Tag Archives: Rhode Island Multicultural Wedding

Jay-Z Turns 43 Today!

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Generally, when I focus a spotlight on an artist, they are someone that has had a successful musical career over several decades but Jay-Z is a unique talent and deserves special attention. Born Shawn Corey Carter, Jay-Z is one of the most popular Rappers in the world. He has brilliantly expanded his financial interests into fashion, record producing, sports, real estate and sports bars. He was raised in the Bed-Stuy section of Brooklyn, NY and struggled in school and with the law. His father left him and his siblings, and in 1982, he shot his brother in the shoulder for stealing his jewelry. His mother has spoken about Sean banging beats on the kitchen table as a kid late night and keeping his brothers awake.

 

Jay-Z has been known for his support of President Barack Obama, global water shortages, same sex marriage, Hurricane Katrina and young voter turn-out. He has been criticized along with his wife Beyonce Knowles, for not being more politically active at times, most notably by Harry Belefonte who said they, “have turned their back on social responsibility”.

 Jay-Z has Collected Fourteen Grammy Awards

Jay-Z has collected fourteen Grammy Awards, he holds the record for most number one albums by a solo artist on the Billboard Top 200 with eleven,  four number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and has sold over 50 million albums worldwide. Many consider him one, if the not the greatest Rapper of all time. He is a favorite by any professional DJ who specializes with music from R&B, Hip Hop, Rap and Pop.

“Shawn Corey Knowles-Carter(né Carter; born December 4, 1969),[2] better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip-hop artists and entrepreneurs in America. In 2012, Forbes estimated Carter’s net worth at nearly $500 million.” Wikipedia

Party on Wedding Dance Floor with DJ Mystical Michael Jay-Z

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Where Do The DJ Photos of Weddings and Parties Come From?

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As the site of DJ Mystical Michael continues to grow and expand, (look for a new look soon!), we now have over 500 DJ Photos on our site! Of those 500 DJ photos captured of Weddings, Parties, Events, Fundraisers and Dancers, all but about 25 of them are from actual events that I am the professional DJ. It turns out that the professional DJ often has the best pulse of the Wedding or Party because we are providing the music, as well as good professional DJs coordinating the event and know exactly what and how is gong to happen next.

 Who Is The Photographer of The DJ Photos?

I am the ‘photographer’ at most of my events. It is in my contract with my Brides, Grooms and Party Planners that I will capture their amazing experiences and use them on my site for promotional purposes. I make sure in advance that the Brides and Grooms know this clearly because I do not want to upset anyone with my DJ Photos. I have had a few of my Brides and Grooms explicitly ask me not to take DJ photos at their Weddings. Of course, I have willingly agreed. Most Brides and Grooms are really excited to know that their special day of DJ Photos will be accessable for friends and family to view the next day after their Wedding. The same is true for my Party Planners that are not Brides and Grooms, they know I will use the DJ Photos on my site and give me permission to do so.

 

The truth is that I am just a mediocre ‘photographer’ at best. I do not think I am even qualify as a photographer, I just like to capture fun and special moments of Weddings, Parties and Events and share my DJ Photos with you. This way, you know in advance what your Wedding or Party will be like if you hire me to be your professional DJ. It gives you a bird’s eye view of Weddings and Parties with DJ Mystical Michael, not just what it looks like but also what I feel are the moments that you will appreciate. A professional photographer will do a MUCH better job and have significantly higher quality equipment than me. They take their gear as serious as I do with my MacBook and BOSE L1 system. They take their craft and finished product as serious as I do as a professional Wedding and Party DJ.

 

I just thought it was important to share with you where and how the DJ Photos you see on my site come from and that I have legal permission to do so. The other images are either purchased for specific uses or from Creative Commons through the public usage licensing. Last month I had a very angry, rightfully so, photographer write me about an image I had on my site. A gorgeous dancer full of beauty and colors that I loved! I explained that I found her image on Creative Commons and was using it legally. She had never heard of Creative Commons, so I sent her the link and info. I then apologized and removed the image. Apparently, somebody else who did not have rights or permission, posted her image on Creative Commons and offered full permission for public use! It has been since cleared-up but the artist has been hunting down all the illegal uses of her work all over the internet. She said most users were not as polite and respectful as me and some even refused to delete the images. This is so sad and disturbing to me. This is one of the ways the internet and its access are being abused.

Let me know if there are any specific DJ Photos on my site that you appreciate and like!

DJ Photos of Fun Wedding Party on The Dance Floor

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY 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

Another MultiCultural Wedding: DJ for Filipino-Italian Wedding

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One of the joys of living and performing in the NYC/NJ/Philly Region is the opportunity to work as a professional DJ with Multicultural Weddings. I received a request for a quote from a young lady whose sister is getting married in November. It is a small wedding at View Of The Hudson in Piermont, NY.  She has the honor of both being her sister and Maid of Honor and is required to find and secure a professional DJ for her sister’s wedding.  We exchanged several emails before having a fun and informative conversation via the phone.

 

It turns out she is from a Filipino family and her sister’s fiancé is Italian. My Mom’s family is Italian and I grew up eating mostly Italian food from an excellent cook that has spoiled me for life.

 

I love to DJ Multi-Cultural Weddings. They are so much fun and always have a few interesting twists to add spice and variety to any event.  This one should be no exception. I too am from a Multi-Cultural family and it provided some unique and peculiar traditions when both sides of the family gathered together. I know many professional DJs flinch when presented with cultures they are not originally from; I do not understand this. I look forward to these events and the new experiences they offer. In the past year I have performed at about ten weddings with Brides and Grooms of different races, cultures or continents. I learn something new at every one of them and meet great people. Glad I am here in New Jersey where this kind of wedding is commonplace.

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Music, Dance and Culture As A Professional DJ

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It does not happen often, but every now and then I have to really dig into my experience as a professional DJ to figure out how to make things work at an event.  Most recently, it was due to some cultural differences that I did not take into account and fortunately was helped by some of the guests to understand and find an effective solution.

Even though I have lived and traveled through a large section of Eastern and Central Asia, I still view how an event is supposed to go in the USA from an American perspective. This is not necessarily a bad thing but can be a blind-spot when not taking into account cultural differences. If I was in South Korea or Uzbekistan, I would not think twice about ASSUMING the way we do it here is the way it is done there. But being here in the USA, my vision is not as wide and expansive at times since it is my home.  I ASSUMED that the order of events that are typical for an American social event were the same everywhere, big mistake. I know better. I ASSUMED that there is some time before dinner for people to mingle and settle, dinner, cake/coffee/tea and then everybody is ready to let go and dance till they are cleaning the tables and folding chairs. This is not the case everywhere.

The event I was providing professional DJ services for was a high school graduation party for an American Punjabi family. The event was at an Indian Restaurant and they followed Indian traditional order of social events.  The dancing for events is between the appetizers and the main meal, not after the main meal. I did not know this, I do now!

Again, if not for the willing guests who showed me the way, I am afraid the party would not have been the success it was. I am grateful they took the time to explain to me how this works and what to do. They even shared with me what music to play when!

The lesson learned for me is an old lesson relived: Don’t make ASSUMPTIONS, especially with cultural differences.

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DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ 

Slow Music Works For A Good DJ Too!

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Most folks when thinking about their wedding and its accompanying playlist; they think of partying, up-tempo music. Every now and then a couple wants slow music as their preferred choice for their reception. It is not as uncommon as one would assume as a professional Wedding DJ.

Recently a Bride and Groom thought they had guests that did not like to dance, “We are Chinese and are too shy to dance, especially to fast music”. I smiled thinking in my head I have heard this before as a Wedding DJ  and saw the results of picking the correct songs for that audience and people not only danced, they grooved to fast and slow tunes.

The reception started out with folks requesting all slow songs but halfway through, The Maid of Honor began the trend of asking for dancing tunes. Her excitement and energy let me know there would be dancing and not just slow songs.

As soon as dinner was completed. I played a few slow tunes to get folks on the dance floor and it was less than two minutes later before it was full of couples dancing slow and lovingly.  After I sensed they were ready, I switched to some of the faster, popular songs as a bridge, and it worked.  They danced to everything non-stop till it was time for dessert.

Another great wedding with happy friends and family for the Wedding DJ!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Spins Another Totally Fun Wedding!

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If you have been following my blogs, you know that I had been looking forward to The Wedding of Yomi & Mark. I have really grown to know and like them very much. I can’t lie, I knew in advance this would be a fun wedding based on the music they choose and just spending time with them. The wedding was held at Stevens Institute in Hoboken, NJ right on the Hudson River with a fabulous view of Manhattan, NYC, NY.  The ceremony was outside near sunset with a scare by some swirling winds making us believe we would have to move inside due to possible storms but we were fortunate it styed beautiuful and even lowered the temperature a few degrees. Here is what the ceremony looked like:

With The Groomsmen looking stately:

And of course The Bridesmaids were stunning:

The Bride and Groom are such wonderful people that I knew they would look outstanding because they love each other and have great friends and family.

One of the unique aspects of their reception they decided in advance that since they were having a buffet, they wanted us to play dance and fun Wedding DJ music all night long without the often mellowing effect that dinner music can sometimes facilitate. It worked as it had at other weddings that we have determined this style was preferred for certain receptions.

This allowed people to come on and off the dance floor as they felt moved and ate when they needed a break or hungry. Another advantage is that there are people on the dance floor all night and not waiting for others to get started. There were couples and individuals choosing to dance without the need of a full dance floor.

After everybody was done eating and warmed-up, things really got rockin’ and nobody wanted the night to end, including the Wedding DJ himself.

A good time was had by all.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Wedding Ceremony Prelude Music

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A Wedding DJ often gets asked by Brides and Grooms preparing for their Wedding, “What is the best Prelude Music to have in the background before our Ceremony?”

 

The answer is actually pretty easy and painless. First,the Wedding DJ need to know what kind of music you are wanting to create the right mood for your guests as they find their seats and excitedly settle in anticipating  your ceremony. Most people appreciate either some nice calming Classical, Acoustic piano, guitar or harp or gentle Jazz.

 

Here are some popular Wedding DJ suggestions for you to consider:

 

 Jesus Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach) 8.96/10 (62
 Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach) 8.47/10 (10 ratings)
 Air on the G String( Bach) 8.1/10 (30 ratings)
Love of My Life (Jim Brickman) 8.03/10 (83 ratings)
Canon in D Minor (Pachelbel)
Arioso(Bach)
A Gift of a Thistle (James Horner)
Allegro from Brandenburg Concerto (Bach) 5/10 (13 ratings)
The Wedding Song (Kenny G) 4.74/10 (94 ratings)
Claire de Lune (Debussy)
Air from Water Music (George Frideric Handel) 2.78/10 (8 ratings)
 The Secret Wedding )James Horner)
Brandenburg Concerto #2 (Bach)

 

What ideas do you have?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Two Worlds Connect Through Wedding DJ Music

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I always get excited when hired to DJ and MC a wedding from a Bride and Groom of different cultures, which seems to be my specialty these days. The challenge and opportunity to blend styles of Wedding DJ music and genres during such an important celebration is fun and inspiring. In advance, I am often a bit concerned that it will not work. What if the family from The Groom’s culture will not appreciate the music from The Bride’s culture? Or the reverse?  What if it is too much of a stretch for them to connect? Is it realistic for everybody to just be placed in the same room and find a way to have fun and enjoy the magic of the wedding?

 

The answer is NO! It is not a stretch or a problem for an experienced Wedding DJ.

It is not something to fear or be concerned about. A good professional Wedding DJ with experience blending and balancing music will not have a problem making your wedding a fantastic success! Make sure you sit down with your professional Wedding DJ and take time planning your musical selections and playlists together. Listen to their experience and be clear what it is you want; it is your wedding. Listening to Brides and Event Planners, as well as that of your guests are some of the most critical skills of an outstanding Wedding DJ.

It is 2011 and we do not have to settle for Prima Donna DJs that are not interested in listening or respecting the needs of Brides, Grooms or Event Planners. Today’s professional Wedding DJs need to be able and interested in quality communication and direction, while being able to follow their own intuitive talents in meeting the needs of diverse groups and populations. This is not 1980 anymore where the Wedding DJ was in charge and everybody had to put-up with whatever they did because we didn’t know any better or were not able to find anoutstanding Wedding DJ.

Today there are many outstanding Wedding DJs. Take your time in hiring the right one for your unique wedding or event. The professional Wedding DJ is not the place to compromise. Know what you want and do not be afraid to ask for it and expect it be honored. It is your wedding or event.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Good DJs Love Diversity

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On Friday night I had another professional DJ gig at Buskers in Hoboken. I like being there since the crowd is fun and friendly. As a professional DJ, the part that I like best is the diversity of requests and the opportunity to play music from all over the musical spectrum, like all good DJs.

 

When does a professional DJ get to play Hall & Oats, The White Stripes, The Cure, Madonna, Britney Spears, Chumawumba, Kanye West, Cee Lo Green, Black Eyed Peas, Frank Sinatra and of course Rihanna?

 

I appreciate diversity of music, people, foods and lifestyles. This is one of the benefits of being  New York and New Jersey professional DJ. We get to play all kinds of music if we are willing to step outside of the norm and be open to life and all the great talented artists we have!  I think New York and New Jersey professional DJs are fortunate to have such diverse people at most gigs. I can not imagine what it would be like to only listen to or play one style of music all the time. Glad I do not have to find out:)

 

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DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ