Author Archives: DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Wedding DJ Plays Vitamin String Quartet

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I find it so fascinating how many young Brides and Grooms incorporate songs by The Vitamin String Quartet into their Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour and Reception these days. It is great music and makes a sensational bridge between music from several generations.

 

How else would Brides and Grooms be able to include Guns N Roses, AC/DC, Lady Gaga and The Beatles seamlessly together in a Wedding Ceremony or Cocktail Hour except with Vitamin String Quartet?

Vitamin String Quartet Tribute to Guns N’ Roses Sweet Child O’ Mine

Next weekend I am Wedding DJ at a Wedding for a young Bride and Groom that enjoy mostly Rock, Indie and Punk. They are also very conscious of wanting their parents and other guests to enjoy the Wedding . They have put together a really neat bunch of songs by Vitamin String Quartet for the Cocktail Hour. It was fun creating the playlist for the Cocktail Hour since I typically make playlists in advance for Wedding Ceremonies and Cocktail Hours to make sure there is no room for errors at the Wedding.

Vitamin String Quartet Tribute to My Chemical Romance Welcome To The Black Parade

Who Is Vitamin String Quartet?

You Had Me at Cello: Entertainment Weekly Review

“For nearly six years, Vitamin Records has tapped that same symphonic spine with its String Quartet Tribute series, which takes rock music and puts it through an orchestral filter. Aimed at collectors, completists, and fans open to reworkings of their favorite songs, the Vitamin catalog includes 140 classically gassed homages to every three-chord wonder from Metallica to the Darkness. ”I like the tribute to us,” says Nickelback guitarist Chad Kroeger. ”When your music is taken to a different place, it’s an honor.”

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Rhode Island DJ

Wedding DJ with Multicultural Brides and Grooms

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I did not know when I first started promoting DJ Mystical Michael here in the New Jersey, New York and Philly area that I would have so much fun working with Multicultural Brides and Grooms at their Weddings. It is not that I am not aware of what a great mix of cultures we have in New Jersey and New York, I grew-up here and have never experienced the world through the eyes of just one way or culture. It would seem obvious that a local man who is from a Multicultural family would attract Multicultural Brides and Grooms to perform as DJ at their Weddings right? Well, it was not obvious for me at the time but I embrace the amazing opportunities that have come my way to work with Multicultural Brides and Grooms, especially the past few months.

Multicultural Bride and Groom First Wedding Dance with Multicultural Brides and Groom and DJ Mystical Michael

Rhode Island Wedding DJ Supports Multicultural Brides and Grooms

It is so much fun for me to support Multicultural Brides and Grooms blend their family styles, traditions and music into one big, simple and elegant Wedding!  I remember several years ago when I was a Social Work student and had taken a class titled, “Racial and Ethnic Groups”. The Professor would remind us on a regular basis, “You don’t know what you don’t know and how can you?” This is the attitude I try to bring to my interactions with all my clients, especially Multicultural Brides and Grooms; you know your family, friends and what you want, I am here to make sure that it works exceptionally well.

Fun Dancing at Asian Multicultural Wedding with Multicultural Brides and Groom and DJ Mystical Michael

Last night I met with a really fun and nice Multicultural Brides and Groom that are Italian and Latina. We had so much fun laughing and sharing ideas about their Wedding.  I am baffled why so many professional  Wedding DJs hate this aspect of their work. For me, I love to get to know my Brides, Grooms and Party Planners before we agree to work together when possible. I like the connection and hearing your stories and experiences that have brought you together today. How can you do an an exceptional job at your Wedding or Party unless you know who they are and what they want, especially Multicultural Brides and Grooms?

Beautiful Dancers at Multicultural Wedding and Multicultural Brides and Groom with DJ Mystical Michael

I am grateful to live and work in the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania region where we have such diversity of culture, ideas and traditions. It is hard for me to imagine being a professional Wedding DJ, Event DJ and Party DJ in a location that is not as diverse. Besides, you get the best food at Multicultural Weddings!

Fun Dancing at Multicultural Wedding with Multicultural Brides and Groom and DJ Mystical Michael

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Wedding DJ Performs at Dark Wedding

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This past weekend I was Wedding DJ & MC for two rather unique Weddings. On Saturday Night, the Wedding was a Dark Wedding with almost everybody dressed in black. This was not your Black Tie Affair, it was more Goth-liike than anything else. The Bride and Groom chose a bunch of really unique songs for the Introductions and Traditional Dances including “The Imperial March”, “Sistinas” by Danzig, “In My Life” by The Beatles, “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd and “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders.  It was fun, creative and their friends and family loved it and their Wedding DJ!

 “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders

“I’ll Stand by You” is a 1994 song recorded by The Pretenders from their sixth studio album, Last of the Independents. Written by Chrissie Hynde in collaboration with the songwriting team of Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg (who used the melody from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Minuet for Lovers]), it was the Pretenders’ most recent significant hit single, and their last successful single in North America.

The song is a power ballad that pledges love and faithful assistance in times of personal darkness. Since its initial release, “I’ll Stand by You” has also become a major hit for British girl group Girls Aloud in 2004 and Carrie Underwood in 2007, both times recorded as a charity single. Wikipedia

Groom Fun At Wedding with Rhode Island Wedding DJ Mystical Michael

I really enjoy working with Brides and Grooms who are interested in creating a simple, elegant and unique Wedding DJ Event.

As a professional Wedding DJ, I always offer my experience and recommendations, leaving it to the Bride and Groom to decide what will best for you. As many Wedding as I am Wedding DJ & MC for, it seems like they would all feel and look the same but they are not even a little bit. I am grateful that the Brides and Grooms that choose me to perform at their Weddings are wanting something that expresses their style, taste and personality. I do not do ‘cookie-cutter wedding factory style’ Weddings and won’t. I think a Wedding is too important for a Bride and Groom to not place their imprint all over it.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Rhode Island Winter Wedding DJ

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In years past, I have not received many Brides and Grooms looking to hire my professional MC & DJ services for Winter Weddings here in the Rhode Island, Boston and Souther New England Region. There is this myth that Weddings need to be in warm weather only, my experience offers a different perspective about a Winter Wedding. A Bride and Groom can plan an amazing, simple and elegant Wedding in any season, including Winter Weddings. Each season offers a different set of opportunities and obstacles. Since most Brides and Grooms already are aware of the advantages of Spring, Summer & Autumn Weddings, in this post I will focus on the benefits of a Beautiful Winter Wedding.

Think of a cool, beautiful day with blue skies for miles and the sun warming bodies and buildings.  There is some snow on the ground but not too deep. Men get to actually wear their wool suits without having to drip with sweat from the heat. Women do not have to fret over frizzy hair from humidity.  For me, there is something entirely romantic and elegant about a room full of finely dressed men and women on a cold night celebrating love and hope together in an exquisitely lit room for your Winter Wedding .

I will not leave out the most obvious advantages to Rhode Island Winter Weddings; price and availability!

 

Availability. If you have ever tried to book a Wedding in June, July, August, September or October, you know what I am talking about. You feel like you have to fight your way just to give a venue, photographer, videographer, florist or DJ just to give them your money. This is not the case with most Wedding DJs and Vendors in November, January, February or March, we love Winter Weddings!

 The Cost of Rhode Island Winter Weddings Are Far Less Expensive

Cost. Times have changed and Brides and Grooms are not always able to plan their Dream Weddings as we could ten or fifteen years ago. At least not if you are trying to do so during Wedding season in Rhode Island. They know you need them and will charge you based on that premise. Rhode Island Winter Weddings are not as easy for Rhode Island Wedding DJs and Vendors to book and most are more apt to offer you a discount or at least throw in an additional service or two for no charge. For example, I usually will offer free Party Lights with Rhode Island Winter Weddings.

Rhode Island Winter Weddings are not for everybody, many of us need the warmth and fresh air that warmer season offer. Each Bride and Groom needs to determine what works best for them carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about planning your Rhode Island Winter Wedding, I invite you contact me and maybe I can help.

Gorgeous Rhode Island Wedding and Party Venue - Rhode Island Winter Wedding DJ

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding & Rhode Island Party DJ Guranate!

Holding Lighters at Concerts Started September 1969

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It was during a concert at the Toronto Rock & Roll Revival on September 13th 1969 the tradition of holding up lit matches and lighters during Rock Shows began. Before The Plastic Ono Band with John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Eric Claption, Klaus Voormann and Alan White came onstage, the MC Kim Fowley asked the audience to light their lighters to welcome them. It became a phenomenon not long after, whenever a Rock Ballad performed at concerts or before concert encores. It does not surprise me that such an honored tradition was birthed at a performance of John Lennon. We do not really have a performer today that symbolizes Peace and Equality to the degree that John Lennon did back then. It felt like that was what he lived for and was so passionate to the extent of being arrested and eventually shot and killed. Few among us have believed so strongly in Peace to suffer such a consequence.

Plastic Ono Band

The Plastic Ono Band is a conceptual supergroup formed by John Lennon and Yoko Ono in 1969 before the dissolution of the Beatles. Among the various other members of the band were Eric Clapton, artist Klaus Voormann, future Yes drummer Alan White,Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett, & friends, the Who‘s drummer Keith Moon, New York band Elephant’s Memory, Billy Preston, Nicky Hopkins, Phil Spector, drummer Jim Keltner, and, in a 2009 revival, Sean Lennon. Wikipedia

 Strange Concert Fact

As a peculiar side note to the concert festival, the rumor that Alice Cooper ate live chickens on stage during concerts also was birthed there. The reality is that somebody threw a chicken onto the stage and he through it back to the individual, who ate it. The rumor stuck with him throughout his career and he became somewhat of a Rock legend in creating an image of Alice Cooper as an insane man. Ozzy Ozborne followed Cooper as Rock’s crazy concert man.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Jimi Hendrix Memories from DJ Mystical Michael (Hey Joe)

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I cannot remember a time in my life when I was not totally enthralled by Jimi Hendrix. I remember as a child hearing Jimi Hendrix massive and soulful guitar riffs and feeling my spine tingle. I remember hearing Jimi Hendrix version of “The Star Spangled Banner” and thinking, that is what we should be singing and pledging to in the morning at school. Jimi Hendrix rocked Woodstock! He died too soon or maybe right on time. Hard to imagine where Jimi Hendrix might have gone next with his guitar if he lived longer.

“Widely recognized as one of the most creative and influential musicians of the 20th century, Jimi Hendrix pioneered the explosive possibilities of the electric guitar. Hendrix’s innovative style of combining fuzz, feedback and controlled distortion created a new musical form. Because he was unable to read or write music, it is nothing short of remarkable that Jimi Hendrix’s meteoric rise in the music took place in just four short years. His musical language continues to influence a host of modern musicians, from George Clinton to Miles Davis, and Steve Vai to Jonny Lang.” Jimi Hendrix.com

I could write all day about Jimi Hendrix and his music weaving its way in and around my life but feel moved to just stop and add a quote and video.

When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace. Jimi Hendrix

“James Marshall Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970)  Jimi Hendrix was an American musician, singer and songwriter. Despite a limited mainstream exposure of four years, he is widely considered to have been the greatest electric guitarist in the history of popular music, and one of the most important musicians of the 20th century.” Wikipedia

Jimi Hendrix “Hey Joe” Music Video:

http://youtu.be/Lwpr60W7EOk[.embed]

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Wedding DJ In Rhode Island

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Tomorrow night’s Wedding is in Rhode Island . This fact by itself is not significant but in the context of me being a professional Wedding DJ that performs all over the tri-state area but rarely in Rhode Island , it means something to me. I went to college at Rowan University and studied Radio/TV/Film. It is where I began to grow as a professional DJ and learned the ropes. I was already a professional Wedding DJ before I went to Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ, but I matured and mastered the art of DJing there. I miss Rhode Island and do not make it down there very often these days.

 

This is the second reason tomorrow night’s Wedding matters beyond it being a Wedding with a really nice Bride and Groom.  I am somewhere in Rhode Island , Rhode Island , Philly, Eastern Pennsylvania, Hudson Valley or NYC as a Wedding DJ, Event DJ or Party DJ every weekend, sometimes several of them in the same weekend. It is one of the aspects of being a Wedding DJ that I appreciate, I get to visit places all over the New Jersey, New York & Pennsylvania area. Every weekend I am Wedding DJ somewhere different.

 Rhode Island  Wedding DJ with Bride and Groom Choose Great Songs

Other characteristics of tomorrow’s Wedding that I am looking forward to as Wedding DJ are the Bride and Groom have chosen some interesting songs. For the Cocktail Hour, they have requested a combination of Rat Pack, Jack Johnson and other Vocalists blended with their favorite Disney Love Songs like “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes”, “Part of The World” and  “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”. A nice twist on Cocktail Hour Music. The Reception features a wide range of music from diverse genres including Pop, R&B, Country, Rock, Hip Hop, Dance, House and the Dropkick Murphys to mix things up a bit. Should be a fun night!

 

The Bride and Groom have also chosen to have both sets of Grandparents introduced before their parents. I like this and think it is a nice way to honor your family and include them in your Wedding. I had to help them with finding an apprproiate song for them to come out to since they are young  and have no idea what their Grandparents might enjoy.

I can’t wait till tomorrow night as Wedding DJ back in Rhode Island !

Fun Dancing at Wedding with Wedding DJ Mystical Michael

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

100 Days of DJ Music

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Even a professional DJ like myself sometimes gets blown away by the amazing aspects of technology. I noticed recently that I have well over 100 days of DJ Music in my iTunes library!  That means if I start today, September 17th, at the letter ‘A’ in my DJ Music library and let it run continuously till the end, it will play till January of 2013! I have over 106 days of DJ music, is that not unbelievable or what?

 An Exceptional DJ Music Libarary

I remember the days when I would lug six milk crates of albums and 12″ records to each gig and still only honored about 50% of requests from guests at Weddings, Events and Parties. Today, I think I honor somewhere near 98% or so and still trying hard to get closer to 100%. Technology can be amazing when used correctly between the number and diversity of songs in my DJ Music library, the ease in which djay software makes my profession and the mind-blowing clear, clean sound of the  BOSE L1 System. It sure is fun to be a full-time professional DJ these days!

Professional Wedding DJ Music DJ Mystical Michael with Packed Dance Floor at Wedding

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Beautiful Wedding at The Tides Estates

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It is Saturday in September and that means I get to perform as Wedding DJ & MC! Today’s Beautiful Wedding is for a really neat Bride and Groom that we have worked really closely together to create a meaningful and fun playlist of tunes. The Bride is a West Indian woman of Indian descent and The Groom is a White male from New Jersey. They both really enjoy music and it has been fun working with a Bride and Groom that appreciate music as much as they do, and as you know, I specialize in Multicultural Weddings, so, I am looking forward to this afternoon’s Beautiful Wedding.

I am not sure how, but I have never performed as Wedding DJ at The Tides Estates before. They are a well-run establishment on a gorgeous property for a Beautiful Wedding. My limited dealings with staff so far has been professional and supportive.

The Tides Estates Beautiful Wedding DJ

“The Tides Estate was New Jersey’s best kept secret – but not anymore! Now everyone knows the finest catered affairs are at The Tides Estate. From the seven acres of magnificent gardens with beautiful gazebos, to the first class, exquisite cuisine and professional white glove service, The Tides Estate has achieved nothing less than total satisfaction among its clients for over 30 years.

The Tides Estate boasts spacious, tastefully decorated banquet rooms which can accommodate parties of any size. Impressive crystal chandeliers and a strikingly beautiful spiral staircase provide the most impressive setting for any affair.

Where Memories Last Forever…

From the seven acres of magnificent gardens with beautiful gazebos, to the first class, exquisite cuisine and professional white glove service,
The Tides Estate has achieved nothing less than total satisfaction among its clients for over 30 years.”

Can’t Wait for today’s Beautiful Wedding!

Party On The Dance Floor at Beautiful Wedding with DJ Mystical Michael

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Grandma Smacks Wedding DJ With Cane!

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I know better. It would be different if I was a twenty-one year-old Wedding DJ who thinks Dance Music started with Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” or I only played Top 40, House or Hip Hop.

 Grandma Smacks Wedding DJ With Cane! - Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ

I know better. It would be different if I did not start my career as a Wedding DJ back in 1980 playing Oldies and current music.

 

I know better. It would be different if I have not been a professional Wedding DJ for countless young Brides and Grooms that often forget more than half their friends and family at their Reception will be from one or two generations before them, meaning, music needs to be diverse and meet the needs of everyone! Everyone wants to have a fantastic time at a wedding and that is what I am hired to do!

Grandma Smacks Wedding DJ With Cane! - Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ

For one night, I forgot all of this and got whacked in the butt by the Bride’s Grandmother! It’s OK, I deserved it. She walked up to me while making her way slowly across the room to leave at the end of the night of fun and dancing, looked me in the eye and said without hesitation, “You didn’t play any of The Old Songs!” She followed that by promptly smacking me in the butt with her cane!

Grandma Smacks Wedding DJ With Cane! - Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ

It is the first time I have never been hit by a Grandmother with a cane and definitely the first time for not playing enough of our old, classic tunes. I know better and the worst part is I love many of the old songs and play them regularly as Wedding DJ. I grew up with my parents playing old Vocal Classics, Jazz, Swing, Big Bands, Classical and occasionally Top 40. I had a very diverse ear as a young person that continued to expand through my teens and twenties. I have never stopped allowing new and ‘foreign’ music from entering my playlists and events. Some of the first gigs I was hired for as a Wedding DJ were exclusively Oldies parties.

Grandma Smacks Wedding DJ With Cane! - Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Pocono Mountain Resort Wedding DJ Learns Lesson!

Outside of Grandma, it was a totally fun and celebratory night at Mountain Springs Lake Resort in Reeders, Pennsylvania, Pocono Mountains. There was actually not enough room on the dance floor for everyone to fit several times during the night. As I always do, I checked with both the Bride and Groom throughout the night to make sure I was performing the way they wanted and each time I received emphatic responses, “Yes! This is perfect” or “This is exactly we what we wanted!” Unfortunately, Grandma did not feel the same way about the Wedding DJ. Last weekend I had two weddings and made especially sure I did not forget to include enough old tunes to make everybody happy and of course, at the end of the night when the old folks were heading home, cranking-up the songs that the Bride and Groom requested for everybody to let loose.

Grandma Smacks Wedding DJ With Cane! - Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ

One last time, I know better.

Grandma Smacks Wedding DJ With Cane! - Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ and Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!