Tag Archives: Wedding Dancing

The Righteous Brothers Unchained Melody

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This evening I met with a couple that hired me as their Wedding DJ. They asked me if I thought The Righteous Brothers Unchained Melody from Ghost would be good for their First Dance Song. I smiled since it is their wedding and they need to choose a First Dance Song that means something to them. I am always welcome to offer my professional Wedding DJ experience, but their wedding. Of course, it is one of the great love songs in my opinion but that is just my opinion.

 

I have not seen the movie in years and wanted to revisit the scene from the movie where this was played. I looked at several You Tube videos and liked this footage the best. I had forgotten she was a potter. One of my closest friends is a potter and the intensity of the wheel and the clay from my limited experience with throwing pots held me and made me think of her and the movie. It is a given that it is a love scene with depth and heat.

Beautiful New Jersey Asian Wedding with Rhode Island Wedding DJ playing The Righteous Brothers Unchained Melody

“Unchained Melody” is a 1955 song with music written by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret. It has become one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, by some counts having spawned over 500 versions in hundreds of different languages.

 

In 1955, North used the music as a theme for the prison film Unchained, hence the name. Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the film soundtrack.

 

It was the July 1965 version by The Righteous Brothers Unchained Melody that became a jukebox standard for the late 20th century, regaining massive popularity when used in the 1990 blockbuster film Ghost. It will also be featured as a musical number in the upcoming Ghost The Musical.

Artists that have covered The Righteous Brothers Unchained Melody

Supremes, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presely, Moodly Blues, Heart, U2, Sarah McLachlan, Cyndi Lauper, Smashing Pumpkins, Clay Aiken, Joni Mitchell and LeeAn Rimes to mention a few.

The Righteous Brothers Unchained Melody Music Video from Ghost

As a professional Wedding DJ, The Righteous Brothers Unchained Melody is part of many weddings and I appreciate its continued popularity.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Boyz II Men A Song For Mama

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Very few musical artists can take over the Billboard Charts and demonstrate talent like on Boyz II Men A Song For Mama. Often we as consumers have to choose between the two.  It was amazing watching these young men truly grow up before our eyes while producing some great jams. Professional DJs utilize Boyz II Men A Song For Mama in many events and weddings.

 

I remember the first time I heard Boyz II Men A Song For Mama, I was like “Wow!”. This was how I felt about my mother in words and emotion.  I missed her when I was living in The Midwest. On her birthday and Mother’s Day, I would play Boyz II Men A Song For Mama to feel closer to her when the phone wasn’t enough. I still miss her.

Dancing Woman at Beach Sunset Boyz II Men A Song For Mama

Boyz II Men A Song For Mama  Music Video

Boyz II Men A Song For Mama  Lyrics

You taught me everything
Everything you’ve given me
I’ll always keep it inside
You’re the driving force in my life, yeahThere isn’t anything
Or anyone that I could be
And it just wouldn’t feel right
If I didn’t have you by my sideYou were there for me to love and care for me
When skies were gray
Whenever I was down
You were always there to comfort me

And no one else can be
What you have been to me you will always be
You will always be the girl
In my life for all times

Mama, Mama you know I love you
Mama, Mama you’re the queen of my heart
Your love is like tears from the stars
Mama I just want you to know lovin’ you is like food to my soul
Yes it is, yes it is, oh, yes it is, yes it is, yes it is oh

You’re always there for me
Have always been around for me even when I was bad
You showed me right from my wrong
Yes you did

And you took up for me
When everyone was downin’ me

You always did understand
You gave me strength to go on

There was so many times
Looking back when I was so afraid
And then you come to me and say to me
I can face anything

And no one else can do
What you have done for me
You’ll always be, you will always be
The girl in my life, ooh oh

Mama, Mama you know I love you
Mama, Mama you’re the queen of my heart
Your love is like tears from the stars
Mama I just want you to know lovin’ you is like food to my soul

Never gonna go a day without you
Fills me up just thinkin’ about you
I’ll never go a day
Without my mama

Mama, Mama you know I love you
Mama, Mama you’re the queen of my heart
Your love is like tears from the stars
Mama I just want you to know lovin’ you is like food to my soul

Lovin’ you is like food to my soul, oh yeah
You are the food to my soul, yes you are

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

What If We Are Not DJ Dancing People?

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There are some families and groups that are just not typically the kind of people who like to dance to DJ music or not even dancers at all. Growing-up, I appreciated live music over recorded music any day. There is something that a good live band can produce in energy and excitement that a recorded song can’t match.  Many professional DJs do not understand this, or are just too young to know what good live bands are like and how they can make a Wedding, Party or Event amazing! I realize that as a full-time professional DJ this may seem hypocritical or against what I am promoting but it is not. I still enjoy a high quality live band, that will never change. I originally became a mobile and club DJ because I loved music, still do.

 

I am not trying to compete or replace good live music, they are not my competition, we create different experiences using different tools and skills. A good live band has trained experienced musicians who have dedicated years or even decades to their craft. A singer with an incredible voice can move and inspire a crowd like nothing else. They have been singing at events and celebrations since humans learned how to use our voices. DJs are a much different experience and should not try to compete with a quality live musicians, we can learn the basics of mixing, scratching and sound quite quickly and should not be compared to the time and discipline needed for an exceptional musician. When you hear a DJ brag about being goods at mixing and scratching that lets you know that they have spent more time practicing at home than performing with live crowds needing a separate set of skills and experience.

An exceptional DJ needs to have a talent for reading and responding to the crowd

An exceptional live DJ needs to have a talent for reading and responding to the crowd quickly and gracefully. Matching the beats is one thing, but knowing the perfect song at the perfect time is a whole different talent that cannot be taught; either you have it or you don’t, it is intuitive. Recently, somebody described me as “A Wedding Shaman DJ”. I looked at her funny not knowing how to respond or what I thought about this description, still don’t.

 

We talked further and they were referencing how I can look at a person at a Wedding, Party or Event and somehow know what they want to hear and when. It is actually a little weird sometimes and catches me off guard. I am not sure how I know those things, but I do.

 

This why Brides, Grooms & Party Planners choose me to preform at their events

This is why Brides, Grooms and Party Planners choose me to preform at their events, I get people dancing that don’t dance. I seamlessly shift from dinner to party without jarring friends and family. I make good clean fun happen while including people who may not feel a sense of belonging otherwise. This is why I offer a guarantee to every contracted client; if you are not satisfied with my performance at your Wedding, Party or Event, you do not have to pay me the balance owed.

Rhode Island Wedding DJ Party

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Bridal Party Flash Mob Dance at Wedding

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The Bride’s Uncle approached me while I was setting-up my BOSE L1 Audio System up an hour before his niece’s Wedding.  He was one of three Uncles that helped raise her after her father died as a young child. Each man represented a different aspect of her life and she wanted to have a “Father’Daughter Dance” with each one. Together we selected songs that would accurately fit the meaning they had for her.  She was ecstatic with the songs and knew they were perfect. Uncle Jon and I were talking and he asked me if I had a CD player in my system for something for The Bridal Party. I do and I asked why he wanted to know?

Bridal Party Flash Mob Dance at Wedding surprising Bride and Groom with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

“Well, me and the Bridal Party got together and rehearsed a Bridal Party Flash Mob Dance that is a surprise to Nikki and Jon. It is based on “Gangnam Style” but we did a voice over of their names and call it “Jon and Nikki Style”. It is really fun and The Bridal Party and I  put a lot of work into. If you can’t do it on CD, I have also put the file on a USB stick drive too.”

 

“Wow! That sounds like so much fun! We can do it either way but CD would be better. This is such a sweet thing for all of you to do and she will love it”

 

We proceeded to download the song and discuss the specifics including when and how we would pull it off without her knowing with the whole Bridal Party present later tonight night after dinner. When we both felt like our plan was set, we returned to our respective tasks to prepare for the Wedding Cocktail Hour and Reception.

Bridal Party Flash Mob Dance at Wedding surprising Bride and Groom with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

At around 8:30, we connected again to make sure everything was ready and he had communicated with all the Bridal Party and they were all present and prepared. We went over the visual cue I would give him so he can then offer the Bridal Party another cue. We both walked away from our conversation with big, silly grins on our faces.

 The Bridal Party Is Ready!

I could barely contain my excitement as I gave him the nod of my head and eye contact and cued the song. I pressed play and all twelve members of the Bridal Party came from all different directions meeting on the dance floor and to do their choreographed dance. It was fantastic and I had to hold back the tears of laughter and joy. What a beautiful gift to the Bride and Groom! Everybody had so much fun and the smiles and laughs filled the room. Jon and Nikki were the happiest. She came up to me with tears in her eyes  and a big hug and asked how I put this together with The Bridal Party. I explained that her Uncle was the man, not me. She didn’t believe me.

Bridal Party Flash Mob Dance at Wedding surprising Bride and Groom with DJ Mystical Michael

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Julianne & Wayne Wedding

Gallery

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This gallery contains 8 photos.

  DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJs Weathering The Storm

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Last year when Hurricane Irene brought her force and might to New Jersey and surrounding states, I remember that panicked phone call from the Bride of the wedding for the approaching Saturday that Irene was supposed to wreak havoc. The venue in Hoboken had cancelled due to closing to prepare for the storm. She and her family are from London. She moved here a few years ago and met the man she was marrying soon after. Her family and friends from England all had already flown in and paid for the travels to be here with her. She wanted to somehow still get married on Saturday, even if that meant a smaller, simpler version with just those who were able to be there and celebrate with them and their Wedding DJ.

She wanted to still get married on Saturday, even if smaller, simpler version & DJ

Her mother took over the situation and spent over four hours on the phone calling venues throughout the New Jersey and New York City area. She finally found one that would do a simple, shortened Ceremony and Reception! It was the Hyatt in Newark New Jersey near the Newark International Airport. Next was the call to me to see if I would be willing to still be their Wedding DJ on Saturday in the storm. “Of course”, I said, Yes I would still DJ your wedding!” We immediately started planning her Wedding again with new twists and turns.

 

It was a littlie rough getting to the hotel on Saturday afternoon, I won’t lie. It wasn’t treacherous by any sense, but not gentle either. The staff at the hotel were very nervous and anxious about putting a Wedding together in two days complete with Officiant, Cake, Food, service staff and rooms. I had the Wedding DJ part covered, which they were very happy to know. They did a very solid job and if you didn’t know any better, might not have even noticed the flurry of activity happening all at once to prepare for their Wedding, while the Wedding DJ was setting up his BOSE DJ equipment.

 

Last night, a little more than a year later from Irene, Hurricane Sandy was even more devastating. We lost power around 1:20am last night and they say it will be 7-10 days before it is returned. I took a deep breath and acknowledged how grateful I am that I do not have any Weddings schedule for this weekend, because not sure how I would be able to make it work.

 

Then I thought about it a little longer and deeper and realized I could find a way to charge up my MacBook so it will run for several hours. I can also figure out how to charge up my mini portable PA system that lasts for 4-5 hours. I have an iPhone with djay software to play music as a back up of excellent music and fun at the Wedding if my MacBook battery doesn’t last long enough. It might not be the same as my outstanding BOSE L1 system but it would work and The Bride and Groom would have exceptional music and fun at their Wedding. As much as technology can make things more complicated, it can also help us meet needs in an emergency. As a music purist, it would drive me crazy playing through my small portable Pyle Pro system and not the BOSE but it would be fine and the Wedding would go on!

DJs and Dancers Weathering The Storm

Dancing Through The Storm with DJ Mystical Michael

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

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

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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

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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

Wedding DJ Plays Vitamin String Quartet

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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

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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