Fun DJ Night in Cranford at The Office Bar and Grill

I know it has become ‘cool’ for professional DJs to not take requests these days. I have never really understood this but it is getting to be the norm versus the exception. Fortunately for the fun people at The Office Bar and Grill in Cranford last night, I am not one of those kinds of professional DJs. I love requests! They are a great way to connect with folks and learn what they want. It is even more fun when guests ask for songs to be sent or dedicated to others present at The Office Bar and Grill.

 

Last night we had a young lady at The Office Bar and Grill who will remain nameless, at least for the time being, who kept approaching me and asking for songs to be sent to various members of the crowd. Some she knew already, others she met ten minutes before. Before you knew it, another woman and then two guys started joining her in this playful activity. It was not long before we had three pages of songs requested and being dedicated or sent to friends, family or even strangers at the bar.  Of course, there were a few ‘dedications’ that were not meant with the best of intentions but we found a way to work around that and still have lots of fun.

 

When I was first offered this gig at The Office Bar and Grill in Cranford, it was described as a young crowd who like popular music. This is partially true. There certainly are more young folks than older folks but the music is really diverse from Young Money to Eddie Murphy, Foo Fighters, The Spice Girls, Nicki Minaj and the list keeps going. Near the end of the night, the original ‘requester’ asked if I would send out “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk”.

 

I laughed; you mean the Trace Adkins song?”

 

“Yes. That’s the one!”

 

“OK if that is what you want…”

 

Five minutes later we had Trace Adkins cranked up and a young guy who had just requested Young Money asked if I could play some Jason Aldean. I thought he was kidding and I asked, “How about ‘Big Green Tractor?”

 

“Yes1 That is exactly the song I was thinking of! You are definitely my new DJ”.

 

So Jason Aldean followed Trace Adkins, next had a request for Toby Keith “Red Solo Cup”.

 

It was almost closing time and a young woman came up put of breath and asked, “Can you please play Katy Perry “Peacock” before you finish? Please?”

 

I did and then we closed with Modest Mouse, “Float On”. It was a great night and everybody had so much fun. Can’t wait till next Saturday night at The Office Bar and Grill when I am their professional DJ for the Cinco de Mayo Party!

Beautiful Women Partying at The Office Bar and Grill with DJ Mystical Michael

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Mystical Michael at The Office Bar and Grill in Cranford Friday Night 4/27

I am returning as professional DJ for The Office Bar and Grill in Cranford this Friday Night April 27, 2012. If you have never been to any of The Office Bar and Grill locations, they are fun, casual grill and bars. They have several locations throughout North and Rhode Island . They are experimenting with professional DJ entertainment and I am part of that experiment. The experiment seemed to go well last week. There were lots of requests and everybody had a good time. It was fun honoring the requests that ranged from “The Thong Song” to “Teach Me How to Dougie” to Avicii to Adele, Fun. and Pearl Jam. Wonder what we have in store tonight?

 

They have a fun menu and have been preparing good food as long as I can remember. I used to frequent The Office Bar and Grill in Morristown and Summit when I was younger.

 

I will be DJing Top 40, Rock, popular House, Motown, 80’s and a bit of everything depending on the crowd at The Office Bar and Grill.

 

Come out and join the fun; see and hear DJ Mystical Michael at The Office Bar and Grill.

DJ Mystical Michael at The Office Bar and Grill in Cranford NJ

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Mystical Michael Trivia Host Tonight In Hackettstown

One of my new regular gigs are two nights as Trivia Host at Applebees locations in Central New Jersey. Wednesday nights will be at the Applebees in Hackettstown at 9:00pm. Tomorrow night and subsequent Thursdays nights will at the Applebees in Hillsborough at 8:00pm.

 

These are perfect gigs for me since I get to utilize several of my strengths as a performer and professional DJ. My DJ career started as a radio DJ and that is where I learned about using a microphone, professional DJ equipment and became comfortable speaking with audiences. I liked the opportunity to entertain and inform. I have also performed in small indie films, a local TV show and currently am a member with Playback Theatre WOW! in NYC. Of course, as a professional DJ, I have plenty of experience with producing clean, quality music, audio, MC and entertainment.

The National Trivia Association was formed in 2005 to promote live trivia nation wide. In addition to producing a weekly trivia contest called “Quiz Show” (formerly known as Quizzo or Quiz-O) National Trivia lists all live trivia games produced in the USA. A Quiz Show live trivia host. NTA hosts games in 25 states nation wide. Games last two hours and run every week in select locations nation wide

Late last night I was busy preparing the Trivia Host quizzes as well as the audio clips for the Music Round. It is really hard to choose only ten songs out of a music library of 35,000! The questions for the other six rounds are supplied by National Trivia Association. I would not be able to gather the quality of quizzes they put together for me to use. You can look at what they do here.

DJ Mystical Michael Smiling as Trivia Host

I am so excited to add this new aspect of Trivia Host to my professional DJ services. Should be a lot of fun!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

How The Wedding DJ Knows It Will Be A Fun Wedding

When speaking with Brides and Grooms while helping coordinate and plan their weddings, the professional Wedding DJ knows a good fun wedding in advance. The professional Wedding DJ will see certain songs on the Bride and Groom’s playlist that clue the Wedding DJ that it will be a fun wedding. Of course there are the ones that are obvious like Prince “Kiss”, Michael Jackson “Wanna Be Startin’ Something”, Beatles and Rolling Stones classics, a host of Motown party songs, B-52s, Barry White, Cyndi Lauper, Bob Marley and some recent dance songs that will surely be classics someday by LMFAO, Beyonce, Usher, Daddy Yankee, Elvis Crespo and other Salsa classics. But I am starting to notice another clue to a fun wedding for a professional Wedding DJ in Garth Brooks “Friends In Low Places”.

Garth Brooks Rocks Dance Floor at Fun Wedding with DJ Mystical Michael

Every fun wedding I am the professional Wedding DJ, I perform that has this song is always a good time. You know there will be dancing, singing and a filled dance floor of the whole group shouting along with Garth. I know that Rednex “Cotton Eyed Joe” made a big splash but it is not true Country as Garth, more of a Country song for crossover listeners. Garth is an established Country star that has been producing hits for several decades.

 

I hear folks complaining about the Country crossover movement and how they believe it produces a watered-down Country sound. This may or may not be true but as a professional fun Wedding DJ, I appreciate how Country music has made it into the weddings of Brides and Grooms that are not Country listeners. They choose the songs that they enjoy and everyone can join in without alienating wedding guests. I assume some of this is due to the major success of the movie I Walk The Line about Johnny Cash and the subsequent resurgence of his music. I can play “I Walk The Line” and “Ring of Fire” at all kinds of places now and see the dance floor fill with many happy wedding guests. This past Saturday night was not exception.

 

I still don’t completely get how Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” has become a party song, maybe it is my being a Yankee fan and knowing it started its current popularity from Red Sox fans at Fenway Park. Growing up “Sweet Caroline” was not a party song; more of a vocal sing along, but certainly no fist pumping or group chorus type of thing. It too has become a wedding classic, strangely enough about a photo of Caroline Kennedy.

 

Me, I’ll stick to my list above and include “Friends In low Places” and some Johnny Cash to add to my Rock, R&B, Soul, and Pop classic that are sure-fire winners for the professional fun Wedding DJ.

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Mystical Michael Returns To The Hoboken International Film Festival!

I am very grateful to be invited back to The Hoboken International Film Festival for the third year in a row! I love the festival and all the unique films they have highlighted. Last year I was able to view may of the films ands enjoyed most of them, especially the documentary of the fire at Seton Hall University.

DJ Mystical Michael at Hoboken International Film Festival

The two events I will be volunteering music and DJ services for at The Hoboken International Film Festival are the two main attractions: The Filmmakers Reception & Opening Night Screenings on June 1, 2012 and The Gala Awards Ceremony on June 7, 2012. Both events attract a significant number of celebrities and local actors, as well as the foreign filmmakers and actors. The tow previous years I have had the opportunity to meet several celebrities but meeting Robert Loggia has been the most exciting for me so far.

Robert Loggia at The Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

I can’t lie; my brief meeting with Filmmaker and Actor Deidre Lorenz was also a highlight. She is a talented, intelligent, caring and gorgeous star on the rise!

Deidre Lorenz at Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

 

  • Featuring a Celebrity Jury Including Academy Award & Emmy Winners
  • Cash Prizes Awarded in Multiple Categories
  • Past winners of the HIFF Lifetime Achievement award include Robert Loggia (Academy Award & Emmy Nominee; Independence Day; Scarface; Jagged Edge; Big); Cloris Leachman (Academy Award, 4-Time Golden Globe,19-Time Emmy Winner & Nominee); Billy Dee Williams (Empire Strikes Back; Return of the Jedi; Batman; Lady Sings the Blues), Carroll Baker (Academy Award Nominee & Golden Globe Winner; How the West Was Won, Baby Doll, Kidergarten Cop); andCharles Durning (2-Time Academy Award, 4-Time Golden Globe, 8-Time Emmy winner & nominee; Tootsie; The Sting; O’ Brother Where Art Thou)
  • With superstar stand-up comedian Gilbert Gottfried serving as the host of HIFF’s Gala Awards Ceremony.

Each event has its own special feeling and the fact that the founder of the Festival, Ken Del Vecchio always pushes Rock Music as the The Hoboken International Film Festival genre, they make for fun and energetic nights!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Mystical Michael at The Office Bar and Grill in Cranford Friday Night 4/20

I have been booked as professional DJ for The Office Bar and Grill in Cranford this Friday Night April 20, 2011. If you have never been to any of The Office Bar and Grill locations, they are fun, casual grill and bars. They have several locations throughout North and Rhode Island . They are experimenting with professional DJ entertainment and I am part of that experiment. They have a fun menu and have been preparing good food as long as I can remember. I used to frequent The Offices in Morristown and Summit when I was younger.

 

I will be DJing Top 40, Motown, 80’s, Rock and a bit of everything depending on the crowd at The Office Bar and Grill.

Beautiful Young Women Partying The Office Bar and Grill with DJ Mystical Michael

 

Come out and join the fun and see me DJ at The Office Bar and Grill.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Mystical Michael Live at Barefoot Boogie NYC Tonight

Like most professional Wedding and Event DJs, I tend to look forward to DJ opportuntities that I can give back to the community and offer our DJ services as a volunteer. I work a lot of fundraisers as DJ but not always able to do them completely volunteered, often there is a small fee to cover expenses. Tonight at the Barefoot Boogie is a freebie!

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

One of the best parts is that I get to have fun and dance as a bonus. As the wedding and event seasons start to pick up, my availability lessens. This may be my last chance for me to DJ at the Barefoot Boogie for a while, unless I have a last minute cancellation or something.

 

Tonight I will play an eclectic mix of R&B, Pop, Dance, Hip Hop, Rock, Arabic, African and Latin rhythms with who knows what else mixed in. The Barefoot Boogie attracts a very diverse an creative bunch of movers and dancers that appreciate music that is not heard elsewhere or often. I can do that and cherish the opportinty when presented. As a special bonus, I get to meet with one of my friends, also another Barefoot Boogie Coordinator for dinner beforehand. Should be a fun night!

Barefoot Boogie with DJ Mystical Michael

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Fun Booking Your Party & Wedding DJ

Wow! I have been having so much fun booking professional DJ events for Weddings and Parties lately! It seems every day I am booking another Wedding DJ or Event DJ gig. I meet such great people and love hearing their stories of what and why they need a professional DJ for their Wedding or Event. Of course, my favorites are The Brides and Grooms. They have the best stories to share and the excitement and energy level is off the charts booking your party.

 

This has been my busiest booking season so far for Wedding DJ and Parties. I am getting the opportunity to provide music, DJ and MC services for Weddings, Sweet Sixteens, Sorority Formals, Anniversary Parties, Birthday Parties, a Reunion and a really neat Fundraiser in Old Bridge, NJ.

 

I know some professional DJs find the booking your party and coordination of Wedding and Parties boring and a hassle. To me it is the best opportunity to get to know my clients and connect with them before their Wedding or Event. I want to know you so I can perform better and make sure you receive the Entertainer you had in your mind when you decided to hire a professional DJ for your Wedding or Party. I think it is fun and just as rewarding as providing professional music, DJ and MC services at your Wedding or Party.

 

I am also finding out how many times folks have hired a professional DJ and been really disappointed in the past. This is why I began offering a guarantee. If you are not satisfied with my DJ and MC services, DO NOT PAY ME THE BALANCE OWED! I want your trust, so you can know you are in great shape with your music and entertainment for your Wedding or Party. That is what all professional DJs should offer when booking your party, if they have the self-confidence in their work and the reviews and references to back it.

DJ Mystical Michael Booking Your Party and Wedding DJ

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Mystical Michael at Barefoot Boogie Saturday Night 3/24

With Spring bringing sun, warmth, green and flowers, it also delivers the end of the down season for a professional DJ. I have had the opportunity to offer my DJ services at several volunteer situations in New Jersey & New York during this period. This Saturday night may be the last of the season. Tomorrow night I will DJ again at The Barefoot Boogie in NYC. For the last one and a half years I have been the Coordinator of Teachers and DJs at Barefoot Boogie. I enjoy being involved with such a positive and fun organization that is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year!

 

I have been reflecting all week on what music I may play tomorrow night as DJ. So far I am feeling some Hip Hop, Reggae, Reggaeton, Rock, New Wave, Oldies, R&B, Pop, Arabic, Salsa and some mood music like Buddha Bar and Ambient rhythms.  I seem to always add an African jam or two as well. There will be an Alexander Technique class from 8:30-9:30 with freestyle dancing and DJ music the rest of the night at Barefoot Boogie. Should be a great night!

 

I have been very busy meeting with Brides, Grooms and other event planners hiring me to be their professional Wedding DJ and Event DJ all over New Jersey, New York & Pennsylvania.  It is fun and inspiring hearing about the fun Weddings and Events I will DJ in the near future. My schedule for 2012 and 2013 are starting to fill up quickly. Life is good as a professional Wedding DJ and Party DJ in New Jersey & New York. Looking forward to a night of fun and great DJ Music at Barefoot Boogie.

DJ Mystical Michael Rockin The Dance Floor NYC Barefoot Boogie

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

My First All-Female Event As Professional DJ!

Yes you read that correctly. I will be professional DJ at an all-female event tomorrow night.  It is the 13th birthday for a Muslim family. This particular family celebrates these kinds of events gender segregated, in this case, only females.

I tried to shift this gig to one of the female DJs that I work with. The event planner would not let me. She is the girl’s Aunt and is also a Wedding Planner. We are discussing me as Wedding DJ for a Bride and Groom she is planning a wedding this summer. She wants me to be there. I really attempted to offer for it to be a female DJ but not the plan. So, tomorrow night I will be professional DJ at an all-female event.

This night will be focused on the girl and her friends early in the night. As her Aunt said, “Play all American-style music for her and her friends.”

“What about later?”

“I will give you a list of Afghani music for us later.”

I smiled, “OK.”

I am getting used to this sort of situation as a professional DJ that specializes in Multicultural Weddings and Events. Folks hire me to create professional DJ music for Weddings and Events that I have never even experienced before. This used to be something that might rattle me years ago but my experiences while living in South Korea and traveling through Eastern and Central Asia taught me to accept circumstances that are new or foreign to me.

 

I am looking forward to tomorrow night. I have been a participant in all-female events as a ‘special guest’, but never as professional DJ. Can’t wait to see how it goes!

all-female event with DJ Mystical Michael

 

Have you ever been the only non-female at an all-female event?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ