Tag Archives: Backyard party

Rhode Island Family Reunion DJ

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Tomorrow I have the opportunity to perform at one of my favorite gigs as a Family Reunion DJ. One of the great parts of summer for a Party DJ are backyard family reunions. The Mother that is throwing the family reunion is a real nice lady and has worked hard to pull everything together. It should be a really fun day for everybody!

Family Reunion DJ

A family reunion is an occasion when many members of an extended family congregate. Sometimes reunions are held regularly, for example on the same date of every year.

A typical family reunion will assemble grandparents, great-grandparents and up for a meal, some recreation and discussion. The older attendees are generally grandparents, parents, siblings or first cousins while the youngest could be second, third or fourth cousins. It is also not uncommon for regular family reunions to be sponsored by family organizations or family associations centered around a more distant common ancestor (often referred to as “ancestral family organizations”) or a commonly shared surname (“single surname family organizations”). Wikipedia

Family Reunion DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Family Reunion DJ Creative Ideas

Some family reunions may be more laid-back. They might be a family gathering where everyone is happy to just eat, catch up with each other and talk about future plans. Maybe talk about grandchildren, and what family members are up to.

But for bigger family reunions where your extended family from all around the country or overseas set aside a few days of the year to travel to the venue and be with the rest of the clan, well-planned and coordinated activities add to the excitement and the memories that will be forever remembered by everyone.

Things to consider when choosing family reunion activities

Generally, activities should match the family reunion theme. For example, a Pirates of the Caribbean themecould include pirate related activities. These would reinforce the theme while also providing enjoyment for everyone (even the spectators). Examples might include:

  • treasure hunting
  • sword fights
  • a sea shanty sing off
  • and a best dressed pirate beauty pageant

Themes shouldn’t stifle your creativity

A theme, however, is only a general guide and should not restrict you from doing other family reunion activities that may not necessarily be in line with the theme but are enjoyed by the family members. If you have an annual bonfire ritual on the last night of the reunion weekend, for example, don’t hesitate to continue with that tradition even if you decided to try an “Under the Sea” theme this year.

Don’t accidentally exclude people

Activities should be age-appropriate and appeal to the widest range of ages and backgrounds as possible. To be on the safe side, always have an option of activities so no one is left behind or feels out of place because he or she is not participating in some way.

Challenging activities are fine for specific groups, but have activities appropriate for the entire family also. My Family Reunion Ideas

Family Reunion DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Pictures and fun stories coming soon from the Family Reunion DJ!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

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Fun 50th Birthday Party in New Jersey

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This past Saturday, along with the gorgeous Spring sunshine was a totally fun 50th Birthday Party in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. The woman whose birthday we were celebrating, was so thrilled to have all her friends and family gathered together to play, eat, drink and dance in their backyard. Their backyard is beautiful and just added to the great atmosphere that the sun and people created.

I have been DJ for more and more milestone birthday parties lately, especially 50th birthday parties. I have a 40th birthday party and a 75th birthday party coming in June. I really enjoy being the DJ for these parties. They feel so joyful and fun, and everybody has a great time. The birthday party was catered by Encore Catering in East Hanover, New Jersey. They did an excellent job!

Fun 50th Birthday Party DJ in New Jersey with Beyonce

50th Birthday Party with Great Music

This particular 50th birthday party offered a diverse selection of music from many genres and generations. Some of the artists that we chosen were Beyonce, Sly and The family Stone, The Beatles, Neil Diamond (she is a Red Sox fan), Bruno Mars, Joe Jackson, Billy Joel, Prince, Maroon 5 and Michael Jackson, just to name a few.

One of the aspects of the event that was most pleasing for me was that a couple whose surprise 50th birthday party I was DJ for two years ago were there as well. In fact, another of their friend’s was the one who recommended me to the husband who organized the party. The husband asked his friend if he knew of a great DJ for the party and the friend had been at the other 50th birthday part and had so much fun, he gave him my name to contact. Fortunately, I had the date open and we were able to book it easily. It was fun seeing all these people again! I will see them all again in June at a High School Graduation Party the recommender wants me to DJ.

Fun 50th Birthday Party DJ in New Jersey with Billy Joel

All in all, a great day for a family that has reason to celebrate. The husband had a stroke three years ago and he has come a long way since then. There were a few tears shed to celebrate his and their lives during a speech. I was very grateful to be there and participate in this occasion with them.

Fun 50th Birthday Party DJ in New Jersey with Motown Music

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

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The DJ Preps For A Backyard Wedding

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Last night I was on the phone with The Bride and Groom whom are getting married on Saturday. They are having their Ceremony at a local park and then the Reception in the backyard of their home.  It will only be the second backyard wedding I will do this Wedding season. The other was in a soggy, muddy yard but we still had a great time. I have no doubt this one will be fun as well.

 

I continue to enjoy the diversity of music that couples are wanting at their weddings as a professional DJ. This one will feature some Soft Rock, Classic Rock, Motown, Nat King Cole, 80’s and a few Pop songs. Only a few years ago a professional DJ would never have dreamed of getting to play The Police, Dave Matthews Band, Marvin Gaye, Cake, Cyndi Lauper and Nat King Cole at the same wedding. I am fortunate that most of the couples I work with as a professional DJ are not cookie-cutter follow whatever are popular types. They ask me if it is OK to add obscure or unusual songs and artists to their playlists. I always say, “Yes” but remind them that they have to consider their guests and how it will work for them too.

 

I am grateful I get to offer three decades of experience as a a professional Wedding DJ. It is their decisions but I make sure they know what might happen and what typically is successful and what is not. This is where an experienced, professional DJ can support you in putting together a fun, successful event. We can also let you know during the event if the music selected is not working and guide planners and couples in a direction that may be more effective.

 

Like any professional, as a DJ I like to perform well at my craft. What time has taught me is that it is more than that. We do not get a ‘redo’ if your wedding or event does not have the right energy and music to be extraordinary. There is no second chance to make it amazing.  We have one shot and I take that very seriously even if it looks like I am just relaxing and having fun. I do not want to go home knowing I did not do my part in facilitating an wedding or event that people are full of smiles and memories. It is part professional and part ego. Together they keep me on my toes so I am ready for every event no matter what. I performed as DJ at a wedding before and after the week I moved my home. Both weddings were fabulous and I expect nothing less from myself. That is why I offer the guarantee that I do. I know my craft and have enough successful experience as a professional DJ to support the skills and talent with confidence and preparedness.

 

Saturday is less than two days from now! Can’t wait to plug-in and turn-up the volume!

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Professional BBQ DJ

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Over the years I have had the opportunity to be a professional DJ at some outdoor events. They are fun and simple. They have the benefit of typically being laid back parties with plenty of good food and atmosphere.  It is also different for us as professional DJs to be at events that people are dressed so casually, as opposed to a wedding or corporate event where we are all dressed more formally. But a professional BBQ DJ?

Outdoor parties give us chance to spread our wings a bit more than usual since they are typically longer and less structured than indoor events. Besides, when do you get to smell freshly cooked BBQ at an indoor event?  If you are the professional DJ at the right event, the professional DJ PA system is cranked up pretty loud and fills a backyard or park area with great music.  Nothing like corn on the cob with Marvin Gaye or The Beatles!

Choosing which music to play at an outdoor event requires a bit of a different touch. Since generally the dancing won’t get into high gear till the sun is fading and the moon is making its appearance, guests will want to hear the music that they listen to at home and with friends.  This often means a professional DJ needs to prepared to  play Bob Seger, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Bobby Darin, Bob Geldoff, Bobby McFerrin, The Bobs and The Bobbettes! Or Michael or Donna or Rihanna.  That can mean you may end up playing Eric Clapton, The Temptations, Sly and The Family Stone, Lauryn Hill and The Fugees, Lady GaGa, Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, Barry White and India Arie all in the same afternoon before it gets dark and the dancin’ begins!

It’s July and the summer season is in full swing here in the NJ, NY & PA area. I am excited about the one time of year we get to play music for these types of events.  Put on the charcoals and break out the baked beans because Summer and outdoor parties are here and we are ready to rock them out! Can you pass me the potato salad please?

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DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ