Tag Archives: Wedding Music

How The Wedding DJ Knows It Will Be A Fun Wedding

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Are All Professional DJs The Same?

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No. But, there may not be glaring differences from one to the other at first glance. Most professional DJs have a decent website and great photos of their gigs. We all tell you we have all the best music and will get the crowd up and dancing. We go on and on about our excellent audio equipment. Sometimes I think DJ websites are written for other DJs, not folks trying to find a professional DJ for their wedding or party.  Because most of us are typically good with people, we know what you want to hear and plaster it all over our websites.

 

So what is different about one DJ versus another?

Everything!

 

The difference between professional DJs are as different as pro basketball players, nobody would confuse Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan for Joel Przybilla or Sheldon Williams but if you had never heard of basketball before, it might not be easy to distinguish them. I run into this dilemma when watching the Olympics. I rarely know who are the great athletes before the game since I do not follow most international sports. About fifteen minutes into the contest, I can distinguish the ones who excel from those who appear to be their competition.

 

So how can we figure out who excels as a professional DJ from those who are just a DJ?

 

Dig deeper.

 

Ask the questions they don’t want you to ask!

 

It’s your wedding or party. This is not the time to be shy or worry about making them feel nervous or embarrassed.

 

Do you offer a DJ guarantee?

 

How many Weddings/Sweet Sixteens/Birthdays have you performed?

 

How many musical genres do you keep current, maintained and prepared for gigs as DJ?

 

Do you accept DJ requests for songs from my guests and make them feel honored?

 

Do you integrate our playlists and musical suggestions as a professional DJ?

 

How many songs do you have in your music library?

 

Do you have DJ experience planning and coordinating weddings and events?

 

Is your DJ equipment sound quality superior in all areas of the room?

 

Are you comfortable and skilled making guests from every generation included and satisfied as a professional DJ?

 

Where did you learn to speak professionally on a microphone or MC?

 

Do you accept Pay Pal or other forms of evidence of being a real DJ company?

 

Are you a full-time professional DJ?

 

Can I contact your references and get recommendations from past clients?

 

Do you have a DJ contract?

 

What do you do best as a professional DJ?

 

Are you fun?

Fun Wedding Reception Party with professional DJ Mystical Michael

 

Ask the right questions and you will find your Derek Jeters, Paul McCartneys and Michael Jacksons from your weekend warriors, hobbyists and those getting their training on the job at your wedding or party? It’s all in the right questions.

Michael Jackson Icon with professional DJ

What questions do you think are most important when hiring a professional Wedding or Party DJ in the New Jersey & New York area?

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Wedding Planner Guide for Boston & Rhode Island Weddings

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Many Brides and Grooms are frustrated and stressed trying to figure out the specifics of their wedding. As a Wedding DJ in the New Jersey & New York area, I knew I needed to create a simple wedding planner guide for couples.

 

Of course, most professional Wedding DJs has some version of a wedding planner guide. They are basically the same with little variation. I made certain to focus on making it very simple. Brides and Grooms have enough to figure out and wanted to make it a tool to release stress, not add to it.

 

Like all documents used for wedding planners, it is a work in process. I invite you to use it, if you find it useful.  If you would like a Word version, please email me and I will send you a copy of the wedding planner guide. If I have left something out, please let me know. My professional experience as a Wedding DJ does not mean I have all the answers, just tons of experience and knowledge.

Bride and Groom First Wedding Dance Using Wedding Planner Guide

Wedding Planner Guide

 

Ceremony

Ceremony start and end time:

 

Will we be providing music for your ceremony?

 

If so, is it in the same room as the reception?

 

If not, where is the location of the ceremony?

 

Prelude Song:

 

Processional Song(s):

 

Recessional Song:

 

Ceremony notes:

 

Cocktail Hour

Cocktail Hour start and end time:

 

Will we be providing music for your cocktail hour?

 

If so, is it in the same room as the reception?

 

If not, where is the location of the cocktail hour?

 

Cocktail Hour music preferences:

 

 

 

Any other details we need to perform at your cocktail hour?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bridal Party Introductions:

 

Parents Introduction Song:

 

Parents of The Bride:

 

Parents of The Groom:

 

Bridal Party Introduction Song:

 

Bridesmaid & Groomsmen 1:

 

Bridesmaid & Groomsmen 2:

 

Bridesmaid & Groomsmen 3:

 

Bridesmaid & Groomsmen 4:

 

Bridesmaid & Groomsmen 5:

 

Bridesmaid & Groomsmen 6:

 

Bridesmaid & Groomsmen 7:

 

Bridesmaid & Groomsmen 8:

 

Ring bearer:

 

Maid/Matron of Honor & Best Man:

 

Bride & Groom Introduction Song:

 

How do you want to be introduced?

 

Introduction notes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ceremonial Dances:

 

Bride & Groom First Dance Song:

 

Would like the bridal party to join? If so, when?

 

Bride & Father Dance Song:

 

Groom & Mother Dancec Song:

 

Will there be a Bridal Party Dance?

If so, what song:

 

Special Dance:

 

Would you like the DJ to ‘cut’ the above songs early?

 

Introduction notes:

 

 

Reception

Toast(s):

 

Blessing:

 

Dinner music preferences:

 

 

Cake Cutting Song:

 

Bouquet Toss Song:

 

Garter Off Song:

 

Garter On Song:

 

Last Dance Song:

 

Reception notes:

 

DJ Mystical Michael NJ & NY DJ

Planning Your Rhode Island Wedding With Your DJ

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I have been very busy responding to requests for service, quotes and information plenty lately for couples planning their weddings! It is a fun time to be a Wedding DJ and I get excited with each connection. Each couple offers different opportunities for me to co-create an exceptional wedding together with you. You are the architects and I am just the builder.

Beautiful Wedding Bride preparing for Ceremony - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

It seems there are so many couples here in Rhode Island about to get married in the next half year.  It is fun listening to each Bride and Groom share their stories and what they are wanting for their wedding. As a Rhode Island Wedding DJ, it doesn’t matter how much experience I have and how many weddings I have performed, you share with me your dreams and together we make it come true. Each wedding is new and needs individual attention that a full-time professional Wedding and Event DJ can offer. Why would you risk such an important day to someone who does this as a hobby or a weekend side job?

 

I understand why wedding planning can be so stressful; you do not get a redo if it does not turn out the way you envisioned. I invite you to consider your Rhode Island Wedding DJ carefully and follow your gut instincts. Hire a Rhode Island Wedding DJ that will support you throughout the planning process and be there for you the day of your wedding, nothing left to chance.

 

Here in the Rhode Island, Boston and Southern New England area, professional Wedding DJs are very competitive about acquiring and booking business. There are so many of us it is hard to discern who is right for your Rhode Island wedding. Again, please choose carefully and listen to your own instincts. The fact that I am a very experienced, professional and talented DJ and Entertainer does not mean I am the right Rhode Island Wedding DJ for your Wedding. I encourage you to ask Wedding DJs if they are offering a guarantee. If not, ask why not?

 

Beautiful Bride Before Wedding Ceremony - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

How is your wedding planning going so far?

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

The DJ Aligns The Wedding Bridal Party

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When I first started out as a Rhode Island Wedding DJ, The Event Coordinator was responsible for gathering and directing the Wedding Bridal Party for Introductions. Back then, a family member or old friend made the Wedding Bridal Party Introductions and acted as MC. Today, the DJ is Coordinator and MC at most weddings. The good news is that I love being on a microphone and have been coordinating major events as a social worker for nearly twenty years.  Funny how all the skills I have accumulated over the years are transferable to being a top notch New Jersey & New York Wedding DJ and Entertainer.

 

These days we make sure we have all your Bridesmaids and Groomsman lined up correctly before the Introductions of The Wedding Bridal Party. We align the parents and guide them through the process. Since the Brides themselves plan most weddings, parents often do not know the particulars as they did when the Bride’s mother was the planner.

 

There is always at least one person who is not listening when directing the Wedding Bridal Party. When it comes time to bring them out, he or she looks bewildered at what is about to take place. I patiently offer them support and help them get with the others and feel part of the group.

 

To me the fun begins when I turn on the microphone and start inviting all your friends and family to prepare for your entrance. You can feel the energy and excitement it the air.  An old friend or two are smiling ear to ear remembering the first time the two of you met and went out on your first date.  An Aunt or Uncle laugh at how you have grown to be such an attractive adult and getting married.  Your Grandmother is beaming as she remembers the day you were born and her hopes for your future.  Everybody is waiting for you. I know I will be ready and capture the moment. They are all clapping as I bring in each member of the Wedding Bridal Party. Finally it’s your turn. They are all on their feet and here you come looking like a million bucks hand in hand smiling broader than you ever have before.

 

You reach the dance floor and I invite you to begin your First Dance. It is the song you carefully picked out and I made sure I had the right version for you.  This is what you have been waiting for since the day you decided to commit your lives to each other.  This is what I spend all my time preparing for and working creatively together with you to be certain it is exactly as you envisioned it.  That is what an excellent New Jersey or New York  Wedding DJ does today. I am lucky that I get to work with such great couples. Spring is right around the corner.

Bride and Groom First Wedding Dance after Wedding Bridal Party Introductions

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ