This past Saturday I was able to provide professional DJ music and entertainment for two First Communion Parties. Since they were both located in Central NJ, I knew there would be a large population of Italian-Americans present. I was correct and felt right at home. Being born into a bi-racial, bi-religious family, I appreciate any chance I get to be to be in the company of either of these cultural groups. My Mom is Italian, born and raised in Newark, NJ. I too was born in Newark. I grew up eating predominantly Italian food although she was a very adventurous cook and incredibly talented in the kitchen. She taught me well and I often feel most comfortable throwing together some fresh vegetables and pasta in the kitchen.
The first party was at 3B’s Bar and Bistro in Lakehurst, NJ. It was a nice small but cozy room with good food and good service. As expected, there was a nice selection of appetiezers including Mussels Marinara and Clams Oreganata which were both delicious. The main course featured several dishes with my favorite being the pasta. If I go too long without eating pasta, I miss it as I did when I lived in Asia for one and a half years where getting the right ingredients was difficult. The family was very nice, the kids had fun playing games I provided and everybody had that special feeling that religious celebrations carry.
The night party was predominantly Italians and they were a lot of fun from the minute I turned the professional DJ music on. This was a larger group held at The Hall at Jackson Crossing in Jackson, NJ. Since it was at night and folks were drinking and dressed for a Saturday night party, it did not take long for the requests to start filling up my DJ Request List I keep on the table with me. We had a lot of fun as the night weaved between DJ music and activities for the teens & kids and back to adults and both. I even had the opportunity to facilitate first a kids version then an adults version of musical chairs with the music cranked up. I think the adults had even more fun than the kids! Music throughout the night moved from Top 40 to R&B to Classic Disco, Elvis, Sinatra and of course all the great dance tunes from the last fifty years.
It was like being at a house party for a large Italian family but in a nice venue of excellent catered food with several of my favorite dishes including Eggplant Parmigiana and Stuffed Shells. They treated me like I was one of the family and shared with me many stories and experiences that added to the celebration by dedicating songs to this family member or that old friend.
As a professional DJ, I enjoy participating in parties for religious celebrations as I mentioned above. When there are people who want to have fun and enjoy each other’s company as much as these did I am reminded how important old friends and family really are. I drove home Saturday night thinking about Mother’s Day and growing up in a family where food and meals were at the root of life. Seeing other families enjoying these same traditions left me with such a positive feeling about being a professional DJ and getting to share my gifts and experience with others.