Category Archives: DJ Blog

DJ Mystical Michael at Barefoot Boogie Saturday Night 10/27

Posted on by

As Coordinator of DJs and Teachers at Barefoot Boogie, it is important for me to try and give as m ch of my time to actually being there and DJing to show our new and upcoming DJs how to master the skills. I have not been able to DJ at The Boogie since last month but it seems much longer since I miss it. Playing music for such an open and diverse group is fun, it allows me, or any DJ, to get creative and stretch the playlist far beyond what would be acceptable or productive at a Wedding, Party or Event. Of course, I always enjoy DJing in NYC, especially downtown or at least in Chelsea.

What is The Barefoot Boogie?

The Boogie is a freestyle dance which happens twice a month in New York City. We offer a relaxed, smoke- and alcohol-free environment where folks can freely express themselves in movement.

What Kind of Music Do The DJs Play?

From our pool of talented DJs, two spin each dance. Each of our DJs has his or her own distinctive style, but one thing you can rely on is that atevery Boogie you’ll hear a wide variety of music: R&B, World, Funk, Tribal, Hip Hop, Ambient, Reggae, House, African, Electronica, Disco, Rock, Techno, Drum & Bass, etc.

People of all ages, families and kids are welcome. Come alone or bring your friends. You’ll find folks at the dance moving solo, with partners, and/or in groups. Dress as you wish, but please leave your street shoes at the door before hitting the dance floor. The Barefoot Boogie is a not-for-profit, cooperative and volunteer-run venture.

The Barefoot Boogie as about to celebrate its 30th anniversary next month! It is amazing to me that a group of dancers started this back in 1982 and have found a way to keep it going for thirty years! This is one of the reasons I am so willing to volunteer and DJ when I can at Barefoot Boogie. What DJ would not want to support a creative dance community with such history and talent like the Barefoot Boogie? Besides, where else can I play World, Buddha Bar, Rock, Soul, R&B, Oldies, Hip Hop, Jazz, House and Top 40 as a DJ all in one night?

Dancers Partying with DJ Mystical Michael at Barefoot Boogie

Looking forward to tomorrow night at Barefoot Boogie!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Fun Birthday Party with DJ Mystical Michael!

Posted on by

Last Friday Night, I was professional DJ at a fun 60th Birthday Party. It was a surprise party put together by her husband and best friend. They did a great job of keeping it hidden and she looked totally shocked when she walked into The Tap Room at the Somerset Hills Hotel in Warren, New Jersey.

The Tap Room

“Located in the lobby of the Somerset Hills Hotel, The Tap Room is one of the area’s most popular restaurants and gathering places. Enjoying a fantastic reputation as a restaurant as well as a lounge, the Tap Room’s popularity not only rises above dining spots at other Somerset County hotels, but is beloved the county over among locals and visitors alike. Dine in simply elegant decor and enjoy the Tap Room’s extensive menu selections and tantalizing specials—and don’t forget dessert! Additionally, The Tap Room serves a full breakfast buffet daily.”

Husband and Wife Dancing Celebrating Birthday Party with DJ Mystical Michael

DJ Mission accomplished!

They are a nice bunch of friends and family that just wanted to make sure that Barbara had a fun night to remember. DJ Mission accomplished!

Friends and Family Celebrate Birthday Party Dancing with DJ Mystical Michael

DJ Music Played From All Six Generations of Her Life

They had the neat idea of wanting DJ music played throughout the night for all six generations of her life. This started with Louis Armstrong and Dean Martin, Bobby Darin and Dion, Motown and The Beatles, Barry White and Neil Diamond, Michael Jackson and Bee Gees, Aerosmith and Salt-N-Pepa and lots of current songs as well with Carly Rae Jepsen, Jason Mraz, Taio Cruz, Black Eyed Peas, LMFAO and Maroon 5. It was a fun DJ night that I am sure all will talk about for years to come.

Fun Dancing at Birthday Party with DJ Mystical Michael

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Professional DJ 60th Birthday Party!

Posted on by

Tonight I get to provide music, DJ & MC services for a 60th birthday party! The best part is that it is a surprise birthday party that the husband and her best friend have done an excellent job of keeping a secret. I enjoy being the professional DJ at milestone birthday parties, they are fun, exciting and have such a nice celebratory feeling without the concerns of some larger events. It is always fun participating in surprise parties with everyone running around making sure it is all perfect before the guest of honor arrives. Then they all hide and try to be quiet. Of course, there is always one person who can’t keep still or quit no matter how hard they try, they just add to the entertainment. Finally, there is the last minute cue to let somebody know they are almost arriving and a complete hush hits the room. All but the one guy who can’t keep quiet and there is also some guy who takes the ‘opportunity’ to tickle a woman knowing she can’t laugh or giggle out loud. He too adds to the moment in a gross and backwards kind of way.

Preparing For A Surprise Birthday Party

When the guest of honor arrives and everybody pops out of what seems like every nook and cranny possible, the real fun begins. These parties do not need the usual getting comfortable period that some parties do. They don’t even need for folks to be full of alcohol for the partying to begin, just turn up the music and let the fun hit the roof!

I have enjoyed my experiences with helping to plan and coordinate this birthday party with the husband and her best friend. He was a little concerned, as we should be these days, that everything would go as planned since he found me on the internet. I mentioned to him that I have a guarantee stating if you are not happy with my performance at your event, do not pay me the balance. He laughed like most people do when I tell this to them and replied, “Of course, I will pay you, I just want to be sure you will actually show-up and do a great job”. I again stated that I offer this to every customer and mean it, if you do not like what you receive from me, don’t pay the balance due. Why should you not have a method for holding me accountable for quality level of service, since you can’t really ask for a refund for services already provided? A guarantee is the only fair thing to give you peace of mind that your event or wedding will be fantastic.

I can’t wait to see her face when all the fun begins tonight!

Fun Party on The Dance Floor at birthday party with DJ Mystical Michael

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Bride to Wedding DJ, “We Aren’t Dancing People” (DJ Smiles Quietly)

Posted on by

Every now and then a Bride or Groom says to me genuinely, “Michael, we are not dancing people and neither are our friends or family.” I smile and keep my mouth shut. I know better as a Wedding DJ than to tell a Bride or Groom what they think will happen or not happen at their Wedding. Fear is a strong force and can convince of all kinds of things, one of them being that there are ‘dancing people’ and ‘not dancing people’. I do understand what they mean when they say this; “We don’t dance much and neither does our friends or family”. This makes sense to me and I did once actually DJ a Wedding that few people danced at. They had lots of fun and asked for many requests, they just don’t like to dance and enjoyed their music as part of the fun they had. I won’t lie, even though the music they chose in advance was not made for dancing, my ego could not believe I was not able to shift the energy, although a lot of Indie Rock and Alternative songs they chose are not very danceable.

Bride and Friends on Dance Floor at Wedding with Rhode Island Wedding DJ Mystical Michael

I pride myself on being able to adapt to the crowd at any event. Weddings are special because of the importance and diversity of the group. You may have people from four generations, regions of the country/world, races, cultures and that is before we get into styles of music! An exceptional professional  Wedding DJ is ready for anybody ad everybody that approaches the Wedding DJ station for a request. This is not 1985 when we had excuses for not having the correct music for each event. An exceptional professional Wedding DJ is prepared in advance and has a musical library that reaches across age, language, culture and genre seamlessly without making the guests feel like there is something wrong with them for asking for their favorite songs.

Friends and Family Fun on Wedding Dance Floor with Rhode Island Wedding DJ Mystical Michael

Wedding DJ; Make Sure Bride & Groom Complain Legs Hurt From Dancing

On Saturday Night, they danced, a lot. I just received an email form The Bride thanking me for such a great job and for knowing exactly what songs to play when. I smiled broadly. This is the goal for me as a professional Wedding DJ and Party DJ; make sure that Brides, Grooms and Party Planners have such a good time they complain that their legs hurt from dancing so much (Bride from two weeks ago). She swore to me in advance that the Groom would not dance and hates to dance. Not only did he dance, a lot, he asked me to play songs, “So I can dance with my new wife“.

Party on Wedding Dance Floor with Rhode Island Wedding DJ Mystical Michael

I feel fortunate that I get to perform such a wonderful service for great people and have fun doing it. There is a lot of work I do way before I get tot he Wedding or Party. That is where I am focused and diligent so there are no mistakes during your Wedding or Party. Being a professional Wedding and Event DJ means you are prepared enough that no matter what happens,nobody will no know anything changed or shifted but myself.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Wedding DJ at Yesterdays in Hazlet, NJ

Posted on by

Today I get to be the professional Wedding DJ at Yesterdays Restaurant in Hazlet, NJ for an interesting young Bride and Groom. They have chosen a creative and unique array of music that meets the needs of the Bride and Groom and their family and friends. The part that I found the funniest was in the Wedding Planner Guide for Wedding DJ that I provided them with. They added as notes for The Wedding Reception, “Please play some Disco for the Groom’s Mother to dance to. We hate Disco so please don’t play to much, since it is our Wedding and we want to enjoy it too!”. This is one of the reasons why I love being a professional Wedding DJ! Where else can you get the opportunity to be involved in such interesting and unique requests and concerns for family and friends?

Wedding DJ Disco Music

“Disco is a genre of dance music. Disco acts charted high during the mid-1970s, and the genre’s popularity peaked during the late 1970s. Its initial audiences were club-goers from the African American, Latino, gay, and psychedelic communities in New York Cityand Philadelphia during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Disco also was a reaction against both the domination of rock music and the stigmatization of dance music by the counterculture during this period. Women embraced disco as well, and the music eventually expanded to several other popular groups of the time.” Wikpedia

Wedding DJ at Yesterdays in Hazlet, NJ

Yesterday’s Restaurant Hazlet Rhode Island Wedding DJ

 “Yesterday’s Restaurant has been serving the Bayshore Community for over 50 years. Family owned and operated, we pride ourselves on offering the finest authentic Southern Italian & American cuisine. Our newly rebuilt restaurant & banquet facilities offer a wide array of menu options and our dedicated and professional staff is ready to accommodate all of your dining, catering and banquet needs.”

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Yo! Where Are All The Good DJs?

Posted on by

Yes, that was a real post I saw earlier today. I was scanning the Craigslist postings for professional DJs in the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania area to see what other Wedding, Event and Party DJs are doing. And I had to actually laugh out loud when I read the title of the post, “Yo! Where Are All The Good DJs?”

I have been a professional Wedding DJ and Party DJ for a long time and the thing I find the most fascinating is what people decide makes a good DJ, a good DJ and what makes a bad DJ, a bad DJ.  In most cases, it is simply a good DJ is a DJ that plays music you like. It has nothing to do with skill, inspiring a crowd, high quality equipment, professionalism, ability to interact positively with guests or any actual ‘talent’. This makes sense since the music industry in general is taste, not talent, driven. The most talented artists rarely get known outside of the community of trained musicians themselves. Physical appearance, stage presence, production and music that meets the tatses a wide range of listeners is typically what earns the highest ratings and $$$. Also, the age of who the music appeals to is significant, since the music industry in the USA is driven by the 13-27 year-old demographic.

The professional DJ business is somewhat different. Aside from playing music you like, which any professional good DJ without an ego can do easily with modern technology, many people do not know how to choose a good DJ, so they use the few distinctions that they know like scratching and so-called ‘beat-matching’.  Both of these skills are just a product of practice, there are no actual ‘talents’, since anyone who practices enough can do them. Talent is something that is demonstrated in a craft or art that practice alone is not enough. Some examples are athletes ands musicians. No matter how much I practice, I will never be as good an athlete as Kevin Durant or Derek Jeter. I will not be a vocalist like Adele or Andrea Bocelli or songwriter like Elton John or John Lennon. Some things cannot be taught, either you have them or you don’t. An exceptional professional Wedding DJ and Party DJ is similar, but maybe not as easily detectable to those on the dance floor, or to those who want to dance but can’t figure out why they are “Not in the mood tonight”. Here is where the subtle distinction between the exceptional professional DJ and the regular professional DJ exists.

What Is An Exceptional Professional or Good DJ?

The exceptional professional DJ inspires you to move even when you are not in the mood, too tired or have to get up early for work in the morning. An exceptional DJ is part of the inspiration that makes dancing such a fun, exhilarating and sometimes ecstatic experience. A great live band is still my favorite form of musical experience but an exceptional DJ can bring something else to the experience that can be equally inspirational.

Fun Party on the Dance Floor with Good DJ Mystical Michael

What makes a good DJ in your experiences?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Wedding DJ Plays Vitamin String Quartet

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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!