whose songs I find myself revisiting at events and parties.

I try not to think of myself as an MC, or Master of Ceremonies, but rather as a guide leading my audience through a day that can often be as equally overwhelming as it is memorable and joyous. Your event experience is only enhanced by a DJ who – through the input of the client – can become part of the excitement while allowing the party to occur organically. Name a few songs and/or artists and they’ll become my “Rosetta Stone” to decoding your musical tastes. Your guests will dictate the energy and together, through the music, we will create a story that will last a lifetime. This is the theory I’ll use when helping you plan and execute your party. Every step is vital, every beat is crucial but EVERYTHING should be filled with fun and excitement. Working together with the client has proven a tried and true formula for the success of any event.

So… full circle and back at Cutting Edge Entertainment after almost half a decade. Here is where I stand today; here to entertain you, to laugh with you, to rock the party and share in the fun with you.

So, remember that meandering line I mentioned earlier? Was that marked at the end or was it only another beginning?

-Brian Lacivita

Photo by Kevin York – www.kevinyorkphotography.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

Another wedding blog post from one of the wedding DJs here at Cutting Edge Entertainment.  I was at Cairnwood  – my home away from home – for Joshua and Samantha’s wedding on July 1, 2010.  The wedding took place on a Thursday night, which worked out well because the majority of the guests had off the next day and were able to start their holiday weekend early with a great wedding to celebrate.  The couple also added up lighting to their wedding package, and the lights were glowing all over the mansion, really adding to the ambiance of the stately manor.

The night began with the ceremony, held out on the front steps of the mansion.  We provided all the of music and sound needed for the ceremony.  After the bride and groom said their vows, we moved to cocktail hour, which is held, well, really all over the mansion.  It gives a chance for people to explore historic Cairnwood, where there is much to explore.  the guests then moved to the terrace for the introductions of  parents, bridal party, and of course the bride and groom.  Once the introductions were over the newlyweds had their first dance.  The guests then were treated to a great dinner outside on the deck, catered by Feastivities.  When dinner was over, everyone came back inside for the cake cutting and parent dances, and then it was time to party.  It helped to have a great DJ on hand because the music was great and the dance floor was packed all night.

Of course, a few thank you’s are in order.  First – of course – to Dan and his staff that night from Feastivities. Lately it seems we are getting the opportunity to work together more and more, and it’s great.  It seems we work seamlessly and comfortably, and we share the same goal; The success of the event.   I also worked with Kylene of  Leave It To Me Photography.  She did a great job and the pictures came out fantastic.  I’m grateful she shared some of her photos to feature on our blog.  I also of course need to thank the bride and groom.  They did a great job putting together a dream team of excellent vendors.  It was definitely a memorable wedding that I won’t forget and I’m confident their friends and family feel the same way.  Last but not least, I had a special guest DJ.  My good friend and Cutting Edge Entertainment co-MC Pedro, who I don’t often get the chance to work with and we made a great team.  Thanks Pedro!!

-Richie

Photos courtesy of Leave It To Me Photography
www.leaveittomephotography.com

Feativities Catering – www.feastivitiescatering.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

Okay so we all have the desire to want to look good and more importantly the desire for others to think that we look good, but with the fashion trends constantly changin and few things remaining constant, this can be a completely daunting task. These are the quick reflections of a young stylish adult.

Being a 22 year old soon-to-be college graduate I am often placed in a weird place in the world of fashion trends, the middle ground.  You don’t want to seem too old with your attire while at the same time you are well past the days of big name brands molesting the clothing you adorn. The best policy is to keep it clean and keep it simple.

With this hot and humid weather, a nice fitted pair of jeans and a classic sneaker is an option you can never lose with. Most of the time this is what I choose. Its clean classic and timeless.  Sperry’s (a brand of boat shoe) are also a must have in every closet for the summer season.

One of the most important things about clothing is that it must match your personality.  Before you are even given an opportunity to express yourself verbally, your appearance speaks volumes.  This is a very dangerous and powerful fact.  This allows a person to give off whatever impression they wish to simply by what they choose to wear.

The next is to make sure that your clothes are appropriate for you.  There is nothing worse than seeing someone who is wearing something that is completely too small for their body.  Smaller is not nessicarily sexier (women tend to violate this rule the most).  I love women with all my being but when I see a women who is a XL trying to fit into a Medium, the next thing i see is four people slyly TwitPic’ing her.

Lastly I greatly dislike this “skinny jeans” movement.  It’s a personal choice of course which is what I talked about earlier but I would be remiss if I didn’t sound off on this nonsense.  The worst part about this whole movement is that  I’ve never seen a guy wearing these ‘super skinny jeans’ walking with a girlfriend.  Bottom line, your jeans should not be as tight as the ones your girlfriend is wearing.

Just some kick reflections of a young stylish adult.

-Nate Jones

Nate is a dancer and MC with Cutting Edge Entertainment.  To learn a bit more about him, check out some of these posts on our blog.

Nate on Cutting Edge

Nate on Hip Hop

Nate Style

Photo courtesy of Erin Duffy

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

On Saturday afternoon, May 29th of 2010 I got the chance to once again MC a wedding at one of my favorite venues, Cairnwood Mansion.  We have been a part of many wedding celebrations at Cairnwood, and although  I have even written other blogs about weddings I have done there, this wedding ranks among one of my favorites.

Kathleen and John were a great couple to work with.  They were laid back, fun and I could tell they were really looking forward to having a good time.  They had a large group of guests to share the special day with them (perhaps the largest I’ve seen at Cairnwood), and we provided music for them during the cocktail hour, outside on the terrace for their meal, and of course we rocked it out with some great dancing tunes inside.  Whether I was playing some traditional Italian music, the sounds of Motown, or the popular music of today everybody was out there on the dance floor.

Once again, I had the opportunity to work with the incredible staff from Feastivities.  The food and service was excellent!  It’s always great to get to work with them, and I’m looking forward to another wedding I’ll be doing with their staff again in July.  I also want to thank Jason and Nick from Ultimate Images.  We appreciate them letting us use their pictures from the wedding.  They are extremely talented and I look forward to working with them in the future.  Finally, to Shannon, Evelyn and the entire staff at Cairnwood Mansion, I really enjoy working with all of you.  I’m glad that I get to work so often at such a majestic estate (it really is a very cool place with an awesome staff0.

Thank You, and congratulations to Kathleen and John.

DJ Richie

Photos Courtesy of Ultimate Images – www.ultimateimages-photography.com

Feastivities Catering – www.feastivitiescatering.com

www.cairnwood.org

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

On Sunday April 25, 2010, I had the opportunity to be the MC at Danielle and Brad’s wedding reception.  The party was at the Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia, and it was truly amazing. People were dancing the entire night, and I had a lot of fun being a part of the action.   A couple weeks after the wedding Danielle emailed us with this to say…

Rich at Cutting Edge is the BEST DJ/MC you could ask for. We had such a pleasant experience working with him, he’s a true professional and I would recommend him to my friends. Rich kept the dance floor packed during our wedding reception and all of our guests had the time of their lives dancing to all the great songs Rich had to offer. Go with Cutting Edge and you will have an amazing party!

This was my first opportunity to do a wedding at the Rittenhouse Hotel, and I enjoyed working with their team.   I got to work with Lori, Emil, and the rest of team. The food they had was great and the staff provided the guests with excellent service.  I also got to work with Nicole Leigh Photography.   Nicole does a great job and took the newlyweds all over the hotel and in the park to take pictures.   Thank you Nicole, for providing us this great picture of the bride and groom.  Finally, a thank you to Eddie Bruce for referring Danielle and Brad to Cutting Edge Entertainment. Eddie is a very good friend to Cutting Edge and we enjoy working together with him when we get the chance.

-Richie

Photo courtesy of Nicole Leigh Photography - www.nicoleleighphotography.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

When tossing around ideas for my “Return to Cutting Edge Entertainment” blog post, those famous opening lines from the LL Cool J classic ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’ kept ringing in my head as a perfect opening…

“Don’t call it a comeback / I’ve been here for years”

Literally, I have been here for years. And though I may have been “out of circulation” for a little while, I never really left… not in my heart. And now, I’m back on the scene and ready for action… and it feels great.

I guess a good place to start would be the very beginning, the Fall of 1996. I got my first opportunity to work for a DJ company, albeit as just the guy who carried the milk crates full of records; yes, those large vinyl discs that spin slowly. My job was that of an observer and a helping hand. I would help the Master of Ceremonies and the Disc Jockey carry all the records and equipment and take notes the entire party as I watched the DJ work his magic with seamless precision. The more parties worked, the more I helped the DJ, learning about all genres of music from Big Band to Top 40, from Jazz to Hip Hop, from Motown to Funk and everything in-between, all the while gaining experience and confidence with every successful party. Working with the best DJs I also learned the most important part of any party, the art of  ‘Reading a Crowd.’  This is the most important skill a DJ should have. A great DJ knows what their client wants, and is able to deliver a great party every time.

Over time, several DJ practices, lots of party experience and constant badgering of MCs to give me a chance, I finally became an everyday DJ for any Master of Ceremony that needed me. After years of being the best DJ I could be, I was ready to take the next step; to become an MC, Event Coordinator & great Entertainer. Eventually, Craig gave me the chance to start doing my own parties and I never looked back. I worked hard not only at perfecting my art of being a great Entertainer, but also building a quality rapport with all my clients. I had the luxury of learning what it takes to be a great Master of Ceremonies from the numerous talented MCs at Cutting Edge Entertainment. I learned how to work with my clients fashioning THE perfect party they’ve pictured in their minds.

Word spread, and for several years I was a highly requested MC at all kinds of events all across the Philadelphia Area.  Ultimately, as I got older, health issues forced me to take a step back from my passion of providing the perfect party for all my clients.

My passion and enthusiasm for the industry never went away.  I still kept in touch with my Cutting Edge Family as often as possible during my brief sabbatical. Recently, I was approached by Craig who asked me to take a position with the company that he said was tailor made just for me.  He asked me to resume doing a lot of what I loved when I was an MC, but without actually being at the event. I would still get to meet with clients and work with them to build their dream party. I can help them bring their visions into reality and make sure they are set up with the perfect staff for their event.

When Craig explained everything the job entailed, I couldn’t say no. I accepted the position, and here I am writing about the “comeback”… that really isn’t a comeback. I honestly feel like I never left… nor do I think that anyone who works for Cutting Edge Entertainment ever feels like they really leave Cutting Edge. No matter where life takes them. After all, a family is family… no matter what.

Tony Donato
Networking Director
Cutting Edge Entertainment

Photo courtesy of Kevin York – www.kevinyorkphotography.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

On Saturday, May 22 of 2010 Cutting Edge Entertainment had the opportunity to perform for Nicole’s Bat Mitzvah at The American Helicopter Museum in West Chester, Pennsylvania. With most Bar & Bat Mitzvah clients, we deal with Mom and Dad from the booking stage all the way through planning, but once in a while I get to deal with Grandmothers and Grandfathers, which, for me, is a rare treat. When Lori Paradis (pronounced “paradise”) first contacted me she introduced herself as the grandmother of the Bat Mitzvah girl, and explained that she had been charged with interviewing and choosing the entertainment. Admittedly, I’ve got a soft spot for grandmothers, and have a photo from my own Bar Mitzvah framed at home in my study… It’s a photo with my Grandmother.

Lori’s concerns weren’t unique, they are ones we encounter quite often with clients inquiring about our DJ services. “Can we keep the kids engaged and entertained?” Throughout the process the Paradis family was pretty awesome to work with. Nicole herself was quite the young lady, with her own concerns, much like her Grandmother. Even Dad made a point to make clear that the kids should be the focus, and I assured him that that’s just what we do. At one point Lori even said to me “I entrust you with the success of this event”, and again, I reassured her that everything would be just fine.

The party was a huge success, and not only were the kids engaged and entertained, but the adults were too. It’s just what we do.

Being the MC for the event, and the Director of the company, I assembled an all-star cast of dancers, DJ, and crew. The event was a huge success, but I couldn’t even begin to take full credit for it’s outcome. Not only did my staff rock the house (or in this case, the museum), but we worked alongside Sherron Trio, the Director of the Museum as well as John Serock from John Serock Catering. True professionals, who were invaluable allies in the phenomenal outcome of the Mitzvah.

The party had a club theme, and our guy dancers seconded as bouncers (see photos), checking IDs and a guest list before anyone was admitted into cocktail. Introductions, candle lighting and a hora soon followed, and then it was fun, fun, fun. Games and dancing and fun. It’s what we do every weekend, and while Nicole and her friends were having the time of their life, I glanced over to see an expression on Lori’s face (yes Lori, I caught it) of pure joy. It’s moments like that that are the most rewarding part of my job.

The week following the party I received this email from Lori…

In September of 2009, I was asked to help plan the event celebrating my Granddaughter Nicole Paradis’s Bat Mitzvah. It was an honor to be asked. (If you knew Nicole, you would know why).

As any Bubbie knows, when all is said and done, at the end of the party, the place may not be remembered (although in this case it will be), or the food (although in this case it will also be), but the one part that will be remembered the most and which determines the success of the evening, is the success of the party itself depends on the entertainment.

So, one Saturday evening, I phoned Cutting Edge Entertainment to get information fully expecting to get a message machine. Instead to my huge surprise, Craig Sumsky, the owner of the DJ Company answered the phone, and proceeded to chat for a long time about not only his DJ Company, but life, religion, the world in general and his Bubbie!!

I knew right away that this would not just be a business relationship, and that a person with such compassion, caring, and kindness, along with great salesmanship would handle our party better than anyone else could ever do. I was more than right!!

On May 22, 2010, the BEST Party anyone could ever hope for was led by Cutting Edge Entertainment, with the BEST STAFF you could imagine. They brought joy to a gaggle of kids and adults as well, and they made Nicole feel like a princess for an evening (which she so deserved). Guests sang, danced, laughed, cried (candles!) and at the end of the party left wishing it weren’t over.

My deepest thanks to you Craig and your outstanding staff, Tony, Brittany, Nate, Louis, and the DJs.

With Love and Gratitude,

Lori Paradis

No Lori… Thank YOU. Mazel Tov to Nicole, and the entire Paradis family.

-Craig

Photos courtesy of Alexandra Horvath Photography – http://ahorvathphotog.wordpress.com/

Catering by John Serock – www.serockcatering.com

The American Helicopter Museum

www.cuttingedgedjs.com